Negotiations between striking Hollywood actors and major studios, television networks, and streaming services have resumed as both sides returned to the bargaining table for the first time since mid-July. The talks involve the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). These discussions came about eight days after the writers' strike, in which the AMPTP reached a separate contract agreement with the Writers Guild of America, bringing an end to their labor dispute.
The negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP took place during a full day of bargaining and resulted in a joint statement at the end of the session. The statement announced that negotiations would resume on Wednesday but did not provide further details. Both sides have agreed to observe a news blackout during their talks.
The agreement reached between the AMPTP and the Writers Guild of America on September 24 could potentially serve as the template for resolving the actors' strike. This tentative accord helped pave the way for ending the writers' strike just three days later. Now, SAG-AFTRA, representing 160,000 television and film performers, is seeking better base wages, residual pay from streaming TV, restrictions on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in entertainment, and greater racial equity on set.
One of the main concerns of the actors is safeguarding their images and work from being replaced by computer-generated replicas through the use of artificial intelligence. They also aim to negotiate fair compensation for their contributions in the rapidly growing field of streaming, potentially through revenue sharing. Additionally, actors are demanding limits on self-taped auditions, as they incur higher costs compared to in-person readings. They are also advocating for more inclusive practices on sets, including the provision of hair and makeup artists who are experienced in working with diverse hair textures and skin tones.
Meanwhile, the resumption of contract talks between actors and studios coincided with the return of late-night television hosts such as Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert, Seth Meyers, and Jimmy Kimmel to their shows on Monday. Comedian John Oliver also returned to HBO's "Last Week Tonight" on Sunday.
As negotiations between the actors and studios progress, it remains to be seen whether a resolution can be reached to address the actors' demands and end the strike.