- By Sukanya Saha
- Fri, 14 Jul 2023 02:05 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
In an unprecedented event, both Hollywood writers and actors have simultaneously gone on strike, causing a major upheaval for hundreds of thousands of film and TV workers who are already affected by the increasing labour disputes within the entertainment industry.
After unsuccessful negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers, the Screen Actors Guild, representing around 160,000 performers, has announced a walkout starting from July 13, midnight. This decision comes as a result of the parties' inability to reach a new labour agreement, with the Alliance representing major studios such as Walt Disney Co. and Netflix Inc.
Since May 2, the Writers Guild of America has been engaged in a strike, leading to the suspension of late-night TV programmes such as 'The Tonight Show'. This ongoing strike has also disrupted numerous projects that were in progress and poses a threat to the regular release schedule of new broadcast TV shows, which typically begins in September.
Following the announcement of the strike, the studio alliance expressed its regret in a statement, stating that the union has opted for a path that will result in financial difficulties for numerous individuals who rely on the industry.
(Image credit: Reuters)
The studios have stated that they made offers including double-digit percentage increases in salaries, improved pension and health benefits, and increased residuals for actors and others when their work is rerun. Additionally, they proposed safeguards regarding the use of actors' digital likenesses to address concerns related to artificial intelligence.
During their press conference, representatives from SAG indicated that there is a significant gap between the two sides, particularly in terms of compensation for streaming platforms. They highlighted the growing prominence of online video entertainment, which is surpassing traditional broadcast and cable TV.
Regarding artificial intelligence, the union mentioned that the studios proposed to compensate background actors for only one day of work, while their likenesses could be replicated multiple times in a film.
"I cannot believe how far apart we are in so many things," Fran Drescher, the union's president, said at the conference. "The entire business model has been changed by streaming. This is a moment of history. That is a moment of truth."
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Production on numerous popular shows has already been suspended, such as ABC's Abbott Elementary and Netflix's Stranger Things. In response, Fox recently revealed a fall TV schedule comprising entirely of finished reality shows and animated programmes.
The combined effect of the ongoing strikes, if they extend beyond a few days, is expected to have a broader impact than just the writers' walkout. While programmes that have already been scripted could potentially continue production without screenwriters, the absence of actors would pose a significant challenge.
(Image credit: Reuters)
Actors will be required to halt their promotional activities for upcoming projects, including film premieres, awards shows, and events like San Diego Comic-Con International, which is set to take place next week. Additionally, programmes filmed in international locations may face disruptions. While actors involved in game shows or reality TV may have contracts that allow them to continue working, they might face pressure to join the strike in solidarity with their fellow colleagues.
From the stage, director Christopher Nolan revealed that Matt Damon and Emily Blunt had to depart from the UK premiere of 'Oppenheimer' on Thursday night in order to "prepare their protest signs.
Even the Emmy Awards, often referred to as television's equivalent of the Oscars, are considering a potential postponement from their scheduled date of September 18. There have been discussions about moving the event to November or even considering a delay until the following year.
What is the Hollywood Labour Unrest:
The Hollywood walkout is about a broader struggle where workers across various industries, including Starbucks Corp., Amazon.com Inc., and Delta Air Lines Inc., have been demanding improved compensation and benefits.
Another example is the union representing approximately 340,000 United Parcel Service Inc. workers, which has issued a strike threat for August 1 if the company fails to meet their demands for wage increases during negotiations for a new labour contract.
The entertainment industry is facing two interconnected challenges: a decrease in viewership for traditional TV networks and significant financial losses resulting from the emergence of streaming services such as Disney+ and Warner Bros. Discovery Inc.'s Max.
According to a report by The New York Times, Viewers can expect to see the impact of the simultaneous strikes in the coming months. If the labour disputes are not resolved promptly, the ABC fall schedule will feature a lineup dominated by reality series and game shows, such as "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune," "Dancing With the Stars," and "Judge Steve Harvey," along with repeat episodes of "Abbott Elementary."
If the strikes extend into the autumn season, highly anticipated blockbuster movies planned for release next summer, such as 'Deadpool 3,' may face potential delays.
