Nolan Signals Caution on 5-Year Deals as DGA Talks Focus on AI and Healthcare

New DGA president Christopher Nolan says a five-year contract extension isn’t realistic, though he’s open to discussion as negotiations with the AMPTP loom. In a Deadline interview, Nolan frames bargaining around stabilizing the guild’s health and pension plans (currently funded from reserves), backend and residuals in the streaming era, and safeguards for AI use. He urges higher employer contributions and preservation of traditional pay structures while acknowledging the need to adapt to changing business models. He also backs federal film tax incentives to boost domestic production and notes ongoing dialogue on licensing and governance of AI technologies.