UK industry reacts to tentative SAG-AFTRA agreement

Production industry bodies across the UK are celebrating the landmark tentative deal that has ended the 118 day SAG-AFTR strike. 

Many productions have been on hold since the strikes began, causing turmoil for the UK production crew industry. With the final vote to ratify the deal taking place on Friday (November 9), those productions are looking to resume shooting as soon as possible.

Some of those include How To Train Your Dragon (with production taking place in Northern Ireland’s Titanic Studios), Deadpool 3 (filming at Pinewood Studios) and Wicked (shooting at Sky Studios Elstree).

The deal is being heralded as one of "extraordinary scope" with substantial pay increases, regulation over the use of artificial intelligence, and a new streaming residual program.

In a statement Philippa Childs, head of UK film and TV union Bectu, said: “We congratulate our SAG-AFTRA colleagues on their determination in holding out for a deal that meets their objectives. We wholeheartedly welcome this news after what has been and incredibly difficult period for our members, and the whole UK film and TV industry.

“I want to pay tribute to Bectu members for weathering this unprecedented time and showing solidarity to their fellow trade unionists in the US. It cannot be understated how much UK film and TV workers have suffered at the hands of the AMPTP’s failure to reach an acceptable agreement with SAG-AFTRA. This news will come as a huge relief and provide some hope after months and months of instability.

“Our members are highly skilled, talented professionals and the backbone of our film and TV sector, and we look forward to them getting back to work as soon as possible.”

Speaking to our sister site Screen, Equity (the UK actors union) that it was waiting to see the full terms of the deal before releasing a comprehensive statement in reaction. However, they posted an initial response to the news on X (formerly Twitter). It reads: “We’re pleased to hear that our sister union @sagaftra has approved a tentative agreement with the AMPTP and that the strike has been suspended. Solidarity with all who stood strong during this action and we wish @sagaftra the best as they deliberate the contents of this deal.”