SAG AFTRA, the union representing over 160,000 actors and on-screen performers for major TV and movie productions today issued a strike order following prolonged negotiations with Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) which represents the major media companies like Disney, NBC, Netflix, and more. This will stop almost all major television and movie projects that are currently in production. SAG AFTRA ordered the strike after extending the period of negotiation 12 days ago. The conflicting issues the union representatives cited focused on inflation, residual payments in the streaming era, and the questionable implantation of generative artificial intelligence technology.
A SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical/Streaming Strike has been ordered effective July 14, at 12:01 a.m. Additional details are forthcoming. The Strike Order can be found here: https://t.co/NFBM7lLGTs pic.twitter.com/SGjmR0BPeu
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) July 13, 2023
“Union members should withhold their labor until a fair contract can be achieved. They have left us with no alternative.” said National executive director and chief negotiator of SAG-AFTRA Duncan Crabtree-Ireland today in a press conference. Crabtree-Ireland reiterated that the strike was a last resort.
In a responding statement from AMPTP, they state their party “presented a deal that offered historic pay and residual increases, substantially higher caps on pension and health contributions, audition protections, shortened series option periods, and a groundbreaking AI proposal that protects actors’ digital likenesses.”
In a Hollywood Reporter article, it was clarified through sources this strike will also see union members also not do any promotional interviews, convention appearances, or voice acting work as a part of the unified effort.
SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher sends a message to Hollywood execs: ‘We demand respect and to be honored for our contribution. You share the wealth because you cannot exist without us.’ pic.twitter.com/GD7qAYb5U6
— NowThis Impact (@nowthisimpact) July 13, 2023
Variety has reported that the strike begins tonight at midnight, with members of the union joining the Writers Guild of America who are also striking against the same governing body. The WGA has been on strike for 72 days.
Variety reports that the strike begins at midnight, while union members will be able to join the WGA‘s picket lines tomorrow morning on Friday, July 14.
The actor’s strike is expected to have sweeping effects across the entire entertainment industry impacting almost every level of production. Considering the annual cycle of network and cable TV shows this may not change the viewing habits of consumers until the fall.
Beyond the Trailers broke down all of the proverbial dominoes that are falling with this eventful strike.
