AI Protections Are a Sticking Point – The Hollywood Reporter

When SAG-AFTRA responded to the studios’ latest contract offer on Monday, AI protections for higher-earning members remained a sticking point.

Several sources familiar with the status of the negotiations say. The Hollywood Reporter that SAG-AFTRA has pushed back on an AI clause included in the studios’ latest offer. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers is seeking to secure AI scans for Schedule F artists — guild members who earn minimums for series regulars ($32,000 per TV episode) and feature films ($60,000). earn The clause proposed by the companies would require studios and streamers to pay to scan the likenesses of Schedule F actors. SAG-AFTRA is seeking to attach compensation to the reuse of AI scans because AMPTP member companies will also be required to obtain consent from the performer. The language currently in the AMPTP proposal would see studios and streamers have the right to use scans of deceased actors without consent from their estates or SAG-AFTRA.

THR AMPTP and SAG-AFTRA have been contacted for comment.

“This is the main reason SAG did not accept AMPTP’s ‘last, best and final’ offer. We could not allow that language to stand,” says a union source. “This is massive. Every A-, B-, C-, D- and E-lister — all highly paid actors — who think this is a minimum wage strike should know that they are in this fight. They have to understand that this is about protection. them Now it’s their strike when they realize what’s on the line. The people who campaigned to get the deal – they’ll be happy if we get the deal there.”

SAG-AFTRA worked on a counteroffer over the weekend that has been taken to AMPTP. A meeting was scheduled for Monday between SAG-AFTRA’s chief negotiator, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, and his AMPTP counterpart, Carol Lombardini. Sources said the performers’ union planned to contest the removal of the Schedule F AI language as well as some other non-monetary items.

“We believe that this is not only reasonable but absolutely necessary for the sustainability of the performance industry,” says a union-side source. “They can’t have the loophole to exploit artists. … (Schedule F AI language in the AMPTP proposal) forces them to declare you dead when you’re alive.” So they need consent but only when you are dead.

On Monday afternoon, the SAG-AFTRA negotiating committee told union members it had responded to AMPTP’s latest offer. “Please know that every member of our TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee is committed to securing the right deal and thereby responsibly ending this strike,” the group said. “There are several essential items we do not yet have an agreement on, including AI. We will keep you informed as events unfold.”