Wknd Digest: SAG Pres Fran Drescher Says Studio Talks Are 'Extremely Productive'
Is this a sign we won't be getting a double strike?
So, what are we to divine from this video that SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland sent to 160,000 guild members on Saturday — that the actors union is close to cutting a new deal with Hollywood’s major studios, perhaps?
In the minute-and-a-half-long message, recorded on Friday after talks with the AMPTP had concluded for the day, Drescher assured membership that leadership is engaged in “extremely productive negotiations that are laser-focused on all of the crucial issues you told us are most important to you. We’re standing strong and we’re going to achieve a seminal deal.”
The clock is ticking, of course, Crabtree-Ireland went on to note — with Drescher helpfully making a face and tapping her wrist to remind us — as we are just days away from the June 30 expiration of SAG-AFTRA’s three-year TV/theatrical/streaming contract. The WGA strike is currently on Day 55.
“We remain optimistic that we will be able to bring the studios, networks and streamers along to make a fair deal that respects your contribution to this industry,” said Crabtree-Ireland.
If you read the tone as conciliatory, then it might seem somewhat at odds with the stance that SAG leadership has taken at WGA rallies as actors march in solidarity with the writers. As recently as two days before the video was recorded, Crabtree-Ireland said on stage at the rally at the La Brea Tar Pits that “now is the time for us to leverage this historic moment,” before getting the crowd to chant, “L.A. is a union town!”
But their current optimism may also come from the knowledge that SAG membership authorized a strike with the backing of nearly 98% of the vote, giving it a very playable card at the negotiating table with the AMPTP.
It’s tempting to say that there’s perhaps a slight lean toward a deal being inked before the contract expires this Friday, but predicting how labor talks turn out is a foolhardy game (and also, kind of a boring one?). What we do know is that with 87% of voting Directors Guild members choosing to ratify the DGA agreement with the studios, there can at most be a double strike — and not a trifecta — come July.
With just five days to go, it’s a matter of wait and see…
ICYMI: Strike News
On Friday’s episode of The View, Dermot Mulroney attempted to show support for the writers by symbolically walking off the set during his interview. (Variety)
One issue that’s been talked about far less than TV writers rooms and AI: two-step payment for script rewrites, which screenwriters have been staunchly advocating for throughout the strike. (The Wrap)
Kim Kardashian came under fire from WGA members and supporters after tweeting from the set of the 12th season of American Horror Story, which she’s slated to star in. (Slate)
One non-profit organization is taking action to support the pets of out-of-work writers by creating a fund for any major medical expenses their owners can’t afford. (Patch)
Additional reporting by Matthew Frank.