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  "path": "/2026-wga-contract-negotiations",
  "publishedAt": "2026-03-10T16:56:29.000Z",
  "site": "https://nofilmschool.com",
  "tags": [
    "Wga",
    "Sag-aftra",
    "Amptp",
    "Amptp negotiations 2026",
    "2026 contract negotiaitons",
    "historic strikes of 2023",
    "pattern of demands",
    "seven-day extension to their talks with the studios",
    "Tilly Norwood"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\n\nTwo years after the historic strikes of 2023, Hollywood is once again bracing for more contract negotiations. These contracts only last three years, so it's time for them to be reworked once again.\n\nAt the top, we'll say the temperature of the town is not one where it feels like there's going to be another strike. People just want to keep making inroads for their unions and to find fair places where they can find benefits from giant corporations.\n\nEspecially as these major studios find the cash to acquire one another and record record profits.\n\nOne of the biggest areas of negotiation again will be Artificial Intelligence.\n\nWith the WGA set to begin talks and SAG-AFTRA extending its current negotiations, here is everything you need to know about the current labor landscape.\n\n* * *\n\n## The WGA: Expanding the Digital Shield\n\nThe Writers Guild of America (WGA) is heading into negotiations this Monday, led by Ellen Stutzman. They face a new negotiating partner at the AMPTP: President Gregory Hessinger.\n\nThey'll be trying to find fair pay for writers across movies and TV. The WGA has released a pattern of demands focused on expanding the protections won in 2023.\n\nThey have support from 97% of their union.\n\nUnder the current contract (expiring May 1), AI is not considered a writer, and its output is not \"literary material.\" However, the guild wants more protection against the growing threat of AI, especially as they see serious deals with AI places to use characters their members may have created.\n\nLet's take a look at some other demands.\n\n**Key WGA Demands:**\n\n  * **AI Guardrails:** Strengthening protections against the \"use and abuse\" of AI.\n  * **Financial Minimums:** Increasing contributions to benefit plans and raising minimums for \"page one\" rewrites.\n  * **Residuals:** A continued push for higher streaming residuals, a primary sticking point from the last strike.\n\n\n\n## SAG-AFTRA: The \"Tilly Tax\"\n\nSAG-AFTRA represents approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists, and other entertainment and media professionals.\n\nSo they have a lot at stake!\n\nWhile the writers prepare to start their talks with the AMPTP, the actors are already in the thick of it. SAG-AFTRA has been negotiating since February 9th, and they recently announced a seven-day extension to their talks with the studios.\n\nRight now, the biggest headline coming out of the actors' camp is the proposed \"Tilly tax.\"\n\nIt is a proposed fee that studios would be required to pay the union whenever they use an AI actor instead of a human performer.\n\nIt's a great idea to bolster funds, and it makes studios think twice about replacing humans with AI.\n\nThis demand is a direct response to Tilly Norwood, the industry’s first \"AI actor\". She has yet to book any real roles, but SAG is prepared for that eventuality.\n\nThey'll also be working to improve their healthcare fund, as well.\n\n## Why It Matters for Filmmakers\n\nWell, if you ever hope to join these unions, these are the people fighting for you to have better pay and better conditions. And this year, the DGA will also negotiate, so they have your back as well.\n\nThe 2023 strikes proved that AI and streaming residuals are existential threats to the creative class. And that it may take a real fight to protect human pay.\n\nAs the WGA demands more transparency and SAG-AFTRA fights against \"digital twins,\" the outcome of these 2026 talks will define the cost of production and the role of human creativity for the next decade.\n\n## Summing It All Up\n\nContract years can be scary. Everyone is afraid of another shutdown. But even scarier is a world where there are no unions protecting jobs and pay. Hopefully, these companies and unions can come to an amicable agreement that gets everyone closer to their goals.\n\nLet us know what you think in the comments.",
  "title": "What's At Stake in the WGA and SAG-AFTRA 2026 Negotiations?"
}