The top Hollywood publicity agencies and the SAG-AFTRA leaders met on Monday to warn them of the strike. The call’s objective was to brief the representatives on the strike protocols and how talent will be used when the strike occurs.
The SAG-AFTRA leaders wrote to the agencies before the meeting stating, “SAG-AFTRA’s National Board has the option to call a strike if the AMPTP won’t agree on a deal that bolsters performer’s careers and ensure their profession remains one that can support a dignified livelihood.”
There were an estimated 140 PR reps including SAG-AFTRA’s chief negotiator, national executive director, the union’s chief contracts officer, Ray Rodriguez, and Pamela Greenwalt, the marketing and communications chief. SAG-AFTRA also initiated the meeting. One participant during the call described the event as panicked. The publicists asked varied questions. One question was whether any of their clients could sit on the San Diego Comic-Con panels. They also asked if promotional obligations outside the U.S. would be legitimate. The question did not get an immediate response.
There is a high probability that SAG-AFTRA will be joining the Writers Guild of America in the strike. The contract between the producers and actors will expire on July 12th at midnight. One producer said reaching a deal by Wednesday “Would be a miracle at this point.”
PR Agents are reportedly “freaking out” about the news of a strike. Last week it appeared as though a deal would have been reached. However, by Friday, a deal seems to be unlikely. Publicists have been anxious about the strike as they send out actors to promote the summer blockbusters.
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