Striking Hollywood actors mull studios’ ‘last, best and final’ offer
SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher, former star of The Nanny, announces the actors strike in July. Photo: AAP
Hollywood’s studios have offered striking actors what they insist is a take-it-or-leave-it final offer, saying there will be no more concessions to union demands.
SAG-AFTRA members walked off the job in July to demand higher compensation in the streaming TV era plus protections around the use of artificial intelligence and other gains.
The “last, best and final offer” to end a four-month strike is now being considered by Screen Actors Guild negotiators.
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers which represents Walt Disney, Netflix and other companies, presented its latest offer on Saturday, SAG-AFTRA leadership said in an update to members.
“We are reviewing it and considering our response within the context of the critical issues addressed in our proposals,” the union said.
Digital images
Earlier this week, union leaders expressed “cautious optimism” that a deal could be reached soon but also said there were gaps between the two sides on various issues including the use of AI.
Actors are seeking assurances that their digital likenesses will not be used without their permission.
The work stoppage, along with a Writers Guild of America strike that ended in September, has cost California’s economy at least $6 billion, according to a Milken Institute estimate.
Most scripted film and television production remains on hold.
SAG-AFTRA represents 160,000 actors and other media professionals.
-AAP