SAG-AFTRA, the union that represents actors, has signed a historic agreement with Netflix, giving its members greater freedom when looking for work.
SAG-AFTRA, the union that represents actors in the film and television industries, has approved a new contract with streaming giant Netflix.
As reported in Variety, members of the organization overwhelmingly voted in favor of the deal, with 89.03 percent of voters approving of the partnership. The deal, tentatively proposed in early August, will give actors more freedom when they want to work on other platforms. As part of the new deal, Netflix will give workers a three-month period in which they can freely work on other shows.
What does the deal entail?
Fran Drescher, president of SAG-AFTRA, welcomed the agreement and called it “historic” in a statement to union members. “A convergence of opportunities to leverage presented itself. Now was the time to strike while the iron was hot or pursue forever contract reconstruction forever out of reach,” he said. “The advancements in reducing exclusivity are critical. The official actor now has the freedom to work multiple jobs and make a living with fewer restrictions. We now enter a new chapter that levels the playing field, giving actors the respect and dignity that they so richly deserve. deserve!”
Drescher, who became president of the organization in September 2021, further promoted the broad benefits of the deal. “The provisions of this agreement benefit all members,” he noted. “The extensive efforts of our membership bargaining committee, working alongside our expert bargainers and staff, have resulted in real change and significant gains that directly address the concerns of SAG-AFTRA members.”
In addition to the greater freedom now given to actors, other elements of the deal include a “second-player zone” in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the first of its kind in 24 years. In addition, stunt coordinators will receive a flat residual payment for the continued showing of their work on Netflix, while the minimum dubbing session will increase from two to three hours. In addition, the Netflix Dubbing Agreement has been expanded to include any Spanish language dubbing, matching the terms that apply to the English dubbing.
SAG-AFTRA first partnered with Netflix three years ago, with the 2019 Netflix Agreement covering all original content on the streaming service. The actors’ guild is due to negotiate with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) in 2023, and Netflix’s latest deal will factor into any discussion.
Source: Variety