The writers and actors strikes crippled scripted television and the movie industry last summer.
However, reality shows, variety series and game shows were able to continue filming thanks to operating under a different contract – the Network Television Code Contract.
SAG-AFTRA is now setting the stage for renewal talks over its 2024 contract.
The union is starting to conduct meetings ahead of the talks over a new contract. The current contract expires on June 30, 2024.
It is the latest moment in another busy year for labor negotiations in Hollywood as IATSE began talks over its own deal earlier this month.
SAG-AFTRA is encouraging singers, dancers, stunt folk, voiceover and background actors to attend a series of meetings later this month and next month before developing its proposals for talks. Details of the meetings can be found here.
The Network Television Code covers all non-dramatic programs, daytime serials, variety, quiz, game, reality, talk, news, sports programs and promotional announcements.
For instance, last year, this allowed series including The Voice, Dancing with the Stars, The Masked Singer and Jeopardy! to continue filming, despite the strikes.
Its previous deal was approved in June 2022 and the union said that the contract generates more than $200M a year in covered earnings for members.
The last contract included a general wage increase of 3% per year, a 1% benefit fund contribution increase, “greatly improved” nudity and simulated sex provisions, “substantial increases” for dancers on primetime variety shows and increases for background actors and stand-ins.