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    Blue Tech Wave Media
    Home » Hollywood Unites in AI Strike
    Hollywood-Actors-and-Screenwriters-Unite
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    Hollywood Unites in AI Strike

    By Bal MarsiusJuly 17, 2023Updated:October 11, 2023No Comments3 Mins Read
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    Leaders of Hollywood’s actors’ union, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA)
    Leaders of Hollywood’s actors’ union, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of
    Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), joined forces with screenwriters in an
    unprecedented joint strike. The result is a widespread production shutdown across the
    entertainment industry.
    The strike was triggered after negotiations for a new contract with major studios and
    streaming services reached a stalemate. Producers defended their stance, noting that
    they compensate actors and writers fairly; also adding a landmark move to protect the
    industry from artificial intelligence.
    The First in More than 60 Years
    This marks the first time in over six decades that two major Hollywood unions have
    simultaneously gone on strike. Recent protests harken back to the 1960 protests led by
    Ronald Reagan, who later became the US president. The decision to strike was met with
    fervor, as actors’ union president Fran Drescher, known for her role in “The Nanny,”
    passionately criticized industry executives for prioritizing Wall Street and greed over
    recognizing the invaluable contributions of the workforce.
    The strike prompted picketing screenwriters outside Netflix’s Hollywood offices,
    chanting “Pay Your Actors!” in solidarity. Actors will join the picket lines alongside
    writers outside studio headquarters in New York and Los Angeles starting on Friday.
    Notably, the strike’s announcement disrupted the premiere schedule of Christopher
    Nolan’s film “Oppenheimer,” as cast members including Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, and
    Matt Damon left the event in support of the strike.
    75th Emmy Awards Affected
    This industry-wide strike, the first involving film and television actors since 1980, casts a
    shadow over the upcoming 75th Emmy Awards. Union rules prevent actors from
    participating in interviews, promotions, or even attending the ceremony. The strike
    guidelines also prohibit actors from making personal appearances, promoting their
    work through podcasts or premieres, and engaging in any production-related activities,
    including auditions, rehearsals, and voiceovers.
    While international shoots may technically continue, the impact of the strike on US-
    based writers and performers is expected to have a ripple effect throughout the
    industry. Disney CEO Bob Iger expressed concern over the strike’s potential “very
    damaging effect” on the entire entertainment landscape. Iger highlighted the existing
    disruptions caused by streaming platforms and artificial intelligence.
    Differing Views
    The contract negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and
    Television Producers, representing industry giants such as Disney, Netflix, and Amazon,
    proved contentious. The union accused studios of undercutting modest-but-essential
    income streams, including long-term residuals. The guild also chastised companies for
    neglecting inflationary adjustments and failing to address the challenges posed by AI.
    The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers defended their position, stating
    that they presented a generous deal that included significant increases in minimum pay,
    higher pension and health contributions, and a groundbreaking AI proposal to safeguard
    actors’ digital likenesses. They expressed regret that the union had chosen the path of
    strike, which they believe will lead to financial hardships for numerous industry
    professionals.
    SAG-AFTRA, representing more than 160,000 screen actors, broadcast journalists,
    announcers, hosts, and stunt performers, received solidarity from Broadway actors,
    emphasizing their shared concerns.
    Actors Joining in Solidarity
    It is important to note that the striking actors, including the famous faces that dominate
    the industry, are not seeking financial gains for themselves, as their individual contracts
    negotiated by agents often exceed the minimums being contested in the strike. Instead,
    the unions’ primary focus is on fairer profit sharing, addressing the challenges of the
    streaming era, and protecting their creative work from unauthorized AI usage.
    As Hollywood braces for this significant industry disruption, the outcomes of the strike
    will have far-reaching implications for the future of the entertainment landscape and the
    relationships between unions, studios, and streaming platforms.

    AI
    Bal Marsius

    Bal was BTW's copywriter specialising in tech and productivity tools. He has experience working in startups, mid-size tech companies, and non-profits.

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