SAG-AFTRA, the labor union representing performers in the entertainment industry, recently responded to the studios’ latest contract offer, highlighting their concerns about AI protections for high-earning members. Sources familiar with the ongoing negotiations have revealed that SAG-AFTRA has raised objections to an AI clause proposed by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) in their offer.
The AMPTP is seeking to implement AI scans for Schedule F performers, who are guild members earning more than the minimum payments for series regulars and feature films. The suggested clause would require studios and streamers to pay for scanning the likeness of these high-earning performers. However, SAG-AFTRA is pushing for compensation for the re-use of AI scans. They argue that member companies of the AMPTP should also obtain consent from the performer before using their AI scans. This issue becomes more complex in the case of deceased performers, as the current language in the AMPTP’s offer would allow studios and streamers to use scans of deceased performers without consent from their estate or SAG-AFTRA.
In light of these concerns, The Hollywood Reporter reached out to both the AMPTP and SAG-AFTRA for comments, but there hasn’t been any response from them at the time of reporting.
An anonymous source from the union-side suggests that the AI clause was one of the primary reasons why SAG-AFTRA did not accept the “last, best and final” offer from the AMPTP. They believe that it is essential to protect all high-earning performers from potential exploitation. This struggle is not just about minimum-wage disputes but also about safeguarding the interests of A-, B-, C-, D-, and E-list performers. The source emphasizes that these high-earning performers should join the fight to protect themselves. They argue that the people who advocated for accepting the deal would be adversely affected if such a clause were accepted.
To address these concerns, SAG-AFTRA has been working on a counteroffer throughout the weekend, which has been presented to the AMPTP. A meeting between SAG-AFTRA’s chief negotiator, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, and Carol Lombardini, his counterpart from the AMPTP, was scheduled for Monday. According to sources, the performers’ union intended to counter the Schedule F AI language in the offer, along with other problematic items that did not involve monetary compensations.
The union-side source argues that removing the Schedule F AI language from the AMPTP’s proposal is vital for the sustainability of the performance industry. They believe that allowing such a loophole would enable exploitation of performers. The source states that the proposed AI language benefits the studios and streamers by requiring consent when the performer is alive but leaving no such requirement after their death.
In a statement to its members, the SAG-AFTRA negotiating committee informed them that they had responded to the AMPTP’s latest offer. They expressed determination to secure the right deal and bring the strike to an end responsibly. However, they highlighted that several essential items, including AI, still lacked agreement. The committee promised to keep members informed about the ongoing events.
These negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP represent the actors and studios’ effort to reach a consensus on a new contract. AI protections for high-earning performers have emerged as a significant sticking point in the talks. Both sides are eager to find a resolution that benefits all parties and ensures fair compensation and protection for performers in the rapidly evolving entertainment industry.
