Hollywood Stars Deal in Three-Year Contract: Hollywood performers in the SAG-AFTRA union have given the nod to a fresh three-year TV/theatrical contract with major studios and streaming giants, including Netflix, Amazon, Warner Brothers, Universal, and Disney. This agreement comes on the heels of a 118-day strike that concluded last month.
The union, boasting 160,000 members, recently underwent a month-long voting period for the new contract, with 78.33 percent approving it at a turnout of 38.15 percent. Fran Drescher, SAG-AFTRA president, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “This is a golden age for SAG-AFTRA, and our union has never been more powerful.”
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, representing the studios, extended congratulations, highlighting the contract’s significance in securing historic gains and protections for performers. The deal is seen as a catalyst for the industry’s full return.
Actors, dancers, stunt performers, and voice-over actors are set to benefit from wage increases, higher residuals, streaming bonuses, and protections against the use of artificial intelligence. SAG-AFTRA estimates the contract’s impact at over a billion dollars, encompassing new compensation, health benefits, and pensions.
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the union’s national executive director and chief negotiator, described the agreement as hard-fought, pushing companies to agree to terms initially deemed improbable. He emphasized leveraging the critical moment when decisions about canceling shows and projects loomed.
ALSO READ: Penney Hauschild Buxton Induction into Alabama Sports Hall of Fame 2024
Under the fresh deal, performers must consent to and be compensated for the use of their likenesses and voices, even when replicated by AI. However, concerns arose in recent weeks about potential loopholes enabling companies to replace human actors with synthetic performers.
Actor Shaan Sharma, a member of the union’s negotiating committee, expressed reservations, stating the contract poses an existential threat to SAG-AFTRA performers due to its perceived lack of protection.
Crabtree-Ireland reassured that as technology evolves, the union will vigilantly monitor outcomes, suggesting further negotiations for enhanced protections in the next contract, slated for three years from now with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.
Our Reader’s Queries
What is the new SAG-AFTRA deal?
SAG-AFTRA’s groundbreaking deal with the AMPTP brings major updates to the contract, marking a significant milestone. The agreement secures over $1 billion in new compensation and benefit plan funding, and offers substantial improvements to the traditional residuals formulas.
What is the legal contract for an actor?
An actor contract is a legal agreement between an actor and their employer. Its purpose is to detail the terms of employment for a job and can cover commercial production, film, TV, and stage performances.
Did the actors ratify their contract?
In Los Angeles on December 5, Reuters reported that the SAG-AFTRA actors union agreed to a three-year contract with major studios, putting an end to six months of Hollywood labor disputes. According to SAG-AFTRA, 78% of voters approved the deal with Netflix Inc (NFLX), bringing a formal conclusion to the halt in film and television production.
Did the SAG contract get ratified?
SAG-AFTRA members have approved the contract with a 78% majority. Only 38% of members participated in the vote. The agreement will remain effective until June 30, 2026.