SAG-AFTRA negotiations have concluded for the day, as the studios and the union continue to work towards ending the 107-day strike.
The schedule for the next bargaining session has not been determined yet, as negotiators are still finalizing the details. The studios are currently reviewing the union’s latest response, which was delivered on Saturday.
Representing the studios in the Saturday session, Carol Lombardini, the CEO of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, took the lead as the four studio CEOs who were previously involved were absent.
The AMPTP has been meeting with union leadership on four of the last five days, as both sides are under pressure to reach a resolution.
There have been moments of optimism about progress in the past few days, but also frustrating setbacks.
On Saturday morning, the union sent out a routine reminder to its members about upcoming picketing activities. The schedule includes a “unity picket” at Disney on Wednesday, Nov. 1, which would mark the 111th day of the strike. Picketing at all other studio locations is canceled for that day.
In addition, the union has planned a Halloween-themed “Solidarity Screamfest” for Tuesday. Members have been advised not to dress up as characters from studio-backed projects, as it could be seen as promoting “struck work.”
SAG-AFTRA is requesting a significant across-the-board raise to keep up with inflation, as well as a new payment system for actors in streaming shows. The union is also seeking unique safeguards against the use of artificial intelligence to create “digital doubles.”
The major studios have cautioned that if a deal is not reached in the next few days, the current scripted TV season may have to be cancelled. Several films, including “Snow White” and the next “Mission: Impossible” installment, have already been postponed. The studios fear that more delays will occur unless an agreement is reached soon.
Over 4,600 SAG-AFTRA members have signed an open letter this week expressing their support for union leadership. The letter emphasizes that the members would prefer to continue the strike rather than accept an unfavorable deal.
