What’s Behind Actors’ Participation in Films Amid the Strike? A Guide to SAG-AFTRA Exemptions

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Owing to strikes by actors and writers, the majority of Hollywood’s film and television productions have come to a halt, affecting everything from the sequel to “Gladiator” to the live-action “Lilo & Stitch.” However, exemptions provided by the union have permitted some independent films and TV productions to go on, involving actors from the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) during the strike.

The union’s leadership views this as a crucial bargaining tool, yet it has also created division and bewilderment, especially among those picketing, while big names like Anne Hathaway and Matthew McConaughey continue to work.

Here’s a closer look at the temporary arrangements that are enabling some Hollywood filming to continue.

WHAT DO THE TEMPORARY AGREEMENTS ENCOMPASS?

The actors’ strike targets studios and streaming platforms operating under the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), including major film studios, TV networks, and streaming services like Netflix, Apple TV+, and Amazon.

Several independent production companies unassociated with the AMPTP are permitted to continue filming with SAG-AFTRA actors during the strike, provided they comply with union stipulations agreed upon on July 12. This includes an 11% wage increase, revenue-sharing guarantees, and AI protections.

These conditions were turned down by studios and streaming services, but independent producers and smaller studios were willing to accept them to carry on filming.

WHAT FILMS AND SHOWS ARE ALLOWED TO GO ON?

As of Tuesday, over 120 productions have been given the green light, including films and shows starring Rebel Wilson, Jenna Ortega, Paul Rudd, Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, and others.

While the list is regularly updated on SAG-AFTRA’s website, some productions, even with exemptions, are holding off in a show of unity and consideration of appearances.

WHAT’S SAG-AFTRA’S PLAN?

The union’s chief negotiator, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, has outlined multiple advantages of the temporary agreement for SAG-AFTRA members, from establishing the reasonableness of their demands to providing work opportunities and strategically agitating studios.

WHY IS IT CAUSING A STIR?

The exemptions are contentious because they appear to undermine the unified stance of the strike, particularly when well-known celebrities continue working. Some members have expressed confusion or frustration, although after discussions with union leaders, understanding has been reached regarding the positive and negative aspects of these waivers.

WHAT IF AN AMPTP COMPANY ACQUIRES A FILM FOR DISTRIBUTION?

Small studios sometimes sell their films to AMPTP companies for distribution. Crabtree-Ireland views this as a potential concern but also as a reality that must be accepted. He also notes that this could have an upside due to the interim agreement’s revenue share clause.

WHAT ABOUT THE PROMOTION OF FINISHED WORKS?

SAG-AFTRA is considering requests to let actors promote independent films at upcoming fall festivals. Various independent movies, such as Luc Besson’s “DogMan,” are set to debut, and exemptions could theoretically be granted for promoting these films as well.

Reported by Dalton from Los Angeles, with contributions from Leslie Ambriz in Los Angeles.

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