SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP continue negotiations through weekend

SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP officially resumed negotiations this week, with time being devoted this weekend to hopefully settling – although considering how many stalemates there have been between the actors’ union and the AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers) over the past 100+ days, we should all be cautious with our optimism.

As per a statement issued to SAG-AFTRA members ahead of the weekend, “We completed a full and productive day working internally and will continue into the weekend…We thank you for the incredible solidarity and support you have shown on the pickets and across the country all week long.”

As per The Hollywood Reporter, negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP focused on a number of issues that have been at the center of the strike. And there has been some genuine back-and-forth between the two groups, with wage increases in the first year bouncing between SAG-AFTRA’s 11% introductory request down to AMPTP’s initial 5%, hitting a counter on the latter’s part of 7%. SAG-AFTRA has now come back at 9%, which would weigh in their favor and certainly be a good look on their part. Another issue discussed was streaming revenue, with SAG-AFTRA seeking to charge a fee based on subscribers.

Of note, four of the biggest names in the industry – Disney’s Bob Iger, NBCUniversal’s Donna Langley, Netflix’s Ted Sarandos, and Warner Bros. Discovery’s David Zaslav – were not initially known to be present during the Friday meetings.

Ahead of the resumed negotiations, SAG-AFTRA representative and negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said, in part, “I did not expect [negotiations] would have to go so long…The amount of time spent without negotiating has been completely unconscionable. The studios and streamers ought to be back at the table with us now. They should have been there the first 80 days but they weren’t. I am very eager to see that happen and I believe it will happen soon.”

Considering how many releases have been delayed – everything from Deadpool 3 to Snow White (moved an entire year) announced within the past 10 days – due to the strike and that the Writers Guild of America settled over a month ago, there is plenty of pressure for the weekend meetings to show progress.

When do you think the SAG-AFTRA strike will end? What will be the turning point? Give us your predictions below.