In what's being called The Hollywood Strike, actors have now joined writers in staging a walkout which was slated to last 10 weeks.
It's the first time that members of the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) have been on strike since 1980, and the first time that both actors and writers have been on strike since 1960. So it's a huge statement from those in the film and TV world, and will have a knock-on effect on the rest of people who work in the industry. No scripts or talent to act them out means the people behind the scenes and cameras will likely cease working as well.
Screen Actors Guild president Fran Drescher said that a strike was the result of actors feeling "disrespected" by studios. "At some point, you have to say, no, we’re not going to take this any more," she said. "There was nothing there, it was insulting."
The Hollywood Strike have been linked fears around AI assuming some of the responsibilities of writers, and the pressure of schedules caused by streaming services.
Think SAG and you probably think of mega stars, so may be wondering why these actors need more money or compensation, but the union is representative of all of its members and most of them aren't super high earners. USA Today explains that “SAG members say they are striking for an increased base compensation, regulated use of artificial intelligence, better benefit plans and money for self-taped auditions – the cost of which used to be the responsibility of casting and production.”
The writers strike has meant production on some shows had already been cancelled, though some continue without writers on set. With actors now striking, only reality shows, some animation and productions not connected to SAG members can continue. Members of the UK version of the union, named Equity, are required to keep working.
So, expect a lot of classics to start appearing in place of new shows on your recommended streaming bar in the short term, and in your movie recommendations further down the line.
It will reassure film lovers to know that movies which have already completed filming will still hit cinemas. Think Barbie and Oppenheimer, but productions like Tim Burton's Beetlejuice sequel and the film adaptation of the musical Wicked could be delayed.
In the TV world, Game of Thrones spin-off, House of the Dragon may be halted despite scripts being finished due to the actors now striking. Plus, shows which would often be big releases for the summer like Stranger Things, The Last of Us and Yellowjackets have already ceased filming.
The strike will also extend to actors' promo tours, interviews and red carpet appearances, if they're not part of an existing contract. So less seats will be taken on talk shows by your favourite actors, plus you're less likely to see major actors on magazine covers and if celebrity style is your thing: you'll be following their off-duty looks over any awards season outfits for the foreseeable.
So what will end the strike? Meetings between the guilds and entertainment industry reps will now take place and whether the strike will rage on for weeks or months is unknown. In 1960 the actors walkout lasted six weeks, to the writers 21.
