Overview
- The DGA president confirmed meetings with both Netflix and Paramount about their bids for Warner Bros., calling them productive yet cautioning that verbal assurances are not binding and that consolidation typically costs jobs.
- The guild is pushing for a 60‑day theatrical window as Netflix publicly pledges 45 days for Warner Bros. releases, with Nolan stressing that theatrical residuals remain a key funding source for the DGA health plan.
- Member employment has fallen sharply, with about a 35% decline in television work in 2024 and an 8–12% downturn in film, prompting reserve drawdowns for health benefits and a push for higher employer contributions in contract talks starting in May before the June 30 contract expiration.
- Beyond existing 2023 provisions, the DGA seeks stronger AI safeguards and a say in how tools are deployed and monetized, questioning how deals like Disney’s with OpenAI will pay through to union members and flagging creative impacts from AI-driven ad breaks on streaming.
- The union is lobbying for a stackable 25% federal production rebate to boost domestic work, with support-building conversations involving Rep. Laura Friedman and Sen. Adam Schiff.