The bargaining committee of the actors’ union, SAG-AFTRA, told its members on Saturday that it had received a “last, best and final offer” from major entertainment studios as a strike that has paralyzed much of Hollywood continues since 114 days ago.
“We are reviewing it and considering our response within the context of the critical issues addressed in our proposals,” the negotiating committee said. They did not say when they would respond to the offer, which came after an hour-long video conference that included top studio executives.
Included in the offer was a pay raise that could be the highest in four decades, according to a person familiar with the offer who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the negotiations. The studios also offered actors a new way to determine residuals from streaming shows based on performance metrics and AI protections, including consent and compensation requirements. The studies also offered an increase to pension and health funds.
Saturday’s virtual meeting featured the largest group of top entertainment executives yet to commit to the negotiating committee, underscoring the urgency with which the studios want to get back to work in an effort to save the TV season. of autumn and guarantee the theatrical box office next summer. not be interrupted.
Four executives have led the talks: NBCUniversal Studio Group president and chief content officer Donna Langley; Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos; Disney CEO Robert A. Iger; and Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav. They were joined by Paramount Pictures CEO Brian Robbins; Disney entertainment co-presidents Dana Walden and Alan Bergman; Mike Hopkins and Jennifer Salke of Amazon Studios; the president of Sony Pictures, Tony Vinciquerra; and Jamie Erlicht and Zack Van Amburg of Apple Studios.
The entertainment business has been paralyzed for months due to strikes by writers, who walked out in May, and actors, who joined them in July. The writers’ strike was resolved just over a month ago, but the actors’ work stoppage has continued, leaving thousands of people out of work for almost six months.
