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The ongoing strike by the Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has sent shockwaves throughout the entertainment industry. As tensions rise and negotiations stall, the implications of this strike can be felt across multiple sectors.
When I began speaking out more publicly about the strike and standing in solidarity with the numerous people affected by it, a lot of people asked me why I was getting involved. Well, first, I think it’s important to note that I DO act and plan to apply for membership at some point in my career. But more importantly, we all have a role in the rights of people. So often, I find that people don’t want to stand in solidarity as long as it doesn’t affect them. I am not that type of person.
In July, SAG-AFTRA went on strike, joining the Writers Guild of America (also known as the WGA) in calling for better pay and job security (among other things.) This has disrupted the production of numerous TV shows and movies, leading to delays and uncertainty within the industry. SAG-AFTRA, representing approximately 160,000 actors, broadcasters, and other media professionals, demands better working conditions, increased residual payments, improved streaming service royalties, and safety protection on sets.
I know this feels like many acronyms, but another important player is in this game. The American Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) is also involved in this strike, and they represent many of Hollywood’s studios and production companies. Think of some of the big dogs like Netflix and Paramount / CBS.
So, why are they striking?
One of the key issues at the heart of the strike is the rapid growth of streaming platforms. Although we as consumers truly enjoy streaming platforms, the truth is it can wreak a lot of havoc for writers and actors who are not paid residuals for their work.
As the entertainment landscape evolves, streaming services have become the primary way people consume content. However, SAG-AFTRA argues that the compensation and working conditions for actors on streaming platforms have not kept pace with the industry’s success. They believe that actors should receive fair pay and benefits, given the financial success of streaming platforms.
Another issue is the rise of AI. This is something I’ve particularly been interested in. According to Prospect.org, “The WGA has proposed that AI cannot be used to write or rewrite scripts, or as source material, and that scripts covered by the WGA contract cannot be used to train AI, either. The AMPTP says only that it will meet to discuss AI. While it may be fanciful today to think that AI could write a script, it may not be long before AI could churn out scripts for established shows, especially if it is trained on decades’ worth of WGA writers’ creativity and hard work.”
Why should it matter to everyone else?
This strike has wider implications across industries beyond television and film. It touches on the fundamental concepts of fair pay, collective bargaining power, and workers’ rights. It sheds light on the challenges faced by workers seeking equitable treatment in the gig economy era, where many creative professionals work as independent contractors. The outcome of this strike could set a precedent for similar labor disputes in the future, affecting not only actors but also other professionals in the entertainment industry.
Moreover, the strike underscores the importance of unions and collective action in addressing the evolving needs of workers in the fast-changing world of entertainment. SAG-AFTRA’s strike serves as a wake-up call for other unions and advocacy groups, encouraging them to reevaluate the terms and conditions under which their members operate.
So how will this SAG-AFTRA strike affect influencers, journalists and non-union actors?
Admittedly, it’s been a challenge for other creators as they figure out what to do during this time. And yes, there are rules and stipulations that others — even those who are not actors — should abide by in tandem with the work happening during the strike.
Specifically for other influencers (like me), it can be tricky to do the work and what you promote. As many of you know, I recently worked with Lionsgate to promote the movie The Blackening, but if that were happening today, it wouldn’t happen.
According to Variety, “Most influencers are non-union and are not subject to any strike rules. But some of them do work under the SAG-AFTRA Influencer Agreement, or may want to someday.” The article shares that influencers should not promote “struck” work such as movies and TV shows.
Now, what I did not know is that you shouldn’t promote it “either for pay or ‘organically’,” which means it doesn’t matter if you’re getting a check or not. If they’re on strike, you shouldn’t chat about it.
The only caveat is if you have a contract already in motion to promote something, at which point you should fulfill your obligation.
If you want to know more of what you can (and can’t) do, you should check out the notice to people regarding non-struck work that SAG-AFTRA has sent out.
Efforts to resolve the strike continue as both sides engage in negotiations, seeking common ground. However, the impact of the strike is already being felt, with the delay or cancellation of several high-profile projects. As the entertainment industry braces for potential long-term effects, industry leaders, union members, and audiences are closely watching these negotiations’ outcomes.
In conclusion, the SAG-AFTRA strike carries significant implications not only for the television and film industry but also for workers’ rights, collective bargaining, and fair
