American Federation of Musicians, AMPTP Resume Contract Talks Amid Fight Over Streaming Residual Fees: ‘Their Value Cannot Be Denied’
variety.comJon Burlingame As the American Federation of Musicians and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers resumed contract negotiations Wednesday, the AFM has released statistics that shed light on the changing nature of employment for industry musicians who play on many of the film and TV shows now being made.
When a film or TV show that features AFM musicians makes it to a secondary market — airing on broadcast or cable, released on home video, or even transitioning to a streaming service — that triggers a residual payment to actors, writers, directors and craftspeople, essentially sharing in the profits of a successful project.
But the studios have steadfastly resisted granting musicians a residual payment for original series, movies and other programs that are made specifically for streaming services.
It’s a key demand, along with protections against the use of AI, that the AFM is making in this round of negotiations, which began Jan.
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