After 43 years, SAG-AFTRA decided to go on strike by joining the Writers Guild of America in a massive industry strike, with immediate consequences.
On Thursday, SAG-AFTRA announced its decision to sanction the strike, joining the ongoing writers’ strike that has been causing film and TV production delays since early May. When the actors’ contracts expired on Wednesday at 11:59 pm PT, the SAG-AFTRA negotiating committee voted unanimously to recommend a strike action.
In a statement Fran DrescherGuild President, stated, “SAG-AFTRA negotiated in good faith and sought to strike a deal that adequately addressed the needs of the performers, but AMPTP’s responses to the union’s most important proposals were offensive and disrespectful of our enormous contribution to the industry. Companies have refused to meaningfully deal with some topics, and on others they have completely fenced us off from us.”
What does it mean and who supports it
The strike will effectively stop all work in Hollywood with immediate effect - after giant premieres for Oppenheimer And Barbie as well as yesterday’s nominations for the 2023 Primetime Emmy Awards. The actors in both of these films have spoken out in support of the strike, while Oppenheimer the cast walked away from their London premiere when it was time to join the pickets. Let’s see what Hollywood’s biggest stars had to say in support of the strike.
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Vanity Fair shared the following reactions:
Riley Keough: “Yes, this is a very strange time and we are very unexplored and I don’t know what to expect, but I am proud to stand in solidarity with my colleagues in the film community as my second family. I really love this community and I love the support in this community and I hope for a resolution soon.”
Daniel Radcliffe: “The strike is what we’re all talking about right now. I’m one of the very, very lucky and rare actors who have a strong negotiating position when I’m working. This is not the experience of most people and I really think that both the actors and writers who are currently on strike, nobody wants these things to happen, but I think they are incredibly necessary for the development of the industry. Technology has changed so much in the industry in the last 10 years that it seems like it’s time for a recalibration to keep everyone going so they can attract great people, great writers and great actors to the industry. And also, along with all the AI stuff that also seems to be very important right now. We are probably one of the first industries to say how these things will affect us. This will probably be the first of many versions of this conversation. I think it’s very important that we take a stand on this.”
Nathan Lane: “I’ll bring croissants and coffee, we’ll spend the day. No, it’s obvious, as it is for the writers, it’s an important thing, important issues that need to be addressed, AI, all these issues. And compensation, with streamers, I honestly don’t understand all of this, but I do understand how important it is to anyone trying to make a living. So yes, I fully support. But I hope that maybe a miracle will happen.”
Aunjanue Ellis: “It’s very frustrating. It’s really the haves versus the have-nots, and it’s just an incredible imbalance between the people who have the most money and the people who don’t have any money. I have succeeded in this year and a half, but that is only in this year and a half. The amount of money I made last year I didn’t make because I’m working on a small indie movie and it won’t get me what I was paid for. Justified. Lots of injustice, lots of inequality. This needs to be resolved. And I just feel like there’s just a lack of respect. Disrespect for writers. Disrespect for the actors, you know?
With all this artificial intelligence, if you’re going to replace screenwriters, you’re going to replace actors - let’s replace some directors. Let’s replace some manufacturers. If you know what I mean? Since we are replacing people, if we have no value other than our image, who will ultimately need to be replaced? I support WGA. I support SAG-AFTRA. I’ll probably go out to picket for a little while today.”
Jessica Williams: “I’m nervous. I’m a little worried. I picket not only in solidarity with the writers and to learn more about my union, but also to feel good. This is what needs to be done, because now it seems pretty endless, complex and sad. And it’s good to go and stand in solidarity because it seems like we’re doing something.”
And additional cast members are posting their support through their social media accounts.
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Source: Collider
I have worked as a journalist for over 7 years and have written for many different publications. I currently work as an author at Daily News Hack, where I mostly cover entertainment news. I have a great deal of experience in the industry and am always looking to learn more. I am a highly motivated individual who is always looking to improve my skills. I am also a very friendly and personable person, which makes me easy to work with.
