SAG-AFTRA strike ends after 118 days

After nearly four months the SAG-AFTRA strike has officially come to a close.

The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Arts (SAG-AFTRA) has been on strike against the Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers (AMPTP) over disagreements involving streaming residuals, usage of AI on actors and salary disputes.

Following the strike Hollywood essentially shut down losing incredible amounts of revenue and impacting the economy in California. The loss this cost the industry was exponential, sitting at an estimated $6 billion.

Movies and television shows had been delayed and actors were not permitted to participate in the promotion of films and shows. After months of debating and negotiating the work has finally paid off as a new agreement between the two unions has been reached.

On Nov. 8, SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP reached a tentative agreement and SAG-AFTRA announced the strike would end at 12:01 a.m. on Nov. 9.

Full details of the agreement will be provided once it is renewed by the SAG-AFTRA National Board. For now, it is known the agreement will include protections from AI, a streaming participation bonus and an “above pattern” minimum compensation increase.

In a SAG-AFTRA statement, it was also stated “the deal includes numerous improvements for multiple categories including outsize compensation increases for background performers, and critical contract provisions protecting diverse communities.”

The agreement is valued at over $1 billion and is set to last for three years.

With the new agreement in place, it is safe to say movies and shows will continue production. Studios, Marvel in particular, are planning to drop casting announcements for upcoming movies.

Disney has also released a trailer for "Inside Out 2" that has already garnered the biggest animated trailer launch in Disney history.

SAG-AFTRA thanks the dedication and support from actors, writers and fans alike for helping to reach this great achievement.

In the SAG-AFTRA statement, it reads, “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.”

Lailah Acuña is a first-year majoring in communications. To contact her, email lza5309@psu.edu