Hollywood Actors and Studios Reach Accord to End Industry-Defining Strike
- Posted on November 9, 2023
- Entertainment
- By Arijit Dutta
- 251 Views
In a pivotal development for the entertainment industry, the SAG-AFTRA actors' union has reached a tentative agreement with major Hollywood studios, bringing to a close the second of two significant strikes that had shaken the industry. The strikes were instigated by the workforce's plea for higher remuneration in the era of streaming TV. This breakthrough was declared on Wednesday by the union.
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In a pivotal development for the entertainment industry, the SAG-AFTRA actors' union has reached a tentative agreement with major Hollywood studios, bringing to a close the second of two significant strikes that had shaken the industry. The strikes were instigated by the workforce's plea for higher remuneration in the era of streaming TV. This breakthrough was declared on Wednesday by the union.
Marking the culmination of a grueling 118-day strike, SAG-AFTRA officially confirmed the end, set just after midnight. The union anticipates the finalization of the deal upon review by the group's national board, scheduled for Friday, with comprehensive details forthcoming following this meeting.
SAG-AFTRA members had embarked on this strike in mid-July, advocating for augmented minimum salaries, a portion of the revenue generated from streaming services, and safeguards against replacement by "digital replicas" generated through artificial intelligence (AI).
The union's negotiators have now reached a preliminary agreement for a new contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), representing industry giants like Walt Disney and Netflix. AMPTP, however, has not provided an immediate response to requests for comments.
This development marks a turning point for Hollywood, as it can now revive full-scale production activities for the first time since May. This resurgence will depend on the approval of the deal by union members in the upcoming weeks.
Actor Fanny Grande expressed relief, highlighting the hardships faced by many in the industry, particularly those from underrepresented groups who lack financial cushioning. She expressed her hopes for a fair deal.
The concerns of actors mirrored those of film and television writers, who saw their earnings decline with the rise of streaming platforms, making it difficult to maintain a sustainable livelihood in cities such as Los Angeles and New York. Streaming series lacked the residual payments that actors enjoyed during the heyday of broadcast television.
Furthermore, the threat posed by advancements in artificial intelligence alarmed performers, as they feared unauthorized manipulation of their likenesses and the substitution of human actors with digital avatars.
Renowned actors like George Clooney expressed solidarity with their fellow professionals and urged union leadership, including SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher, to find a resolution.
The strikes in Hollywood had far-reaching consequences, with production shutdowns costing California over $6 billion in lost output, according to estimates by the Milken Institute. Crew members such as prop masters and costume designers faced financial challenges due to the scarcity of work.
The work stoppages in Hollywood resulted in broadcast networks substituting their fall lineups with reruns, game shows, and reality programs. Major film releases, like "Dune: Part 2" and "Mission: Impossible," were postponed as striking actors could not participate in promotions. Additionally, Disney's live-action adaptation of "Snow White" was delayed until 2025.
The Hollywood strikes occurred during a year marked by several high-profile labor actions, including walkouts by the United Auto Workers, teachers, nurses, and healthcare workers, underscoring the broader challenges faced by the American workforce.
In conclusion, this agreement signifies a momentous milestone for the entertainment industry, paving the way for stability and future negotiations between actors and Hollywood studios.
