Following eight days of discussions, casting directors from New York and Los Angeles have reportedly reached a new tentative contract deal with Hollywood studios and streaming services, as confirmed by their union.

On Friday, the Teamsters Local 399 announced a provisional three-year deal alongside Teamsters Local 817 for freelance casting professionals. According to the union, a tentative agreement has been reached with the AMPTP and recommended by the member-led negotiating committee. Details of the deal are not yet available. It will soon be brought to a ratification vote by approximately 700 casting professionals, including directors, associate directors, and assistants, represented by the two Locals. Once ratified, it will take effect.

The ratification vote is scheduled for Monday, September 30^th, following an informational meeting for union members regarding the pact.

During this round of negotiations, the union aimed to improve the wages of its members. This included proposing a minimum wage for casting directors, increasing rates for associate casting directors, and negotiating yearly compensation raises for casting assistants. It should be noted that casting assistants recently became union members in August. Additionally, the union pushed for employment contract duration requirements for casting directors and worked towards securing health and pension benefits for casting assistants.

Discussions began on Aug. 26 but were put on hold after the initial week because the union believed the producers needed more time to reach an equitable agreement. Bargaining recommenced on Monday, and an extra date was scheduled for Friday when an agreement was not reached by Tuesday.