Hollywood actors-writers launch strike for 1st time in 63 years
For the first time in 63 years, Hollywood has come to a halt following a double strike by writers and actors—led by the national board for the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA)—over better pay and protection in a rapidly-changing era, among other issues. The decision came on Thursday after contract negotiation talks with major studios and streaming companies failed.
What do writers and actors want?
The SAG-AFTRA members' fight stems from their demand for better pay and working conditions, among other points of contention. The threat posed by artificial intelligence (AI)—a direct rival to the writers and their employment—has also been a recurring point in the discussions. Both actors and writers have reportedly also complained about "less work" due to the trend of short seasons on streaming platforms.
Actors previously listed their demands in June
In June, about 300 actors signed a letter that said that their "craft," "creative freedom," and their "union's power" have been "undermined in the last decade." "With inflation and continued growth in streaming, we need a seismic realignment of our minimum pay," said the letter signed by Jennifer Lawrence and Meryl Streep, among others. Actors are also concerned about their AI-generated likenesses being used.
Union said they're being 'disrespected' and 'marginalized'
While announcing the strike, SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher declared, "The jig is up. You cannot keep being dwindled and marginalized and disrespected and dishonored." "The entire business model has been changed by streaming, digital, AI... We are all going to be in jeopardy of being replaced by machines and big business, who cares more about Wall Street than you and your family," she added.
Actors are forbidden from working for both studios, streamers
The strike is historically important and unprecedented. SAG-AFTRA's 160,000 members (background actors and A-listers) are now disallowed from working for major studios or streamers. The Writers Guild of America (which has about 11,000 members) has already been on strike since May, which marks the first time in 63 years that both actors and writers have halted their work simultaneously.
Long list of what members can, can't do
SAG-AFTRA said union members are now barred from attending publicity events, rehearsals, auditions, and social media promotions, among other things. However, they can shoot for commercials for television, radio, and digital media and TV programs covered by the Network Television Code. Actors, however, cannot promote themselves or their work, which puts up a question mark on the upcoming Emmys, their campaign, and eventual awards.
What the other side is saying
Disney chief executive Bob Iger isn't pleased with SAG-AFTRA's demands. He told CNBC, "It's very disturbing to me. We've talked about disruptive forces on this business and all the challenges that we're facing and the recovery from COVID-19, which is ongoing... You also have to be realistic about the business environment and what this business can deliver." He has drawn flak for his comments.
Meanwhile, here's how 'Oppenheimer' cast showed solidarity
The cast of Oppenheimer was in London when the double strike was announced. To show their support, they walked out from the red carpet premiere, with Christopher Nolan announcing, "They are off to write their picket signs for what we believe to be an imminent strike by SAG, joining...the Writers Guild, in the struggle for fair wages for working members of their union."
Several A-list actors have come out in support
Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Nolan, Jamie Lee Curtis, Margot Robbie (whose Barbie is awaiting release), Jeremy Renner, Cillian Murphy, Olivia Wilde, and Pedro Pascal, among many other Hollywood A-listers, have supported the strike. Oppenheimer star Damon told Deadline, "If our leadership is saying that the deal isn't fair, then we gotta hold strong until we get a deal that's fair for working actors."
