THR Illustration / Adobe Stock
As SAG-AFTRA responded to the studios’ latest contract offer on Monday, AI protections for high-earning members remained a key sticking point.
Multiple sources familiar with the status of negotiations tell that SAG-AFTRA rejected an AI clause included in the studios’ latest offer. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers is trying to secure AI scans for List F performers – guild members who earn more than the minimum for series regulars ($32,000 per TV episode) and feature films ($60,000). . The companies’ proposed clause would require studios and streamers to pay to scan the likeness of Schedule F performers. SAG-AFTRA is seeking compensation for the reuse of AI scans, as AMPTP member companies would also need to obtain permission from the performer. The current language in the AMPTP proposal calls for studios and streamers to secure the right to use scans of deceased artists without the consent of their estate or SAG-AFTRA.
THR has reached out to AMPTP and SAG-AFTRA for comment.
“This is one of the main reasons why SAG did not accept AMPTP’s ‘last, best and final’ offer. We couldn’t allow this language to stand,” says a union source. “This is huge. Every A, B, C, D and E lister – all higher paid artists – who thinks this is a minimum wage strike needs to know that they are in this fight. They must realize that this is about their protection. This is their attack now as they realize what is at stake. The people who started the campaign to make a deal – they would be screwed if we made that deal with that in there.”
SAG-AFTRA worked throughout the weekend on a counteroffer that was presented to the AMPTP. A meeting was scheduled for Monday between SAG-AFTRA chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland and his AMPTP colleague Carol Lombardini. Sources say that as a countermeasure, the artists’ union planned to delete the Schedule F-AI language as well as some other non-monetary items.
“We think it not only makes sense, but also absolutely crucial for the sustainability of the benefits industry,” says the union source. “This loophole to exploit artists must not exist. … [The Schedule F AI language in the AMPTP’s proposal] It is their responsibility to have you killed because they need your consent when you are alive, but not when you are dead.”
On Monday afternoon, the SAG-AFTRA bargaining committee told union members that it had responded to the AMPTP’s latest offer. “Please know that every member of our TV/Theater Bargaining Committee is committed to getting the right deal to end this strike responsibly,” the group said. “There are several key points on which we do not yet have agreement, including AI. We will keep you updated as events progress.”