SAG-AFTRA Releases Halloween Guidelines for Strike Support
In an effort to maintain solidarity during the ongoing strike, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has issued Halloween guidelines for its members. The guidelines advise actors to avoid costumes inspired by struck content, such as Barbie, Wednesday Addams, or Marvel superheroes, and instead opt for generic characters like ghosts or zombies.
The response from SAG-AFTRA members was mixed, with many criticizing the restrictions. In response to the backlash, the guild released a clarification, stating that the Halloween guidance was issued in response to questions from content creators and members about how to support the strike during the festive season. The guidelines do not apply to anyone’s children. SAG-AFTRA emphasized that their number one priority is getting the studios back to the negotiating table, securing a fair deal for their members, and putting the industry back to work.
However, some celebrities took to social media to mock the suggested guidelines. Ryan Reynolds tweeted, “I look forward to screaming ‘scab’ at my 8-year-old all night. She’s not in the union, but she needs to learn.” Mandy Moore also expressed her disappointment on Instagram, stating, “Is this a joke? Come on SAG-AFTRA. This is what’s important? We’re asking you to negotiate in good faith on our behalf.”
The strike, which is approaching the 100-day mark, is unprecedented in the TV and theatrical industry. Members of SAG-AFTRA have revealed that this is the longest strike in the union’s history, surpassing the 2000 SAG strike that lasted six months. Brendan Bradley, a strike captain at Paramount, described the moment as “historic” and stressed the importance of fighting for victories in every category of worker.
As Halloween draws near, SAG-AFTRA members are urged to consider their costume choices and stand in solidarity with the strike.