SAG To Renew Kinder, Gentler Saber-Rattling Feb. 17

After finally turning down the volume on Alan Rosenberg’s bluesy twang, SAG leadership plans to return next week to relatively quiet — and hopefully swift — negotiations with the major studios.

A 10-person squad led by senior adviser John McGuire will meet with AMPTP reps a week from today, replacing twice-fired SAG national executive director Doug Allen and reigniting talks after weeks of stop-and-go litigation on Allen’s behalf. Rosenberg’s helpless Membership First contingent wasted no time scolding the insurrectionists in a statement, questioning McGuire’s “experience, knowledge or determination” and insisting that “our actions are not arbitrary or selfish. [...] We are not just fighting for today. We are fighting to protect every actors’ ability to make a middle-class living today and in the future.” Neither McGuire nor his associates responded, though we’re guessing he’d say something similar? Just a hunch. Developing…

• SAG talks to resume on Feb. 17 [Variety]

• SAG deal already faces opposition [Variety]