SAG-AFTRA, Studios Extend Contract Talks Into Next Week Under Blackout

Overview

• Both sides announced in a joint statement that negotiations will continue into the week of March 9 under a media blackout.
• Talks began on Feb. 9 in the first bargaining since the 2023 strike and were initially slated to wrap by March 6.
• Key issues on the table include artificial intelligence safeguards, streaming residuals, health and pension funding, and exclusivity terms for series regulars.
• The broader bargaining calendar now looms, with WGA negotiations set for March 16 ahead of a May 1 contract expiration and DGA talks scheduled to start May 11.
• Industry reporting indicates the parties could pause and resume closer to SAG-AFTRA’s June 30 contract deadline, as all guilds confront reduced production since 2022 and pressure on health funds.