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2023 SAG-AFTRA strike

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2023 SAG–AFTRA strike
Part of 2023 Hollywood labor disputes
DateJuly 14, 2023 – present
(11 months and 6 days)
Location
United States
Primarily Los Angeles and New York City[a][1]
Caused by
Goals
  • Ratification of a labor contract
  • Streaming service residual formula
  • Greater regulation of self-tape auditions
  • Preventing artificial intelligence from replacing actors on set
Methods
Parties

On July 14, 2023, the American actors' union SAG–AFTRA went on strike over an ongoing labor dispute with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). It has coincided with a Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike as part of broader Hollywood labor disputes.

The strike marks the first time that actors have initiated a labor dispute in the U.S. since the 1980 actors strike and the first time that actors and writers have walked out simultaneously since 1960. Both the 2023 SAG–AFTRA and WGA labor disputes have contributed to the biggest interruption to the American television and film industries since the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Background

Unionization in Hollywood

Further information: 2023 Writers Guild of America strike
SAG–AFTRA Plaza in Los Angeles, California

The Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG–AFTRA) is a labor union that represents approximately 160,000 media professionals and entertainers.[2] The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) trade association represents film and television studios in collective bargaining negotiations with unions such as SAG–AFTRA, the Directors Guild of America (DGA), and Writers Guild of America, East and Writers Guild of America West, comprising the Writers Guild of America (WGA).[3] SAG–AFTRA was formed by the merger of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) in March 2012, allowing SAG–AFTRA to represent not only actors, but also journalists, talk show hosts, and other broadcast workers.[4] The WGA and the Screen Actors Guild have not simultaneously been on strike since 1960, when actors joined striking writers over residual payments from films sold to television networks.[5] The 1980 actors strike involved the combined efforts of SAG and AFTRA.[6] The largest SAG–AFTRA strike since 1980 occurred in 2000, in which commercial actors went on strike to push for a continuation of the residual system against advertiser backlash, amidst the divisions between SAG and AFTRA.[7]

During the last decade and the rise of streaming, writers and actors have been frustrated over studio policy regarding residuals from streaming services; the decline of network television has led to a stronger reliance on other residuals. The 2007–08 WGA strike was motivated in large part by studio executives insisting that writers should receive no residuals from streaming services.[8] The 2007–08 strike cost the city of Los Angeles an estimated US$1.5 billion, according to NPR.[9] As with striking WGA writers, actors have expressed concerns about the use of artificial intelligence, noting that it could be used to replicate their likeness without compensation;[10] the film The Flash, released in June 2023, controversially used CGI deepfaking to depict dead actors.[11][12] Actors such as Bob Odenkirk and Pete Davidson have picketed with writers since the beginning of the writers' strike.[13] In June, the DGA reached a deal with studios, avoiding a potential Hollywood strike trifecta.[14]

Contract negotiations

Weeks after the Writers Guild of America went on strike, SAG–AFTRA's national board of directors unanimously agreed to pursue a strike authorization vote ahead of a renewed contract; SAG–AFTRA approved a new contract in 2020 that would expire on June 30.[15] The union stated that it did not intend to strike but that it sought to give its negotiators "maximum bargaining leverage" ahead of negotiations on June 7.[16] SAG–AFTRA cited several issues in negotiations, including "economic fairness, residuals, regulating the use of artificial intelligence and alleviating the burdens of the industry-wide shift to self-taping", and told its members that the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers would cut actors' salaries to "pad corporate profits".[17] In a video released on May 30, SAG–AFTRA members Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jean Smart, and Kumail Nanjiani appealed to constituents to vote to strike but reserved that it was solely a bargaining tool.[18]

On June 5, SAG–AFTRA approved the strike authorization by a 98% margin, according to the union.[19] High-profile members—including Quinta Brunson, Jennifer Lawrence, and Rami Malek[20]—signaled their willingness to strike ahead of the deadline to achieve a "transformative deal",[21] despite "extremely productive" negotiations.[22] SAG–AFTRA agreed to extend negotiations to midnight on July 13 in an attempt to avoid a strike, but negotiations broke down in July.[23] SAG–AFTRA surveyed members on a strike on July 5[24] and began preparing picket signs two days later.[25] The AMPTP agreed to a "last-minute request" for mediation from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service on July 11; congressional and public affairs director Greg Raelson stated that a federal mediator would be present the following day. In turn, SAG–AFTRA accused the AMPTP of attempting to extend negotiations beyond the deadline and reiterated that it would not continue negotiating after July 12.[26] A number of high-profile actors, including Lawrence and Malek, then affirmed their support again by signing a letter urging the union to take aggressive measures and stating their willingness to strike.[27]

Strike action

SAG–AFTRA president Fran Drescher announced the strike on July 13.

On July 13, with no agreement between SAG–AFTRA and the AMPTP, the SAG–AFTRA negotiating committee voted unanimously to recommend a strike to the union's national board.[28] The national board held a vote officially approving the strike.[29] SAG–AFTRA president Fran Drescher announced the strike would begin at midnight on July 14;[30] the cast of Oppenheimer left the film's London premiere ahead of the announcement to walk out.[31] Joined by chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland,[32] Drescher argued that the strike is a reluctant last resort[33] and described the proposed contract as "moving around furniture on the Titanic."[34] In the press conference, Crabtree-Ireland alleged that the AMPTP attempted to include a proposal that allowed studios to, for a one-time fee equivalent to one day's pay, have exclusive and indefinite rights to extras' likenesses, including the use of generative AI to replicate them on-screen.[35][36] Media commentators compared this to Black Mirror episode "Joan Is Awful" and the 2013 film The Congress.[37][38] However, AMPTP denied these claims, stating that their proposal would allow usage of only within the specific film for which they are employed and any other use would require consent and compensation.[35] The strike would then officially begin on July 14.[39]

As part of rules established on July 10, actors cannot engage in film or television productions and cannot take part in promotional work, such as press junkets, film premieres, and events—including San Diego Comic-Con, which occurs one week after.[40] Internationally, SAG–AFTRA members are authorized to continue work in the United Kingdom under pre-established Equity collective bargaining agreements, as UK law criminalizes solidarity strikes.[41] The HBO series House of the Dragon thus continued its UK-based filming with SAG–AFTRA actors operating under Equity contracts, leading to backlash among fans of the series.[42]

Notable demonstrators and picket line participants on the first day of the strikes included actor Dermot Mulroney at the Netflix offices; actress Mandy Moore at the Disney offices; and producer Michael Schur at Paramount.[43] Others included actors Jason Sudeikis at NBC Rockefeller Center and Josh Gad at Fox Entertainment; actresses Allison Janney, Kaitlyn Dever, Logan Lerman, and Joey King at Warner Bros.; and actresses Constance Zimmer and Ginnifer Goodwin at Paramount.[44]

Responses

Media executives

Bob Iger, the CEO of The Walt Disney Company, said the actors' demands were "not realistic", adding they are "adding to the set of the challenges that this business is already facing". Iger has been criticized for these remarks in light of his contract with Disney allowing him to earn as much as $27 million for 2023 between his salary and bonuses.[45]

Before the end of SAG–AFTRA's negotiations, one anonymous AMPTP executive stated that their current strategy was to "allow things to drag on until union members [started] losing their apartments and losing their houses" to force SAG–AFTRA into less favorable negotiating positions.[46]

Impacted productions

Main article: List of productions impacted by the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike

Notes

  1. ^ As SAG–AFTRA members live and work across the country, "strike support events" have been called in other filming locations, including to date Atlanta, Honolulu, and San Francisco.

References

  1. ^ "Picket Schedule & Locations". SAG-AFTRA Strike. SAG-AFTRA. Archived from the original on July 14, 2023. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
  2. ^ "SAG-AFTRA agrees to federal mediation with studios as deadline nears". CBS News. July 11, 2023. Archived from the original on July 14, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  3. ^ Littleton, Cynthia (July 11, 2023). "If SAG-AFTRA Goes Out, How Fast Will WGA Go Back in to Negotiations With AMPTP?". Variety. Archived from the original on July 15, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  4. ^ Cieply, Michael (March 30, 2012). "Merger of Performers' Unions Approved". The New York Times. Archived from the original on July 3, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  5. ^ Richwine, Lisa (July 13, 2023). "Hollywood actors poised to strike, join writers on picket lines". Reuters. Archived from the original on July 13, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  6. ^ McNamara, Mary (June 7, 2023). "Ed Asner warned us about Hollywood's summer of labor unrest 40 years ago". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on June 18, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  7. ^ McNary, Dave (October 20, 2020). "20 Years Later, Actors Wrestle With Legacy of Divisive Six-Month Commercials Strike". Variety. Archived from the original on December 8, 2022. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  8. ^ Wilkinson, Alissa (April 27, 2017). "Why Hollywood's writers are on the verge of a strike — and what it could mean for the industry". Vox. Archived from the original on June 28, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  9. ^ Grisby Bates, Karen (February 12, 2008). "Writers Strike May End Soon, but Trouble Isn't Over". All Things Considered. NPR. Archived from the original on July 14, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  10. ^ Koblin, John; Sperling, Nicole (July 13, 2023). "The two sides are divided over compensation, artificial intelligence, and more". The New York Times. Archived from the original on July 15, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  11. ^ Troughton, James (June 16, 2023). "The Flash Bringing Dead Actors Back With CGI Is Disgusting". TheGamer. Archived from the original on June 24, 2023. Retrieved July 15, 2023.
  12. ^ Wilkinson, Alissa (May 2, 2023). "Hollywood's writers are on strike. Here's why that matters". Vox. Archived from the original on April 25, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  13. ^ Branigin, Anna (July 13, 2023). "Hollywood actors have picketed alongside writers since May". The Washington Post. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  14. ^ Koblin, John (June 4, 2023). "Hollywood Directors Reach Deal With Studios as Writers' Strike Continues". The New York Times. Archived from the original on June 29, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  15. ^ Sakoui, Anousha (June 11, 2020). "SAG-AFTRA reaches deal with studios on a new contract". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on June 11, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  16. ^ Sakoui, Anousha (May 17, 2023). "SAG-AFTRA seeks strike authorization even before talks with studios begin". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on June 22, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  17. ^ Robb, David (May 22, 2023). "SAG-AFTRA: Studios Seek To "Pad Corporate Profits & Fund Lavish Executive Compensation" As Threatened Actors Strike Looms". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 29, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  18. ^ Frank, Jason (May 31, 2023). "SAG-AFTRA Prepares Its Troops for the Fight". Vulture. Archived from the original on June 29, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  19. ^ Sakoui, Anousha (June 5, 2023). "SAG-AFTRA members approve strike authorization by overwhelming margin". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on July 5, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  20. ^ Pulliam-Moore, Charles (June 28, 2023). "Hundreds of actors are ready to strike if SAG-AFTRA doesn't secure a truly transformative deal'". The Verge. Archived from the original on July 11, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  21. ^ Kilkenny, Katie (June 27, 2023). "Meryl Streep, Jennifer Lawrence, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Other Top Actors Sign Letter to SAG-AFTRA: We're 'Prepared to Strike'". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on July 5, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  22. ^ Kilkenny, Katie (June 24, 2023). "SAG-AFTRA Leaders Tell Members Negotiations Have Been 'Extremely Productive' as Expiration Date Looms". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on July 5, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  23. ^ Sakoui, Anousha (June 30, 2023). "SAG-AFTRA agrees to extend negotiations with studios, averting a strike for now". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on July 11, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  24. ^ Robb, David (July 5, 2023). "Preparing For Possible Strike, SAG-AFTRA Surveys Members About How They Can Help Out". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  25. ^ Robb, David (July 7, 2023). "SAG-AFTRA Preparing Picket Signs As Possible Strike Looms". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 8, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  26. ^ Sakoui, Anousha (July 11, 2023). "SAG-AFTRA and studios turn to federal mediator as strike threat looms". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on July 12, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  27. ^ Isidore, Chris (July 12, 2023). "Actors are poised to go on strike against studios and streaming services". CNN. Archived from the original on July 12, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  28. ^ Grant, Teddy; Carr, Will; Shalawylo, Abigail; Haworth, Jon (July 13, 2023). "SAG-AFTRA negotiating committee votes unanimously to recommend strike as Hollywood talks stall". ABC News. Archived from the original on July 13, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  29. ^ Robb, David; Patten, Dominic (July 13, 2023). "SAG-AFTRA Contract Talks Fail To Reach Deal; National Board Meeting Thursday Morning To Launch Strike; Sides Issue Statements". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 13, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  30. ^ Robb, David; Patten, Dominic (July 13, 2023). "SAG-AFTRA Officially Calls Strike As National Board Approves Guild's First Walkout Against Film & TV Industry Since 1980". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 13, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  31. ^ Ravindran, Manori (July 13, 2023). "'Oppenheimer' Cast Leaves U.K. Premiere as SAG-AFTRA Strike Imminent". Variety. Archived from the original on July 13, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  32. ^ Powell, Tori B.; Hammond, Elise; Chowdhury, Maureen (July 13, 2023). "SAG-AFTRA national board votes to go on strike, union leader says". CNN. Archived from the original on July 14, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  33. ^ Powell, Tori B.; Hammond, Elise; Chowdhury, Maureen (July 13, 2023). "'We had no choice': Actors union president Fran Drescher details importance of strike". CNN. Archived from the original on July 15, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  34. ^ Powell, Tori B.; Hammond, Elise; Chowdhury, Maureen (July 13, 2023). "'Moving around furniture on the Titanic': Fran Drescher says union won't accept incremental changes". CNN. Archived from the original on July 14, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  35. ^ a b Webster, Andrew (July 13, 2023). "Actors say Hollywood studios want their AI replicas — for free, forever". The Verge. Archived from the original on July 15, 2023. Retrieved July 15, 2023.
  36. ^ Buckley, Sean (July 13, 2023). "Striking actors say studios 'AI proposal' would have them sell their digital likeness for only one day's pay". Engadget. Archived from the original on July 15, 2023. Retrieved July 14, 2023. They proposed that our background actors should be able to be scanned, get paid for one day's pay, and their company should own that scan, their image, their likeness and to be able to use it for the rest of eternity in any project they want with no consent and no compensation.
  37. ^ Donaldson, Kayleigh (May 8, 2023). "A.I. Filmmaking Is A Terrible Idea, And One Underseen Movie Shows Us Why". /Film. Archived from the original on June 22, 2023. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
  38. ^ Heritage, Stuart (July 13, 2023). "Joan Is Awful: Black Mirror episode is every striking actor's worst nightmare". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on July 13, 2023. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
  39. ^ Lang, Robert (July 14, 2023). "SAG-AFTRA Strike Photos: Actors Hit The Picket Lines On Day 1". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 14, 2023. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
  40. ^ Fuster, Jeremy (July 10, 2023). "SAG-AFTRA Lays Out Strike Rules: No Shoots, No Press, No Social Media Promos". TheWrap. Archived from the original on July 12, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  41. ^ Whittock, Jesse (July 13, 2023). "Actors Strike: British Acting Union Equity "Stands In Unwavering Solidarity" With SAG-AFTRA". Deadline Hollywood. Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on July 13, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  42. ^ Clark, Meredith (July 14, 2023). "House of the Dragon hit with backlash for continuing filming despite SAG-AFTRA strike". The Independent. Archived from the original on July 15, 2023. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
  43. ^ Earl, William. "SAG-AFTRA Strike Begins in New York and L.A. With Celebrities, Signs and Chants: 'Logan Roy Would Pay Us More'". Archived from the original on July 15, 2023. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
  44. ^ Lang, Robert. "SAG-AFTRA Strike Photos: Actors Hit The Picket Lines On Day 1". Archived from the original on July 15, 2023. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
  45. ^ Shafer, Ellise (July 13, 2023). "Disney CEO Bob Iger Says Writers and Actors Are Not Being 'Realistic' With Strikes: 'It's Very Disturbing to Me'". Variety. Archived from the original on July 13, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  46. ^ Wilkinson, Alissa (July 13, 2023). "Hollywood's historic double strike, explained". Vox.com. Archived from the original on July 14, 2023. Retrieved July 15, 2023.
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