SAG-AFTRA, the labor 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 voted overwhelmingly in support of the deal, with 89.03 percent of voters approving of the partnership. The deal, which was tentatively proposed in early August, will give actors extra freedom when they wish to undertake work on other platforms. As part of the new agreement, Netflix will grant workers a three-month period in which they can freely work on other shows.
What Does the Deal Entail?
Fran Drescher, the president of SAG-AFTRA, welcomed the agreement, hailing the deal as "historic" in a statement to union members. "A convergence of opportunities to leverage presented themselves. Now was the time to strike while the iron was hot or forever be chasing contract reconstruction always outside our grasp," she said. "The advances in reducing exclusivity are seminal. The journeyman actor now has the freedom to work multiple jobs and make a living with less restrictions. We now enter into a new chapter that levels the playing field, giving actors the respect and dignity they so rightfully deserve!"
Drescher, who became president of the organization in September 2021, further promoted the wide-ranging advantages of the deal. "The provisions in this agreement benefit all members," she noted. "The extensive efforts of our member bargaining committee, working alongside our expert negotiators and staff, resulted in real change and significant gains that respond directly to the concerns of SAG-AFTRA member."
In addition to the greater freedom now afforded to actors, other elements of the deal include a "background actor zone" in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the first of its kind in 24 years. Additionally, stunt coordinators will be paid a fixed residual for the continued exhibition of their work on Netflix, whilst the minimum dubbing session will increase from two to three hours. Furthermore, The Netflix Dubbing Agreement has been expanded to include any dubbing into the Spanish language, matching the terms that apply to English dubbing.
SAG-AFTRA first partnered with Netflix three years ago, with the 2019 Netflix Agreement covering all the streaming service's original content. The actors' guild are due to negotiate with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) in 2023, with the latest Netflix agreement being factored into any discussions.
Source: Variety