Dear Mayor Bass and Governor Newsom,

We, the undersigned, represent a broad spectrum of stakeholders, from passionate fans to deeply concerned industry professionals. We are urgently reaching out for your proactive involvement in the stalled negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP.

Background: Representing the rights and interests of over 160,000 entertainment professionals, SAG-AFTRA's ongoing dispute with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) centers on two vital issues: the just distribution of streaming revenues and the ethical use and monetization of AI recreations of artists' performances.

Recent developments have seen both entities return to the negotiating table last week, igniting hope for a resolution. However, these negotiations were abruptly suspended yesterday, casting uncertainty on the future of these discussions.

Reasons for Concern:

Economic Impact: With each passing day, the ongoing strike exacerbates the financial strain on thousands of professionals, affecting both the Los Angeles economy and California at large.
Cultural Influence: Delayed film and TV productions deny audiences worldwide the entertainment they cherish, risking Hollywood's global cultural impact.
Streaming Revenue: In an era where streaming dominates, it's crucial that artists' contributions are fairly rewarded.
AI Ethics in Entertainment: As AI begins to play a larger role, striking the balance between innovation and ethical treatment of artists is paramount.
Our Appeal:

Facilitate Dialogue: Given the recent suspension of talks, we urge you to use your esteemed positions to foster resumption and, ideally, fruitful outcomes between SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP.
Mediation Panel: Propose the creation of a neutral panel comprising experts from fields like labor relations, entertainment, digital distribution, and AI. Their insights can guide the negotiations towards a balanced resolution.
In essence, the halted SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP negotiations reflect the crossroads at which the entertainment industry stands. Your timely intervention can play a pivotal role in forging a path that honors both artists' rights and the rapid technological advancements of our age.