Negotiations between Hollywood studios and the SAG-AFTRA actors’ union have been suspended, prolonging a three-month work stoppage. The breakdown in talks revolves around disputes over streaming revenue, the use of artificial intelligence, and other key issues. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) stated that the gap between the two sides was too great, while SAG-AFTRA accused the studios of presenting an offer worth less than before the strike began.
One major point of contention is SAG-AFTRA’s demand for a share of streaming revenue, which the AMPTP believes would create an economic burden of over $800 million per year. The union also accused studios of refusing to protect performers from being replaced by AI, while the AMPTP claimed they would obtain actors’ consent for the use of digital replicas. Despite the recent Writers Guild of America (WGA) deal raising hopes for a quick resolution, the stalemate continues, impacting the film and television industry and leaving countless crew members without work.