Exciting news, Hollywood! After an intense battle that had us all on the edge of our seats, the strike that held the entertainment industry captive has finally come to an end. Today, SAG-AFTRA negotiators announced the approval of a tentative agreement with the studios, bringing the longest actors strike in Hollywood history to a close.
In a classic Hollywood cliffhanger, the AMPTP delivered its “last, best and final” offer on Friday, leaving everyone guessing about the outcome. The offer didn’t include a crucial union demand regarding rev share of streaming platforms, but it did address other significant issues. Negotiations continued, with countless hours spent fine-tuning the final deal.
Then, the announcement we’ve all been eagerly waiting for came just before 5pm pst. The union declared that the 118-day strike would officially end at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, allowing actors to return to work by tomorrow morning. This breakthrough sent waves of relief and excitement throughout the industry.
The negotiating committee unanimously approved the deal, and now it awaits approval from the SAG-AFTRA national board on Friday. Once the board gives the green light, union members will have the opportunity to ratify the agreement through a vote, which might take up to a week. Stay tuned as the full terms of this groundbreaking agreement will be unveiled once the national board signs off on it.
There’s certainly a lot to celebrate about this new agreement. SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP have crafted a deal that not only provides the first-ever protections for actors when it comes to the use of artificial intelligence but also includes a historic pay increase, averaging around 7%. This victory marks a significant milestone for the performers who bring our favorite characters to life on screens big and small.
The timing of this agreement couldn’t be more perfect, as it comes just before the holiday season. It’s a true hail mary to save the 2023-24 TV season and preserve the schedule for next summer’s theatrical releases. Actors everywhere can finally exhale, knowing that their years of hard work and dedication have paid off.
Once finalized, this three-year deal will set the stage for a future where both union strength and the growing presence of artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry coexist. As our industry evolves, it’s clear that AI is here to stay, but so is the power of unity and collective bargaining.
So, let’s raise our glasses to this momentous occasion! The strike is over, and Hollywood can continue to captivate us with its stories and performances. We look forward to witnessing the incredible talent of SAG-AFTRA members unfold on our screens once again, bringing us laughter, tears, and everything in between.
The post “End of the Strike! SAG-AFTRA Reaches Tentative Agreement with Studios” appeared first on the L’Art Magazine.
