Unveiling the Secret: How These Actors Defy the SAG-AFTRA Strike and Keep Working

SAG-AFTRA members went on strike on July 14, 2023, but a few actors are still able to work on their films and television shows. The majority of union actors are prohibited from participating in projects during the strike, with a few exceptions. The previous contract between SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP expired on June 30, 2023, leading to negotiations for a new agreement. However, similar to the WGA's negotiations with AMPTP in April 2023, discussions between SAG-AFTRA and the trade association were unsuccessful. The studios refused to agree to the actors' requests, prompting SAG-AFTRA members to join their WGA colleagues on the picket lines in Los Angeles and New York. The strike will continue until AMPTP addresses their demands. Despite the strike by actors and writers, some projects are still being produced.

Shows & Movies Can Apply To Be Exempt From The SAG-AFTRA Strike

The SAG-AFTRA strike prohibits most actors from participating in movies, commercials, television shows, or any projects that feature their appearances. Additionally, they are not permitted to promote their work, which is especially disheartening considering the exciting upcoming releases, such as Barbie and Oppenheimer. While the majority of SAG-AFTRA union actors must immediately cease working and participate in the strike, there are a few exceptions.

A select number of television series and films have the option to request exemption from the actors strike by applying to SAG-AFTRA. If approved, these special shows and movies are granted waivers that allow them to continue production and employ actors who are protected under the union. However, these projects must meet specific requirements in order to qualify for exemptions, and the majority of productions do not meet the criteria.

Which Shows & Movies Qualify For Strike Exemptions? AMPTP Connection Explained

To avoid the strike, films and television shows must be produced independently without any affiliation with AMPTP. In addition, actors involved in these productions must acknowledge the terms of the new contract when SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP reach an agreement. It is rare for projects to continue without actors who are not part of SAG-AFTRA, as the union represents over 160,000 performers. As a result of the strike, many projects, including Deadpool 3, had to halt production. Despite the studios' interest in using artificial intelligence (AI), the absence of writers and actors is leading to a nearly complete shutdown of the Hollywood industry.

While actors and performers are represented by SAG-AFTRA, notable studios (Warner Bros., Universal Pictures, Sony Pictures, Paramount Pictures, and the Walt Disney Company), streaming services (Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV+), and broadcast television networks (CBS, NBC, ABC, and FOX) are represented by AMPTP. These entities are responsible for the release of the majority of films and television shows. However, there are a few projects that are not affiliated with these studios, streaming services, or networks, and as a result, they are able to continue with their filming activities.

Notable Shows & Movies That Can Continue Filming During The SAG-AFTRA Strike

Two of the most noteworthy television series that are still being filmed despite the ongoing strike by SAG-AFTRA members are The Chosen and House of the Dragon. While The Chosen features actors who are affiliated with SAG, such as Jonathan Roumie in the role of Jesus, the show has been granted a waiver by SAG-AFTRA, allowing it to proceed with filming its fourth season. The Chosen season 4 is able to continue production because it is an independent production that is distributed by Angel Studios and not associated with any of the companies represented by AMPTP.

House of the Dragon is able to continue filming as most of its actors come from the United Kingdom and are part of a different union called Equity. Due to this, they are not allowed to join the SAG-AFTRA performers on picket lines in solidarity. Coincidentally, the second season of House of the Dragon is in progress.

In the case of films, actors like Jenna Ortega, Matthew McConaughey, and Mark Wahlberg are able to continue working on movie productions during the strike. SAG-AFTRA has granted waivers for their projects since they are independently produced and not associated with AMPTP. Ortega is involved in A24's Death of a Unicorn, which also features Paul Rudd. McConaughey is currently working on The Rivals of Amziah King, while Wahlberg is acting in Flight Risk. Therefore, if an actor is working on an independent production, SAG-AFTRA allows them to participate in it, even while the strike is ongoing.

Source: Deadline