The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) has announced that it will go on strike, resulting in the largest shutdown Hollywood has seen in 40 years. The union is demanding a fairer split of profits and better working conditions from streaming giants. As a result of the strike, 160,000 performers will stop work at midnight.
The SAG strike will begin at midnight Los Angeles time (08:00 BST), with picketing starting an hour later outside the California headquarters of Netflix. The strike will then move on to Paramount, Warner Bros, and Disney. The union is also requesting a guarantee that artificial intelligence and computer-generated faces and voices will not be used to replace actors.
The strike order published online by SAG states that the walkout applies to those employed in acting, singing, dancing, stunt performing, puppeteering, motion capture work, as well as various background and promotional tasks.
The union, officially known as the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), announced on Wednesday that it was unable to reach an agreement with major studios. Its negotiating committee unanimously voted to recommend strike action, which will result in the majority of US film and TV productions coming to a halt.
Fran Drescher, SAG’s president, described the strike as a “very seminal moment” for actors in the industry. She criticized employers for prioritizing Wall Street and greed over the essential contributors that make the industry run.
This strike comes in addition to a separate strike by the Writers Guild of America, which has been ongoing since May 2nd. The “double strike” by both unions is the first since 1960. The Directors Guild of America successfully negotiated a contract in June and will not participate in the strike.
The start of the strike will force a vast majority of US film and TV productions to stop, adding to the list of projects already affected by the writers’ strike. Films already in production will face significant challenges, as actors will be unavailable for re-shoots and other essential elements of the filmmaking process. TV shows that are still being filmed will also largely have to stop as actors become unavailable.
The strike will also impact the attendance of top Hollywood stars at events to promote new and upcoming releases. Events such as the Emmys and Comic-Con may need to be rescheduled or scaled back.
Several top Hollywood stars, including Margot Robbie, Meryl Streep, and Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson, have expressed their support for the strike.
What specific demands does the Screen Actors Guild have for streaming giants regarding profit sharing and working conditions?
Screen Actors Guild (SAG) has recently made a monumental announcement that is set to bring about the largest shutdown that Hollywood has experienced in the last four decades. The union, representing over 160,000 performers, has decided to go on strike in order to demand fairer profit sharing and improved working conditions from streaming giants.
This strike, which is scheduled to commence at midnight Los Angeles time (08:00 BST), will witness picketing outside Netflix’s California headquarters one hour later. The protest will then proceed to other major studios including Paramount, Warner Bros, and Disney. Additionally, the union is seeking a guarantee that artificial intelligence and computer-generated faces and voices will not be utilized as substitutes for actors.
This move by the SAG signifies a critical moment in the entertainment industry, with performers standing united in their pursuit of fair treatment and recognition. The strike is a powerful step towards ensuring that actors receive their fair share of the profits they help generate and that their working conditions are improved. Moreover, the demand to prevent the use of AI and computer-generated technology in replacing actors is a reflection of the union’s commitment to preserving the artistry and talent that only real performers can bring to the screen.
As the strike takes effect, it will undoubtedly create widespread disruptions in Hollywood. With performers withholding their services, film and television production will face significant challenges. This unprecedented shutdown serves as a stark reminder of the importance of actors in the entertainment industry and their essential role in creating captivating storytelling experiences.
The outcome of this strike has the potential to reshape the dynamics between streaming giants and actors, setting a precedent for fairer negotiations and better conditions for performers. It remains to be seen how this battle will unfold, but one thing is certain – the unity and determination of the Screen Actors Guild will send a resounding message to the industry, emphasizing the vital significance of actors and their relentless pursuit of a stronger and fairer future.
