It has been 97 days since the Screen Actors Guild went on strike against Hollywood studios and streamers. They are demanding a better contract, protections against artificial intelligence, and an increase in residual payments. As the strike approaches the 100-day mark, actors are disappointed that the studios walked away from the negotiating table last week and do not seem interested in reaching an agreement.
SAG-AFTRA members gathered outside of Paramount Studios on Tuesday morning to express their frustration. They stated that this is the longest strike in SAG-AFTRA’s history, second only to the 2000 SAG strike. Brendan Bradley, a strike captain at Paramount, expressed his disappointment at the studios’ actions. However, he also mentioned that it has ignited a fire within the striking actors, who have been picketing in Los Angeles and New York City.
Bradley highlighted the progress made by the Writers Guild in their negotiations and called it a “blueprint” for SAG members. However, he acknowledged that there are unique considerations for each category of worker. He emphasized the importance of fighting for victory in every aspect of the entertainment industry.
Miki Yamashita, another strike captain at Paramount, shared the collective disappointment felt by SAG members when they learned of the breakdown in talks. Despite this setback, Yamashita mentioned that the studios’ actions have motivated actors to rally and show solidarity.
Strike captain Eli Henry compared the studios’ response to the Screen Actors Guild to their strategy with the Writers Guild. He expressed confidence in the actors’ ability to secure a fair contract and hoped for increased paid minimums and residuals for streaming shows.
Henry vowed to continue picketing every day in front of Paramount, as he has done since July. He emphasized the determination of actors to make their voices heard and called for an increase in wages and working conditions.
