Hollywood Actors Go on Strike following Failed Negotiations with Major US Film Studios
After failed negotiations with the major US film studios, Hollywood actors have gone on strike. With US screenwriters also on strike for weeks, the film and television industry in the country is expected to come to a standstill.
The actors and actresses in the USA have gone on strike after no agreement could be reached in negotiations with the TV and film studios association AMPTP, the SAG-AFTRA actors‘ union announced at a press conference. The strike began at midnight local time.
Prior to this, both sides had brought in a mediator, but despite this measure, no agreement could be reached by the deadline set by the acting union. The actors‘ demands included better compensation and regulations for the use of artificial intelligence in the industry.
Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Cillian Murphy, and Florence Pugh were attending the Oppenheimer premiere in London when news of the strike broke. Blunt and Murphy left the event.
More Films and Series, Decreasing Budgets
The strike is another hard blow for the entertainment industry in the USA, as screenwriters have already been on strike since May 2. The screenwriters‘ strike has already had an impact on viewers, with many late-night shows no longer being broadcast as usual.
According to US media, with a double strike, it will be almost impossible to produce films and series. Both creative industries are suffering from an increase in the production of films and series, but with decreasing budgets, and often fewer episodes per season for series. In addition, reruns on streaming platforms result in lower royalties for creatives compared to television, and these royalties are not dependent on the number of viewers.
Strike is Binding
The SAG-AFTRA union, led by actress Fran Drescher („The Nanny“), has more than 160,000 members, including actors for film and television, stunt performers, TV journalists, and hosts. However, the strike only affects actors and actresses for series and films. It is binding for all of them, and they are now prohibited from working in front of the camera until further notice.
In a ballot on June 7, around 65,000 union members participated, with 97.9% in favor of a strike. Stars such as Meryl Streep, Jennifer Lawrence, Ben Stiller, and Pedro Pascal have publicly expressed their solidarity.
This strike has significant implications for the film and television industry in the USA, as it is expected to disrupt productions and impact viewership. The parties involved will need to come to an agreement to resolve the issues at the heart of the dispute.
