After months of intense negotiations, SAG-AFTRA announced a landmark agreement poised to reshape working conditions for actors across the industry. This historic accord, which marks the end of Hollywood's longest-ever actors' strike at 118 days, was unanimously approved by the union's negotiating committee.
The deal, subject to ratification by the national board, proposes unparalleled protections against artificial intelligence exploitation and promises a significant salary hike, setting a new precedent for entertainment industry contracts.
The revolutionary agreement, which is set to be adopted officially with the commencement of Thursday's working day, introduces a 7% increase in minimum pay rates for actors—a notable leap over the increases secured by their peers in the Writers and Directors Guilds of America.
According to Kevin E. West, a key member of the committee, the unanimity of the vote was a testament to the committee's solidarity and marked an emotional victory after prolonged deliberations.
Agreement Details Pending
Details of the agreement, eagerly anticipated by industry professionals and observers alike, are scheduled for release following the national board's vote on Friday.
The deal's finalization involved complex discussions on the integration of AI in performance and production, reflecting the rapidly evolving landscape of digital technology in entertainment. As the strike unfolded, the economic toll on the industry remained under scrutiny, with Disney CEO Bob Iger expressing cautious optimism about resolving the conflict in a CNBC interview.
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) extended its final offer last week, sweetening the deal with bonuses for actors in top streaming shows but stopping short of granting a share of streaming revenues—a major union demand.
Despite progress, key disagreements persisted as late as Monday, with the union addressing several outstanding issues. The AMPTP's revised position on AI was a critical pivot that facilitated Tuesday's marathon meeting and subsequent deliberations.
With the strike now lifted, actors are greenlit to resume their roles, rekindling halted productions and salvaging the upcoming television and film seasons. The direct involvement of industry titans, including Donna Langley, Ted Sarandos, David Zaslav, and Bob Iger, underscores the high stakes and collective urgency to propel the industry forward.
The protracted dispute, which initially saw TV and film production largely paused due to the writers' strike six months prior, garnered public attention as top-tier actors and studios voiced their discontent. Tyler Perry's recent appeal on “CBS Mornings” for resolution highlighted the growing impatience within the ranks.
With the tentative settlement in place, not only does it mark a cessation to the turmoil that eclipsed the 95-day strike of 1980, but it also ushers in a new era of digital rights and compensation in Hollywood's ever-evolving narrative.