Topline:
SAG-AFTRA negotiators say they’re resuming talks with studios and streamers today after last week’s meeting. Picketing continues after nearly three months, as performers fight for protections around artificial intelligence and the use of their digital copies, residuals increases and other demands.
Jobs context: According to the latest jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the motion picture and sound recording industry has “declined by 45,000 since May, reflecting the impact of labor disputes.”
Video game negotiations: Actors are also pushing the video game industry for better pay and protections around use of their digital replicas. SAG-AFTRA negotiators have a strike authorization in-hand should those video game talks break down.
From a SAG-AFTRA and video game producers joint statement on Sept. 28: “SAG-AFTRA and video game employers concluded scheduled negotiations for the Interactive Media Agreement. No deal was reached and the current agreement will remain in effect while the parties make final efforts to reach a deal.”