Hollywood faces historic double strike as Screen Actors Guild joins writers for first time in 60 years
In a groundbreaking development, the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), representing 160,000 performers, has embarked on a strike in Hollywood.
The strike became inevitable after negotiations between the union and the studios concluded without reaching a satisfactory agreement or extension.
SAG-AFTRA’s negotiating committee voted unanimously to recommend to the National Board a strike of the Producers-SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical/Streaming Contracts which expired July 12, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. PT.
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) July 13, 2023
SAG-AFTRA’s National Board will vote Thursday morning on whether to strike. https://t.co/ZoDmoDYZc0
As the union's contract officially expired at midnight, an overwhelming majority of 98% of the union's members had previously authorized their leaders to call for a strike if a new contract could not be secured.
A Message from the SAG-AFTRA President and Chief Negotiator: For the future of our profession, we stand together. https://t.co/FHL3jsULIa
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) July 13, 2023
Fran Drescher, President of SAG-AFTRA, expressed disappointment with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) for their unsatisfactory responses to the union's key issues, describing them as "insulting and disrespectful."
While the union had engaged in negotiations in good faith, aiming to address the needs of performers, the companies represented by the AMPTP had shown reluctance to meaningfully engage in certain areas and had completely stonewalled the union in others.
The strike by SAG-AFTRA will have a significant impact on the industry...
- Actors will not be allowed to participate in any film and TV productions,
- Attend press junkets or film premieres, or
- Promote anything at events like the upcoming San Diego Comic-Con.
‘GLADIATOR 2’ and ‘MORTAL KOMBAT 2’ have begun preparations to halt filming as the SAG-AFTRA strike looks to begin.
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) July 13, 2023
(Source: https://t.co/FRjfpn2HJM) pic.twitter.com/4Jlyyvd5EZ
This strike comes in addition to the ongoing Writers Guild of America strike, which began on May 2 and has already resulted in a dramatic reduction in production.
The issues at the heart of the SAG-AFTRA strike reflect the evolving landscape of the entertainment business. The union is seeking
- a streaming residual formula that properly accounts for the success of shows, acknowledging the shifting dynamics in viewership and revenue streams.
- It also aims to establish regulations regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to protect performers' rights and ensure they are fairly compensated for any AI-generated use of their likeness.
- SAG believes that the compensation of performers has been severely eroded by the rise of the streaming ecosystem and that AI poses an existential threat to creative professions.
- Other crucial matters include limits on self-taped auditions and various working conditions.
The AMPTP expressed disappointment with the outcome of the talks, claiming that the union chose to walk away from negotiations. They highlighted their offers of historic pay and residual increases, higher caps on pension and health contributions, audition protections, shortened series option periods, and a groundbreaking AI proposal.
However, SAG-AFTRA emphasized the studios' refusal to engage with their key proposals and their fundamental disrespect towards members, leading to the strike.
This marks the first strike for SAG-AFTRA since its formation in 2012 through the merger of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. The last time actors and writers simultaneously went on strike was in 1960, highlighting the significance of the current labor dispute.
SAG-AFTRA’s national board will meet this morning to formally approve the launch of a strike.
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) July 13, 2023
It will be the first actors strike since 1980 and the first time that actors and writers have been on strike at the same time since 1960. Picketing is set to begin Friday morning. pic.twitter.com/ht3avIPAEB
The studios and streamers had been preparing for a prolonged strike, intending to let it "bleed out" and financially strain union members.
The strategy is to prolong the strike until writers and actors start experiencing severe financial hardships, such as losing their homes or apartments. Despite the hardships faced by union members, their resolve remains strong, with actors already joining writers on the picket lines outside major studios.
DGA watching WGA and SAG-AFTRA strike together pic.twitter.com/tAtadB4u1R
— Travon (@Travon) July 13, 2023
The joint Writer's Strike and SAG-AFTRA strike represent a pivotal moment in Hollywood's labor history. The united front of writers and actors aims to address the profound changes occurring in the entertainment industry, particularly the rise of streaming platforms and the increasing use of AI.
Through these strikes, writers and performers seek to ensure that their creative contributions are recognized, valued, and appropriately rewarded, thereby safeguarding the future of their professions.