In a significant development for Hollywood, SAG-AFTRA announced the end of the 118-day strike after reaching a tentative deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). The unanimous vote by The SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical Committee signals a fresh three-year contract, allowing union actors to resume work and bringing an end to the prolonged picketing. The strike is set to officially conclude at 12:01 AM on Thursday, November 9.
While the terms of the deal have not been publicly disclosed, reports indicate that the language surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) protections was a critical point of contention in the negotiations. According to sources, the studios sought the ability to scan actors, even deceased ones, for a one-time fee, with the freedom to use their likeness in future projects. However, SAG insisted on additional safeguards, including actor permission and extra compensation for any subsequent use of AI scans.
As the industry awaits the full details of the agreement, there are murmurs suggesting that SAG actors may have secured improved pay and on-set conditions. The union’s board and members must still ratify the deal, but the conclusion of this strike comes on the heels of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) securing its own new contract about a month ago.
While this resolution marks a positive step forward for the entertainment industry, it remains to be seen how the new terms will impact actors and production moving forward. As Hollywood regains its footing post-strike, attention will likely shift to the lasting effects and potential future negotiations on key industry issues.
Written by
Derek Chan – Editor
