Actors congratulate each other for holding out in strike against studios: ‘At last’
Unionized actors celebrate end of strike against major Hollywood studios
The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has officially ended its strike against major Hollywood studios, including Amazon/MGM, Apple, NBCUniversal, Disney/ABC/Fox, Netflix, Paramount/CBS, Sony, and Warner Bros. After 118 days, all 160,000 members of the union can finally return to work.
Excitement and celebration flood social media
Star Wars actor Mark Hamill took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express his excitement about the three-year agreement. He posted, “AT LAST… they have reached a ‘tentative’ agreement… and I am tentatively thrilled beyond words!!!”
Actress Jennifer Tilly shared a celebratory photo on social media, featuring herself and Chucky writer Don Mancini in a bathtub with the iconic doll. Tilly, who appeared in the film’s sequel, captioned the photo, “STRIKE’S OVER B****ES!!! GET BACK TO WORK!!!”
Actor Jeremy Allen White, attending the premiere of The Iron Claw, couldn’t contain his excitement when he heard the news. The Iron Claw, produced by A24, was not affected by the strike. White exclaimed, “That’s amazing! It makes me feel incredible.”
Actress Amirah Vann celebrated the end of the strike by posting a clip from her series How to Get Away with Murder on Instagram. She expressed gratitude to her fellow union members and encouraged them to stay strong, saying, “Hold on my friend. We need each other love you.”
Actress Jenna Elfman, known for her role in The Walking Dead, shared her excitement on Instagram, writing, “Let’s all start C R E A T I N G again. Big thanks to all involved!”
It’s important to note that the full details of the agreement have not been released yet, as it still needs to be reviewed and ratified by the SAG-AFTRA National Board. However, the union has revealed that the agreement includes “above-pattern” minimum compensation increases and provisions for performers’ consent regarding the use of their likeness with artificial intelligence. Additionally, actors will now receive streaming bonuses similar to residuals from television shows.
SAG-AFTRA was the last union in Hollywood to be on strike, following the Writers Guild of America, which reached a deal with studios after months of strike action. Meanwhile, the Directors Guild of America was able to reach an agreement without any fanfare.
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What implications does the end of the strike have for the industry, particularly in terms of diversity and inclusion efforts
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Other union members, including actors Viola Davis, Hugh Jackman, and Sandra Oh, also celebrated the end of the strike on social media. Davis tweeted, “We did it! So proud to be part of this union that fights for our rights and fair treatment in the industry.” Jackman expressed his gratitude to the SAG-AFTRA leadership, saying, “Thank you for standing up for us and securing a better future for all actors.” Oh simply tweeted, “Back to work!” with a series of celebratory emojis.
Key points of the agreement
The strike, which began on November 8, 2021, revolved around several key issues that the union wanted to address. These issues included fair compensation for streaming services, better working conditions, and increased diversity and inclusion in casting and crew hiring.
Under the new agreement, streaming residuals will be increased by 20% for high-budget original series made for streaming platforms. This means that actors will receive more money each time their work is streamed. The agreement also guarantees better protections for actors against harassment and discrimination on set.
In terms of diversity and inclusion, the agreement stipulates that studios must increase their efforts to hire underrepresented groups in the industry. This includes people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities. The union will also establish a task force to monitor and promote diversity and inclusion initiatives in the industry.
Implications for the industry
The end of the strike is a significant victory for unionized actors, as it demonstrates their collective power and ability to negotiate for their rights. The strike also highlights the growing importance of streaming platforms in the entertainment industry and the need for fair compensation for actors in this digital age.
Moreover, the agreement’s emphasis on diversity and inclusion is a positive step towards a more representative and equitable industry. By actively addressing these issues, the union and the studios are not only improving opportunities for underrepresented groups but also creating more inclusive and authentic storytelling.
However, the impact of the strike may continue to be felt in the industry, as the halt in production caused by the strike has undoubtedly affected release schedules for upcoming films and television shows. Studios will need to quickly catch up on production and coordinate new schedules to minimize any further delays.
Final thoughts
The end of the strike is a cause for celebration for unionized actors and their supporters. The three-year agreement represents a significant achievement in ensuring fair compensation, better working conditions, and increased diversity and inclusion in the industry.
While the strike may have caused disruptions in the production schedules, it has also raised important conversations about the treatment of actors and the need for greater equity in the entertainment industry. Hopefully, this agreement will create a lasting impact and serve as a catalyst for positive change in the years to come.
Ultimately, the end of the strike signifies a victory for the union and a reaffirmation of the importance of unionization in protecting the rights and interests of actors in a rapidly evolving industry.
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