SAG-AFTRA began formal negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) on February 9, 2026, ahead of the current contract’s June 30 expiration, according to the union’s official announcement. Starting talks nearly five months early is a notable shift from the 2023 cycle, when last-minute negotiations contributed to a prolonged strike.

At the 2026 Hollywood Movie Awards, a standout panel explored how vertical dramas are rapidly reshaping production models, casting practices, and long-term career pathways for actors across film and new media. Panelists emphasized that this format represents a structural evolution of the studio system, driven by real-time audience data, global market growth, and a scroll-first viewing culture competing directly with social media. The discussion highlighted vertical storytelli

If you’ve been hearing more and more about vertical dramas and wondering whether they actually matter for actors, this is one conversation you should know about. Earlier this year, Walid Chaya—actor, director, and Director of Studio For Performing Arts LA— spoke on a Vertical Dramas panel at the Hollywood Movie Awards, alongside casting director Paul Ruddy (a name many actors will already recognize), and platform leaders Yoko Chen (GoodShort) and Jenny Rosen (DramaBox).