Overview
The SAG-AFTRA strikes refer to the labor disputes and strikes initiated by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) in 2023. These strikes were a result of failed contract negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP, with actors demanding better pay, job security, and addressing disparities in the film and television industry.
Here are some key points about the SAG-AFTRA strikes:
- Strike Initiation: On July 13, 2023, SAG-AFTRA announced that it had initiated a strike after unsuccessful contract negotiations with AMPTP.
- Strike Duration: The strikes began on July 14, 2023, and continued until a resolution was reached between the parties involved. The duration of the strikes varied depending on the specific negotiations and agreements.
- Participation: The strikes involved SAG-AFTRA members, including actors, who united in solidarity with the Writers Guild of America (WGA), which had also been on strike prior to the SAG-AFTRA strikes.
- Demands: The main demands of SAG-AFTRA during the strikes included improved pay, job security, and addressing the widening disparities in the industry, particularly in the context of the streaming boom.
- Impact: The strikes affected various aspects of the entertainment industry, including TV shows, movies, and commercial productions. Productions may have been disrupted or delayed as a result of the strikes.
- Historical Context: Prior to the 2023 strikes, SAG-AFTRA had not gone on strike against the film and TV companies since 1980. It is notable that the actors and writers were simultaneously on strike in 1960
It’s important to note that the specific details and outcomes of the SAG-AFTRA strikes may vary, and it’s recommended to refer to reliable news sources or official statements for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
How It’s Changing Hollywood Right Now:
The most immediate impact the strikes have had in the public eye is the disruption of the “Oppenheimer” Red Carpet premiere event in July 2023. Though the writers have been on strike for months, the actors only recently joined them. The actors’ strike began in the middle of the red carpet, which had already moved forward an hour in preparation for the actors dispersal.
SNL, The Tonight Show, and most other late-night talk shows have been pulled out of production and will only air re-runs for the forseeable future. The writers and actors for the beloved sitcom “Abbot Elementary” are also on strike, and will not be working on the show until demands are met. It’s safe to say that most television will be on hold until they can deliver their writer’s fair treatment.
Because of the studios’ refusal to meet the strike demands, many highly anticipated films that are already through production are still being pushed back to later release dates.
Luca Guadagnino’s “Challengers”, who’s trailer dropped very recently, has been pushed back to a 2024 release, as well as Disney’s upcoming “Avatar” and “Star Wars” projects. Recently, it has been stated that the sequel to the incredibly popular “Dune” may be pushed back into 2024 as well, though nothing has been confirmed.
Overall, it’s important to remember that the studios are abusing an enormous amount of power of these actors and writers, who, if you take a lot at the demands of the strike, really aren’t asking for much. These people work incredibly hard to bring art to our lives, and it’s incredibly important to support them through this laborious and necessary task.
The studios are even beginning to threaten their jobs with the impending doom of AI filling in, both for writers and actors. This change—-already a threatening presence in de-aging and the overuse of CGI technology—-would be catastrophic to the humanity of our arts. Writers and actors deserve respect, and they don’t have it yet.
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