Unveiling the Impact of the SAG-AFTRA Strike on Critical Role and Dimension 20: What You Need to Know

Critical Role and Dimension 20 have released statements expressing their support for the SAG-AFTRA strike. However, the two Dungeons and Dragons actual play shows are taking different approaches to the strike and will experience varying levels of impact.

The recent strike by SAG-AFTRA, in conjunction with the Writer's Guild of America, is a response to the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. The strike has been fueled by inadequate compensation from streaming services and the improper use of AI technology. As a result, numerous writers and actors have taken a stand, bringing the creation of new content in Hollywood to a standstill.

Sam Reich, the CEO of CollegeHumor's parent company Dimension 20, has released an official statement regarding the impact of the strike on Dropout, their streaming service. As several members of the executive team, including Reich himself, are part of the Screen Actors Guild, Dropout has chosen to temporarily halt production on all new content. While there is a possibility for negotiation between Dimension 20 and the SAG, as they are not directly associated with the AMPTP, the production of Dropout and Dimension 20 content will remain on hold until the demands of the guild are met.

In a similar vein, Critical Role, whose voice actors are also SAG members, fully supports the ongoing strike and stands in solidarity with their fellow strikers. However, Critical Role has confirmed that their schedule will not be affected by the strike and content will continue to be released unless circumstances change. Like Dimension 20, Critical Role is not affiliated with the AMPTP, but has chosen to continue producing content for the time being. It remains uncertain whether the strike will impact the production of The Legend of Vox Machina or the Mighty Nein Critical Role show, as they are being produced by Amazon, an affiliate of the AMPTP.

"We offer our full support to the ongoing strike and express solidarity with our fellow actors. At present, the strike does not have any impact on our current release schedule. However, we will carefully assess the situation and take necessary actions in case it affects us in the future.

Regarding the SAG and WGA strikes, there is ambiguity when it comes to actual plays. Critical Role and Dimension 20, being improvisational in nature, are independently operated by their respective companies. Nonetheless, the divergence in post-production approaches presents an individual challenge in responding to a strike. Regardless, it is reassuring to know that watching new content from Critical Role or Dimension 20 would not be considered crossing the picket line."

Reich states that Dropout currently has a surplus of content that will only run out by the end of the year. In the meantime, Critical Role's third campaign is gaining momentum. Critical Role fans can anticipate a grand live show scheduled for October 25, along with two panels at San Diego Comic-Con on July 20, providing them with much excitement in the upcoming months.