LOS ANGELES - Talks between Hollywood actors and studios over an ongoing strike have collapsed, in a blow to hopes for a swift end to a crisis that has crippled the entertainment industry.
Hours later, SAG-AFTRA hit back by accusing the studios of using “bully tactics” and “putting out misleading information” about the negotiations.Given that deal, and overlaps between SAG-AFTRA’s demands and those of the writers, optimism had been growing that a bargain with the actors could also be forged soon.
“The companies are using the same failed strategy they tried to inflict on the – putting out misleading information in an attempt to fool our members into abandoning our solidarity and putting pressure on our negotiators.” But the studios, represented by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers , now accuse actors of making excessive demands – including wanting a share of revenues from streaming shows that “would cost more than US$800 million per year.”Actor Billy Crudup joins fellow SAG-AFTRA actors picketing in New York City. PHOTO: REUTERS
The studios added: “We hope that SAG-AFTRA will reconsider and return to productive negotiations soon.”