After the screenwriters, it’s the turn of the actors to be on strike in Hollywood. But for what reasons? And what impact on the industry and upcoming releases? Explanations and decryption.
It is an unprecedented movement that is shaking the film and television industry in the United States. On strike since early May, Hollywood screenwriters were joined by actors on July 14, 2023. This is the first time since 1980 that American comedians have gone on strike. As a result, almost all productions, but also the promotion of upcoming releases, are put on hold.
Hollywood actors and screenwriters have several complaints. First, the revaluation of their salaries. Then, this strike aims to protest against the use of artificial intelligence in film and television production. Indeed, some studios have made no secret of their interest in using AI to write scripts or clone actors’ voices and images. The studios and streaming platforms, represented by the AMPTP, did not hide their “disappointment” at the failure of the negotiations initiated, the boss of Disney, Bob Iger, having even qualified the demands of the screenwriters and actors “unrealistic”.
For the time being, it is not known when the strike may end in Hollywood. The last writers’ strike was in 2007 and 2008. It lasted 100 days and cost the entire industry $2 million. Below, we explain everything you need to know about the strike in Hollywood.
The screenwriters of the WGA (Writers Guild of America) have been on strike since May 2, 2023. They were joined on July 14 by the SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists), a union representing actors of Hollywood. These two trades have decided to unite around common demands:
The strike in Hollywood may have serious consequences for the sector. Series and film production is on hold until further notice. Concretely, this means that there will be no more auditions or filmed tests or dubbing, which puts a stop to pre-production. Filming is also on hold. Finally, all the promotion of the next releases is undermined, since the actors will no longer participate in interviews, previews or festivals. The Venice Film Festival and the Toronto Film Festival could suffer the price. So as soon as the strike was voted on by the actors union, the Oppenheimer cast immediately walked out of the London premiere.
It’s unclear when the strike in Hollywood might end. The latest negotiations between unions and studios and streaming platforms have failed. The latter have also made it known in the press that they would be ready to wait until the strikers are exhausted and financially cornered before resuming discussions. According to information from Deadline, the studios could wait until the fall before resuming negotiations.