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Striking actors hold rally in Los Angeles as contract talks progress
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By Nithya Bose in US Employment News, posted November 2, 2023
More than 3,000 striking actors and their supporters held massive rallies in Los Angeles as contract negotiations moved closer to a deal.
The long-running work stoppage has ground a considerable part of the entertainment industry to a halt.
In recent weeks, SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have engaged in frequent meetings.
Read More: Striking Actors Agree To Restart Talks With Hollywood Studios
As of Wednesday afternoon, an unnamed source from the studios said the entertainment companies had identified a clear path to a potential deal.
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the national executive director and chief negotiator for SAG-AFTRA, said though recent talks have been productive and “things are moving in the right direction,” the parties are “still far from an agreement.”
He said the studios need to approach the negotiations with a mindset that aligns with the union's objectives.
Read More: Hollywood Studios Shelves Talks With Striking Actors
He added that if this happens, a resolution could be achieved "in a matter of days."
However, he also acknowledged that key sticking points remain.
One of the main issues is the use of artificial intelligence in filmmaking.
Major concerns over use of AI
The union's primary concern centers around limiting the use of AI to recreate actors' likenesses and performances.
In contrast, the AMPTP has advocated for informed consent and fair compensation in cases where performers' digital replicas are used.
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The rallying actors also expressed their solidarity, particularly focusing on AI-related issues.
The participants included prominent figures from other Hollywood labor unions such as the Writers Guild of America, IATSE, and Teamsters Local 399.
They came together under the banner of a "Unity Picket" at the Disney studio lot in Burbank, marking the 111th day of the strike.
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Artificial intelligence remained a dominant topic at the rally, with attendees describing the ongoing negotiations as a "game of tennis."
It suggests back-and-forth deliberations to find common ground without incurring financial losses.
Participants noted that a final resolution might require additional time.
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