- With talks between the Screen Actors Guild and the studios at a stalemate and unlikely to gain ground by the June 30 expiration of SAG's current contract, networks are starting to brace for the worst. But the sky isn't falling just yet. AFTRA, the other actors union, is expected to ratify its own new deal on July 7. Once that happens, producers are expected to make a final offer to SAG. If rebuffed, the studios could proactively lock out SAG actors, saving themselves the "surprise" upset of a midseason strike.
In the meantime, the nets are puzzled over how to proceed with fall season promotions. Fox, for one, was planning to blow the doors out with barrages of Fringe buzz, but may hold back if the show's early-July production start is in jeopardy.
Should SAG get locked out, here's Variety's synopsis of how it would affect the biz:
• Network shows by and large resumed production not long after wrapping the WGA strike-shortened season, and thus will have at least a few episodes in the can.
• Cable series would cut their seasons short (if already underway) or push back season premieres dates.
• AFTRA-only shows such as 'Til Death, Rules of Engagement and Reaper would be unaffected.
• Late-night TV, as it did during the WGA walkout, would need to seek out more non-actor guests.
Fox's 24, remarkably, would not take another bullet, as production on the new season is already underway and new episodes not slated to unspool until mid-January.
—Article courtesy of Matt Mitovich
I'm really hoping this doesn't blow up like the WGA strike did. All signs so far point to a resolution sometime before everything falls apart, so here's hoping. I just don't know that I can take another strike! Come on kids, play nice!
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