‘Walking Dead’ spinoffs, ‘Interview With the Vampire’ can resume with actors’ union approval

Two spinoff series related to “The Walking Dead” and the upcoming season of “Interview With the Vampire” are set to resume production despite the ongoing strikes within the entertainment industry. This positive development comes after an agreement was reached with the actors’ union, providing a pathway for these shows to continue their production processes.

Among the notable television productions, these three series under the AMC network have obtained what is referred to as an interim agreement from the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). This approval, granted on Wednesday, has significant implications as it enables the resumption of production for these series even amidst the ongoing strike organized by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), a conglomerate of studios that the actors have been protesting against.

The entities responsible for producing these series, namely the cable channel AMC and the production company Stalwart Films, are not aligned with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. However, they are classified as “authorized companies” that adhere to the contract terms outlined by the AMPTP. This distinction has paved the way for the interim agreement to be established, allowing the production to proceed.

The two spinoff series, “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon” and “Interview With the Vampire,” are now on track to resume filming their second seasons. Additionally, this agreement facilitates actors’ involvement in post-production work for the first season of “The Walking Dead: Those Who Live.”

Notably, the scope of the agreement does not encompass new writing for the series. The Writers Guild of America has taken a distinct stance from the actors’ union, opting not to grant such agreements. This divergence in strategy underscores the complexity of the ongoing negotiations and highlights the unique challenges posed by the strike.

SAG-AFTRA’s approach of granting interim agreements has elicited mixed reactions from within the union. Many members have expressed concerns that these agreements might dilute the impact of their collective objectives. Union leaders have responded by acknowledging their initial failure to adequately communicate their strategy but have consistently defended its effectiveness. In recent weeks, they have emphasized the positive outcomes of this approach, pointing to the resumption of productions as evidence that their demands are reasonable and their strategy is fostering work opportunities.

SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher emphasized the importance of supporting journeyman performers and crew members by providing opportunities for work. She emphasized that their aim is to maintain their principles without compromising under the pressure to swiftly return to work. As the situation continues to evolve, industry observers and stakeholders are closely monitoring these developments, recognizing the delicate balance between upholding principles and addressing the needs of those working in the entertainment sector.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Production Resumption

More about Production Resumption

• Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA)
• Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP)
• AMC Network
• Stalwart Films
• “The Walking Dead” Spinoff Series
• “Interview With the Vampire” Series
• Writers Guild of America (WGA)
• Fran Drescher