EntertainmentGeneral NewsHollywood strikesLabor unionsSAG-AFTRAStrikesTelevision Resumption of Negotiations and Key Figures in Hollywood Labor Strikes by Ryan Lee October 4, 2023 written by Ryan Lee October 4, 2023 8 comments Bookmark 38 As Hollywood’s actors reinitiate dialogue with studios, there is an emerging possibility that their strike could conclude in a manner similar to the recent settlement achieved by writers. Actors and their employing studios have been at odds over compensation, the role of artificial intelligence in the industry, and the practice of self-taped auditions. Here, we examine the pivotal individuals involved in the negotiations to end the current strike, as well as those who played crucial roles in resolving the writers’ strike. Table of Contents Duncan Crabtree-IrelandCarol LombardiniThe ExecutivesFran DrescherThe Actors’ CommitteeEllen StutzmanFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hollywood Labor StrikesWho are the main figures involved in the Hollywood labor strikes?What are the main issues being negotiated in the strikes?What roles do the executives play in the labor negotiations?What was unique about Duncan Crabtree-Ireland’s career path?Who represents the workers in these negotiations?What is the public opinion about the strikes?Are there any famous figures supporting the strikes?How did Ellen Stutzman become a key player in the writers’ strike?Who are the Writers Guild and the Screen Actors Guild?When was the article last updated?More about Hollywood Labor Strikes Duncan Crabtree-Ireland Duncan Crabtree-Ireland finds himself at the forefront of Hollywood’s labor struggles. As the National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator for the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), he is instrumental in either striking a deal to end the labor stoppage or deciding to persist with the strike. Born in Memphis and raised in London and Dallas, he attended Georgetown University for his undergraduate degree and the University of California, Davis, for law school. Before joining SAG-AFTRA as a staff attorney in 2000, Crabtree-Ireland served as a criminal prosecutor in Los Angeles. His first endeavor in contract negotiations for film and TV actors resulted in the first strike in over four decades. He is expected to return to the negotiating table imminently. Carol Lombardini Facing Crabtree-Ireland across the negotiation table is Carol Lombardini, the enigmatic figure who has been at the helm of opposition during both the writers’ and actors’ strikes. Lombardini has led studio negotiations for 14 years, representing a conglomerate of studios, streaming services, and production companies as the President and Chief Negotiator of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). Raised in a working-class suburb of Boston, Lombardini studied Renaissance history at the University of Chicago before earning her law degree from Stanford. Since joining the AMPTP in 1982, she has been a pivotal yet contentious figure in Hollywood’s labor negotiations. The Executives AMPTP represents a coalition of over 350 entities, but a few key individuals stand out—Disney CEO Bob Iger, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, and Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos. These executives have taken an active role in labor negotiations, representing significant factions within the entertainment industry. Their decisions have a large-scale impact, influencing both the course and the outcome of the strikes. Fran Drescher Fran Drescher serves as the recognizable face of the strikes, both for her celebrity status and her impassioned speeches. Re-elected as the President of SAG-AFTRA on September 8, Drescher takes on a role akin to a mayor, setting agendas and rallying support. Born and raised in Queens, New York, Drescher achieved fame with her role in the TV series “The Nanny,” which aired from 1993 to 1999 and drew inspiration from her own life. The Actors’ Committee Supporting Crabtree-Ireland in negotiations is SAG-AFTRA’s negotiating committee, composed of various actors, such as Sean Astin and Anthony Rapp. These individuals represent not just the stars, but also the broader membership, most of whom earn less than $27,000 per year from acting. Ellen Stutzman Ellen Stutzman has emerged as a celebrated figure in the industry for her role in achieving significant contract gains for writers. Taking on the mantle of Chief Negotiator for the Writers Guild just two weeks before contract talks began, Stutzman had previously worked as the assistant executive director for the Writers Guild of America West. She has been instrumental in educating both the public and union members on key issues. This article has been updated on October 3 to include information about the end of the writers’ strike, renewed negotiations in the actors’ strike, and additional details on the actors involved in negotiations. Contributors: Krysta Fauria and Damian Dovarganes. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hollywood Labor Strikes Who are the main figures involved in the Hollywood labor strikes? The key figures include Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, who is the national executive director and chief negotiator for the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). On the opposing side is Carol Lombardini, who is the president and chief negotiator for the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). Additionally, the article also discusses Hollywood executives like Bob Iger, David Zaslav, and Ted Sarandos, as well as notable actors like Fran Drescher. What are the main issues being negotiated in the strikes? The primary issues include matters related to pay, the utilization of artificial intelligence in the industry, and the trend towards self-taped auditions. What roles do the executives play in the labor negotiations? Executives like Bob Iger, David Zaslav, and Ted Sarandos have taken a direct role in strike negotiations, representing a coalition of more than 350 companies in the entertainment industry. What was unique about Duncan Crabtree-Ireland’s career path? Duncan Crabtree-Ireland had an unconventional journey to his current position. He was born in Memphis and raised in London and Dallas. He initially worked as a criminal prosecutor in Los Angeles before switching career paths to become a staff attorney for SAG-AFTRA in 2000. Who represents the workers in these negotiations? The workers are represented by their respective unions and guilds. For the actors, SAG-AFTRA plays a crucial role with Duncan Crabtree-Ireland as the chief negotiator. For the writers, Ellen Stutzman has emerged as the key figure in contract negotiations. What is the public opinion about the strikes? According to an AP-NORC poll, the Hollywood actor and writer strikes have broad support among Americans. Are there any famous figures supporting the strikes? Fran Drescher, best known for her role in the 1990s sitcom “The Nanny,” is the most notable face supporting the actors’ strike. She serves as the president of SAG-AFTRA and has been vocal about her support. How did Ellen Stutzman become a key player in the writers’ strike? Ellen Stutzman took over as chief negotiator for the Writers Guild just two weeks before contract talks began, following the step-down of longtime lead negotiator David Young due to health reasons. She has been credited with securing major gains for writers. Who are the Writers Guild and the Screen Actors Guild? The Writers Guild (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) are unions that represent the interests of writers and actors, respectively, in the American entertainment industry. When was the article last updated? The article was last updated on October 3, with details about the end of the writers’ strike and renewed negotiations for the actors’ strike. More about Hollywood Labor Strikes SAG-AFTRA Official Website Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers Official Website AP-NORC Poll Results on Hollywood Strikes Biography of Duncan Crabtree-Ireland Profile of Carol Lombardini Overview of Bob Iger’s Role in the Strikes David Zaslav in Hollywood Labor Negotiations Ted Sarandos and Netflix’s Position in the Strikes Fran Drescher’s Advocacy for SAG-AFTRA Ellen Stutzman and Writers Guild Negotiations History of Hollywood Labor Strikes You Might Be Interested In Trump’s Attempt to Shift Hush-Money Case Rejected by Judge, Case Remains in New York State Court Biden Emphasizes Economic Populism at Campaign Rally with Enthusiastic Union Members Hurricane Idalia Inflicts Catastrophic Damage Across Florida and Georgia, Inundating Coastal Regions Woman returns from vacation to find Atlanta home demolished Maui officials and scientists warn that after the flames flicker out, toxic particles will remain Conflict Imperils Israel’s Agricultural Core, Fueling Concerns for Its Long-Term Food Security General NewsHollywood strikesKey figureslabor negotiationsLabor unionsSAG-AFTRAStrikesTelevision Share 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail Ryan Lee Follow Author Ryan Lee is a technology journalist who covers the latest trends and developments in the world of tech. He is passionate about new gadgets and software, and he enjoys testing and reviewing the latest products to hit the market. previous post Before a North Dakota lawmaker was killed in Utah plane crash, he told his sister: ‘Stay safe’ next post Third Day of Trump’s Civil Fraud Trial Focuses on Accountant Who Compiled His Financial Statements You may also like Bookmark A woman who burned Wyoming’s only full-service abortion... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Argument over Christmas gifts turns deadly as 14-year-old... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Danny Masterson sent to state prison to serve... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Hong Kong man jailed for 6 years after... December 28, 2023 Bookmark AP concludes at least hundreds died in floods... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Live updates | Israeli forces raid a West... December 28, 2023 8 comments SarahM October 4, 2023 - 5:18 pm Wow, this is an eye opener. Never realized how complicated these strikes are and how many people are actually involved behind the scenes. Reply AlexTech October 4, 2023 - 5:39 pm Artificial intelligence in auditions? That’s new. Wonder how that’s gonna play out in future negotiations. Reply JennyFilmBuff October 4, 2023 - 5:53 pm Sarandos and Netflix changing the game again, but not everyone’s happy ’bout it. Industry’s evolving and some people are getting left behind. Sad but true. Reply JustThinking October 4, 2023 - 10:31 pm Fran Drescher for president! LOL, but seriously, good on her for using her platform to speak out for the little guys in the industry. Reply MelissaW October 5, 2023 - 6:29 am Ellen Stutzman sounds like a hero. Leading the Writers Guild to a win is no small feat, especially if you weren’t expecting to be in that position. Reply MikeJ October 5, 2023 - 10:47 am whoa, Carol Lombardini sounds like a tough negotiator. She’s been doing this for years and it shows! Reply TinaOnTheGo October 5, 2023 - 12:47 pm i thought actors just acted. had no idea they get so involved in negotiations and stuff. kudos to Duncan Crabtree-Ireland for stepping up. Reply Realist101 October 5, 2023 - 2:20 pm Strikes are often painted in black and white, but this piece shows theres a lot of gray. Multiple parties and a lot of complexities to consider. Reply Leave a Comment Cancel Reply Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ