SAG-AFTRA's Stand on 'Vital' Still-Filming Projects Fuels Sarah Silverman's Critique – Find Out Why!

Sarah Silverman Jason Merritt/Radarpics/Shutterstock

In response to Sarah Silverman's criticism regarding the union's decision to allow certain projects to film during the strike, SAG-AFTRA stated that they believe the Interim Agreement will not prolong the strike but rather create leverage and competitive pressure on the AMPTP, ultimately leading to a resolution.

The statement added that although they understand concerns about their Interim Agreement potentially generating content for struck companies to distribute, they are confident that the terms of the agreement, especially the streaming revenue share, will make it impractical to distribute these projects through AMPTP platforms until there is an industrywide agreement. SAG-AFTRA's Interim Agreement enables indie films (over 40 projects so far) and multiple TV shows to continue production while the rest of Hollywood is halted, albeit seemingly contradicting the rules imposed by SAG for the ongoing strike that started earlier this month.

SAG members walk a picket line outside Warner Bros. Discovery Headquarters Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock

The previous guidelines stated that union actors were prohibited from promoting any of their struck projects, regardless of whether they were from the past, present, or future. Additionally, they were required to cease all filming activities until the picketing came to an end. Struck work encompassed all projects affiliated with the studios, streaming services, and principal broadcast networks that AMPTP represented. Notably, AMPTP represented major studios like Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros., while A24, an indie studio, supported numerous independent films. In contrast, TV's Hallmark Channel continued its filming activities since it was not represented by AMPTP.

Nonetheless, the negotiating committee emphasized on Sunday that the Interim Agreement played a crucial role in their strategic approach towards the negotiations and the strike. They asserted that by denying the AMPTP the opportunity to freely produce their own original content, their strategy allowed all entities other than AMPTP to produce content utilizing their members. The committee urged independent producers to apply for the Interim Agreement and encouraged SAG-AFTRA members to work on projects that obtained the agreement, alongside other permissible work supported by the union.

Additionally, the union organizers contended that the Interim Agreement provides "numerous journeyman performers and crews with the chance to cover their rent and support their families." SAG clarified that this strategy preserves our unity, solidarity, and advantageous position against the AMPTP until they concede to the agreement that is rightfully ours.

The committee emphatically stated, "The Interim Agreement is not a relinquishment. Let it be known that it is a comprehensive contract encompassing all provisions and requirements for producers seeking to hire our members for their individual independent productions."

SAG-AFTRA reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the interests of its members, both those currently employed under the Interim Agreement and those participating in the picket lines. The organization expressed its dedication to negotiating equitable compensation and ensuring secure working conditions for its members, while extending gratitude to the supporters who have stood by them during the strike. These remarks from SAG came in response to recent criticism from Silverman, 52, who publicly criticized the union for finding ways to produce films amidst the ongoing strikes faced by both the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA (caused by similar issues with AMPTP).

Sarah Silverman pickets outside of Netflix headquarters Sam Santos/Shutterstock

"I am incredibly frustrated and it is clear that there is something I am missing. Currently, there are around 40 movies in production," Silverman expressed in a video posted on her Instagram account on Thursday, July 27. "Movie stars are working on these movies under the guise of them being 'independent,' and the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) is allowing it because if the movies are eventually sold to streaming platforms, it is because these platforms are adhering to our demands."

She humorously remarked, "That's just doing their job! The strike will only end when both parties come to the negotiation table and reach a mutually agreed upon deal. That is how it will play out."

The comedian made the case that the Interim Agreement could greatly extend the duration of the strikes as a result of movie stars continuing to make films. Additionally, she argued that those stars who are not joining in the picketing and are still working are not demonstrating solidarity with the movement.

According to Silverman, this behavior is equivalent to scabbing and she emphasized that this point has been made explicitly clear. She asserted that now, suddenly, movie stars can produce movies, particularly independent ones, as long as they commit to only selling them under certain conditions. In her opinion, this signifies the end of the strike.