Why are Hollywood actors on strike?

Miriam Tajini
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July 20, 2023

Why are actors on strike? We used to think Hollywood actors were making sky-high numbers – and in some cases, they are. But then why are they on strike?

In fact, Hollywood is in for a particularly hot summer. In fact, besides the temperatures, the “political situation” in the entertainment capital of the world is still on fire.

Tons of actors and actresses have joined the writers in the former double strike of two unions for more than six decades, huge implications for the film and television industry.

But why do they do it? And what does this strike result in in practice?

Why are Hollywood actors on strike?

The current strike has been called American Actors Union Sag-Aftra after the absence of new agreements on negotiations with the Hollywood industry, i.e. production companies and streaming services.

In fact the union leaders say that flow model which in recent years has taken over the entertainment industry, robbed workers of the industry of their share of the income, and funneled money to executives.

The problem unites both actors and writers. Indeed, for both, the transition to streaming and its side effects meant, among other things, shorter show seasons with longer breaks between them, and therefore less work.

That’s why gHollywood actors and screenwriters are asking streaming services increase in residual rightswhich represents a higher share of the royalties paid out when a movie or series is distributed online through platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+.

The problem of artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence is another stumbling block in union negotiations.

Actors really ask protection against the use of artificial intelligence in film and television productions, defined by Sag-Aftra as an “existential threat”.

The prospect of being replaced by a “digital version” is especially daunting for younger actors, for many of whom a small role in a big cast could be a career breakthrough.

Who are the striking Hollywood actors

Syndicate “Sag-Aftra” has approx. 160 thousand members: Mainly actors and actresses, but also performers, radio hosts, models, and YouTube influencers.

In recent days, some 65,000 union members have taken to the streets in protest.

Between them the most famous names of Hollywood actors who are on strikeCast: George Clooney, Jessica Chastain, Mark Ruffalo, Vanessa Hudgens, Cillian Murphy, Olivia Wilde, Priyanka Chopra, Salma Hayek, Florence Pugh, Rami Malek and many others.

What is an actors’ strike?

The writing of films and series, as well as their shooting, were interrupted due to strikes. This resulted in a delay or even suspension of some production.

At the moment, the filming of the following films has actually been suspended: Deadpool 3, Venom 3, Gladiator 2 and game adaptation Lilo and Stitch.

Instead, serials suffered: Stranger Things, House of the Dragon 2, The Last of Us, The Mandalorian and Andor.

In addition, striking actors do not participate in the promotion of their future films or premieres.

Therefore, if it is not resolved in time, the next Venice Film Festival (at the end of August) may take place without actors on the red carpet.

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