The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists has signed a tentative deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers after weeks of negotiation.
The deal was signed in the early hours of 28 May, and while it still has to be ratified by the union’s members in early June, it looks likely to be set. As with the WGA and DGA deals, there is little to no increase in the DVD residuals issue, and actors now have to bargain with producers at the time of hiring for their consent for clips, which can be used to promotional purposes. The clips issue has emerged as the predominant stumbling block in negotiations, with many actors unwilling to simply let the studios attach their own image for whatever purpose they desire.
This agreement now puts additional pressure on AFTRA’s estranged sister union, the Screen Actors Guild. The SAG has resumed their own previously interrupted talks with the AMPTP, and while it is the larger union by a clear margin, its own bargaining power was first reduced by the schism between the union that led to separate negotiation as well as being isolated by the fact that it is the only major trade union without a deal. However, it still enjoys support from the WGA, with whom it showed extraordinary solidarity during the strikes earlier this year.
Negotiations are operating under a press blackout, but we will continue to bring you updates on this story as it develops.
