Adam Driver Shows Support for Striking SAG-AFTRA Actors at Venice Film Festival
At the Venice Film Festival, actor Adam Driver made a statement in solidarity with the striking SAG-AFTRA actors. Despite being at the festival to promote his new film “Ferrari,” Driver wanted to ensure that those on the picket lines knew he stood with them.
It is important to note that Driver is not breaking any strike rules by attending the festival and doing publicity for “Ferrari.” The film, directed by Michael Mann and produced by Neon and STX, has a SAG interim agreement, which means it was made independently of the Association of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) and followed SAG rules and regulations.
During the film’s press conference, Driver expressed his happiness to be there to support the movie and the hard work of the actors and crew involved. He also highlighted the importance of promoting the SAG leadership directive, which is an effective tactic through the interim agreement.
Driver emphasized the benefits of the SAG interim agreements, stating that they allow independent movies to be made and provide opportunities for people in organizations like the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) and SAG to work despite the ongoing actors’ strike.
The actor criticized bigger studios like Netflix and Amazon for not adhering to SAG rules. He questioned why smaller distribution companies like Neon and STX could meet SAG’s demands while the bigger companies couldn’t. Driver believed that by supporting movies that have agreed to these terms, it becomes apparent that some companies are willing to collaborate and support the people they work with, while others are not.
Driver explained that supporting the interim agreement is a no-brainer, as it benefits union members and the people they collaborate with. Mann, the director of “Ferrari,” echoed Driver’s sentiments and expressed solidarity not just with SAG but also with the Writers’ Guild, whose members have been on strike for over 100 days.
Mann made it clear that once an agreement is in place, they fully encourage SAG-AFTRA members to work under that agreement and promote work made under those terms, as it benefits SAG in their negotiations.
In closing, Driver stated that no big studio had provided financial support for their film, which is why they were standing in solidarity with both unions.
“Ferrari” is set to hit theaters nationwide on December 25th.