Unveiling the Potentials: The Implications of the SAG-AFTRA Actors' Strike
What would an actors' strike by SAG-AFTRA mean? Exploring the reasons behind the strike, its impact on movies and TV shows, potential connections to the ongoing writers' strike, previous strike outcomes, and estimating the possible duration
In a battle for their rights against major studios, Hollywood is currently experiencing a crisis. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) initiated a strike on May 2, 2023, after unsuccessful negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) regarding their new contract. Following the expiration of the previous collective bargaining agreement on May 1, the WGA unanimously voted to strike the next day. The Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) is also expected to join the writers' strike.
Shortly after the expiration of the WGA's collective bargaining agreement, SAG-AFTRA's contract with AMPTP expired at midnight on July 13. AMPTP represents renowned studios such as Netflix, Sony Pictures, Paramount Global, the Walt Disney Company, and others. Numerous factors play a role in the negotiations between AMPTP and SAG-AFTRA. Unfortunately, on July 12, the two parties failed to reach an agreement for a new contract, indicating that an actors strike is imminent.
What Is SAG-AFTRA?
SAG-AFTRA, an abbreviation of the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, is an American labor union dedicated to safeguarding the rights of actors and actresses. This union was established on March 30, 2012, following the merger of two prominent organizations: the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA). SAG, dating back to 1933, merged with the Television Authority in 1952 to form AFTRA.
Currently, Fran Drescher occupies the position of president at SAG-AFTRA after being elected in September 2021. She succeeds the previous presidents, Ken Howard and Gabrielle Carteris. Representing a vast number of actors, including notable names such as Mark Ruffalo, Brendan Fraser, Jennifer Lawrence, Viola Davis, and Julia-Louis Dreyfus, the organization has experienced numerous transformations throughout Hollywood's history. Thus, an actors strike could merely be a minor setback for SAG-AFTRA.
Why SAG-AFTRA's Actors May Be Going On Strike
The contract between SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP expired on July 13, 2023, at midnight, and despite extensive discussions since early June, the two organizations failed to reach a new agreement. Prior to the contract expiration, SAG-AFTRA members participated in a vote to determine whether the union's leadership should authorize a strike if the studios did not meet their demands. As a result, 98 percent of the union members granted permission for SAG-AFTRA's leaders to call for an actors strike. Like the writers, the actors are seeking change in Hollywood.
Several important matters were at the center of the negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP. These included determining residuals based on viewership data, regulating artificial intelligence (AI), and developing a new algorithm to calculate residuals from streaming movies and TV shows. Hollywood has undergone significant changes in recent years, with streaming services becoming more prevalent while network shows and theatrical releases have declined. However, since streaming platforms refuse to disclose their viewership data, it is challenging to determine the appropriate compensation for actors (and writers) involved in streaming projects. Regrettably, SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP were unable to agree on solutions for these issues.
What The Actors Strike Would Mean For Movies & TV Shows: Could Anything Be Made?
A SAG-AFTRA strike would result in the shutdown of numerous film and television show productions as actors would be unable to work. Working during the strike would imply crossing the picket line, which the union and its leadership strongly disapprove of as they actively protect their members. While some productions have already been halted due to the writers strike, an actors strike would significantly amplify the number of paused projects. As actors (or writers) are essential to creating content, Hollywood could potentially face a complete shutdown if the WGA and SAG-AFTRA were to strike simultaneously.
Is The SAG-AFTRA Strike Connected To The Ongoing Writers' Strike?
While both the SAG-AFTRA strike and the WGA strike are set to coincide, it is important to note that their contracts with AMPTP are distinct and independent. In order for either entity to resume their respective operations, both unions need to come to an agreement with the major studios. Yet, it is worth mentioning that both SAG-AFTRA and WGA are advocating for comparable rights.
Both disputes are associated with the computation of residuals from streaming services and the regulation of artificial intelligence. Writers, just like actors, desire to receive compensation for their work on streaming platforms. Furthermore, the proliferation of AI usage raises concerns for SAG-AFTRA and WGA. Both writers and actors are apprehensive about being replaced by AI, particularly because AI development draws from existing content created by humans. Ultimately, the primary concern revolves around receiving proper remuneration for their work, which is why strikes will be occurring in the summer of 2023.
What Happened The Last Time The SAG Went On Strike
The strike in 2023 would mark a significant event for SAG-AFTRA, as it would be the first time they ceased labor since their merger in 2012. However, prior to the merger, both SAG and AFTRA went on strike in 2000, with commercial actors refusing to work for a period of six months. The strike commenced on May 1 and concluded on October 30. Following negotiations, SAG, AFTRA, and the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A's) eventually reached a new agreement that appeared to satisfy all parties involved. As a result, 4A's agreed to increase the minimum pay, and commercial actors received higher residuals.
How Long Could The SAG-AFTRA Strike Last?
The duration of a potential SAG-AFTRA strike is uncertain, but it is unlikely to be resolved soon. Negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP have been unproductive as the major studios have refused to compromise on their stance regarding a new contract. According to Variety, Fran Drescher, the president of SAG-AFTRA, deemed AMPTP's responses to the union's demands as insulting and disrespectful. The two organizations, SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP, are currently deadlocked and far from reaching an agreement on the terms of a new contract.
Considering that the WGA strike has already lasted over two months with no resolution in sight, it is reasonable to anticipate that the SAG-AFTRA strike could persist for months as well. Additionally, AMPTP will have to concurrently negotiate with two unions instead of one, which could further hinder progress in securing new contracts for both entities. Ultimately, the strikes by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA will only conclude when writers and actors receive fair compensation for their work, leading to the resumption of movie and television production.
Source: Variety
