Hollywood actors are on the verge of authorizing a potential strike, intensifying the challenges faced by major film and television studios already grappling with a work stoppage initiated by writers.
The SAG-AFTRA union, representing Hollywood’s actors, has set a Monday deadline for its 160,000 members to vote on granting their negotiators the authority to call for a strike if necessary. Negotiations between the actors union and major studios are slated to commence on Wednesday.
Over the weekend, the studios seemingly averted another work stoppage by reaching a tentative agreement with the Directors Guild of America (DGA). This agreement will take effect upon ratification by DGA members.
In their ongoing negotiations, actors are advocating for improved compensation and safeguards against unauthorized usage of their likenesses through the utilization of artificial intelligence. The current agreement is set to expire on June 30.
In a letter urging members to vote in favor of the strike authorization, SAG-AFTRA leaders highlighted the significant changes within the industry due to the proliferation of streaming television and advancements in technologies like generative AI. They emphasized the need for a contract that aligns with the new business model brought about by the digital and streaming entertainment industry.
The month-long strike led by over 11,500 members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) has already disrupted the production of late-night shows and halted high-profile projects, including a new season of Netflix’s “Stranger Things” and a Warner Bros Discovery’s (WBD.O) HBO spinoff of “Game of Thrones.”
Should actors proceed with a strike, it would result in a more extensive shutdown, adding further pressure on studios reliant on programming for their streaming services and the upcoming fall TV broadcast schedule.
During the previous WGA strike in 2007 and 2008, a studio agreement with the DGA prompted the writers to return to the bargaining table.
WGA negotiator Chris Keyser argued on Friday that this time, such a scenario would not occur. He stated, “Any deal that restores productivity to this industry must involve the WGA, and there is no way around that.” Keyser expressed this sentiment in a video posted on YouTube.
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