SAG Talks Start Today

Just a reminder: formal talks between the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the studios (represented by the AMPTP) start today (Tuesday, April 15). And, in less than two weeks -- on April 28 -- talks begin between another actors union, the American Federation of Television & Radio Artists (AFTRA), and the AMPTP.

AFTRA's likely to drive an easier bargain with management, which means that if SAG doesn't reach agreement first, their harder-line approach will be undercut the more moderate template that AFTRA's likely to set. That, in turn, reduces SAG's leverage dramatically.

And will there be a strike? Who knows, but AFTRA's scheduling move reduces the likelihood, since a SAG strike would allow AFTRA to start negotiating deals (at least for new shows) and keep production running while SAG is sidelined.

Still, no one's taking any chances. Most movie and television production is currently scheduled to cease by mid- to late June, to avoid the risk of actors walking off set and shutting down on an active production.

We may know more later in the week, if we learn (through public announcements or leaks) how the SAG-AMPTP talks are proceeding. However, informal talks ended last week, apparently on a cordial but unproductive note. Stay tuned.