Title: ‘No Contracts, No Peace’: Actors Stage Demonstration in New York
Subtitle: Hollywood Actors Demand Better Pay, AI Protections, and Respect
Date: July 17, 2023
In a historic move, actors from the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) have taken to the streets of New York to protest the lack of fair contracts and respect from Hollywood studios. This demonstration comes as negotiations between the union and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) reached a deadlock, leading to a halt in scripted TV and movie production.
Mark Ruffalo, best known for his roles in “13 Going on 30” and “The Avengers,” voiced his anger at the Hollywood “fat cats” who he believes no longer value actors. Ruffalo’s remarks came in a series of tweets supporting the actors’ strike and calling for solidarity among actors and independent producers. He emphasized the need for actors to work with indie producers and create content that can be sold or distributed independently.
The actors’ strike, which aligns with the ongoing strike by the Writers Guild of America, demands better base pay and residuals in the streaming TV era. Additionally, actors are seeking protections against the replacement of their work by artificial intelligence (AI). They fear that AI technology could lead to the erosion of actors’ roles and the unauthorized use of their likenesses.
Prominent figures in the entertainment industry, including George Clooney, Jason Sudeikis, and Susan Sarandon, have voiced their support for the strike. These A-list actors have been seen on the picket lines, demonstrating their solidarity with their fellow performers.
Director Christopher Nolan, known for his films like “Tenet” and “Inception,” spoke at a special screening of his movie “Oppenheimer” about the potential dangers of AI and the need for accountability. He warned that AI systems, if left unchecked, could have control over important aspects of society and emphasized the responsibility of individuals to use technology ethically.
Concerns over the strike’s lasting impact on the entertainment industry are mounting. Former Paramount and 20th Century Fox CEO Barry Diller cautioned that an extended strike could lead to an “absolute collapse” of the industry. He called for a settlement deadline to prevent devastating effects on the production of TV shows and movies.
As the strike continues, actors and writers are making their voices heard with powerful demonstrations and public statements. They are demanding fair compensation, AI protections, and respect from the studios that profit from their talent and hard work. The outcome of these negotiations will likely shape the future of the entertainment industry and its relationship with its creative workforce.