The suspension of talks between Hollywood actors and studios over the ongoing strike is a significant setback for the entertainment industry, which has been severely impacted by the crisis.

In recent weeks, heads of major studios like Disney and Netflix had been meeting with negotiators for the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) in an attempt to find a resolution to the strike, which began in July. However, the studios announced that talks had come to a halt and would be temporarily suspended, citing a significant gap between the two parties.

This suspension is particularly concerning because the entertainment industry is already grappling with the effects of the strike. With writers now back to work following their own strike, most film and TV productions cannot resume until the demands of SAG-AFTRA are met. This ongoing delay is costing the industry and its workers millions of dollars each day.

The studios accused the actors of making excessive demands, including a share of revenues from hit streaming shows, which the studios claim would cost over $800 million per year. They also mentioned that SAG-AFTRA rejected parallel wage increases that were accepted by the writers’ and directors’ unions earlier this year.

While the actors’ demands for improved pay, transparency over profits from streaming shows, and protection against the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are similar to those of the writers, their concerns about AI run deeper. Actors fear that AI could be used to clone their voices and likenesses without compensation or consent.

Some smaller Hollywood studios have managed to resume production through temporary waivers known as “interim agreements.” However, the majority of film and TV productions remain on hold until a resolution is reached.

In conclusion, the suspension of talks between Hollywood actors and studios is a significant blow to the entertainment industry, which is already suffering due to the strike. The gap between the two parties’ demands and concerns, particularly regarding AI, has hindered progress in negotiations. The industry and its workers continue to face financial losses as productions remain stalled.