Hollywood Actors on the Brink of Joint Strike with Writers: Here’s the Situation

Hollywood actors are on the verge of joining screenwriters in what could be the first dual-union strike in the industry in over sixty years. This has significant implications for film and television production. Let’s delve into the possible scenarios and the reasons behind this development.

CURRENT STATE OF ACTORS’ NEGOTIATIONS

The contract between the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Radio and Television Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the studios, streaming services, and production companies employing actors was scheduled to expire at midnight Pacific time on Friday. However, just hours before that, both parties announced that they had agreed to extend the current contract and continue negotiations until July 12. Unionized actors have given their leaders a resounding mandate to call for a strike if an agreement is not reached. In 2014 and 2017, negotiations also went past the deadline, ultimately resulting in agreements.

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Reports indicate that negotiations have been productive. However, some actors have expressed concerns that their leaders may not be advocating strongly enough. Over a thousand actors, including Meryl Streep, Jennifer Lawrence, and Bob Odenkirk, have added their names to a letter addressed to negotiators, stating their willingness to strike and expressing worries that the leadership is not ready to make necessary sacrifices. The letter emphasizes that this is not a time for middle ground.

The guild, led by president and former “Nanny” star Fran Drescher, represents more than 160,000 screen actors, stunt performers, broadcast journalists, announcers, and hosts. However, the strike would only involve actors working on television shows and films.

WHAT ARE THE ACTORS’ DEMANDS?

Actors share many of the same concerns as the writers. They highlight issues such as diminishing compensation due to the changing landscape of streaming, where royalty payments are no longer tied to a film or TV show’s popularity. A role or writing credit on a show that becomes a long-running hit in reruns no longer guarantees substantial financial gains. Moreover, the unions argue that inflation is outpacing the scheduled pay raises outlined in their contracts.

The transition to streaming platforms has also led to shorter seasons of shows and longer gaps between them, resulting in less work for both writers and performers.

Additionally, actors, like writers, are worried about the unregulated use of artificial intelligence. SAG-AFTRA has expressed concerns about the potential threat posed by AI’s ability to replicate the performances of its members.

Actors face specific challenges as well, such as the increasing burden of self-taped auditions. Previously, the cost of these auditions was the responsibility of casting and productions.

HAVE HOLLYWOOD ACTORS GONE ON STRIKE BEFORE?

Movie and TV actors last went on strike for three months in 1980, although actors in broadcast commercials have gone on strike twice since then. In comparison, writers have experienced more frequent labor disputes. Currently, 11,500 members of the Writers Guild of America have been on strike for nearly two months, with no resolution in sight.

The only time two major Hollywood unions simultaneously went on strike was in 1960 when the actors’ union, led by then-SAG president and future U.S. President Ronald Reagan, walked off the job for six weeks during a five-month writers’ strike.

Actors have demonstrated widespread support for the striking writers, with many joining them on picket lines as a symbolic display of solidarity.

WHAT WOULD BE THE IMPACT OF COMBINED STRIKES ON VIEWERS?

The writers’ strike has already had an immediate impact on late-night network talk shows, such as “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” and “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,” which went on an immediate hiatus. “Saturday Night Live” canceled its last three episodes of the season.

Over the past two months, numerous scripted television series, including “Stranger Things,” “Hacks,” “Yellow Jackets,” and “Severance,” have also halted production. Some movies have reportedly been put on hold as well.

If actors join the writers in the strike, almost all other shows and films that have not yet been shot will face similar shutdowns. The release of upcoming TV show seasons would be indefinitely delayed, and movie premieres would be pushed back.

Viewers using streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video may not notice immediate differences, but they would eventually have to wait longer for new seasons of their favorite original series.

There may be exceptions for productions taking place outside the United States, and reality shows, game shows, and most daytime talk shows are unlikely to be affected.

The dual strikes also cast doubt on the feasibility of the Emmy Awards, whose nominations are scheduled to be announced on July 12, ahead of a September ceremony. However, despite the writers’ strike, the Tony Awards and BET Awards managed to proceed.

WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH THE WRITERS?

During the two-month-long writers’ strike, there have been ongoing pickets and significant rallies, but no progress has been made thus far. Currently, there are no negotiations taking place between the striking writers and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which represents the studios, streamers, and production companies in union negotiations. The longest previous writers’ strike, in 1988, lasted five months.

In addition to their shared concerns with actors, writers are particularly focused on the decreasing staff sizes, known as “mini-rooms,” used in TV shows. These reduced staffs result in less work and fewer guarantees for future employment.

The AMPTP argues that the writers’ demands would require them to be retained and paid even when there is no work available. The group has stated that it offered generous pay increases.

As talks between the two sides broke off just hours before the contract expiration, they remained far apart. The outcome of negotiations with actors in the coming days remains uncertain.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hollywood actors strike

More about Hollywood actors strike

• Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Radio and Television Artists (SAG-AFTRA)
• Writers Guild of America (WGA)
• Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP)
• Hollywood Reporter – Actors Authorize Strike
• Variety – Hollywood Writers’ Strike
• Deadline – Actors’ Concerns and Demands
• Los Angeles Times – Impact of Strikes on Viewers
• Entertainment Weekly – Past Strikes in Hollywood