In recent weeks, the US film and television industry has been rocked by one issue in particular: the writers’ strike. However, they are not the only ones who are raising their voices to seek a fair deal, Well, it seems that Hollywood actors could also go on strike… just as they read it.
Since the protests began, We have seen a lot of celebrities holding signs, shouting and supporting the writers, who are looking for better pay for their work in series, movies and television shows.. But believe it or not, Hollywood actors also have fights with this same issue.
However, the stars that we see in front of the cameras and starring in all the productions took a low profile. But it seems that their situation is already reaching a limit and it seems that a month after the start of the writers’ strike, Hollywood actors could go on strike and here we explain in a few points how the matter is.
How did the conflict between the Hollywood actors begin?
To put them in context, as it happened with the scriptwriters, the Screen Actors Guild Film-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) He has also been trying to renegotiate the collective contract they have with the Alliance of Film and Television Producers for a long time (AMPTP in English), which includes more than 350 movie studios, television networks and streaming companies.
Following the start of the Hollywood writers’ strike, both SAG-AFTRA and the directors’ union expressed their solidarity with their fellow writers, as they are all united by the same struggle. Yet he lowers his hand the filmmakers union (representing 19 thousand film, television and commercial directors) reached an agreement with the AMPTP on June 3, which both the actors and the scriptwriters took badly.
That is why SAG-AFTRA decided to put pressure on the AMPTP, who agreed to start having more serious talks with each other on June 7with the idea of reaching a fair deal for both parties and thus, the productions do not stop, many of which have already been affected by the writers’ strike.
The demands of the Hollywood Actors Guild
We already know how the conflict started, but What are the requirements of the Hollywood Actors Guild? Well, just like his fellow writers, they are also asking for better wages and streaming residual payments (In other words, the amount that the actors receive each time a movie, series or television show in which they appear is broadcast on the platforms).
And it is that according to The GuardianHollywood actors say that the compensation they receive has been affected by inflation and the strange model in which streaming platforms operate. That is why they are asking the AMPTP to make it clear what the profits will be when working on a production.
In addition to all this, the SAG-AFTRA also included within its requirements for the AMPTP that the use of artificial intelligence in film and television is regulated, better benefits or benefit plans and they are even asking to lower the “self-recorded auditions”since the cost of these was previously the responsibility of the casting and production, and now it comes out of the pockets of the actors.
The consequences of a possible actors’ strike in Hollywood
Now, the consequences of not reaching an agreement could be quite strong for Hollywood. To give you an idea of how things are, when the issue between SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP, 65 thousand union members (representing more than 160 thousand screen actors, journalists, broadcasters, presenters and stuntmen) they voted in favor of the strike, since 98% agree to protest if the negotiations fail.
At that time, Hollywood Actors Guild President Fran Drescher(yes, the same one from The Nanny), told the members that she was proud of everyone for making this decision.
“Together we stand together and in unity build a new contract that honors our contributions in this remarkable industry, reflects the new digital and broadcast business model, and brings ALL our concerns for protections and benefits to the now! Bravo Sag-Aftra, we are in this to win it”.
I declare Fran Drescher on a possible strike of Hollywood actors
But going back to the consequences, for his part, the writers managed to stop the production and writing of several series and films (both new and some that were preparing their next seasons), but not 100%. However, if Hollywood actors go on strike, filming would stop altogether. Although in addition to the recordings, the interviews and promotion of many titles that are about to be released would also be cancelled.
What is the deadline to define whether or not to arm the Hollywood actors’ strike?
Although they have not closed a deal yet, there is still some time to define whether or not to arm the Hollywood actors’ strike. In fact, SAG-AFTRA set June 30, 2023 for the AMPTP as the deadline to reach an agreement, because that day their contracts end. Otherwise, the protests would start and now, yes, things would turn ant-colored.
Fortunately for the actors, Fran Drescher and the union’s chief negotiator, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, told Los Angeles Times that they are making good progress in contract negotiations. And although they did not reveal details, they said that the talks with the AMPTP have been productive because in them They are checking each of their demands with a magnifying glass.
An agreement with the actors, just after renegotiating with the directors, would probably put more pressure on the Hollywood Writers Guild to resolve its conflict with the AMPTP and thus end its strike.. The leaders of the writers’ union have said that they are happy for their colleagues, because they are looking for almost the same thing, although they made it clear that they have their own fight and it will not end until they comply with what they ask for.
However, if the definitive strike is reached, It would be the first actors’ strike in just over 40 yearsbecause in 1980 they protested for 95 days for the terms and royalties of pay television and VHS tapes. What do you say? Are these celebrities going on strike or not? We are nothing to know what will happen and Hollywood.
