Hollywood Actors Join Writers on Strike Against AMPTP
For the first time in 63 years, the writers and actors of Hollywood have gone on a double strike. Leaders of SAG-AFTRA, a union that represents over 150,00 actors, voted to strike after negotiations with studios for a new contract fell through.
Film and television production has slowed tremendously since May because of writers seeking higher compensation and residuals. This strike doesn’t only affect the writers and actors, thousands of on-set employees will be out of a job until a new agreement with The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) is agreed upon.
Disney CEO, Bob Iger, criticized the writers and actors for being unrealistic with their strike expectations. He even called the thought of a strike “disturbing.” Fran Descher, president of the actor’s union, said actors are “being victimized by a very greedy entity. I am shocked by how people we have been in business with are treating us.”
With both sides needing to see eye-to-eye, it could be months before a new agreement is reached. Besides compensation, Hollywood’s talent wants to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in the industry. This comes on the heels of multiple viral deep fake trailers featuring the likeness of famous actors. Only time will tell how long this strike will last but one thing is for sure; the industry will be changed drastically after it’s over.
Demarco Rush is a fourth-year majoring in communications. To contact him, email dar5802@psu.edu
