Maeve Bidonde, Staff Writer
On Thursday, Nov. 9, a tentative agreement was reached between AMPTP and SAG-AFTRA which resulted in the end of their strike. Many people were left wondering when the SAG-AFTRA strike would end after the Writer’s Guild ended their strike back in September. The SAG-AFTRA strike lasted for 118 days, starting on Jul. 14 and ending on Nov. 9. A contract was made and is valued over one billion dollars.
According to the SAG-AFTRA website, the deal they reached was extraordinary and it seems actors got most of what they wanted. “…We have achieved a deal of extraordinary scope that includes ‘above-pattern’ minimum compensation increases, unprecedented provisions for consent and compensation that will protect members from the threat of AI, and for the first time establishing a streaming participation bonus. Our Pension & Health caps have been substantially raised, which will bring much needed value to our plans. In addition, the deal includes numerous improvements for multiple categories including outsize compensation increases for background performers, and critical contract provisions protecting diverse communities,” said TV/TH Negotiating Committee in an address. The contract allows members of the present and future to have a more sustainable career in the industry.
What does this mean for Hollywood and streaming prices? Prior to the strikes, Hollywood was already tightening the purse strings on content on streaming services. New shows weren’t being found and the strike gave them another reason to cut back on streaming content. At this time there will not be a variety of new content in 2024.
SAG-AFTRA leaders told The Washington Post that they plan to meet with studios twice a year to discuss AI, as this is a part of what started the strikes in the first place. The deal explains limits on how AI can be used in the writer’s rooms and provide protection to actors in productions. These talks will also expect to make rapid advancements in the three-year contract and prevent further disagreements.
So, how do the actors and actresses feel about the end of the strikes? Many of them were excited and happy that the longest actors strike in history has come to an end. They look forward to being back on social media posting pictures and videos on set for their next projects.
A lot of changes will come to Hollywood with the end of the SAG-AFTRA Strike. Writers can now have their work protected and credited. No more halts will be put on any films or shows. And the entertainment industry can grow as a more inclusive system in creative management. The next topic of discussion the industry must look into is the effects the new contract will have in consumer activities. At this time scheduling for push backed movies and shows will remain the same. With hope in mind, it’s time to look up release dates for the shows and movies you’ve been waiting for.
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