AceShowbiz - SAG-AFTRA recently concluded a month-long series of discussions with major studios but did not secure a new contract. The union and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) agreed to pause formal negotiations and plan to resume talks later this spring, ahead of the current contract’s June 30 expiration.

Though a resolution was hoped for in March, the talks extended beyond the original schedule in an effort to reach an agreement. Both sides described the bargaining sessions as productive, with negotiations running several days past the planned timeline. In a joint statement, the union and studios expressed appreciation for the dedication of their negotiating teams and confirmed they would maintain a press blackout until further updates are available.

The talks began on February 9, initially slated to finish by March 6. Encouraged by some progress, the parties extended the schedule by an additional week. However, the negotiations ultimately paused, awaiting the upcoming Writers Guild of America (WGA) talks set to start on May 1. The WGA contract is the first to expire, creating a critical deadline that influences the timing of other union discussions.

Following the WGA negotiations, the AMPTP will meet with the Directors Guild of America (DGA) beginning May 11. Both the DGA and SAG-AFTRA contracts share the June 30 expiration date, making the coming months pivotal for all parties involved.

Leading the union’s efforts is Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA’s executive director. Representing the studios is Greg Hessinger, the newly appointed CEO of the AMPTP. The negotiating teams have tackled various complex topics throughout the talks.

One of the most challenging subjects remains artificial intelligence (AI). The union is striving to control the use of “synthetic performers”—digital avatars that do not resemble any real actor. In 2023, SAG-AFTRA secured strong protections for AI replicas, emphasizing “consent and compensation” when an actor’s likeness is used digitally. Both studios and actors found mutual benefit in that agreement, as AI voices and performances can be advantageous to both.

However, synthetic performers such as the AI-created “Tilly Norwood” pose tougher challenges. Real actors receive little or no benefit from their use and have limited power to prevent studios from employing their likeness for AI training purposes. Last year, the union sought veto power over synthetic performer usage but was denied.

This year, one proposal gaining traction is the so-called “Tilly tax,” which would require studios to pay into a union fund when using synthetic performers. This approach aims to provide some financial compensation to actors affected by AI-driven creations.

Beyond AI, other critical issues under negotiation include improvements to health and pension funds, adjustments to exclusivity windows, and increased residuals for streaming platforms. These topics remain essential to the union as it advocates for fair compensation and protections for its members in a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape.