Members of the Screen Actor’s Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) are currently on strike as of July 14. The strike was initiated after contract negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) reached an impasse. Notable Hollywood figures such as Academy Award winners Jessica Chastain and Brendan Fraser, along with actors Bryan Cranston, Bob Odenkirk, and Hilary Duff, have been actively participating in picket lines in Los Angeles and New York over the past four weeks.
This strike has had a significant impact on major Hollywood productions, events, and award ceremonies, as actors are prohibited from engaging in any promotional activities for their work. SAG-AFTRA, which represents approximately 160,000 actors across the United States, has voiced concerns regarding issues like pay and the use of artificial intelligence (AI). They have joined forces with the Writers Guild of America (WGA), who began their strike on May 2 and have now surpassed 100 days of strikes.
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, chief negotiator for SAG-AFTRA, acknowledges the potential for this strike to instigate a historic cultural shift across all industries. He commends the members for their unwavering dedication to the cause, stating, “We are currently witnessing a pivotal moment in history. Our goal is to secure a groundbreaking contract that surpasses anything we have seen in the past 60 years. Back in 1960, we went on strike in conjunction with the WGA and successfully achieved pension and health plans, as well as residuals. Our future depends on not settling for anything less transformative in this negotiation.”
During the strike, interim agreements have been granted to certain independent productions, allowing them to continue their work. According to Crabtree-Ireland, these agreements are designed to provide opportunities for actors and crew members to sustain themselves financially by working on these indie projects. He further adds, “Our strike has the potential to ignite a cultural revolution across all industries, where making money and prioritizing the welfare of workers coexist, reshaping the definition of success.”
Last month, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson made a historic seven-figure donation to the Sag-Aftra Foundation Relief Fund to aid actors facing financial hardship during the strike. The strike has gained attention from political figures, including US President Joe Biden and California Governor Gavin Newsom. Both have reached out to SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP in an effort to mediate a resolution. The strike has also impacted the film industry in the UK, leading to pauses in production for films such as a Formula 1 feature film starring Brad Pitt, Deadpool 3, and the musical film Wicked. British acting union Equity held a solidarity rally in London’s Leicester Square attended by prominent stars like Brian Cox, Andy Serkis, Simon Pegg, Hayley Atwell, and Imelda Staunton.
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