Hollywood Writers’ Deal Could Serve as a Template for Negotiations with Striking Actors, Says Reuters

By Dawn Chmielewski and Lisa Richwine

LOS ANGELES – A tentative agreement reached by Hollywood writers with major studios and streaming platforms could pave the way for a similar resolution for actors, who have been on strike since mid-July.

Writers and actors share several common concerns, such as demands for higher compensation and restrictions on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the industry.

The Writers Guild of America (WGA), which initiated a strike on May 2, announced a tentative deal with studios on Sunday. This agreement includes enhancements to minimum pay, increased streaming residuals, and guarantees that AI cannot be used to diminish a writer’s credit. The deal has sparked optimism among striking actors that they may soon resolve their own disputes with the studios.

“I’ve heard it’s an exceptional deal, and historically, whatever agreement is reached with one union often serves as a benchmark for the next,” said writer and actor Mel Shimkovitz during a picket outside a major streaming service.

The WGA announced that writers could return to work as early as Wednesday prior to a final vote to ratify the contract. This would allow talk shows to resume production and writing activities to restart, although filming cannot begin until the actors finalize their own labor agreement.

Negotiators for the SAG-AFTRA actors’ union have not engaged in discussions with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) – which includes major studios – since the summer. Executives in the entertainment industry remain hopeful that negotiations will recommence soon.

“SAG negotiations shouldn’t take much time,” remarked one studio executive following the writers’ agreement, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of these discussions.

Actors aim to safeguard their likenesses and performances from being replaced by AI-generated “digital replicas.” Like writers, they are seeking compensation that aligns with their contributions to streaming, particularly through revenue sharing.

However, SAG-AFTRA also has broader objectives and encompasses diverse performers with unique concerns.

Actors are advocating for limits on self-taped auditions, which they contend incur higher costs than in-person auditions. Additionally, they are calling for hair and makeup professionals skilled in working with various hair textures and skin tones to promote inclusivity. Moreover, they seek more flexibility during lengthy breaks between television seasons, among other issues.

Dancers, singers, background actors, and stunt performers also have specific recommendations to address.

“Our fight isn’t over, it’s just heating up!” SAG-AFTRA declared on social media recently, sharing images of members on the picket lines. “We are dedicated to securing a fair contract because we deserve nothing less. Let’s keep pushing, keep fighting, and demonstrate our determination!”