Equity, the union representing TV, film and streaming services performers, has highlighted the importance of workers’ terms and conditions as it was confirmed the world’s biggest streaming service, Netflix, will acquire Warner Brothers studios.
The union holds agreements covering both Netflix and Warner Brothers, along with other studios, streamers and the 700+ producers covered by the UK screen sector trade body, Pact. “While company ownership shifts, Equity contracts… endure”, said Cathy Sweet, Equity’s Head of Film and TV.
Equity is seeking minimum protections for performers in relation to AI to be included in Equity agreements as standard, and is currently balloting members on whether they are prepared to refuse to be digitally scanned on set in order to secure adequate AI protections.
Responding to the claim of a “stronger entertainment industry”, Equity welcomed commitments to maintain theatrical cinema releases of films and to invest in original content and studio capability.
Equity’s Head of TV and Film, Cathy Sweet, said: “This latest shift in the film, TV and streaming landscape highlights how important it is that Equity’s agreements are fit for purpose. While company ownership shifts, Equity contracts which underpin the pay, conditions and secondary payments for our members, endure. That’s why it’s so important for us to secure AI protections in our agreements for performers – something we’re currently balloting our members on.
“We welcome the commitment to maintaining cinema theatre releases and the commitment to invest in original content, which must be a positive step for jobs and pay for performers and all in the entertainment industry.”
In the joint press release from Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery which confirmed the $72billion deal, Netflix said it “expects to maintain Warner Bros.’ current operations and build on its strengths, including theatrical releases for films.” There was also reference to enhanced studio capabilities and a commitment to “significantly expand U.S. production capacity and continue to grow investment in original content over the long term which will create jobs and strengthen the entertainment industry.”
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