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.
