The Writers Guild of America resurfaced its 2023 strike in a comedy bit that unfurled at the union’s Los Angeles awards ceremony Sunday night.
More than half a year after the union ended its 148-day strike, the union spoofed the top negotiator representing studios and streamers during those talks, Carol Lombardini, in a raunchy and at times brutal routine at the Hollywood Palladium. Nearly an hour into the union’s annual awards ceremony and between awards presentations, host Niecy Nash-Betts began interacting with an image of “Lombardini” on a screen behind her. (Only the mouth of the image moved, and the rest was static.)
When Nash-Betts asked why “Lombardini” was there, the image responded by congratulating the co-chairs of the WGA’s negotiating committee during the 2023 strike, David Goodman and Chris Keyser, for winning the Morgan Cox Award for service to the union. “First of all, I want to congratulate all the nominees and winners,...
More than half a year after the union ended its 148-day strike, the union spoofed the top negotiator representing studios and streamers during those talks, Carol Lombardini, in a raunchy and at times brutal routine at the Hollywood Palladium. Nearly an hour into the union’s annual awards ceremony and between awards presentations, host Niecy Nash-Betts began interacting with an image of “Lombardini” on a screen behind her. (Only the mouth of the image moved, and the rest was static.)
When Nash-Betts asked why “Lombardini” was there, the image responded by congratulating the co-chairs of the WGA’s negotiating committee during the 2023 strike, David Goodman and Chris Keyser, for winning the Morgan Cox Award for service to the union. “First of all, I want to congratulate all the nominees and winners,...
- 4/15/2024
- by Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Holdovers, American Fiction and Succession were among the winners at the 2024 Writers Guild Awards, which were handed out Sunday night in simultaneous ceremonies in New York and Los Angeles.
Best adapted screenplay was presented to American Fiction, the winner for the best adapted screenplay Oscar, while The Holdovers won the award for best original screenplay. (The winner of the best original screenplay Oscar, Anatomy of a Fall, was deemed ineligible for the WGA Awards.)
Accepting his award in L.A., Holdovers writer David Hemingson thanked “a brilliant cast and a brilliant director” for bringing the story to life and accepted “in memory of my mother who raised me, my uncle who saved me, and my father, who gave me my love of the written word and taught me the value of integrity.”
In the TV categories, The Bear won best comedy series, while Succession was named best drama series.
Best adapted screenplay was presented to American Fiction, the winner for the best adapted screenplay Oscar, while The Holdovers won the award for best original screenplay. (The winner of the best original screenplay Oscar, Anatomy of a Fall, was deemed ineligible for the WGA Awards.)
Accepting his award in L.A., Holdovers writer David Hemingson thanked “a brilliant cast and a brilliant director” for bringing the story to life and accepted “in memory of my mother who raised me, my uncle who saved me, and my father, who gave me my love of the written word and taught me the value of integrity.”
In the TV categories, The Bear won best comedy series, while Succession was named best drama series.
- 4/15/2024
- by Hilary Lewis, Kirsten Chuba and Kimberly Nordyke
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The writers strike ended seven months ago, but memories of the picket lines were fresh at the WGA Awards tonight.
“The strike is over, the fight goes on,” said former Wgaw President David Goodman at the Hollywood Palladium. “As individuals we’re replaceable, but as a union we’re irreplaceable.”
As the guild gave out awards to scribes, speaker after speaker brought up the 148-day WGA strike as well as the SAG-AFTRA strike.
From Wgaw President Meredith Stiehm to Hollywood Teamster Chief Lindsay Dougherty to Goodman and fellow Morgan Cox honoree Chris Keyser and even Drew Carey, the strike was a constant topic.
Related: The 2025 Oscars: Everything We Know So Far About The Nominations, Ceremony, Date & Host
Even AMPTP President Carol Lombardini made an appearance to talk strike — sort of. A photo of Lombardini appeared on screen with a mouthpiece full of sarcasm and mocking remarks about the studios...
“The strike is over, the fight goes on,” said former Wgaw President David Goodman at the Hollywood Palladium. “As individuals we’re replaceable, but as a union we’re irreplaceable.”
As the guild gave out awards to scribes, speaker after speaker brought up the 148-day WGA strike as well as the SAG-AFTRA strike.
From Wgaw President Meredith Stiehm to Hollywood Teamster Chief Lindsay Dougherty to Goodman and fellow Morgan Cox honoree Chris Keyser and even Drew Carey, the strike was a constant topic.
Related: The 2025 Oscars: Everything We Know So Far About The Nominations, Ceremony, Date & Host
Even AMPTP President Carol Lombardini made an appearance to talk strike — sort of. A photo of Lombardini appeared on screen with a mouthpiece full of sarcasm and mocking remarks about the studios...
- 4/15/2024
- by Dominic Patten, Anthony D'Alessandro and Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The first days of spring are seeing labor peace bloom in Hollywood.
First, the International Cinematographer’s Guild came to a tentative agreement yesterday with the studios in local specific talks, and now the Art Director Guild has a deal of its own.
“Last night, Wednesday, March 20, 2024, the Local 800 Bargaining Unit (pictured above) wrapped up its in-person three-day negotiations with the AMPTP at 10pm, by reaching a tentative agreement for the Local 800-specific portion of the 2021-24 Basic Agreement,” confirmed Adg Local 800 President Nelson Coates and Adg Local 800 National Executive Director Chuck Parker in a missive just sent out to members.
“We understand that Locals 600 and 729 have also reached tentative agreements and to them we say, ‘Congratulations!’” the guild chiefs added of the Icg and the Set Painter & Sign-Writers guild. “We wish the other ten West Coast Studio locals good luck as they negotiate their issues.”
The as-yet-unratified deals for the Icg,...
First, the International Cinematographer’s Guild came to a tentative agreement yesterday with the studios in local specific talks, and now the Art Director Guild has a deal of its own.
“Last night, Wednesday, March 20, 2024, the Local 800 Bargaining Unit (pictured above) wrapped up its in-person three-day negotiations with the AMPTP at 10pm, by reaching a tentative agreement for the Local 800-specific portion of the 2021-24 Basic Agreement,” confirmed Adg Local 800 President Nelson Coates and Adg Local 800 National Executive Director Chuck Parker in a missive just sent out to members.
“We understand that Locals 600 and 729 have also reached tentative agreements and to them we say, ‘Congratulations!’” the guild chiefs added of the Icg and the Set Painter & Sign-Writers guild. “We wish the other ten West Coast Studio locals good luck as they negotiate their issues.”
The as-yet-unratified deals for the Icg,...
- 3/22/2024
- by Dominic Patten and Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
The prospect of another Hot Labor Summer in Hollywood just became a little less likely.
“Today marked the conclusion of our bargaining team’s in-person local negotiations with the AMPTP regarding our Camera and Publicist Agreements,” the leadership of the International Cinematographer’s Guild wrote in a note to members late last night. “We’ve reached a tentative agreement on Local 600 specific issues.”
The deal comes after just three days of direct talks between the Icg and the Carol Lombardini-led AMPTP. With the crafts guilds back at the bargaining table Monday after a week of caucusing, the Art Directors Guild (IATSE Local 800) is also in direct negotiations with the studios right now.
The Motion Picture Editors Guild (IATSE Local 700) will start their own talks today, with IATSE Local 729 expected to also begin negotiations with the AMPTP this week. International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees said Wednesday that under...
“Today marked the conclusion of our bargaining team’s in-person local negotiations with the AMPTP regarding our Camera and Publicist Agreements,” the leadership of the International Cinematographer’s Guild wrote in a note to members late last night. “We’ve reached a tentative agreement on Local 600 specific issues.”
The deal comes after just three days of direct talks between the Icg and the Carol Lombardini-led AMPTP. With the crafts guilds back at the bargaining table Monday after a week of caucusing, the Art Directors Guild (IATSE Local 800) is also in direct negotiations with the studios right now.
The Motion Picture Editors Guild (IATSE Local 700) will start their own talks today, with IATSE Local 729 expected to also begin negotiations with the AMPTP this week. International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees said Wednesday that under...
- 3/21/2024
- by Dominic Patten and Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
Back at the bargaining table with the studios this week after several days of caucusing, IATSE on Tuesday laid out its plans for the next phase of talks as a contract-expiration date inched closer for a tense Hollywood.
“Following a caucus week, negotiations between the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) resumed Monday, with talks entering a new phase where each of IATSE’s 13 West Coast Studio Locals (Wcsl) individually negotiate their Locals’ craft specific issues with the studios,” the Matt Loeb-led union said today in its first official missive since talks started up. “This phase of the process is expected to last from March 18 to April 26.”
The current IATSE contracts expire July 31.
With strike-exhausted executives and cautiously optimistic union brass aware of the very real possibility of another summer of labor actions if talks blow up, the...
“Following a caucus week, negotiations between the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) resumed Monday, with talks entering a new phase where each of IATSE’s 13 West Coast Studio Locals (Wcsl) individually negotiate their Locals’ craft specific issues with the studios,” the Matt Loeb-led union said today in its first official missive since talks started up. “This phase of the process is expected to last from March 18 to April 26.”
The current IATSE contracts expire July 31.
With strike-exhausted executives and cautiously optimistic union brass aware of the very real possibility of another summer of labor actions if talks blow up, the...
- 3/19/2024
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
IATSE resumed negotiations with the major studios on Monday, with a day spent focused on items relevant to the International Cinematographers Guild, Local 600.
IATSE began talks earlier this month, as it seeks to address artificial intelligence, see wage increases to make up for inflation, and close a significant shortfall in its pension and health fund.
With more than 9,000 active members, the Icg is the largest of the IATSE locals involved in bargaining.
The union sent an update to its members on Monday evening recapping the day’s events. Alex Tonisson, the national executive director, gave opening remarks and presented proposals. Carol Lombardini, the president of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, also made opening remarks and presented the studio proposals.
After that, the two sides met amongst themselves and then called it a day, with talks due to resume Tuesday. The Art Directors Guild, Local 800, is expected to follow the cinematographers’ guild,...
IATSE began talks earlier this month, as it seeks to address artificial intelligence, see wage increases to make up for inflation, and close a significant shortfall in its pension and health fund.
With more than 9,000 active members, the Icg is the largest of the IATSE locals involved in bargaining.
The union sent an update to its members on Monday evening recapping the day’s events. Alex Tonisson, the national executive director, gave opening remarks and presented proposals. Carol Lombardini, the president of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, also made opening remarks and presented the studio proposals.
After that, the two sides met amongst themselves and then called it a day, with talks due to resume Tuesday. The Art Directors Guild, Local 800, is expected to follow the cinematographers’ guild,...
- 3/19/2024
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
From one “hot labor summer” to the next: Below-the-line workers will sit down with the Hollywood studios Monday to begin talks for new film and TV contracts.
All eyes, metaphorically speaking, are on the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers’ Sherman Oaks offices, as IATSE and the Hollywood Basic Crafts link arms to discuss pension and health plans — the first step in a lengthy negotiation process that likely will extend well into the summer.
“Their fight is our fight. It’s really plain and simple,” IATSE International President Matthew Loeb told Deadline ahead of negotiations. “We’re on the same benefit plans. The [IATSE] kids and the Teamster and Basic Craft kids live on the same streets and play together and go to the same schools. We’re the same. We’re workers.”
Although Monday marks the official start of negotiations, sources tell Deadline that IATSE already had preliminary talks...
All eyes, metaphorically speaking, are on the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers’ Sherman Oaks offices, as IATSE and the Hollywood Basic Crafts link arms to discuss pension and health plans — the first step in a lengthy negotiation process that likely will extend well into the summer.
“Their fight is our fight. It’s really plain and simple,” IATSE International President Matthew Loeb told Deadline ahead of negotiations. “We’re on the same benefit plans. The [IATSE] kids and the Teamster and Basic Craft kids live on the same streets and play together and go to the same schools. We’re the same. We’re workers.”
Although Monday marks the official start of negotiations, sources tell Deadline that IATSE already had preliminary talks...
- 3/4/2024
- by Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
In many ways, longtime International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees president Matthew Loeb is the personification of that Teddy Roosevelt adage of “speak softly, and carry a big stick” …well, maybe except for the speak softly part.
“From where I sit, this is really about security in an industry that is precarious already,” Loeb states of the upcoming talks starting March 4 with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers on new three-year agreements. “A strike vote is always possible and I can’t rule it out,” the veteran union leader adds of the stakes involved for his members and the latest contract talks.
Heading into joint negotiations with studios with the Lindsay Dougherty-led Hollywood Teamsters and other crafts on Monday, Loeb arrived in LA earlier this week for last minute preparations with his team and other leaders. Fittingly, with support from all the other Guilds, Loeb also came...
“From where I sit, this is really about security in an industry that is precarious already,” Loeb states of the upcoming talks starting March 4 with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers on new three-year agreements. “A strike vote is always possible and I can’t rule it out,” the veteran union leader adds of the stakes involved for his members and the latest contract talks.
Heading into joint negotiations with studios with the Lindsay Dougherty-led Hollywood Teamsters and other crafts on Monday, Loeb arrived in LA earlier this week for last minute preparations with his team and other leaders. Fittingly, with support from all the other Guilds, Loeb also came...
- 3/2/2024
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
The contract talks finally reached the handshake point at 3 a.m. Pt on Feb. 23. But the real breakthrough in the negotiation between the American Federation of Musicians and Hollywood’s major studios came in the afternoon of Feb. 22 — after AFM president Tino Gagliardi called in reinforcements to the conference rooms at AMPTP headquarters, famously located on the former site of the Sherman Oaks Galleria.
“I was starting to do something rash,” Gagliardi told Variety. “When I was getting the signal that they weren’t going to budge, I contacted my negotiating committee to tell them we needed to prepare for a strike authorization vote. I got about 60 to 65 people in the room at the Galleria. It had an impact.”
The sides had been facing an April 30 expiration of AFM’s existing agreement. The union had already granted the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers multiple extensions of the prior contract.
“I was starting to do something rash,” Gagliardi told Variety. “When I was getting the signal that they weren’t going to budge, I contacted my negotiating committee to tell them we needed to prepare for a strike authorization vote. I got about 60 to 65 people in the room at the Galleria. It had an impact.”
The sides had been facing an April 30 expiration of AFM’s existing agreement. The union had already granted the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers multiple extensions of the prior contract.
- 2/27/2024
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
The American Federation of Musicians has reached a tentative agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers as of Friday.
The agreement, which concerns basic theatrical motion picture and basic television motion picture contracts, comes with “historic breakthroughs” on streaming residuals and protections against AI, according to AFM. The agreement is unanimously recommended by the bargaining committee.
While AFM leadership said they could not comment on the exact details in the contract, they confirmed that the tentative deal language includes streaming residuals for musicians for the first time.
“This agreement represents a major win for musicians who have long been under-compensated for their work in the digital age,” said AFM International President and Chief Negotiator Tino Gagliardi. “We have secured historic breakthroughs in streaming residuals, established critical guardrails against the misuse of AI, gained meaningful wage increases and other important gains. This agreement represents a watershed moment for...
The agreement, which concerns basic theatrical motion picture and basic television motion picture contracts, comes with “historic breakthroughs” on streaming residuals and protections against AI, according to AFM. The agreement is unanimously recommended by the bargaining committee.
While AFM leadership said they could not comment on the exact details in the contract, they confirmed that the tentative deal language includes streaming residuals for musicians for the first time.
“This agreement represents a major win for musicians who have long been under-compensated for their work in the digital age,” said AFM International President and Chief Negotiator Tino Gagliardi. “We have secured historic breakthroughs in streaming residuals, established critical guardrails against the misuse of AI, gained meaningful wage increases and other important gains. This agreement represents a watershed moment for...
- 2/23/2024
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Just days after resuming direct talks, the American Federation of Musicians has reached a tentative agreement with the studios and producers.
Unanimously recommended by the AFM bargaining committee, the deal will be submitted to the general membership for ratification in about 10 days, sources tell Deadline. Finalized late last night, the AFM agreement for a new contact with the AMPTP still needs to put into formal language, as is always the case in such negotiations.
Though there is boasts of “historic breakthroughs” in the new deal, specific details of the tentative Basic Theatrical Motion Picture and Basic Television Motion Picture contract were not revealed today. Yet, with the massive rise of music used on streaming platforms over the last decade, residuals from such services was at the heart of this year’s talks with the AMPTP. To that, there is a fair amount of joy today among the AFM and sister unions,...
Unanimously recommended by the AFM bargaining committee, the deal will be submitted to the general membership for ratification in about 10 days, sources tell Deadline. Finalized late last night, the AFM agreement for a new contact with the AMPTP still needs to put into formal language, as is always the case in such negotiations.
Though there is boasts of “historic breakthroughs” in the new deal, specific details of the tentative Basic Theatrical Motion Picture and Basic Television Motion Picture contract were not revealed today. Yet, with the massive rise of music used on streaming platforms over the last decade, residuals from such services was at the heart of this year’s talks with the AMPTP. To that, there is a fair amount of joy today among the AFM and sister unions,...
- 2/23/2024
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
The American Federation of Musicians has struck a tentative agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, reaching a deal that union leaders hailed as “a watershed moment for artists” that includes residuals for made-for-streaming content and protections against the use of AI.
The AFM announced the tentative agreement one day after the sides resumed contract negotiations that began in January.
“This agreement represents a major win for musicians who have long been under-compensated for their work in the digital age,” said Tino Gagliardi, AFM international president and chief negotiator. “We have secured historic breakthroughs in streaming residuals, established critical guardrails against the misuse of AI, gained meaningful wage increases and other important gains. This agreement represents a watershed moment for the artists who create the soundtracks for countless film and TV productions.”
The pact was unanimously recommended by the AFM negotiating committee for approval by the union’s board.
The AFM announced the tentative agreement one day after the sides resumed contract negotiations that began in January.
“This agreement represents a major win for musicians who have long been under-compensated for their work in the digital age,” said Tino Gagliardi, AFM international president and chief negotiator. “We have secured historic breakthroughs in streaming residuals, established critical guardrails against the misuse of AI, gained meaningful wage increases and other important gains. This agreement represents a watershed moment for the artists who create the soundtracks for countless film and TV productions.”
The pact was unanimously recommended by the AFM negotiating committee for approval by the union’s board.
- 2/23/2024
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
No one has said the word “strike” yet, but some of Hollywood’s strongest unions just flexed some serious muscle with the studios.
With their current contracts set to end on July 21, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and Teamsters Local 399 will stand in together in solidarity in upcoming negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. The sit-down with the Carol Lombardini-led AMPTP will begin March 4, sources tell Deadline.
Certain to set the stage for what could be another year of Tinseltown labor anxiety, IATSE and the Teamsters will be joined in talks on their shared Motion Picture Industry Pension and Health Plan proposals by fellow Hollywood Basic Crafts groups the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 40 (Ibew), Laborers International Union of North America Local 724 (LiUNA!), United Association Plumbers Local 78 (UA) and Operating Plasterers & Cement Masons International Association (Opcmia) Local 755.
Related: Hollywood Unions Show Solidarity...
With their current contracts set to end on July 21, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and Teamsters Local 399 will stand in together in solidarity in upcoming negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. The sit-down with the Carol Lombardini-led AMPTP will begin March 4, sources tell Deadline.
Certain to set the stage for what could be another year of Tinseltown labor anxiety, IATSE and the Teamsters will be joined in talks on their shared Motion Picture Industry Pension and Health Plan proposals by fellow Hollywood Basic Crafts groups the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 40 (Ibew), Laborers International Union of North America Local 724 (LiUNA!), United Association Plumbers Local 78 (UA) and Operating Plasterers & Cement Masons International Association (Opcmia) Local 755.
Related: Hollywood Unions Show Solidarity...
- 1/31/2024
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
After spending over a year in negotiations, unionized postproduction coordinators in the New York area have unanimously ratified their first labor contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.
The ratification vote took place Dec. 19, with 67 percent of the bargaining unit turning out to vote and all participating union members voting to support the agreement. Around 60 postproduction coordinators who work in scripted film and TV (members have been credited on titles including the 2024 Mean Girls and Severance) currently belong to the group, a subsidiary of the Communications Workers of America union. The contract went into effect on Dec. 31, with signatories including Apple Studios LLC, HBO Entertainment Inc., HBO Films Inc., Netflix Productions LLC, Universal Television LLC, Universal Content Productions LLC and Paramount Pictures Corporation, among others.
“Post coordinators have a professional, career-track position and up until now we haven’t had any protections in place for our job and for our wellbeing,...
The ratification vote took place Dec. 19, with 67 percent of the bargaining unit turning out to vote and all participating union members voting to support the agreement. Around 60 postproduction coordinators who work in scripted film and TV (members have been credited on titles including the 2024 Mean Girls and Severance) currently belong to the group, a subsidiary of the Communications Workers of America union. The contract went into effect on Dec. 31, with signatories including Apple Studios LLC, HBO Entertainment Inc., HBO Films Inc., Netflix Productions LLC, Universal Television LLC, Universal Content Productions LLC and Paramount Pictures Corporation, among others.
“Post coordinators have a professional, career-track position and up until now we haven’t had any protections in place for our job and for our wellbeing,...
- 1/17/2024
- by Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Class Superlatives Prom Queen And King Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce
The most talked-about entertainer of the year and the Super Bowl-winning podcaster combined their forces — and audiences — to forge the kind of four-quadrant cultural phenomenon the industry hasn’t seen in ages. Well, except for …
Most Popular Barbenheimer
Combined global box office gross: $2.4 billion
Worst Homecoming Performance Bob Iger
He rode back into town last year like a high-eq white knight to rescue the Magic Kingdom from his flailing handpicked successor, only to be cast as one of the principal villains of the strikes and architect of Disney’s “Dewokening.”
Most Unsettling Yearbook Photo Donald Trump Fulton County Sheriffs Office Mugshot Most Invincible Marvel Villain Audiences
Tepid reviews and lackluster box office for the latest entries in the franchise — particularly November’s The Marvels — are indications that superhero fatigue is finally setting in, a threat to the Marvel Universe more destructive than Thanos.
The most talked-about entertainer of the year and the Super Bowl-winning podcaster combined their forces — and audiences — to forge the kind of four-quadrant cultural phenomenon the industry hasn’t seen in ages. Well, except for …
Most Popular Barbenheimer
Combined global box office gross: $2.4 billion
Worst Homecoming Performance Bob Iger
He rode back into town last year like a high-eq white knight to rescue the Magic Kingdom from his flailing handpicked successor, only to be cast as one of the principal villains of the strikes and architect of Disney’s “Dewokening.”
Most Unsettling Yearbook Photo Donald Trump Fulton County Sheriffs Office Mugshot Most Invincible Marvel Villain Audiences
Tepid reviews and lackluster box office for the latest entries in the franchise — particularly November’s The Marvels — are indications that superhero fatigue is finally setting in, a threat to the Marvel Universe more destructive than Thanos.
- 12/19/2023
- by THR Staff
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
After four long months marching on Hollywood picket lines, bargaining inside hostile negotiating rooms, and giving Buddhist sermons, Fran Drescher can finally exhale.
Through the 118-day actors’ strike, The Nanny star turned SAG-AFTRA national president, joined by SAG-AFTRA chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, has served as the face of the 160,000-strong union and says she uses the Nineties sitcom’s message around unity and acceptance in her leadership. “I can be exactly who I am,” she says in her raspy Queens accent, “and still rock a red lip and hold a plushie toy.
Through the 118-day actors’ strike, The Nanny star turned SAG-AFTRA national president, joined by SAG-AFTRA chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, has served as the face of the 160,000-strong union and says she uses the Nineties sitcom’s message around unity and acceptance in her leadership. “I can be exactly who I am,” she says in her raspy Queens accent, “and still rock a red lip and hold a plushie toy.
- 12/9/2023
- by Kalia Richardson
- Rollingstone.com
The studios, which spent more than 100 days talking tough at the negotiating table with the actors, have congratulated SAG-AFTRA on ratifying its new contract.
The AMPTP put out a short statement after the vote passed with 78.33% of the ballots voting yes.
“The AMPTP member companies congratulate SAG-AFTRA on the ratification of its new contract, which represents historic gains and protections for performers. With this vote, the industry and the jobs it supports will be able to return in full force.”
It echoes a similar statement that the group, which consists of companies including Netflix, NBCUniversal, Warner Bros. Discovery and Disney as well as others, put out after the WGA membership ratified the writers deal.
In October, the Carol Lombardini-led AMPTP noted: “The AMPTP member companies congratulate the WGA on the ratification of its new contract, which represents meaningful gains and protections for writers. It is important progress for our...
The AMPTP put out a short statement after the vote passed with 78.33% of the ballots voting yes.
“The AMPTP member companies congratulate SAG-AFTRA on the ratification of its new contract, which represents historic gains and protections for performers. With this vote, the industry and the jobs it supports will be able to return in full force.”
It echoes a similar statement that the group, which consists of companies including Netflix, NBCUniversal, Warner Bros. Discovery and Disney as well as others, put out after the WGA membership ratified the writers deal.
In October, the Carol Lombardini-led AMPTP noted: “The AMPTP member companies congratulate the WGA on the ratification of its new contract, which represents meaningful gains and protections for writers. It is important progress for our...
- 12/6/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
For a Friday that is time for reflection and giving thanks, host Billy Ray and returning original host Todd Garner welcomes WGA president Meredith Stiehm and SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher. They talk with the guys about the lessons learned from the long and brutal six month strike that is finally and mercifully over. The guild leaders advise IATSE and Teamsters negotiators what to expect when their deals expire next July. They also review a negotiation that in their minds never had to turn into such a protracted process. The gains made by their guilds could have been achieved if only the signatories had sent in the CEOs earlier to the bargaining table, and stopped trying to work from a contract and negotiating moves that were hopelessly outdated in the streaming age. Coming in for particular criticism here is AMPTP negotiator Carol Lombardini. After Billy Ray recalled watching Lombardini cancel catering...
- 11/24/2023
- by The Deadline Team
- Deadline Film + TV
As the town flocked to picket lines during a historic 148-day writers strike and 118-day actors strike, moguls took a hit (looking at you, Bob Iger), stars made blunders (why, Drew Barrymore?) and others saw their stock rise (Lindsay Dougherty holds court next with the studios) …
Winners
Fran Drescher & Duncan Crabtree-Ireland
To be sure, SAG-AFTRA’s negotiating team faced its challenges in 2023, from growing impatience in the industry over the length of its bargaining process to celebrity resistance to the union’s restrictive Halloween strike rules. Ultimately, though, Drescher in particular ably combated some of the criticism (openly discussing the heart-shaped plushie she brought to negotiations) and the union won a wide-reaching contract.
Ellen Stutzman
The WGA West assistant executive director was thrust into the spotlight in February when the union’s usual chief negotiator, David Young, stepped out on medical leave. Stutzman was named to take his place in negotiations,...
Winners
Fran Drescher & Duncan Crabtree-Ireland
To be sure, SAG-AFTRA’s negotiating team faced its challenges in 2023, from growing impatience in the industry over the length of its bargaining process to celebrity resistance to the union’s restrictive Halloween strike rules. Ultimately, though, Drescher in particular ably combated some of the criticism (openly discussing the heart-shaped plushie she brought to negotiations) and the union won a wide-reaching contract.
Ellen Stutzman
The WGA West assistant executive director was thrust into the spotlight in February when the union’s usual chief negotiator, David Young, stepped out on medical leave. Stutzman was named to take his place in negotiations,...
- 11/17/2023
- by Lesley Goldberg, Gary Baum, Katie Kilkenny, Alex Weprin, Rick Porter, Caitlin Huston, Winston Cho and Seth Abramovitch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
After six months of picket lines, Hollywood’s strike is over as SAG-AFTRA announced to members that it has reached a tentative agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers on a new contract and will end its strike at 12:01 Am on Thursday.
“In a unanimous vote this afternoon, The SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical Committee approved a tentative agreement with the AMPTP bringing an end to the 118 day strike,” the actors guild announced in a statement on Wednesday. “The strike officially ends at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 9.”
The agreement will now go to the actors guild’s national board, which is expected to unanimously approve it in an emergency meeting on Friday for presentation to union members. A voting period will then be established for members to either ratify or reject the contract.
In a statement to its members shortly after the announcement went wide, the...
“In a unanimous vote this afternoon, The SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical Committee approved a tentative agreement with the AMPTP bringing an end to the 118 day strike,” the actors guild announced in a statement on Wednesday. “The strike officially ends at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 9.”
The agreement will now go to the actors guild’s national board, which is expected to unanimously approve it in an emergency meeting on Friday for presentation to union members. A voting period will then be established for members to either ratify or reject the contract.
In a statement to its members shortly after the announcement went wide, the...
- 11/9/2023
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
SAG-AFTRA negotiators have approved a tentative agreement that will end the longest actors strike against the film and TV studios in Hollywood history.
In an announcement Wednesday, the union said the 118-day strike would officially end at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday.
The union’s negotiating committee approved the deal on a unanimous vote. The agreement next goes to the SAG-AFTRA national board for approval on Friday.
The two sides spent the last several days putting the finishing touches on the deal, which will see the first-ever protections for actors against artificial intelligence and a historic pay increase. The deal will see most minimums increase by 7% — two percent above the increases received by the Writers Guild of America and the Directors Guild of America.
The deal also includes a “streaming participation bonus,” according to an email sent to SAG-AFTRA members, as well as increases in pension and health contributions. The...
In an announcement Wednesday, the union said the 118-day strike would officially end at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday.
The union’s negotiating committee approved the deal on a unanimous vote. The agreement next goes to the SAG-AFTRA national board for approval on Friday.
The two sides spent the last several days putting the finishing touches on the deal, which will see the first-ever protections for actors against artificial intelligence and a historic pay increase. The deal will see most minimums increase by 7% — two percent above the increases received by the Writers Guild of America and the Directors Guild of America.
The deal also includes a “streaming participation bonus,” according to an email sent to SAG-AFTRA members, as well as increases in pension and health contributions. The...
- 11/9/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
SAG-AFTRA is set to continue deliberations over the latest offer from the studios and streamers as both parties attempt to hammer out a new three-year agreement that will bring an end to the actors’ strike.
“Following a meeting Monday night with the AMPTP, the TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee spent 10 hours deliberating today. We will continue on Wednesday,” the union tweeted late on Tuesday night. “We appreciate your patience and support while we finish our work.”
The news arrives after SAG-AFTRA’s negotiating committee held a marathon session into the night on Tuesday deliberating over the companies’ latest offer. The previous night, SAG-AFTRA chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers president Carol Lombardini convened to discuss the companies’ latest tweaks to their proposals, which included changes to AI, sources have told The Hollywood Reporter.
It’s expected that the union will deliver its response to the companies soon.
“Following a meeting Monday night with the AMPTP, the TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee spent 10 hours deliberating today. We will continue on Wednesday,” the union tweeted late on Tuesday night. “We appreciate your patience and support while we finish our work.”
The news arrives after SAG-AFTRA’s negotiating committee held a marathon session into the night on Tuesday deliberating over the companies’ latest offer. The previous night, SAG-AFTRA chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers president Carol Lombardini convened to discuss the companies’ latest tweaks to their proposals, which included changes to AI, sources have told The Hollywood Reporter.
It’s expected that the union will deliver its response to the companies soon.
- 11/8/2023
- by Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Updated, 9:13 Pm: SAG-AFTRA and the studios are planning on talking more, but there will be no deal tonight.
After a long day of negotiations Tuesday, the sides are still grappling with several stubborn issues including AI protections, we hear. After going over the topic repeatedly and consulting with lawyers and others throughout the evening, the guild negotiating committee and the AMPTP have now penciled in another session for Wednesday, we’re told.
Led by SAG-AFTRA chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland and AMPTP president Carol Lombardini, the parties spent hours speaking on and off today, both on the guts of a deal and the process to getting the bones of a tentative agreement on paper. Studio CEOs did not Zoom in as they have in past occasions.
(Update 10:58 Pm: “Following a meeting Monday night with the AMPTP, the TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee spent 10 hours deliberating today,” SAG-AFTRA said in a...
After a long day of negotiations Tuesday, the sides are still grappling with several stubborn issues including AI protections, we hear. After going over the topic repeatedly and consulting with lawyers and others throughout the evening, the guild negotiating committee and the AMPTP have now penciled in another session for Wednesday, we’re told.
Led by SAG-AFTRA chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland and AMPTP president Carol Lombardini, the parties spent hours speaking on and off today, both on the guts of a deal and the process to getting the bones of a tentative agreement on paper. Studio CEOs did not Zoom in as they have in past occasions.
(Update 10:58 Pm: “Following a meeting Monday night with the AMPTP, the TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee spent 10 hours deliberating today,” SAG-AFTRA said in a...
- 11/8/2023
- by Dominic Patten and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
The actors’ strike has reached 117 days, and initially, it was hoped that the week-plus of intensive negotiations would continue into the night last night as intended. Unfortunately, the talk between the two parties has not found a way to get any closer to a settlement. Yesterday was spent with the Four Horsemen of the studios taking a virtual meeting with SAG-AFTRA chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland. AMPTP boss Carol Lombardini was joined by Netflix‘s Ted Sarandos, NBCUniversal’s Donna Langley, Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav and Disney’s Bob Iger for their intermittent presence in negotiations since this last round had commenced on October 24.
Deadline has reported that their session on Monday, November 6, had been planned to go all day, but after the afternoon of talks, SAG-AFTRA called it the rest of the night. Talks are said to resume today. However, it is not known when the meeting will be reconvening.
Deadline has reported that their session on Monday, November 6, had been planned to go all day, but after the afternoon of talks, SAG-AFTRA called it the rest of the night. Talks are said to resume today. However, it is not known when the meeting will be reconvening.
- 11/7/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
2nd Update, Exclusive, 10:29 Pm: SAG-AFTRA and the studios have finally called it a night on the latest talks in search of a new three-year contract.
In the past 30 minutes or so, the actors union and the AMPTP ended a long bargaining session that started this afternoon. The thinking is they will resume negotiations on Tuesday, the 117th day of the strike. However, at this late hour, no definite time has been set yet.
Tonight’s meeting was a virtual get-together, with the CEO Gang of Four joining AMPTP boss Carol Lombardini and SAG-AFTRA chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, among others. Netflix‘s Ted Sarandos, NBCUniversal’s Donna Langley, Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav and Disney’s Bob Iger have all been participating in talks directly on and off since the latest round of negotiations began on October 24. The latter two of that quartet may be feeling a bit more...
In the past 30 minutes or so, the actors union and the AMPTP ended a long bargaining session that started this afternoon. The thinking is they will resume negotiations on Tuesday, the 117th day of the strike. However, at this late hour, no definite time has been set yet.
Tonight’s meeting was a virtual get-together, with the CEO Gang of Four joining AMPTP boss Carol Lombardini and SAG-AFTRA chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, among others. Netflix‘s Ted Sarandos, NBCUniversal’s Donna Langley, Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav and Disney’s Bob Iger have all been participating in talks directly on and off since the latest round of negotiations began on October 24. The latter two of that quartet may be feeling a bit more...
- 11/7/2023
- by Dominic Patten and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
As SAG-AFTRA Responds to Studio Offer, AI Protections for High-Earning Members Remain Sticking Point
When SAG-AFTRA responded to the studios’ latest contract offer on Monday, AI protections for high-earning members remained a key sticking point.
Multiple sources familiar with the state of the negotiations tell The Hollywood Reporter that SAG-AFTRA has pushed back on an AI clause that is included in the studios’ latest offer. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers is seeking to secure AI scans for Schedule F performers — guild members who earn more than the minimum for series regulars ($32,000 per TV episode) and feature films ($60,000). The companies’ suggested clause would require studios and streamers to pay to scan the likeness of Schedule F performers. SAG-AFTRA is seeking to attach a compensation for the re-use of AI scans as AMPTP member companies would also need to secure consent from the performer. The language currently in the AMPTP’s offer would see the studios and streamers secure the right to use...
Multiple sources familiar with the state of the negotiations tell The Hollywood Reporter that SAG-AFTRA has pushed back on an AI clause that is included in the studios’ latest offer. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers is seeking to secure AI scans for Schedule F performers — guild members who earn more than the minimum for series regulars ($32,000 per TV episode) and feature films ($60,000). The companies’ suggested clause would require studios and streamers to pay to scan the likeness of Schedule F performers. SAG-AFTRA is seeking to attach a compensation for the re-use of AI scans as AMPTP member companies would also need to secure consent from the performer. The language currently in the AMPTP’s offer would see the studios and streamers secure the right to use...
- 11/7/2023
- by Lesley Goldberg and Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hollywood studios and major streamers met with SAG-AFTRA leadership on Saturday to present an over-arching package of proposals in an attempt to end the actors’ strike.
The union dispatched a note to its members after the meeting ended, saying the negotiating committee is now reviewing what it says is the companies’ “last, best and final offer.” It also urged members to ignore outside conjecture and rumors. After a staff review on Saturday, the union’s negotiating committee will convene on Sunday to discuss the terms.
An expanded complement of CEOs from the major studios and the streamers attended Saturday’s bargaining session with SAG leadership, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
Behind the scenes, top executives say they could be done negotiating for the time being — or likely until the new year — if SAG-AFTRA doesn’t embrace what one studio-side source in the meeting claimed was a deal “worth more than...
The union dispatched a note to its members after the meeting ended, saying the negotiating committee is now reviewing what it says is the companies’ “last, best and final offer.” It also urged members to ignore outside conjecture and rumors. After a staff review on Saturday, the union’s negotiating committee will convene on Sunday to discuss the terms.
An expanded complement of CEOs from the major studios and the streamers attended Saturday’s bargaining session with SAG leadership, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
Behind the scenes, top executives say they could be done negotiating for the time being — or likely until the new year — if SAG-AFTRA doesn’t embrace what one studio-side source in the meeting claimed was a deal “worth more than...
- 11/4/2023
- by Katie Kilkenny and Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Updated: The studios told SAG-AFTRA on Saturday that they have made their “last, best and final” offer, as they seek an end to the 114-day actors strike.
The offer includes an enhanced residual bonus for high-performing streaming shows. Under the proposal, actors who appear on the most-watched shows on each platform will see their standard streaming residual doubled.
That is an increase over the deal provided to the Writers Guild of America, which won a 50% residual bonus for writers on top-performing shows.
The package also includes comprehensive protections on artificial intelligence and the highest increase in minimums in 40 years.
The Zoom meeting included eight leaders from seven studios: Bob Iger of Disney, David Zaslav of Warner Bros. Discovery, Donna Langley of NBCUniversal, Ted Sarandos of Netflix, Brian Robbins of Paramount, Mike Hopkins and Jennifer Salke from Amazon, and Tony Vinciquerra from Sony Pictures Entertainment. Other senior executives who have been...
The offer includes an enhanced residual bonus for high-performing streaming shows. Under the proposal, actors who appear on the most-watched shows on each platform will see their standard streaming residual doubled.
That is an increase over the deal provided to the Writers Guild of America, which won a 50% residual bonus for writers on top-performing shows.
The package also includes comprehensive protections on artificial intelligence and the highest increase in minimums in 40 years.
The Zoom meeting included eight leaders from seven studios: Bob Iger of Disney, David Zaslav of Warner Bros. Discovery, Donna Langley of NBCUniversal, Ted Sarandos of Netflix, Brian Robbins of Paramount, Mike Hopkins and Jennifer Salke from Amazon, and Tony Vinciquerra from Sony Pictures Entertainment. Other senior executives who have been...
- 11/4/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
It’s not quite Where’s Waldo?, but Fran Drescher wants to know when the studio CEOs are coming back to the table to finalize a new SAG-AFTRA three-year contract to end the guild’s nearly four-month-long strike.
“Tgif! Let’s hope the amptp ceo’s resurface with a seal the deal counter!” said the SAG-AFTRA President this morning online.
The actors guild and the studios have been back in renewed negotiations since October 24. However, SAG-AFTRA says it hasn’t heard back from the AMPTP on its comprehensive counter proposal since October 28, nor have the studios responded to the guild’s latest AI proposal during the past two days.
Related: Dispatches From The Picket Lines: Actors In NYC Hopeful For Deal But Managing Expectations – “It’s A Fine Line”
As Deadline reported exclusively Thursday there were no formal talks between SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP as everything seemed to be on “standby,...
“Tgif! Let’s hope the amptp ceo’s resurface with a seal the deal counter!” said the SAG-AFTRA President this morning online.
The actors guild and the studios have been back in renewed negotiations since October 24. However, SAG-AFTRA says it hasn’t heard back from the AMPTP on its comprehensive counter proposal since October 28, nor have the studios responded to the guild’s latest AI proposal during the past two days.
Related: Dispatches From The Picket Lines: Actors In NYC Hopeful For Deal But Managing Expectations – “It’s A Fine Line”
As Deadline reported exclusively Thursday there were no formal talks between SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP as everything seemed to be on “standby,...
- 11/3/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro and Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Update 9:17 Pm: SAG-AFTRA’s TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee informed members tonight that they’re awaiting a response from studios on the guild’s AI counter from yesterday as well as the actors’ “comprehensive counter proposal” they put forth to the AMPTP five days ago.
As Deadline told you earlier, today was one of non-talks, however, sources believe that the studios are reviewing all the AI intel the guilds put before them.
“The Negotiating Committee was on standby today awaiting a response from the AMPTP on both the AI counter we presented yesterday, and the comprehensive counter proposal we passed across the table five days ago,” read tonight’s statement from the TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee.
“Our team looks forward to continuing bargaining with the companies tomorrow,” ended the statement.
Tomorrow, Friday, will mark the 113th day of the actors’ strike. Sources on both sides would not be shocked if talks extend into the weekend.
As Deadline told you earlier, today was one of non-talks, however, sources believe that the studios are reviewing all the AI intel the guilds put before them.
“The Negotiating Committee was on standby today awaiting a response from the AMPTP on both the AI counter we presented yesterday, and the comprehensive counter proposal we passed across the table five days ago,” read tonight’s statement from the TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee.
“Our team looks forward to continuing bargaining with the companies tomorrow,” ended the statement.
Tomorrow, Friday, will mark the 113th day of the actors’ strike. Sources on both sides would not be shocked if talks extend into the weekend.
- 11/3/2023
- by Dominic Patten and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Re-entry is always harder than takeoff. After the Writers Guild of America’s longest yard, we made our deal, got something on almost everything we asked for (despite the pundits’ professional naysaying), and had our celebration at the Palladium — complete with a shout out from guild leadership to Fake Carol. Then it was pencils up: back to work for those lucky enough to still have it — and hustling to find work for the rest of us.
To be honest, it’s been a little weird. Not because we’re face to face with executives again: The creative executives seem to have been on our side for the most part. Frankly, a lot of them are scared that ChatGPT’s coming for their jobs, too. (Hmm, maybe they should consider… a union? Everyone’s doing it!) Now it might be different for Bob Iger and Ted Sarandos, but I don’t...
To be honest, it’s been a little weird. Not because we’re face to face with executives again: The creative executives seem to have been on our side for the most part. Frankly, a lot of them are scared that ChatGPT’s coming for their jobs, too. (Hmm, maybe they should consider… a union? Everyone’s doing it!) Now it might be different for Bob Iger and Ted Sarandos, but I don’t...
- 11/2/2023
- by Anonymous
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
HBO CEO Casey Bloys apologized Thursday to a room of journalists following a Rolling Stone report that he instructed staffers to create fake social media accounts to troll TV critics who gave poor reviews to HBO shows.
During a press event Thursday to unveil HBO and Max’s programming slate for 2024, Bloys addressed members of the media — some of whom being the very critics he trolled — to confess that during the pandemic he spent an “unhealthy amount of time” on Twitter when he discussed using a “secret army” to hit back at reviewers.
During a press event Thursday to unveil HBO and Max’s programming slate for 2024, Bloys addressed members of the media — some of whom being the very critics he trolled — to confess that during the pandemic he spent an “unhealthy amount of time” on Twitter when he discussed using a “secret army” to hit back at reviewers.
- 11/2/2023
- by Cheyenne Roundtree
- Rollingstone.com
Update, 8:51 Pm: SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP are spotlighting Artificial Intelligence in their latest round of talks in what has turned into a distinctly parallel track process.
Just a few hours after Deadline reported (see below) that the actors guild and the studios were getting “closer and closer” to a hard fought new three-year contact and a possible end to the now 111-day strike, SAG-AFTRA sent out one of its most detailed missives yet to its 160,000-members.
“The Negotiating Committee met today to discuss and finalize our response to the AMPTP AI counter-proposal which we received yesterday,” the TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee said. “The negotiators then met with AMPTP representatives for more than three hours this afternoon and evening to present and review our revised proposal.”
Along with a clear mechanism for what is now being termed as “success-based compensation” for the cast of hit streaming shows, AI has doggedly...
Just a few hours after Deadline reported (see below) that the actors guild and the studios were getting “closer and closer” to a hard fought new three-year contact and a possible end to the now 111-day strike, SAG-AFTRA sent out one of its most detailed missives yet to its 160,000-members.
“The Negotiating Committee met today to discuss and finalize our response to the AMPTP AI counter-proposal which we received yesterday,” the TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee said. “The negotiators then met with AMPTP representatives for more than three hours this afternoon and evening to present and review our revised proposal.”
Along with a clear mechanism for what is now being termed as “success-based compensation” for the cast of hit streaming shows, AI has doggedly...
- 11/2/2023
- by Dominic Patten and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Hollywood will remain in suspense Thursday when the negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) are set to continue.
The parties were still in negotiations as of Wednesday evening, talking about AI — which has proved to be a sticking point in the denouement of these contract talks — and other topics, said a union-side source. As in previous bargaining dates this week, Hollywood CEOs were not present for the talks, which were led on the management side by AMPTP President Carol Lombardini.
“Things are still moving but slow,” said one studio-side source when reached Wednesday.
SAG-AFTRA also wrote in a message to its members following talks Wednesday, “The Negotiating Committee met today to discuss and finalize our response to the AMPTP AI counter-proposal which we received yesterday. The negotiators then met with AMPTP representatives for more than three hours this afternoon and evening to present and review our revised proposal.
The parties were still in negotiations as of Wednesday evening, talking about AI — which has proved to be a sticking point in the denouement of these contract talks — and other topics, said a union-side source. As in previous bargaining dates this week, Hollywood CEOs were not present for the talks, which were led on the management side by AMPTP President Carol Lombardini.
“Things are still moving but slow,” said one studio-side source when reached Wednesday.
SAG-AFTRA also wrote in a message to its members following talks Wednesday, “The Negotiating Committee met today to discuss and finalize our response to the AMPTP AI counter-proposal which we received yesterday. The negotiators then met with AMPTP representatives for more than three hours this afternoon and evening to present and review our revised proposal.
- 11/2/2023
- by Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
SAG-AFTRA is set to meet again on Wednesday with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers after a “productive” day of talks on Tuesday.
The sides continue to project “cautious optimism” about resolving the strike, which is now on Day 110. The studios have warned that they must get a deal this week in order to be able to produce partial seasons of scripted network TV series.
The union continues to bargain over the use of artificial intelligence, which has become one of the key remaining issues, though not the only one. The union is not seeking for forbid studios from using AI to create “digital doubles,” but does want language guaranteeing consent and minimum compensation for such use. The union has also sought to restrict AI training on past work and has asked for a provision giving the union a veto over AI uses.
Once again, four studio CEOs...
The sides continue to project “cautious optimism” about resolving the strike, which is now on Day 110. The studios have warned that they must get a deal this week in order to be able to produce partial seasons of scripted network TV series.
The union continues to bargain over the use of artificial intelligence, which has become one of the key remaining issues, though not the only one. The union is not seeking for forbid studios from using AI to create “digital doubles,” but does want language guaranteeing consent and minimum compensation for such use. The union has also sought to restrict AI training on past work and has asked for a provision giving the union a veto over AI uses.
Once again, four studio CEOs...
- 10/31/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: It will be neither trick nor treat tonight as SAG-AFTRA and the studios plan to continue talking over the next few days in search of a deal to end the 110-day strike that has become a Hollywood nightmare.
Deliberations between the actors guild and the AMPTP are over for the day, we hear.
On this Halloween, the parties started mid-morning and stopped around 2 p.m. Pt, as scheduled. Sources on both sides tell Deadline the guild and the AMPTP plan more talks Wednesday, November 1. More deliberations into the latter part of the week are penciled in if necessary, a source close to the talks informs us.
“This is where people earn their salaries, it’s the hard work of making sure everyone has something to walk away with,” an industry insider says of the last few days of negotiations, noting there’s “still a lot to do” before a new three-year contract is sealed.
Deliberations between the actors guild and the AMPTP are over for the day, we hear.
On this Halloween, the parties started mid-morning and stopped around 2 p.m. Pt, as scheduled. Sources on both sides tell Deadline the guild and the AMPTP plan more talks Wednesday, November 1. More deliberations into the latter part of the week are penciled in if necessary, a source close to the talks informs us.
“This is where people earn their salaries, it’s the hard work of making sure everyone has something to walk away with,” an industry insider says of the last few days of negotiations, noting there’s “still a lot to do” before a new three-year contract is sealed.
- 10/31/2023
- by Dominic Patten and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated, 7:44 Pm: Hard to tell if it is going to be a trick or a treat from SAG-AFTRA and the studios this Halloween, but the two sides are set to meet again in person on Tuesday.
“The committee worked independently today,” the Fran Drescher-run guild told members Monday evening. “We will be meeting with the AMPTP Tuesday,” it added.
But, of course, there’s a twist.
“While talks over the past week have been productive, we remain far apart on key issues,” SAG-AFTRA concluded, once again asking their 160,000-strong membership to show up on the picket lines, “raise your voices at rallies across the country,” and take to social media over successive days:
Let's take to the feeds and show everyone what it looks like to be SAG-AFTRA Strong!#SagAftraMembers and allies! Join our #SagAftraStrongChallenge, starting Tomorrow, 10/31. Follow the daily prompt and share your #SagAftraStrong pride! Swipe through for all the details.
“The committee worked independently today,” the Fran Drescher-run guild told members Monday evening. “We will be meeting with the AMPTP Tuesday,” it added.
But, of course, there’s a twist.
“While talks over the past week have been productive, we remain far apart on key issues,” SAG-AFTRA concluded, once again asking their 160,000-strong membership to show up on the picket lines, “raise your voices at rallies across the country,” and take to social media over successive days:
Let's take to the feeds and show everyone what it looks like to be SAG-AFTRA Strong!#SagAftraMembers and allies! Join our #SagAftraStrongChallenge, starting Tomorrow, 10/31. Follow the daily prompt and share your #SagAftraStrong pride! Swipe through for all the details.
- 10/31/2023
- by Dominic Patten and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
SAG-AFTRA leadership continued to bargain with the major studios on Sunday, but despite growing optimism around the industry, no deal has been reached yet.
The union presented its latest proposal to the studios on Saturday. The two sides were said to be engaged in “productive” talks through the weekend.
One source said that on Sunday there were “tough conversations” as they have yet to resolve the thorny issues around regulation of artificial intelligence. Another said that the talks were progressing in the right direction.
On Sunday night, SAG-AFTRA told its members that both sides would work independently on Monday, and would connect at the end of the day about scheduling further meetings.
“Join us and flood picket lines in the morning,” the union said. “Make your voices heard.”
Four studio CEOs — Ted Sarandos of Netflix, Donna Langley of NBCUniversal, David Zaslav of Warner Bros. Discovery, and Bob Iger of Disney...
The union presented its latest proposal to the studios on Saturday. The two sides were said to be engaged in “productive” talks through the weekend.
One source said that on Sunday there were “tough conversations” as they have yet to resolve the thorny issues around regulation of artificial intelligence. Another said that the talks were progressing in the right direction.
On Sunday night, SAG-AFTRA told its members that both sides would work independently on Monday, and would connect at the end of the day about scheduling further meetings.
“Join us and flood picket lines in the morning,” the union said. “Make your voices heard.”
Four studio CEOs — Ted Sarandos of Netflix, Donna Langley of NBCUniversal, David Zaslav of Warner Bros. Discovery, and Bob Iger of Disney...
- 10/29/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers will meet for a fourth straight day on Sunday, TheWrap has learned.
Guild and studio leadership, led by AMPTP CEO Carol Lombardini, met for a third day on Saturday, working into the weekend as hopes for an end to the 107-day labor strike mount.
“Things are feeling more optimistic,” one studio insider familiar with the day’s proceedings told TheWrap.
Saturday’s meeting — held virtually and absent of the four CEOs previously present: Disney’s Bob Iger, Warner Bros. Discovery’s David Zaslav, NBCUniversal Donna Langley and Netflix’s Ted Sarandos — was said to be constructive. SAG-AFTRA is understood to have presented its latest response; next, it is the studio’s turn to deliver.
The core issues at hand remained the same, and Saturday was an opportunity to dive deep and work toward a resolution for the end of the month.
Guild and studio leadership, led by AMPTP CEO Carol Lombardini, met for a third day on Saturday, working into the weekend as hopes for an end to the 107-day labor strike mount.
“Things are feeling more optimistic,” one studio insider familiar with the day’s proceedings told TheWrap.
Saturday’s meeting — held virtually and absent of the four CEOs previously present: Disney’s Bob Iger, Warner Bros. Discovery’s David Zaslav, NBCUniversal Donna Langley and Netflix’s Ted Sarandos — was said to be constructive. SAG-AFTRA is understood to have presented its latest response; next, it is the studio’s turn to deliver.
The core issues at hand remained the same, and Saturday was an opportunity to dive deep and work toward a resolution for the end of the month.
- 10/29/2023
- by Benjamin Lindsay
- The Wrap
As the SAG-AFTRA negotiations extend into the weekend, the union and Hollywood studios concluded their talks on Saturday over a new three-year pact that could bring an end to the actors’ strike.
The work is set to continue Sunday, as one source tells The Hollywood Reporter that talks were “constructive” Saturday.
The discussions saw the union side present its latest responses to studios. The discussions were led on the studio side by Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers president Carol Lombardini on Saturday, with no top company executives present, as they were in prior negotiation sessions this week.
The development comes after the performers’ union and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers returned to negotiations for the first time in nearly two weeks on Tuesday. With the industry watching closely, the two sides have been trading proposals over multiple days and have made some moves on hot-button issues.
The work is set to continue Sunday, as one source tells The Hollywood Reporter that talks were “constructive” Saturday.
The discussions saw the union side present its latest responses to studios. The discussions were led on the studio side by Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers president Carol Lombardini on Saturday, with no top company executives present, as they were in prior negotiation sessions this week.
The development comes after the performers’ union and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers returned to negotiations for the first time in nearly two weeks on Tuesday. With the industry watching closely, the two sides have been trading proposals over multiple days and have made some moves on hot-button issues.
- 10/29/2023
- by Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
SAG-AFTRA negotiations have ended for the day, as the studios and the union plan to keep working on a deal to end the 107-day strike.
The talks will resume on Sunday. The union delivered its latest response on Saturday, and is awaiting word back from the studios.
A studio source described the talks as “productive.”
Carol Lombardini, the CEO of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, represented the studios in the Saturday session, as the four studio CEOs who have participated previously were not in attendance.
The AMPTP has met on four of the last five days with union leadership, as both sides feel pressure to get a resolution.
There has been some optimism about progress at certain points over the last few days, but there has also been a fair amount of frustration.
The union sent out a routine reminder on Saturday morning to its members about upcoming picketing.
The talks will resume on Sunday. The union delivered its latest response on Saturday, and is awaiting word back from the studios.
A studio source described the talks as “productive.”
Carol Lombardini, the CEO of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, represented the studios in the Saturday session, as the four studio CEOs who have participated previously were not in attendance.
The AMPTP has met on four of the last five days with union leadership, as both sides feel pressure to get a resolution.
There has been some optimism about progress at certain points over the last few days, but there has also been a fair amount of frustration.
The union sent out a routine reminder on Saturday morning to its members about upcoming picketing.
- 10/29/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
After a tense week that saw SAG-AFTRA and Hollywood studios swap proposals over a new three-year labor contract, both sides are expected to meet again over the weekend amid the ongoing actors’ strike, according to a source close to the negotiations.
Four top company executives that had been present in previous negotiations sessions over the week — Bob Iger, Ted Sarandos, Donna Langley and David Zaslav — were not present in Friday’s session, at least initially, according to sources, which saw Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers president Carol Lombardini lead talks on behalf of the industry.
In a statement to members on Friday evening, the union’s TV/theatrical negotiating committee said, “We completed a full and productive day working internally and will continue into the weekend.” The committee added, “We thank you for the incredible solidarity and support you have shown on the pickets and across the country all week long.
Four top company executives that had been present in previous negotiations sessions over the week — Bob Iger, Ted Sarandos, Donna Langley and David Zaslav — were not present in Friday’s session, at least initially, according to sources, which saw Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers president Carol Lombardini lead talks on behalf of the industry.
In a statement to members on Friday evening, the union’s TV/theatrical negotiating committee said, “We completed a full and productive day working internally and will continue into the weekend.” The committee added, “We thank you for the incredible solidarity and support you have shown on the pickets and across the country all week long.
- 10/28/2023
- by Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: SAG-AFTRA and the studios don’t have a deal, but they are planning on talking more.
Any agreement between SAG-AFTRA and the studios to end the 106-day strike by the 160,000-strong guild looks almost certain to not be coming tonight, though the two sides are still in deliberations right now (Update – 5:51 p.m: the talks are now over for the day). However, it’s our understanding that the guild and the AMPTP have agreed that talks between the parties will go into the weekend — Saturday and Sunday, if necessary.
Whether those talks will continue at SAG-AFTRA’s Wilshire offices or virtual is still Tbd, we hear.
We also hear that the reaction today by AMPTP president Carol Lombardini and the major studio Gang of Four — Disney’s Bob Iger, Netflix’s Ted Sarandos, Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav and NBCUniversal’s Donna Langley– to the guild’s...
Any agreement between SAG-AFTRA and the studios to end the 106-day strike by the 160,000-strong guild looks almost certain to not be coming tonight, though the two sides are still in deliberations right now (Update – 5:51 p.m: the talks are now over for the day). However, it’s our understanding that the guild and the AMPTP have agreed that talks between the parties will go into the weekend — Saturday and Sunday, if necessary.
Whether those talks will continue at SAG-AFTRA’s Wilshire offices or virtual is still Tbd, we hear.
We also hear that the reaction today by AMPTP president Carol Lombardini and the major studio Gang of Four — Disney’s Bob Iger, Netflix’s Ted Sarandos, Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav and NBCUniversal’s Donna Langley– to the guild’s...
- 10/27/2023
- by Dominic Patten and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
After an unexpected postponement, SAG-AFTRA and Hollywood studios made some steady progress toward a new deal during talks on Thursday afternoon, according to studio-side insiders with knowledge of the talks.
The insiders said talks are expected to continue on Friday, though that won’t be confirmed until the guild makes such an announcement in a memo to members. A representative for the guild declined to comment, citing SAG-AFTRA’s “deep focus on bargaining in good faith to secure a fair deal.”
The SAG-AFTRA negotiating committee met with AMPTP president Carol Lombardini and the quartet of CEOs that have been involved with labor talks — Disney’s Bob Iger, NBCUniversal’s Donna Langley, Warner Bros. Discovery’s David Zaslav and Netflix’s Ted Sarandos — a bit later on Thursday than usual due to schedule conflicts.
The guild’s national executive director and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland appeared prior to the start of...
The insiders said talks are expected to continue on Friday, though that won’t be confirmed until the guild makes such an announcement in a memo to members. A representative for the guild declined to comment, citing SAG-AFTRA’s “deep focus on bargaining in good faith to secure a fair deal.”
The SAG-AFTRA negotiating committee met with AMPTP president Carol Lombardini and the quartet of CEOs that have been involved with labor talks — Disney’s Bob Iger, NBCUniversal’s Donna Langley, Warner Bros. Discovery’s David Zaslav and Netflix’s Ted Sarandos — a bit later on Thursday than usual due to schedule conflicts.
The guild’s national executive director and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland appeared prior to the start of...
- 10/27/2023
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Exclusive: SAG-AFTRA’s chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said it on the picket lines earlier Thursday, and now it seems that “cautious optimism,” as an insider also characterized it today, has become the takeaway term for the state of talks between the actors guild and the studios.
In that vein, SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP have agreed to meet again Friday, after negotiations today that ended after almost five hours.
With no direct talks Wednesday, the gist of today’s deliberations was SAG-AFTRA’s response to the AMPTP’s most recent offer of increased bonuses based on the success of streaming shows and movies and a rise in minimum rates. Using their hard-fought deal with the Writers Guild as a baseline, the studios had put forth a 7% increase in minimums. It is understood that SAG-AFTRA, which has been discussing an 11% rise, recognized the tactical heft of the move and offered a compromise...
In that vein, SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP have agreed to meet again Friday, after negotiations today that ended after almost five hours.
With no direct talks Wednesday, the gist of today’s deliberations was SAG-AFTRA’s response to the AMPTP’s most recent offer of increased bonuses based on the success of streaming shows and movies and a rise in minimum rates. Using their hard-fought deal with the Writers Guild as a baseline, the studios had put forth a 7% increase in minimums. It is understood that SAG-AFTRA, which has been discussing an 11% rise, recognized the tactical heft of the move and offered a compromise...
- 10/26/2023
- by Dominic Patten and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP are back at the table today for more talks to resolve the actors strike that has been going on for over 100 days.
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, chief negotiator at the union, told Deadline that he was “cautiously optimistic” about talks with the studios.
Crabtree-Ireland made a quick stop to Paramount where the union was hosting the Hip Hop Alliance and its co-founder Kurtis Blow before heading back over to the guild’s Wilshire Boulevard offices for talks with the likes of Carol Lombardini, Disney’s Bob Iger, NBCU’s Donna Langley, Netflix’s Ted Sarandos and Warner Bros. Discovery’s David Zaslav.
“We are having continued negotiations today and we’re 100% focused on making a fair deal at the table. That’s where it’s going. That’s what it’s all about. I am cautiously optimistic that can happen. I don’t really want to characterize what...
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, chief negotiator at the union, told Deadline that he was “cautiously optimistic” about talks with the studios.
Crabtree-Ireland made a quick stop to Paramount where the union was hosting the Hip Hop Alliance and its co-founder Kurtis Blow before heading back over to the guild’s Wilshire Boulevard offices for talks with the likes of Carol Lombardini, Disney’s Bob Iger, NBCU’s Donna Langley, Netflix’s Ted Sarandos and Warner Bros. Discovery’s David Zaslav.
“We are having continued negotiations today and we’re 100% focused on making a fair deal at the table. That’s where it’s going. That’s what it’s all about. I am cautiously optimistic that can happen. I don’t really want to characterize what...
- 10/26/2023
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Negotiations scheduled Wednesday between SAG-AFTRA and the studios didn’t happen after all — and everyone’s good with that.
“It’s a step in the right direction and the negotiating committee is taking the time to do a deep review,” a guild source tight to the talks told Deadline this evening, noting it is just a pause of one day.
Although the actors guild said Tuesday night it was “scheduled to continue talks with them tomorrow,” that shifted this morning when SAG-AFTRA leadership reached out to the AMPTP to ask to modify those plans. As conveyed to the studio side, guild brass felt they needed more time to look over the latest proposals the CEO Gang of Four and AMPTP president Carol Lombardini presented Tuesday to guild boss Fran Drescher, chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland and their team.
Somewhat surprised at first by the guild’s ask, the studio chiefs apparently...
“It’s a step in the right direction and the negotiating committee is taking the time to do a deep review,” a guild source tight to the talks told Deadline this evening, noting it is just a pause of one day.
Although the actors guild said Tuesday night it was “scheduled to continue talks with them tomorrow,” that shifted this morning when SAG-AFTRA leadership reached out to the AMPTP to ask to modify those plans. As conveyed to the studio side, guild brass felt they needed more time to look over the latest proposals the CEO Gang of Four and AMPTP president Carol Lombardini presented Tuesday to guild boss Fran Drescher, chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland and their team.
Somewhat surprised at first by the guild’s ask, the studio chiefs apparently...
- 10/26/2023
- by Dominic Patten and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Update, 7:44 Pm: Talks between the studios and SAG-AFTRA didn’t go so well today, but the Guild has now confirmed the two sides will be back at it tomorrow for another attempt to end the 100-plus day strike.
“Today, the CEOs came back to the table,” SAG-AFTRA told members in an email after negotiations had wrapped for the day. “We are scheduled to continue talks with them tomorrow,” the missive continued, as Deadline had reported earlier.
Perhaps that’s why the Guild’s TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee went on to add: “We will continue to provide updates with you directly. Remember – don’t believe anything you read in the press unless it comes directly from us. Keep showing up on the picket lines and make your voices heard around the country.
Previously, 6:25 Pm: Exclusive: The first day of the latest round of renewed talks between the studios and SAG-AFTRA has ended,...
“Today, the CEOs came back to the table,” SAG-AFTRA told members in an email after negotiations had wrapped for the day. “We are scheduled to continue talks with them tomorrow,” the missive continued, as Deadline had reported earlier.
Perhaps that’s why the Guild’s TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee went on to add: “We will continue to provide updates with you directly. Remember – don’t believe anything you read in the press unless it comes directly from us. Keep showing up on the picket lines and make your voices heard around the country.
Previously, 6:25 Pm: Exclusive: The first day of the latest round of renewed talks between the studios and SAG-AFTRA has ended,...
- 10/25/2023
- by Dominic Patten and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
A call from Disney CEO Bob Iger to SAG-AFTRA national executive director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland on Saturday, Oct. 21, set in motion the long-awaited return to negotiations between the union and Hollywood studios later this week.
During that conversation, Iger expressed the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers’ desire to get back to bargaining and finally hammer out a new three-year contract amid a SAG-AFTRA strike that has now stretched out over 100 days. AMPTP president Carol Lombardini soon followed up with her own call to Crabtree-Ireland. Under pressure from members at the bottom and top of the call sheet, the performers union quickly reacted, within the same day issuing a joint press release with the AMPTP that announced the return to negotiations and adjourning its biennial national convention two days early so that the union’s staff and negotiating team could get to work.
The AMPTP, which walked out of negotiations on Oct.
During that conversation, Iger expressed the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers’ desire to get back to bargaining and finally hammer out a new three-year contract amid a SAG-AFTRA strike that has now stretched out over 100 days. AMPTP president Carol Lombardini soon followed up with her own call to Crabtree-Ireland. Under pressure from members at the bottom and top of the call sheet, the performers union quickly reacted, within the same day issuing a joint press release with the AMPTP that announced the return to negotiations and adjourning its biennial national convention two days early so that the union’s staff and negotiating team could get to work.
The AMPTP, which walked out of negotiations on Oct.
- 10/24/2023
- by Pamela McClintock, Katie Kilkenny and Rebecca Keegan
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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