Actors strike impacts your favorite shows and movies.

The Screen Actors Guild Goes on Strike, Halting Production in Hollywood

In a historic move, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has voted unanimously to join the ongoing writers strike, effectively bringing Hollywood to a standstill, as reported by the sag-aftra-strike-press-conference-livestream-1235535529/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Hollywood Reporter.

This means that all scripted series will be forced to shut down, and production on TV shows and movies will come to a halt until an agreement can be reached, as previously reported.

The Background

In May, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) authorized a strike after the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) failed to approve a new contract with improved compensation and benefits, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher expressed her dissatisfaction with AMPTP’s proposals, calling them “insulting and disrespectful,” as noted by THR.

At a moment when Hollywood’s writers remain on strike, members of performers’ union SAG-AFTRA will soon be mounting their own picket lines, constituting the first “double strike” involving both actors and scribes since 1960 https://t.co/C1VI1daRRD pic.twitter.com/P9XUp6NouO

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) July 13, 2023

Drescher stated, “Until they negotiate in good faith, we cannot begin to reach a deal,” as reported by KSL TV.

AMPTP released a statement expressing their disappointment with SAG-AFTRA’s decision to walk away from negotiations. They highlighted their offer of historic pay and residual increases, improved pension and health contributions, audition protections, shortened series option periods, and a groundbreaking AI proposal to protect actors’ digital likenesses.

#BREAKING #SAGAFTRA: Statement from @amptp. pic.twitter.com/VpYZKWWaFu

— Robert Kovacik (@RobertNBCLA) July 13, 2023

The Impact on the Entertainment Industry

According to Variety Senior editor Marc Malkin, if SAG-AFTRA goes on strike, all scripted shows will be unable to continue production, as the actors will be on strike.

Malkin emphasized the challenges faced by the industry, stating, “How do you film a show without the actors? And really, the only thing that will be in production [amid an actors’ strike] will be reality TV shows. Of course, it can get worse, as long as shows are put on hold, production is put on hold, it’s going to postpone premiere dates and affect the length of seasons.”

He also highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the resumption of production for shows like “Emily in Paris,” questioning when they will be able to start filming again and how quickly they can premiere a new season.

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