Netflix news: SAG-AFTRA to assess Netflix-WB merger before taking a position
The American actors union, SAG-AFTRA, is conducting a “complete and thorough analysis” before making a public stance on the proposed Netflix/Warner Bros. merger.
SAG-Aftra cedes that the merger “raises many serious questions”.
Film New Blitz’s RC Stacey goes union-side to report on the potential monopoly of the century.
SAG-AFTRA’s statement on Netflix/Warner Bros. merger
Following the news of the proposed $82 billion Netflix merger with Warner Bros., the Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has decided to assess all facets of the merger before making its stance public.
As reported by Screen Rant, SAG-AFTRA expects both Netflix and Warner Bros. to answer concerns with openness and honesty.
In it’s initial statement, the biggest Union in America for screen and radio talent, founded in 2012 (after a merger between SAG and AFTRA) and currently presided by actor Sean Astin, said “A deal that is in the interest of SAG-AFTRA members and all other workers in the entertainment industry must result in more creation and more production, not less.”
With over 170,000 members, the union also stated that the merger, which also includes Warner Bros’ HBO Max and HBO, “reaffirms the true value of legacy media companies and the long-term economic prosperity they create due in large part to the contribution of the creative talent who are at the core of their success”.
A statement that both the WGA and DGA echo in their public statements.
READ MORE: Netflix news: Streaming giant to purchase Warner Bros. and HBO Max
As reported by Film News Blitz, both the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Directors Guild of America (DGA) have taken a negative stance against the merger, with DGA Director Christopher Nolan poised to lead talks with Netflix, which could prove decisive in the future of the theatrical experience.
Looking behind the curtain at the talent of our favourite films, television, and radio shows, it is suggested by Deadline that both the Writers and Actors guilds will be forced to focus primarily on reorganising their currently unsustainable health and pension plans that have taken hits in recent years.
Though new contract negotiations with the major Hollywood production houses won’t begin until spring 2026, this new merger throws a proverbial spanner in the works that forces the guilds to fight for more suitable life assurances for their many members.
While Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos claims to be doing the best for end-consumers, is it at the cost of the real human creatives in front of or behind the camera?
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