Hollywood Musicians’ Union Embarks on Contract Negotiations, Pursuing Streaming Residuals and AI Protection

Sherman Oaks Galleria, Los Angeles, CA (2024) – The American Federation of Musicians (AFM), representing over 70,000 musicians in the United States and Canada, commenced contract negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), the organization representing major Hollywood studios. The negotiations, held at the Sherman Oaks Galleria, were preceded by a spirited rally highlighting the union’s key demands.

Central Issues Driving the Negotiations

Echoing the recent wave of Hollywood union strikes, the AFM’s negotiations prioritize addressing streaming residuals and safeguarding musicians’ livelihoods in the face of artificial intelligence (AI) technology’s growing influence.

Streaming Residuals: A Pressing Demand

Unlike their counterparts in other guilds, AFM members currently lack residuals for work on made-for-streaming shows. This disparity reflects the significant shift in the industry’s business model, resulting in a staggering 75% decline in musicians’ earnings. The union seeks to rectify this inequity, ensuring that musicians receive fair compensation for their contributions to streaming content.

Wage Increases: Countering Cost-Cutting Measures

The AFM is also advocating for wage increases to counter the cost-cutting measures that often target musicians towards the end of the production process. These measures have resulted in decreased compensation for musicians, undermining their livelihoods and the overall quality of productions.

Artificial Intelligence and Instrument Replacement Technology: Navigating Uncharted Territory

The union acknowledges the potential of AI and instrument replacement technology as valuable tools but emphasizes the need for consent, compensation, and credit for musicians using such technologies. The negotiations aim to establish guidelines for the ethical and responsible use of these technologies, ensuring that musicians’ rights are protected.

Rallying for Solidarity and Support

Several other Hollywood unions, including the Writers Guild of America (WGA), Teamsters, and SAG-AFTRA, demonstrated their solidarity with the AFM at the rally. This united front underscores the shared struggles for respect, fairness, and a fair deal faced by all workers in the entertainment industry.

Quotes from Key Figures

Tino Gagliardi, AFM International President:

“We’re not Luddites. We need consent. We need compensation. And we need credit.”

B.J. Levy, President of Chicago Local of AFM:

“There’s cost-cutting at all points in the process… If they don’t like us, they can take it to Czechoslovakia. We can’t shut down the process at that point.”

Michele Mulroney, Vice President of WGA West:

“All of Hollywood labor is fighting for the same stuff at the end of the day. It just comes down to really basic respect and fairness.”

AMPTP Statement:

“The AMPTP looks forward to productive negotiations with the Federation, with the goal of concluding an agreement that will ensure an active year ahead for the industry and recognize the value that musicians add to motion pictures and television.”

Negotiation Timeline:

Talks between the AFM and AMPTP are scheduled to take place over the next two weeks, with the aim of reaching an agreement that benefits both musicians and the industry.

Conclusion: A Call for Fair and Equitable Treatment

The AFM’s contract negotiations underscore the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry and the challenges faced by musicians in the digital age. The union’s demands for streaming residuals, wage increases, and protection against the potential impact of AI technology reflect its commitment to securing a fair and equitable deal for its members. The outcome of these negotiations will have a significant impact on the livelihoods of musicians and the overall health of the entertainment industry.