Hollywood Strikes: What You Need to Know
The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the Writers Guild of America (WGA) have both gone on strike against Hollywood studios (AMPTP), bringing production on film and television projects to a halt since July 14, 2023. The strikes are the most significant labor disruptions in the entertainment industry in four decades, and they have the potential to impact the industry's future significantly.
Check out our summary of the main points of contention, and learn what you can do to participate. We love our creators and want to see a healthy and sustainable work environment for all.
We are all wise to adopt emerging technology use as its consumer applications can improve human output. This current strike seeks to do so responsibly and in consideration of the impacts on real people and their livelihoods.
How does this movement impact Commercial production?
Currently, the SAG & WGA strikes are not directly affecting Commercial contracts or preventing talent from auditioning or working in advertising. However, popular studio and location sites, especially in Los Angeles, may be prohibitive for commercial productions during this period. Teamsters and other Union/Guild members will not cross picket lines, regardless of the contracts under conflict. Choosing location sites that are not in active strike areas will limit the potential decision for your Commercial Union crew members.
What are the strikers' demands?
SAG and WGA are demanding a number of things from the studios, including:
What are the studios' positions?
The AMPTP studios have said that they are willing to negotiate with SAG and WGA, but they have also said that they are not willing to meet all of the strikers' demands. The studios have argued that the streaming revenue demands are too high, and they have said that they are already using AI in a way that does not displace human workers. The studios have also said they are committed to providing health care and pension benefits to actors and writers, but they have said they cannot afford to restore these benefits to pre-2008 levels.
What is the impact of the strikes?
The strikes have had a significant impact on the entertainment industry. Production on film and television projects in the US has been halted, and thousands of jobs have been lost. The strikes have also had a negative impact on the economy, as they have led to a decline in tourism and spending in Los Angeles.
What is the future of the strikes?
It is unclear how long the strikes will last. SAG and WGA representatives have said that they are willing to negotiate, but the studios have not yet made a significant offer. The strikes could drag on for weeks or months or be resolved quickly.
What does this mean for the future of Hollywood?
The strikes have the potential to have a significant impact on the future of Hollywood. If the labor strikes are successful, they could increase wages and better benefits for actors and writers, including steady health insurance benefits and pension contributions for an increased fraction of working talent. They could also change how content is created, as the studios may be forced to find new ways to produce content without using AI to recreate the images of real people for use “in perpetuity.”
The current strikes signify the changing landscape of the entertainment industry and workers in parallel industries. As streaming services become more popular, studios are facing new challenges. The strikes are a way for SAG and WGA to assert their power and ensure that they are compensated fairly for their work.
One hopeful outcome.
As of July 18, 2023, SAG-AFTRA has approved interim agreement waivers for 39 Indie Feature projects to continue production, as these producers have agreed to abide by the terms for talent payments when the final deals are negotiated between SAG and the AMPTP. Though many of our favorite shows have now had delayed release dates, we can look forward to a renaissance of independent features and passion projects written during work hiatus.
What can you do?
If you are concerned about the strikes, you can do a few things. First, do not cross a picket line, even as a non-union worker. Visible social media support. Bring snacks, water, or heat support to strikers if you see a picket line in your neighborhood. To make tax-deductible contributions to support workers, SAG Foundation or Entertainment Community Fund, a (501c3) organization.
Members affected financially can apply for the Disaster Relief Fund.
SAG is not currently requesting consumer strikes of streaming networks, movie theaters, or content viewing. By taking these actions, you can help support actors and writers as they continue to pressure the studios and bring the strikes to a successful conclusion.
