SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP talks suspended as the studios allegedly used “bully tactics”

As the Writers’ Guild of America met with a historic agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, it looked like a sliver of light had shined in the darkness of the current relations between the creatives and the businesses. Things were starting to look more positive when, just after the WGA strike ended, SAG-AFTRA would resume negotiations with the AMPTP. It was thought that the terms that were agreed upon with the writers would seemingly translate over to the actors as well. Unfortunately, progress was has not yet been made.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the AMPTP suspended talks with SAG-AFTRA due to the differences between the parties was reportedly “too great.” In a press release that was given on Wednesday from the trade association representing studios and streamers in negotiations, it was stated, “Negotiations between the AMPTP and SAG-AFTRA have been suspended after SAG-AFTRA presented its most recent proposal on October 11. After meaningful conversations, it is clear that the gap between the AMPTP and SAG-AFTRA is too great, and conversations are no longer moving us in a productive direction.”

With the vigilance of the Actors’ union, SAG-AFTRA responded with their own message to their workers that claims the studios had been using “bully tactics.” The message from SAG-AFTRA stated, “[The studios] intentionally misrepresented to the press the cost of the above proposal — overstating it by 60 percent. They have done the same with AI, claiming to protect performer consent, but continuing to demand ‘consent’ on the first day of employment for use of a performer’s digital replica for an entire cinematic universe (or any franchise project).” The message continued, “The companies are using the same failed strategy they tried to inflict on the WGA — putting out misleading information in an attempt to fool our members into abandoning our solidarity and putting pressure on our negotiators. But, just like the writers, our members are smarter than that and will not be fooled.”

The press release from the AMPTP would conclude with, “We hope that SAG-AFTRA will reconsider and return to productive negotiations soon.” Talks started between the two factions on October 2, and with this new development, the delay in a resolution between show and biz puts a wrench in the hope for film and TV productions to continue.