First Hollywood Shutdown in Six Decades Imminent

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Hollywood is on the verge of experiencing its first industry-wide shutdown in over sixty years. Following failed talks with major studios, the actors’ union has unanimously recommended strike action, potentially joining the ongoing writers’ strike. Should this occur, the 160,000 performers represented by SAG-AFTRA may go on strike as early as Thursday.

The negotiations for the renewal of the three-year contract between SAG-AFTRA and major studio and streaming services have been tense, focusing on issues including AI “digital doubles” and actors’ compensation. Although the contract’s expiry date was extended to July 12, talks have now reached an impasse.

The final vote on strike action will take place later today, after which pickets could commence. This would mark the first time since 1960 that both actors and writers would be on strike simultaneously. The last actors’ strike occurred in 1980.

The major points of contention in negotiations revolve around compensation for streaming services and the use of artificial intelligence in films and TV, echoing the concerns that led writers to strike. The Alliances of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) has offered various concessions, but SAG-AFTRA alleges that they have failed to adequately address important issues affecting laborers in the industry.

SAG-AFTRA’s decision to potentially strike has gained the support of numerous Hollywood stars, with over 300 of them signing an open letter expressing their dissatisfaction with the current state of the industry and supporting the union’s actions.