The deadline came and went for the Screen Actors Guild and Hollywood Studios to reach a deal on a new labor contract, without resolution. As a result, the actors have now joined the writers on strike, effectively shutting down all production in the industry. It’s the first time since 1960 that both the writers and actors have walked out in solidarity.
Not only has new production shut down but the stars have also stopped promoting their current releases. The entire cast of Christopher Nolan’s OPPENHEIMER walked out on Wednesday night’s premiere after SAG announced officially that the actors’ union was on strike. Many of SAG’s demands overlap with those from the WGA, focusing on the financial deficit that the streaming model imposes on actors. Like writers, they also want protections against the possible future use of Artificial Intelligence to replace actors in specific productions.
SAG President Fran Drescher announced the union’s decision to strike on Thursday, with a strongly worded speech criticizing the studios. “We are the victims here…A very greedy entity is victimizing us. I am shocked by the way the people that we have been in business with are treating us.” It leaves the industry in a very uncertain place, as both sides appear deeply entrenched in their positions.
See also: What to Know About the Actors’ Strike (New York Times)