From Joe Peltzer

As the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) continue to make their voices heard on the picket lines, Hollywood remains at a virtual standstill (with a few exceptions). The last time both the writers and actors have been on strike together was in 1960, for historical reference. During this time, actors can’t act and writers can’t write, at the basic level.

So what is really going on? Aside form both looking for fair wages and treatment of their members, there are a number of unique challenges to be addressed. The WGA called it’s strike on May 2nd, 2023, while SAG-AFTRA joined them officially on July 13th, 2023, but the chaos began months earlier. WGA began negotiating with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) while SAG-AFTRA began negotiating on June 7th, 2023.

Both guilds contend that the AMPTP is not negotiating in good faith while those on the other side, such as Disney CEO Bob Iger, classify the unions’ demands as “not realistic.” The truth is probably somewhere in between, but it is clear from competing statements released from the parties that there is quite a distance to be traversed in order to get an agreement… and they’re currently not talking.

A lot of what is happening today can find its roots in the advent of streaming, issues that were likely enflamed as studios turned to streaming to recoup lost theatrical revenue and to capitalize on people being at home. While those involved in film and television receive residuals for their work during subsequent airings on television (a simplistic explanation) and do receive something for streaming, the amounts are reportedly dismal. ‘This is Us’ star Mandy Moore recently shared that she once received a residual check for “like 81 cents” from the show’s streaming deal with Hulu. In short, everyone wants their fair share for the work they do.

There are also a number of concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) and how it may impact the industry. One of the proposals from the AMPTP to SAG-AFTRA regarding AI involved the facial scanning of background actors when present with studios wanting to then be able to use that likeness in future projects in perpetuity. With all issues of AI it seems as though the studios want to capitalize on the technology (with concern over AI writers) without regard for the impact on actors and writers. The studios are in the business of making money; the writers and actors are fighting for fair treatment and compensation.

Some of the other sticking points for WGA:

• Mandatory hiring of a specific number of writers for a given project

• Improving pay, which has decreased in the past decade

Some of the other sticking points for SAG-AFTRA:

• Reimbursements for out-of-pocket required cleaning wardrobe costs (paid for by the actors).

• Casting alterations, such as a shorter turnaround for self-taped auditions and clarity when an offer has already been extended.

• Making performance capture a covered category of work

Honestly, in my humble opinion, I don’t see things changing any time soon, especially given a Deadline report that studios are hoping that the WGA will feel the pressure once writers start to go broke as a result of the strike. What’s clear, however, is that the industry is at a turning point and any forthcoming resumed negotiations are going to have to address the changing environment of the film and television industry, otherwise we’ll be right back here at the end of the next contract.

What can you do?

1. Educate yourself.

2. Don’t take acting or writing jobs that would otherwise go to a union member.

3. Share your support on socials.

4. Donate to the Entertainment Community Fund, which provides a safety net for those impacted in the industry.

We here at GuyAtTheMovies.com fully support the WGA and SAG-AFTRA in their advocacy for their members.

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