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Issue link: https://digital.macdirectory.com/i/1513481
That means that unless you’re a one percenter or were able to snag a spot in a series, life’s a hustle. In addition, and perhaps of greater concern to actors, was AMPTP’s AI proposal that would allow studios to capture voice and image copies of actors which could potentially marginalize vulnerable performers – background actors – and allow studios to use digital images of actors while providing minor project compensation. The idea shouldn’t have come as a surprise to creatives across the board because the industry warned about its use and its potential ramifications years ago when 2001: A Space Odyssey played on the big screen. Barry Diller, former Hollywood studio chief, suggested a quick solution to the actors strike, “The one idea I had is to say, as a good-faith measure, both the executives and the most-paid actors should take a 25 percent pay cut to try and narrow the difference between those who get highly paid and those that don’t.” Okay, so that suggestion went unanswered by studios and streamers. Discussions between the two parties continued for better residual contracts until they reached a stalemate and were suspended by studio/streamer management because they were “no longer moving forward in a productive direction.” The dual strikes have cost studios, Los Angeles, California and the US an estimated $60B. For their part, the one-percenters – who probably make more than the top 20 CEOs – joined forces to offer at least a partial solution. To get the two parties back to the bargaining table, A-list actors including Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, George Clooney and others suggested a dues/streaming residuals reformulation plan which they estimated would immediately provide and the commitment of $50M to the actors’ health and welfare funds. Fran Drescher, SAG-AFTRA president, promptly rejected the idea saying, "I don’t need to emulate male energy to be an effective leader." However, the offer and perhaps the mounting industry losses did encourage Disney’s Bob Iger to call SAG-AFTRA executive director, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, for the actors’ union and studios to return to the bargaining table and hammer out a new three-year contract that is equitable to all parties.