Significant progress has been made in recent days towards ending the ongoing strike by SAG-AFTRA members. Despite the progress, the union’s chief negotiator, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, stated that there are still numerous unresolved issues that need to be addressed.
Crabtree-Ireland made an appearance at the Disney picket lines and spoke to the media outside the studio gates. When asked about the duration of the strike, he stated that it would depend on the mindset of everyone involved this week.
“I certainly hope we can expedite the process, but there are significant open issues that must be resolved before reaching a deal,” Crabtree-Ireland explained.
The union recently communicated with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, and both parties are scheduled to discuss the next steps in negotiations later today.
“I’m cautiously optimistic due to the progress we’ve made,” said Crabtree-Ireland.
One of the unresolved issues is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to recreate performers’ likenesses. SAG-AFTRA seeks to establish boundaries for the use of AI, including consent and minimum compensation. The union also wants to limit AI consent to a single project, while the studios aim for consent that would cover multiple projects within the same franchise.
“There are several significant AI-related issues that we are currently addressing,” stated Crabtree-Ireland, pointing out the lack of progress on the franchise consent issue.
However, Crabtree-Ireland emphasized that AI is not the only obstacle to reaching a deal.
“There are several other important issues that are on the table,” he added. “It’s not just AI that remains unresolved.”
Crabtree-Ireland refrained from providing too many details, including the union’s demand for a share of streaming platforms’ revenue. While the studios proposed a residual bonus model based on the Writers Guild of America deal, SAG-AFTRA aims for a broader approach that includes all actors on every project.
“We never referred to it as a success bonus because it’s not just about recognizing specific success,” Crabtree-Ireland explained. “It’s about sharing the revenue generated in the streaming world. I believe whatever version we agree upon will be a significant step in that direction.”
The strike has endured for 109 days, and Crabtree-Ireland acknowledged the pressure to reach a resolution, especially in light of the challenges faced by performers and below-the-line workers.
“I definitely feel that pressure, which is why I’m driven to expedite the process,” he affirmed. “That’s why we worked throughout the weekend and will continue to push for progress.”
However, Crabtree-Ireland also stressed the importance of implementing structural changes in the industry to ensure its future success.
“We are primarily focused on meeting the current needs of our members,” he stated. “We will ultimately reach a deal, and I hope it’s sooner rather than later.”
