AMPTP Statement Regarding SAG-AFTRA Strike Declaration
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Submitted by amptp on Tue, 07/18/2023 - 6:52pm
Publish Date:
Thursday, July 13, 2023
AMPTP member companies entered the negotiations with SAG-AFTRA with the goal of forging a new, mutually beneficial contract. The AMPTP presented a deal that offered historic pay and residual increases, substantially higher caps on pension and health contributions, audition protections, shortened series option periods, and a groundbreaking AI proposal that protects actors’ digital likenesses for SAG-AFTRA members. A strike is certainly not the outcome we hoped for as studios cannot operate without the performers that bring our TV shows and films to life. The Union has regrettably chosen a path that will lead to financial hardship for countless thousands of people who depend on the industry.
Here are some of the components of the Producers’ offer that SAG-AFTRA has chosen to forgo in favor of a strike:
- The highest percentage increase in minimums in 35 years
- 76% increase in High Budget SVOD foreign residuals
- Substantial increases in pension and health contribution caps
- Groundbreaking AI proposal which protects performers’ digital likenesses, including a requirement for performer’s consent for the creation and use of digital replicas or for digital alterations of a performance.
- 58% increase in salaries for major role (guest star) performers wages on High Budget SVOD Programs.
- Limitation of self-tape requests, including page, time and tech requirements. Options for virtual or in-person auditions.
- 11% pay increase in year 1 for background actors, stand-ins and photo doubles, an additional 17% increase for background actors required to do extensive self-styling, and an additional 62% increase for stand-ins required to deliver lines during a run-through and photo doubles required to memorize and deliver lines on camera.
- First-time-ever fixed residuals for Stunt Coordinators on television and High Budget SVOD programs.
- Shortened option periods for series regulars earning less than $65,000 per episode on a half-hour series or less than $70,000 per episode on a one-hour series.
- Dancers will now receive the on-camera rate for rehearsal days.
- Additional payments of 25% for dancers required to sing on camera during principal photography, as well as for singers required to dance on camera.
- First-of-its-kind provision establishing rates, terms and conditions for High Budget Programs made for AVOD.
- Hair and make-up consultation for performers of all complexions and hair textures.
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Limits on the amount of initial compensation that can be advanced or prepaid as residuals
Source:
Press Release