Musicians, studios reach tentative contract deal with Streaming Residuals, AI Gains

The Federation of American Musicians reached a tentative agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers as of Friday.

According to the AFM, the deal, which covers major theatrical and major TV film contracts, comes with “historic breakthroughs” in streamlining and anti-artificial intelligence protections. The agreement is proposed unanimously by the negotiating committee.

While AFM leadership said it could not comment on the exact details in the contract, it confirmed that the language of the tentative agreement includes streaming residuals for musicians for the first time.

“This agreement represents a significant victory for musicians who have long been undercompensated for their work in the digital age,” said AFM International's President and Chief Negotiator. Tino Gagliardi. “We've secured historic breakthroughs in the debris flow, created critical guardrails against the misuse of artificial intelligence, won significant wage increases and other significant gains. This deal represents a watershed moment for the artists who create the soundtracks for countless film and television productions.”

The tentative agreement must be approved by AFM's International Executive Board and will then be submitted for ratification by the approximately 2,000 members working under the conventions.

The agreement came after a first round of negotiations from January 22 to January 31 and then a second round that began on February 21 and lasted until the early hours of February 23. Negotiations took place at AMPTP's Sherman Oaks offices.

The AFM held a rally outside the offices on the first day of negotiations, with members from several other entertainment unions attending to show their support. The tentative agreement comes just before the March 4 start date for negotiations between the AMPTP and the International Alliance of Theatrical Workers and Hollywood Groups.

“I want to congratulate the members of our AFM Fair Share for Musicians bargaining unit for their unwavering commitment to fight for a contract that compensates them for their invaluable contribution to film and television and protects them in the ever-changing film and television industry Gagliardi said. came to the conclusion. “We were not alone in this negotiation and were proud to have the full support of colleagues: SAG-AFTRA, Writers Guild of America, IATSE and the Teamsters. It was yet another powerful reminder that when we stand in solidarity in the labor movement, we can achieve great things. We would also like to thank Carol Lombardini, president of AMPTP, as well as AMPTP and its member companies, who helped bring these negotiations to a successful conclusion.”

This article was originally published by The Hollywood Reporter.