SAG-AFTRA extends contract negotiations as WGA finalizes demands before meeting with major studios

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Okay, so all the drama with the Hollywood writers and the studios is still going on, and honestly, it keeps coming back to one thing: AI. As a movie fan, it’s a little scary to think about how much that technology could change things, and the writers are rightfully trying to figure out how to protect their work and jobs. It’s the big question everyone’s talking about right now.

The Writers Guild of America published its list of contract requests on Friday, with 97% of its members in agreement. While some specifics are still upcoming, the main points focus on health insurance, payments for reruns (residuals), and safeguards against the misuse of artificial intelligence.

In 2023, actors and writers represented by SAG-AFTRA and WGA went on strike seeking a fair agreement, particularly regarding payments for streaming content and the growing use of artificial intelligence. At the same time, fewer movies and TV shows are being made, and more production is happening outside of Los Angeles, which means less work for writers, actors, and directors. These contract negotiations are therefore extremely important for everyone working in the entertainment industry.

The current Writers Guild of America (WGA) contract, ending May 1st, clearly states that AI isn’t considered a writer and anything it creates isn’t original writing. The contract prevents companies from paying writers to simply rewrite scripts generated by AI, and it requires writers to use AI tools only if they choose to. Additionally, any company using AI to create written material must disclose that fact.

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Just two years after a major work stoppage shook Hollywood, the unions are preparing for new contract talks with the studios. The actors’ union, SAG-AFTRA, will begin negotiations on Monday.

Right now, our union is really focused on strengthening the protections we already have. Beyond that, we’re asking for a few key things: higher contributions to our benefit plans, better minimum pay rates, and increased payments for those big ‘page one’ rewrites. We’re also pushing for a bigger share of the revenue from streaming, so we can get fair residuals for that work.

At the same time, the actors’ union, SAG-AFTRA, is negotiating with the studios over similar concerns as the writers, aiming for a new contract. They announced last week that talks have been extended for another seven days, after beginning on February 9th.

The actors’ union is planning to propose a new fee, nicknamed the ‘Tilly tax,’ that studios would pay whenever they use a digital actor created with artificial intelligence. This request comes after the introduction of Tilly Norwood, the first AI actor in Hollywood. While Tilly hasn’t appeared in any big productions yet, many actors are worried that AI could take their jobs. The company that created Tilly, Xicoia, recently announced plans to expand its range of AI actors, calling it the ‘Tillyverse’.

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As a film critic, I’m hearing some unsettling news. It seems internal disagreements within the Writers Guild of America West, specifically between staff members and the union itself, have forced them to call off their planned awards ceremony in Los Angeles. It’s a real shame, and frankly, a bit worrying to see such issues bubbling up within the organization.

As a huge movie and TV fan, I’m keeping a close eye on the upcoming negotiations between the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the studios. Things are set to kick off on March 16th, with Ellen Stutzman leading the WGA’s team and Gregory Hessinger, the new president of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), heading up the studio side. Hopefully, they can reach an agreement, but if not, both sides are planning to meet again before their current contracts run out. It’s a crucial time for the future of the content we all love!

While negotiations are underway, the WGA West’s staff union is also currently on strike. This conflict recently forced the cancellation of their Los Angeles awards show. Like the writers they support, these over 100 staff members – who work in departments like legal, communications, and residuals – are seeking better pay and safeguards against the use of artificial intelligence.

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2026-03-09 23:01