MSK Prevails in SAG-AFTRA Arbitration Involving Reuse of Film Clips
October 21, 2025
MSK successfully represented a major motion picture studio in an arbitration brought by SAG-AFTRA concerning the reuse of film clips featuring highly compensated performers, commonly known as “deal players.”
The dispute arose from the studio’s use of select scenes from an original film in its sequel. SAG-AFTRA argued that the reuse of these clips without separate negotiations violated the Producer–SAG-AFTRA Codified Basic Agreement. The arbitrator rejected the union’s claims, finding that the collective bargaining agreement did not require new negotiations or additional payments for “deal players” under these circumstances.
