The film industry wasted no time in responding to the recent vote by the SAG-AFTRA National Board to approve the new tentative agreement between the guild and the AMPTP. An AMPTP spokesperson expressed their satisfaction, stating that they were pleased with the National Board’s recommendation of the agreement for ratification by the membership. They also appreciated that the entire industry had enthusiastically returned to work.
SAG-AFTRA’s national board, in its sprawling membership, voted with an overwhelming 86% in favor of approving the tentative agreement and preparing to send it to the membership for ratification. The vote took place both online and in person. Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the guild chief negotiation, revealed that the voting would commence on Tuesday, November 14 and continue for the first week of December. This extensive period allows the members sufficient time to review the agreement and cast their votes.
After enduring a 118-day strike by the actors guild, SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers finally reached an agreement on November 8. This deal is being dubbed as “unprecedented” by the union, as it marks a significant milestone in their negotiations. The new agreement entails wage and residuals increases, along with vital AI protections that were fiercely fought over.
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the fact that the agreement was reached despite the presence of harsh language and tension between the two sides. Publicly and behind the scenes, the studios and the guild had exchanged some rather unpleasant words over the past several months. Despite these challenges, the commitment to finding common ground prevailed, resulting in a mutually beneficial agreement.
The overwhelming approval of the new agreement by the SAG-AFTRA National Board has had an immediate impact on the industry. The studios are grateful for the resumption of work and are eager to move forward. This swift resolution brings a renewed sense of hope and positivity to the film industry, allowing production to pick up where it left off during the strike.
The recent approval of the new tentative agreement by the SAG-AFTRA National Board has been met with relief and enthusiasm from the film industry. The upcoming ratification process will give all members the opportunity to review the terms and voice their thoughts. Despite the obstacles faced during negotiations and the bitter disagreements, the industry has come together to find a way forward. The agreement not only addresses financial concerns but also offers vital protections in the era of artificial intelligence. This newfound unity and determination have reignited the industry and set it on a path of growth and prosperity.