SAG-AFTRA Chief Negotiator 'Cautiously Optimistic’ Studios Are Prepared To Address Union Demands

During two virtual press conferences with reporters Tuesday, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA national executive director and chief negotiator, expressed some hope that the Association of Motion Picture and Television Producers would address performers’ demands as their strike entered day 33.

The optimism comes as Writers Guild of America negotiators — now more than 100 days into a strike of their own — get back to the negotiating table with the AMPTP this week.

“Perhaps that is a sign for cautious optimism about the future of these agreements. And hopefully an end to both strikes in the near future,” Crabtree-Ireland told reporters.

Crabtree-Ireland added that there had been no contact by the AMPTP to SAG-AFTRA since negotiations broke down in July.

“We are ready, willing and able to return to the table and to continue discussions and negotiations with the companies,” he said.

In an email to LAist, the AMPTP echoed their previous statement: “We remain committed to finding a path to mutually beneficial deals with both Unions.”

Crabtree-Ireland also provided clarity on how SAG-AFTRA’s interim agreements — which allow certain independent productions to get to work during the strike — would work moving forward.

At the request of the WGA and in an effort to support their fellow union, SAG-AFTRA will not offer interim agreements to projects covered by the WGA. Crabtree-Ireland said that on average, 15-20% of projects SAG-AFTRA considers for an interim agreement are covered by WGA contracts.

“During normal times — set aside the strike — a large portion of independent features that are shot under SAG-AFTRA agreements are not covered by the Writers Guild,” Crabtree-Ireland said.

So far, roughly 200 productions have signed interim agreements, which Crabtree-Ireland called a valuable benefit for casts and crews struggling during the dual strikes.