SAG-AFTRA ANNOUNCES STRIKE IS OVER -->

SAG-AFTRA has announced some great news to its members!

Dear #SagAftraMembers:

We are thrilled & proud to tell you that today your TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee voted unanimously to approve a tentative agreement with the AMPTP. As of 12:01 a.m. PT on Nov. 9, our strike is officially suspended & all picket locations are closed.

In a contract valued at over one billion dollars, we have achieved a deal of extraordinary scope that includes "above-pattern" minimum compensation increases, unprecedented provisions for consent and compensation that will protect members from the threat of AI, and for the first time establishes a streaming participation bonus. Our Pension & Health caps have been substantially raised, which will bring much needed value to our plans. In addition, the deal includes numerous improvements for multiple categories including outsize compensation increases for background performers, and critical contract provisions protecting diverse communities.

We have arrived at a contract that will enable SAG-AFTRA members from every category to build sustainable careers. Many thousands of performers now and into the future will benefit from this work. Full details of the agreement will not be provided until the tentative agreement is reviewed by the SAG-AFTRA National Board.


This is such wonderful news for many of the actors we enjoy seeing on our TVs; Candace Cameron Bure took to social media with tear-filled eyes to express how relieved she is that the strike has finally come to an end, and many other actors have expressed their elation that a deal has been made.

I'm sure more details will be coming out regarding the official deal. From what SAG-AFTRA has initially released, it's good to hear the actors will have protection from AI-generated versions of themselves; it is truly so scary how AI can literally put words in someone's mouth with just a few clicks.

Now that the strike has lifted, I wouldn't be surprised if production companies get right to work creating new content before the Christmas season fully kicks in - to be ready for next year.

Happy movie-watching, everyone!

Blessings, Net

✍ Writers Guild of America Calls Strike

* Writers on Strike *

Talks of a potential writers' strike have been circulating for months. Could a deal that satisfied all parties involved come to an agreement as the looming deadline drew closer? Apparently, the answer is no since the Writers Guild of America strike became effective as of today (May 2, 2023) at midnight.

What does this mean for the entertainment industry? Well, the late-night TV talk shows will be forced to go on hiatus. Their writers usually write their scripts day-by-day to keep up with daily events, and since they are no longer permitted to work, there will not be any jokes or monologues for their hosts to give. To be honest, I'm not a fan of those shows, so I personally won't miss them.

How will television series and movies be affected...

The last writers' strike shook up the entertainment industry in November of 2007 and lasted until February 2008. According to the AP, "Scripted series and films will take longer to be affected. With a walkout long expected, writers have rushed to get scripts in and studios have sought to prepare their pipelines to keep churning out content for at least the short term."

It's also possible that some production companies could seek out work internationally from writers who are not WGA members. Therefore, it's highly probable they could skirt around the issue for a while, if terms are not agreed to within a reasonable time.

I'm sure Great American Media, Hallmark Media, UPtv, and other networks will make their own statements regarding this and how they plan to proceed with making movies.

Stay tuned!

Net