July 2, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

AMPTP’s Latest Contract Offer’s AI Clause Is a Sticking Point For Actors

Upcoming TV Season At Risk After Alleged “Last, Best & Final” Offer

While there had been some rumors that the SAG-AFTRA strike might be soon resolved, it seems that the AI issue is the sticking point in the ongoing contract negotiations with the AMPTP. With the cut-off for the next television season coming soon, without an offer from the studios that is acceptable to the union, that season may not happen. 

The SAG-AFTRA social media account tweeted this message from its official account on behalf of the SAG-AFTRA Negotiating Team: “This morning, our negotiators formally responded to the AMPTP’s “Last, Best & Final” offer. Please know every member of our TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee is determined to secure the right deal and thereby bring this strike to an end responsibly. There are several essential items on which we still do not have an agreement, including AI. We will keep you informed as events unfold.

In solidarity and gratitude,
Your TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee.”

According to the Hollywood Reporter, one part of the contract that SAG-AFTRA objects to is the AI clause in the allegedly “Last, Best, & Final offer” is one that would allow The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers to create AI scans of actors who are part of the Schedule F group of performers, or union members who make more than series regulars. The cutoff is those actors who make $32,000 per episode of a television series or $60,000 per film. Actors would be paid for the scan, but there is no language that would give performers ongoing compensation for the re-use of the scans and would allow the studios to use scans of dead actors without permission from either their heirs, estate or the union. 

David Slack, writer for TV and film, WGA member, and producer, tweeted, “The AMPTP’s “last best final” proposal would allow them to body scan performers making *more than minimum* in TV and features. Performers would get paid once. But studios would be allowed to profit off their AI likenesses without their approval forever — even after they’re dead.”

Slack also points out that this AI clause would have a chilling effect on the entire industry and other types of entertainment industry workers, “But it’s important to note that the AI protections SAG-AFTRA is fighting for won’t just protect their members.

If all these performers were scanned once and then never hired again, that would eliminate thousands of jobs across our industry.”

While the SAG-AFTRA Negotiating Team didn’t give a complete answer, it seems highly unlikely that they would give in on this point. Much like the threat of AI to writers, it is an existential threat to the craft of acting and likely to the entire entertainment industry. What SAG-AFTRA’s next move is not clear, but they have been urging their members to “flood the picket lines.”

in News
<>Related Posts

People are Using Palisades for “Disaster Tours.” Local Officials Are Trying to Stop Them

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

A new motion introduced to City Council requests a coordinated strategy from LADOT, the Los Angeles Police Department, and the...

Santa Monica Favorite Esters Rebrands as Esters Wine Shop & Oyster Bar

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

New Concept Launches With French-Spanish Flair and Free Bubbles Esters Wine Shop, the fave Parisian-style wine bar in downtown Santa...

Letter to the Editor: Santa Monica’s Great Park: It’s Time to Deliver on 100 Years of Promise

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

Santa Monica stands at the edge of history. For nearly a century, residents have consistently supported turning the airport land...

Why Nordstrom Says It’s Closing Its Santa Monica Place Location

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

A Nordstrom spokesperson explained the closure as a strategic realignment Nordstrom confirmed its decision to close its Santa Monica store...

Three-Bed Palisades Highlands Townhouse Hits Market for $1.7M

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

The Mediterranean-style property, located at 1529 Michael Lane, is part of a 71-unit community A remodeled 1,919-square-foot townhouse in the...

Six-Bed Mar Vista Hilltop Home Under Construction Lists for $5.3M

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

The private backyard is complete with a pool, spa, fire pit, built-in BBQ, and areas for outdoor dining A stunning...

(Video) Getty Villa Reopens Six Months After Dodging Destruction of Palisades Wildfires

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

With the reopening also comes a new exhibit, “The Kingdom of Pylos” Getty Villa Reopens Six Months After Dodging Destruction...

Free Virtual Planetarium Shows Coming to SMC in July

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

The virtual format is in place as construction of the new SMC Planetarium and Observatory nears completion The Santa Monica...

Santa Monica Adopts $793.3M Budget for FY25-27, Prioritizing Housing and Safety

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

The budget preserves core services and invests in major projects, including over $1 billion in hotel investments The Santa Monica...

Iranian Pastor in West L.A. Speaks as Church Rocked by Immigration Raids 

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

Five Detained as Fear Spreads Through Persian Christian Faith Community  Fear has spread through a West Los Angeles congregation after...

California Doubles Down on Hollywood: $750M in Tax Credits Approved for Film and TV Industry

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

State Lawmakers Back Major Expansion of Production Incentives, Raising Job Projections Los Angeles’ film and television industry is poised to...

Park: “Our Water Infrastructure Must Be Emergency-Ready Every Day”

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

Councilwoman expressed cautious relief at the news but emphasized the need for robust infrastructure The Los Angeles Department of Water...

Washington Square Pizza Opens to the Public

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

New York Style Pizza “By-The-Slice” Now at the Beach By Nick Antonicello  Washington Square Pizza formally opened its doors today...

California Allocates $5B for Road Repairs, Transit Expansion

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

The funding aims to improve road safety, reduce traffic congestion, and promote cleaner transportation California is investing nearly $5 billion...

THIS SUNDAY: Palisades Symphony Presents “Best of Broadway”

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

The performance will feature a full orchestra playing iconic selections, from John Philip Sousa’s *El Capitan* and George Gershwin’s *The...