‘No contracts, no peace’: Actors stage demonstration in New York
The entertainment industry is facing a major upheaval as the national board of the SAG-AFTRA union approved a member walkout, leading to a strike that could have far-reaching consequences. Negotiations between the union and studios have broken down, with both actors and writers demanding fair compensation in the streaming TV era and protection against the use of artificial intelligence (AI) replacing their work.
The strike marks the first dual work stoppage by both actors and writers in 63 years, as the Writers Guild of America has been on strike since early May. Base pay and residuals in the streaming TV era are among the demands of both unions, along with assurances that AI will not replace their work.
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) is at the center of the dispute, with studios allegedly offering “insulting and disrespectful” responses to the actors’ concerns, according to SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher, known for her role in “The Nanny.”
Celebrity support for the strike has been strong, with A-listers like George Clooney and Alec Baldwin voicing their backing. The cast of Oppenheimer even left a London premiere early to join the picket line. However, Disney CEO Bob Iger called the strike action “very disruptive” and criticized the expectations of writers and actors as unrealistic.
As the strike progresses, its impact on the industry is becoming more apparent. Major projects such as Gladiator 2 and Yellowjackets have already been affected, and the list continues to grow. Studios like House of the Dragon have faced backlash for continuing production despite the strike, but local union rules allow them to proceed.
The strike has also caused uncertainty for major events in the entertainment industry. SAG-AFTRA members have been banned from attending Comic-Con, and the Emmys may face a delay if the strike continues until September. Fall film festivals like Telluride, Toronto, and New York are also at risk if stars refuse to participate. One studio executive bluntly stated, “No stars, no movie.”
As the strike shows no signs of resolution, tensions are escalating. Succession actor Brian Cox warned that the strike could get “very unpleasant” and last until the end of the year. The use of AI in film and television production remains a major concern for actors, as the extent of its potential impact is still unknown.
The entertainment industry is at a crossroads, with the strike becoming an inflection point for actors and writers struggling for fair treatment and protection in a rapidly changing landscape. The outcome of this battle will shape the future of the industry and the relationship between working people and Hollywood.