“Lights, Camera, Negotiation: SAG-AFTRA’s New Hope with Greg Hessinger”
Well, well, well, if it isn’t the drama of Hollywood negotiations rearing its glamorous head once more! SAG-AFTRA is gearing up for a thrilling new chapter as they prepare to tango with their newly appointed AMPTP president, Greg Hessinger. National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland is all about that “productive bargaining” life, and frankly, who could blame him? After all, this isn’t just any old negotiation; it’s a high-stakes game that could shape the future of the industry. With Hessinger stepping into the role, we’re witnessing a reunion of sorts, as he once held the reins at SAG before the grand merger with AFTRA in 2005. Talk about full circle!
Having previously served as the head honcho at the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and even rocked the Labor Relations department at CBS, Hessinger is no stranger to the art of negotiation. His seasoned experience raises eyebrows and expectations, especially in the wake of the tumultuous strikes that left both SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild of America reeling. As the industry prepares for a new bargaining cycle, the stakes have never been higher, with contracts for the Writers Guild expiring on May 1, 2026, and both SAG-AFTRA and the Directors Guild of America following suit on June 30, 2026.
Let’s not forget, the previous president, Carol Lombardini, made waves as the first female lead negotiator for the employers, and her legacy will undoubtedly cast a long shadow over Hessinger’s tenure. With a recent history of contentious negotiations, one can’t help but wonder if Hessinger’s insider knowledge will foster a more collaborative atmosphere or if it’ll be more like a catfight at a fancy gala. It’s a classic case of “Will they, won’t they?” and we’re all here for the show. So grab your popcorn, folks; the negotiations are about to get spicy!
Closing remark: If only the stakes were as low as the script quality in some of these blockbusters, we might actually have a happy ending!
Sources: Celebrity Storm
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