The rallies are scheduled to occur on Friday, precisely one week after the commencement of significant industrial action by Sag-Aftra, Equity’s sister union in the United States. The Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (Sag-Aftra) represents approximately 160,000 actors throughout the country but has been unable to reach new contract agreements with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). As a result, Hollywood has been hit with simultaneous strikes from both Equity and Sag-Aftra, creating disruption in productions, premieres, and conventions.
Notable Hollywood stars, including Hilary Duff, Bob Odenkirk, Josh Gad, and Kevin Bacon, have physically joined the picket lines alongside striking members of the Writers Guild of America, who commenced their industrial action on May 2. Additionally, George Clooney, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Jessica Chastain have expressed their support for the strikes online.
Equity has announced that rallies are scheduled to take place in London’s Leicester Square and Media City in Manchester at noon on Friday. Prominent speakers at the London rally will include Equity general secretary Paul Fleming, union president Lynda Rooke, and Labour MP John McDonnell. In a statement, Equity expressed its complete support for Sag-Aftra and their actions, as it also faces challenges from engagers attempting to undermine its agreements collectively bargained.
The issue of pay and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) are among the key points of contention between Sag-Aftra and the AMPTP. The contract between the two parties expired, and negotiators failed to reach an agreement due to disputes over these matters. Sag-Aftra highlights the existential threat that generative AI technology poses to actors’ livelihoods and the unregulated use of such technology. Pay negotiations have also been crucial as streaming platforms have transformed actors’ compensation models, greatly impacting their residual incomes.
Equity sees these issues as shared fights that go beyond national borders. The rise of AI and the increasing prevalence of virtual auditions and self-tapes are challenging the union’s existence as well. Equity has maintained constant communication with Sag-Aftra throughout negotiations, with representatives attending talks in Los Angeles. The union pledges continued collaboration and solidarity with Sag-Aftra in the face of these challenges.
During the strike, Sag-Aftra members are refraining from filming new projects and promoting their films at various events, including junkets, premieres, awards shows, and conventions such as the San Diego Comic Con. Independent filmmakers may qualify for waivers to continue shooting their projects outside of the studio system amidst the strike. Marvel actor Mark Ruffalo has voiced support for such waivers and the potential sharing of profits from successful independent films.
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