Hollywood Actors Support Writers in Double Strike Against SAG-AFTRA

Source: TIMOTHY A. CLARY / Getty / SAG-AFTRA

Hollywood is currently facing a shutdown as actors have joined the writers on the picket line. This follows the unanimous vote by SAG-AFTRA to strike against TV and film companies, marking only the second time in Hollywood history. The strike will have significant implications for actors, including restrictions on attending premieres, participating in junkets, attending award shows, and even discussing their films on social media.

According to Variety, actors will officially join the picket line at midnight Friday. The reason behind the strike is the ongoing dispute between the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) and SAG-AFTRA over issues such as fair contracts, compensation, and the impact of streaming platforms and artificial intelligence on the industry.

SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher expressed her frustration with the studios, stating, “We are being victimized by a very greedy enterprise. At some point you have to say ‘No, we’re not going to take this anymore. You people are crazy. What are you doing? Why are you doing this?’”

Streaming Networks & Artificial Intelligence Are At The Root of The Issue

In her plea, Fran Drescher highlighted streaming networks and the rise of artificial intelligence as major factors contributing to the industry’s challenges. She emphasized the need for a contract that reflects the changing business model and criticized studios for claiming financial struggles while allegedly paying their CEOs exorbitant salaries.

Disney CEO Bob Iger’s comments dismissing the actors and writers’ demands as “unrealistic” further intensified the tensions. Drescher suggested that Iger should not be involved in discussions regarding the strike.

The AMPTP, representing the studios, justified their position by highlighting the “historic pay and residual increases” they proposed, along with improved benefits and audition protections. They also mentioned a groundbreaking proposal to protect actors’ digital likenesses using AI technology.

The WGA & SAG-AFTRA Are Standing In Solidarity In Hopes For Drastic Changes

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) expressed solidarity with SAG-AFTRA, recalling the significant victories achieved when both unions previously went on strike simultaneously. They mentioned the establishment of residuals and pension and health funds as outcomes that continue to benefit members today.

The last time there was a “double strike” involving both actors and writers was in 1960. Ronald Reagan, who was then leading the Screen Actors Guild, advocated for better compensation during the early days of television.

The current strike focuses on the challenges posed by streaming platforms and artificial intelligence, which have made it difficult for middle-class workers to earn sustainable incomes in the industry.

Hollywood Quickly Responds

The impact of the strike was immediately felt in Hollywood. The cast of Christopher Nolan’s film Oppenheimer walked out of the UK premiere to join the picket line. Xolo Maridueña, the lead actor in James Gunn’s upcoming DCU superhero film Blue Beetle, announced on Twitter that he would not be promoting the movie due to the strike. Additionally, production on Marvel Studios’ Deadpool 3 was halted due to the strike.

While the shutdown of Hollywood is unfortunate, it signifies the actors and writers’ pursuit of fair compensation for their work and the need for industry-wide changes.

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Photo: TIMOTHY A. CLARY / Getty

Conclusion

The Hollywood industry is witnessing a significant shutdown as actors join writers on the picket lines in a double strike against SAG-AFTRA. This historic move reflects the collective demand for fair contracts and compensation, as well as concerns about the impact of streaming networks and artificial intelligence on the industry. Despite the challenges faced by Hollywood during this strike, it highlights the determination of actors and writers to secure better working conditions and fair treatment within the evolving entertainment landscape.