SAG-AFTRA responds to AMPTP’s ‘last, best and final’ offer as strike rumbles on

(Source: CC, Izayah Ramos – unsplash)

US actors union SAG-AFTRA has responded to the “last, best and final” offer from the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) without a deal being struck.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) remains a key hurdle for both sides to overcome, as the strike enters its 115th day with both sides fighting over how the nascent technology will be allowed to be used on screen.

US reports suggest the impasse lies around the use of AI tech in recreating the likeness of actors who have died, with SAG-AFTRA responding to the AMPTP’s last offer on Monday evening.

It is unclear when, or if, talks will resume on Tuesday following the negotiations between AMPTP boss Carol Lombardini and SAG-AFTRA’s Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, plus their teams.

They have also been joined more recently by key execs from Hollywood’s C Suites, with Netflix’s Ted Sarandos, Warner Bros. Discovery’s David Zaslav, NBCUniversal’s Donna Langley and Disney’s Bob Iger joining discussions.

The action, coupled with the now-settled writers strike with the Writers Guild of America, has caused extensive delays to US studio programming and cost California billions of dollars in lost production expenses.

SAG-AFTRA yesterday said it “is determined to secure the right deal and thereby bring this strike to an end responsibly.”

The group added: “There are several essential items on which we still do not have an agreement, including AI. We will keep you informed as events unfold.”