Negotiations between the studios and SAG-AFTRA have hit a roadblock, as talks have been suspended after two weeks of failed attempts to reach an agreement. The strike, which has now entered its 92nd day, has been marked by escalating tensions and accusations. According to Deadline, SAG-AFTRA has accused the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) of employing “bully tactics” and avoiding discussions about their revenue-sharing proposal.
Unnamed industry sources have revealed that talks between the two parties became “much rockier than usual,” leading to the suspension. One of the main points of contention is SAG-AFTRA’s revenue-sharing proposal and the issue of artificial intelligence (AI). Despite attempts to find common ground, the two sides were unable to reach a resolution.
AMPTP has dismissed SAG-AFTRA’s profit-sharing proposal, claiming that it would cost over $800 million annually. However, SAG-AFTRA has countered this argument, stating that it would only amount to less than 57 cents per subscriber each year. The dispute over the financial implications of the proposal has further exacerbated the impasse.
The breakdown in talks between the studios and SAG-AFTRA mirrors a similar situation earlier this year with the Writers Guild. Negotiations with the Writers Guild fell apart in mid-August but eventually resulted in an agreement in September. In both instances, the studios resorted to publicly releasing their latest offers in an attempt to gain support from their members. However, this tactic failed to yield the desired outcome, and SAG-AFTRA has accused the studios of abandoning “productive negotiations.”
The strike has had a significant impact on the entertainment industry, causing disruptions in productions and affecting surrounding vendors and businesses. Despite initial optimism following the successful negotiation with the Writers Guild, the recent suspension of talks has cast uncertainty over the industry’s short-term and long-term future. The picket lines maintained by SAG-AFTRA will continue in Los Angeles and New York as the strike enters a new phase.
Reportedly, Netflix has plans to raise prices once the SAG-AFTRA strike is resolved. The streaming giant is likely considering the financial implications of the strike’s resolution and how it will impact their business model. As the negotiations reach a standstill, companies like Netflix are strategizing and preparing for the aftermath of the strike.
Despite hopes for a swift resolution, negotiations between the studios and SAG-AFTRA have reached a stalemate. Both sides remain firm in their positions, and the future of the entertainment industry hangs in the balance. As the strike continues, it remains to be seen whether a breakthrough will occur or if the impasse will persist, prolonging the turmoil in Hollywood.
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