Explosive Backlash: A-List Actors Rip Into Netflix Over Residuals Controversy

Stars from the casts of Orange is the New Black and Gilmore Girls are expressing their frustrations with Netflix during the ongoing actors strike. Both SAG-AFTRA and the Writer's Guild of America are targeting Netflix, along with other streaming platforms, in the actor and writers strikes. The strikes are demanding fairer wages, particularly in terms of the residuals actors and writers receive from projects on these streaming services. The Hollywood Reporter interviewed Sean Gunn, known for his role in Gilmore Girls and now more prominently in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, who is actively participating in one of the picketing groups of actors in Los Angeles.

When asked about his reasons for protesting, the actor who played Kirk expressed his frustration with Netflix's lack of equitable compensation for residuals from their various shows, especially Gilmore Girls. Despite the show being streamed repeatedly, he revealed that he receives very little revenue. The New Yorker also interviewed 10 members of the Orange is the New Black cast who shared their frustrations regarding streaming residuals. Matt McGorry, who played John Bennett, disclosed that he had to maintain a day job while working on the acclaimed show. Additionally, Beth Dover, who appeared in seasons 4 to 7, revealed that being on the show actually cost her money because she had to be away from home for filming. Below are some of the cast members' statements.

Kimiko Glenn: In 2020, I received a statement from SAG-AFTRA that showed the episodes of the show I appeared on and small amounts of income from residuals, like four cents or two cents. It was really disheartening. I have many friends who have huge followings and are part of billion-dollar franchises, but they still struggle to afford rent. This situation caused me to develop a panic disorder. One day during a yoga session, as I was coming out of Savasana, I opened my eyes and there was someone right in front of me asking for a picture. It's challenging because I live in subsidized housing and have to rely on public transportation or pay for taxis since the show doesn't cover transportation expenses. If we were paid enough, these cab rides wouldn't be such a burden. It may sound like a luxury problem, but not being able to afford the preparation for awards shows is something expected of us.

Alysia Reiner: The reward that Netflix receives doesn't seem fair when compared to the reward that the rest of us who took the risk receive. It's amazing to be recognized anywhere in the world, and I'm extremely grateful for that. Many people have watched the series multiple times and can even quote my lines. However, was I compensated fairly for my work? I don't believe so.

Emma Myles: Our initial exchanges are often centered around the shocking loss of our residuals. It's the first thing we blurt out because it's unbelievably unfair. People assume we're swimming in money, but the truth is that we were paid the bare minimum with no room for negotiation. We were well aware of the show's immense popularity as we witnessed fans going wild when we stepped outside our homes. I had a regular job at a financial firm and would participate in live simulations for aspiring financial planners. One of them even paused during a call and remarked that I sounded like the Amish meth head from Orange Is the New Black. Everyone believed that a large group of us would be let go with the prison riot in season 5. The bewildered expressions on our faces as the inmates were loaded onto buses were genuine. We were assured that they would update us as the time approached, but they didn't contact me for two years. As a child, I had dreams of becoming rich and living in a luxurious home once I gained fame, but reality proved otherwise as I still resided in a one-bedroom apartment. Is this how it was supposed to be?

Diane Guerrero: I continued working as a bartender, where customers would often recognize me. It was bizarre to share with a complete stranger how much I was earning from the TV show. Their reaction would be a mix of admiration and confusion as to why I was still working there. As an actor, the prospect of becoming a series regular is always dangled before you, like a carrot. If you put in enough dedication and if the producers like your character, you might have a chance at being promoted one day.

Unnamed Actor: As the seasons progressed, our dissatisfaction with our earnings grew, primarily due to the immense popularity of the show. It became apparent that our counterparts on network shows were significantly wealthier.

Beth Dover: We are being told that we cannot be paid more due to budget constraints, yet Netflix continues to report record-breaking profits to their shareholders. We have not received fair compensation by any means. It is crucial to overhaul the current system. They are discovering ways to reduce our wages, leaving middle-class actors in a disadvantageous position.

Taryn Manning: As the show gained popularity, my budget for hair and makeup at awards shows kept decreasing. Despite being a big success, it was a miserable time in my life filled with doubt. I never knew if I would be written off at any moment.

Lea DeLaria: [Netflix's current CEO, Ted Sarandos, hosted a party before the SAG Awards and boasted that more people watched Orange is the New Black than Game of Thrones.] I remember all of us thinking, 'Give us the money!' We were constantly advocating for fair compensation. It was evident that we were not being paid adequately. [I only receive twenty dollars for my residuals!] I am curious to know how much money Ted made last year. I believe some of this disparity is due to the fact that our show centers around female characters. The unequal pay between men and women is widely recognized, and our show serves as a clear example of it.

Marie-Lou Nahhas: When I joined in season 7, there was already a sense of frustration among the team.

Tara Hermann (writer/executive producer): We were working in a rebellious environment. We had the freedom to express ourselves, with the exception of explicit nudity and certain symbols that could cause controversy in international markets. The absence of corporate sponsorship allowed us to have creative freedom. Although the financial rewards may not be as substantial, it was a tradeoff we were willing to make. In a meeting, we were informed that the actors would be receiving a pay raise, although it was not legally required but rather a gesture to address overdue compensation. I expressed my desire for our cast to be on par with the actors from popular HBO shows like 'Game of Thrones'. Unfortunately, it seems like that goal wasn't fully achieved.

After the finale, Jenji and I were summoned to a conference room, where we were finally shown the staggering numbers: a hundred million users had watched at least one episode, with approximately half of them completing all six seasons. These figures were astonishing both from an artistic and business standpoint. After sharing the numbers, the executive asked us how we felt about it. Jenji remained silent and looked at me, and I responded, "It makes me want to renegotiate my contract."

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Sources: The New Yorker & @THR/Twitter