The 2023 Actor Strike and Its Impact on the Entertainment Industry
Updated: 11/08/8:00 pm
The latest news on the SAG-AFTRA strike is that actors and studios have reached a preliminary labor agreement.
“In a unanimous vote this afternoon, the SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical Committee approved a tentative agreement with the AMPTP bringing an end to the 118-day strike,” the actors guild said in a statement. According to the committee the strike will officially end at 12:01 a.m. Thursday.
The tentative deal will be reviewed by the union’s national board Friday for “review and consideration,” according to the released statement. Although talks had ended when both sides could not reach an agreement last month this tentative deal looks likely to move forward ending the 118 day strike. The board is to review the deal on Friday.
Thousands in Hollywood have been effected by the strike including big studios like Disney, Universal, Warner Bros, and Paramount.
Since July 14, 2023, the American actors' union SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) has been on strike over an ongoing labor dispute with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
The entertainment industry faced a significant upheaval as actors across film, television, and theater united in a strike to demand fairer treatment, better compensation, and safer working conditions. The strike brought into sharp focus the labor issues that have been simmering in the industry for years, and it served as a turning point in the ongoing struggle for the rights and well-being of performers.
The seeds of the actor strike can be traced back to the previous years when conversations about the treatment of actors in the industry gained momentum. Issues such as wage disparities, long working hours, insufficient breaks, inadequate healthcare coverage, and safety concerns were among the key grievances. The COVID-19 pandemic also highlighted the vulnerability of actors, as many found themselves out of work or in risky environments during the early days of the health crisis.
The strike has been characterized by a series of demands that represented the concerns of actors and their allies. Some of the key elements include:
Fair Compensation: Actors called for fair and equitable pay, including better residuals, bonuses, and a share of the profits generated from their work.
Improved Safety Measures: With several accidents and injuries on sets in recent years, actors demanded stricter safety protocols, better working conditions, and access to mental health resources.
Healthcare Benefits: Many actors are considered freelancers and have struggled to obtain consistent health insurance. The strike demanded better healthcare benefits, particularly for those without long-term contracts.
Inclusivity and Diversity: Actors urged the industry to prioritize inclusivity and diversity in casting and storytelling, ensuring opportunities for actors from underrepresented communities.
Transparency and Accountability: Calls were made for greater transparency in financial dealings within the industry, as well as accountability for those who engage in misconduct.
Lack of agreement on a new contract between SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP
Disagreement over streaming residuals and regulation of self-tape auditions
Studio usage of artificial intelligence (AI) to scan actors' faces to generate performances digitally
Ratification of a labor contract
Streaming service residual formula
Greater regulation of self-tape auditions
Preventing AI from replacing actors on set
Naturally, all of this has had a significant impact on the production of film, television, and theater. Numerous projects have been either delayed or halted altogether, leading to financial losses for production companies and affecting the livelihood of countless industry workers beyond just actors. However, many actors and their supporters believed that such disruption was a necessary step to bring attention to the systemic issues facing the industry.
The strike garnered both support and opposition from within the entertainment industry. While some studios and production companies engaged in dialogue with the striking actors and agreed to address some of the concerns, others were resistant to change, fearing that meeting the demands would increase production costs.
The strike also received support from various unions and advocacy groups, further amplifying the call for reform. Celebrities, including high-profile actors, used their platforms to raise awareness about the strike's objectives, fueling the momentum behind the movement.
Negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP took place from October 2–October 11, and resumed on October 24. As the longest strike in SAG-AFTRA history, its combined impact with the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike resulted in the loss of 45,000 jobs, and "an estimated $6.5 billion" loss to the economy of Southern California. According to Deadline Hollywood, the "harshest pain is perhaps felt among the below-the-line workers who've had to sell or mortgage their homes, and wipe through IRAs to survive."
The 2023 actor strike serves as a significant turning point for the entertainment industry. It underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reform, including addressing longstanding issues related to worker rights, diversity, and transparency. The strike exemplifies the power of collective action and highlights the determination of actors to secure fair treatment, safety, and equity in an industry that often celebrates their work while failing to adequately protect their rights and well-being.
As negotiations continue and industry leaders and actors work toward a resolution, the strike remains a symbol of the ongoing struggle for a more just and equitable entertainment industry. Its legacy will likely influence the way actors are treated and compensated, and it may also serve as a reminder that the voices of those in the industry cannot be ignored when advocating for essential reforms.
There will be more information as it becomes available on the strike...
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