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What’s going on with Hollywood’s strike?
In early May, the Writers Guild of America went on strike, demanding fair compensation for screenwriters impacted by streaming services. SAG-AFTRA, a union representing Hollywood actors, soon joined the picket line over issues like higher pay and protections from the use of AI in Tinseltown. The walkout has led to the shutdown of all Hollywood productions but its impact isn't limited to just writers or actors – it’s likely dealt a $3 billion blow to California's economy over the last 100 days.
HOLLYWOOD IS AT A STANDSTILL
With both the WGA and SAG-AFTRA on strike, the entertainment industry is facing a near-halt in all activity. Until negotiations are worked out, actors and writers are prohibited from performing and even attending premieres and award shows.
HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF
While the demands of both unions are historic (they’re concerned about wages, residual pay, and rapidly-developing AI technology, among other issues), this isn't the first time the two unions have been on strike together.
Here's what happened the last time the two unions were on strike at the same time, and what they won.
REGARDING AI’S ROLE IN HOLLYWOOD
As the tech industry rapidly expands, AI is at the forefront of the convergence between humanity and technology. What was once an exciting prospect for advancing our everyday lives has now become a debate on defining ownership, authenticity, and artistry.
Before I became a journalist, I was an actor who spent much of my childhood on sitcoms for NBC, Nickelodeon, and Disney.
In the episode "Joan is Awful" on the latest season of the show "Black Mirror" on Netflix, a digital likeness of the actress Salma Hayek poses a Kafka-esque conundrum for its protagonists.
CELEBRITY STANCES
Find out who among your favorite actors and screenwriters have joined the picket line, why they’ve gone on strike, and what they’re doing to help the cause.
THE WAITING GAME
Despite an overall lack of initiative on the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers’ part, both WGA and SAG-AFTRA remain strong. Anonymous sources report studios’ intentions to wait out the strike.
For nearly three months, members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) have forgone pay to be on strike as they negotiate a new contract.
HOW TO show SUPPORT
Want to support your favorite shows and actors? Here’s how to best help members of the strike.
One of the most impactful things an average person can do to support both SAG-AFTRA actors and WGA writers is donating to help them make ends meet during the labor action.
