Deal framework exists amid movement in talks – deadline

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Updated at 8:51 p.m.: SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP are highlighting AI in the latest round of talks in what has turned out to be a clearly parallel track process.

Just a few hours after Deadline announced (see below) that the actors union and studios were moving closer to a new three-year call and a potential end to the 111-day strike, SAG-AFTRA sent one of its most detailed letters yet to its 160 members. alpha.

“The Negotiating Committee met today to discuss and finalize our response to the AMPTP AI counterproposal we received yesterday,” the TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee said. “Negotiators then met with AMPTP representatives for more than three hours this afternoon and evening to present and review our revised proposal.”

Along with a clear mechanism for what is now called “success-based compensation” for a host of successful streaming shows, AI has persistently proven to be a sticking point in deliberations, even before the SAG-AFTRA strike in mid-July.

This does not mean that there are not other issues and demands that the parties must still overcome.

“We are still awaiting AMPTP’s response to the comprehensive counter-proposal package we presented to them on Saturday, which addresses the outstanding issues,” the union continued to tell members late Wednesday. “Please know that your presence on the picket lines and your support on social media remains an inspiration.”

Sources on both sides told Deadline that AMPTP and SAG-AFTRA intend to have direct communications and talks tomorrow.

Previously, at 5:19 p.m.: Exclusive: There is real movement in talks between SAG-AFTRA and the studios for a new three-year contract,

There is no agreement yet, but we have heard that there is a framework for a possible agreement.

Returning to negotiations on Wednesday on the 111th day of the actors’ strike, a SAG-AFTRA source said the two sides were “getting closer and closer” to reaching an agreement. It remains to be seen whether that will lead to a tentative agreement in the next few days or next week, but a more “optimistic” mood now pervades the virtual talks — “for what it’s worth,” said an industry insider close to the negotiations.

“I think we’ve gone beyond cautious optimism now,” the source added, taking a dig at the term that has resonated in talks in the past few days.

SAG-AFTRA chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland and AMTP chair Carole Lombardini were in the drivers’ seats again today, with smaller specialist teams digging into the details. As such, the two parties appear to be taking at least some pain out of the thorny topics of artificial intelligence and so-called “success-based compensation” for actors of hit shows and movies.

“There’s a do-it-yourself attitude in the room,” a studio-side source said of the bullish vibe of today’s talks that did not include Group of Four CEOs from NBCUniversal’s Donna Langley, Disney’s Bob Iger, and Warner Bros. Discovery. Netflix’s David Zaslav and Ted Sarandos. Another source added: “I know the big cases are going well, but they are continuing to review the wording of the AI,” and “it will take a few days.”

Today’s deliberations continued until late afternoon, with the parties anticipating further talks tomorrow, November 2.

This latest situation comes on the heels of Unity Picket’s multi-union march out of Disney earlier today and the announcement that Disney will buy Comcast’s remaining 33% stake in Hulu for $8.61 billion and counting.

As has been the case over most of the past few days, neither SAG-AFTRA nor AMPTP responded to Deadline’s request for comment on today’s conversations, and if they do, we will update this post.

Lending further hope that the talks were moving in the right direction, SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher said Wednesday in a video posted on social media: “I just want you to know that I feel a sense of power, not anger, and I feel angry.” . Feeling optimistic, not negative.”

Even with this optimism, we hear that the pain the industry is feeling after more than six months of strikes weighs heavily on both sides.

The now settled WGA strike and ongoing SAG-AFTRA actions cost California an estimated $6.5 billion and the loss of 45,000 entertainment jobs. Many TV and film workers are having their savings wiped below the line or seeing their homes at risk having already weathered a global pandemic that has also shut down global productions.

However, with the WGA strike ending in late September, some studios have crews on standby to resume production on titles that were paused, e.g. Gladiator 2 And BeetlejuiceHopefully, the actors will return to work soon.

The fate of many awards season films also hangs in the balance, as over the past few months stars have been unable to promote their wares at film festivals and receptions around New York City and Los Angeles.

Once upon a time stars like Emma Stone (Bad things), Paul Giamatti (Retainers), George Clooney (Boys in the boat), Rosamund Pike and Barry Keoghan (Saltburn) Now that it’s available, many expect the upcoming Oscar season to take on a brighter hue. Filmmakers like Emerald Fennell (Saltburn), Alexander Payne (Retainers(And Martin Scorsese)Moonflower Killers) They went to great lengths to build buzz around their films, but they also opened them up; The latest Apple-Paramount title opened to a solid $23 million-plus in the US in a box office market that has been muted by a lack of actors promoting their films. A24, which is not a member of AMPTP, has watched many of her films e.g Priscilla Iron Claw, And Dream scenario SAG-AFTRA temporary agreements, allowing its representatives to post photos at festivals and shows.

Major Hollywood premieres, which can create steam on social media before a film opens, are also eager for an end to the actors’ strike. the new hunger Games The prequel has a temporary deal with SAG-AFTRA due to the fact that Lionsgate is not a member of the AMPTP, allowing its actors to promote. However, Disney/Marvel Studios WondersWarner Brothers Wonka And Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom They hope to have full attendance at their fan events in the coming weeks if an agreement can be reached.