Billy Porter, the Emmy-winning actor known for his roles in major Hollywood productions, has shared his financial struggles amid ongoing Hollywood strikes. The actors’ union, SAG-AFTRA, recently went on strike over issues such as pay, working conditions, and concerns about the use of artificial intelligence in the film industry. This strike follows the strike by the Writers Guild of America, resulting in the biggest shutdown the industry has seen in over six decades.
According to reports, studio executives were prepared for an extended stalemate between actors and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). Some sources even suggested that studios were willing to wait months, intending to let union members face financial difficulties, such as losing their homes and apartments, before reaching a resolution. With the strikes now dragging on, it seems that the anticipated financial hardships may become a reality.
Porter revealed that he had been lined up to appear in a movie and a TV show starting in September, but now those projects have been put on hold due to the strike. He expressed frustration towards the anonymous studio executive who reportedly stated, We’re going to starve them out until they have to sell their apartments. Porter stated that he has already been starved out by the strike.
Residual payments have been a major point of contention in the negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP. These payments, which actors receive for reruns of shows or movies they appeared in, have been affected by the rise of streaming platforms. Some actors have taken to social media to share their paychecks, revealing that they have received as little as 3 cents for their work on content produced by major studios.
Porter also criticized Disney CEO Bob Iger for labeling the demands of striking actors and writers as unrealistic and disturbing. He highlighted the vast difference between Iger’s daily income of $78,000 and the struggles faced by actors on strike. Porter emphasized his resolve to join the picket lines once he returns to the U.S.
It’s not just Porter who is facing financial difficulties due to the strike. The SAG-AFTRA foundation, which provides financial assistance to striking union members, has been seeking donations from high-profile talent to help those experiencing dire circumstances. The strikes have left many actors in a vulnerable position, struggling to make ends meet.
The ongoing strikes in Hollywood have disrupted the industry and have a significant impact on actors, writers, and other industry professionals. As negotiations continue, it remains to be seen how long the strike will last and what concessions will be made in favor of the union members’ demands. In the meantime, actors like Billy Porter are left navigating the financial challenges of a life in the arts until they can achieve financial stability.
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