Hollywood Actors and Studios End 118-Day Strike with Higher Pay and AI Protections
Hollywood actors and studios have reached a tentative deal to end a months-long strike that has had significant repercussions for the entertainment industry. The Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) called off the strike after finally reaching an agreement with major companies such as Disney and Netflix. The new contract includes higher pay for actors and protections against the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
The strike, which lasted for 118 days, resulted in the delay of numerous popular shows and films and cost the US economy billions of dollars. The announcement brings relief to actors who can now return to movie sets and marks the end of picket lines outside studios. It also means employment opportunities will be restored for thousands of individuals associated with the entertainment industry.
The tentative agreement still needs to be ratified by the union’s board and members, a process that could take several weeks. However, it is widely expected to pass.
Negotiations between the two sides have been ongoing for the past two weeks, with top executives from companies like Disney, Netflix, Warner, and Universal personally attending the talks as pressure mounted for a resolution.
The strike has left studios with significant gaps in their release schedules for next year and beyond. Many actors who were out of work have struggled to make ends meet, forcing some to find second jobs or even leave the industry entirely.
The news of the agreement was met with joy and relief in Hollywood, with celebrities expressing their happiness. Zac Efron exclaimed, Incredible! I’m so happy we were all able to come to an agreement. Let’s get back to work! Let’s go! I’m so stoked. Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis took to Instagram, writing, PERSEVERANCE PAYS OFF!
SAG-AFTRA represents around 160,000 performers. Although top-tier Hollywood stars earn millions of dollars, many lesser-known actors have found it increasingly difficult to make a decent living in recent years due to pay structures that have failed to keep pace with inflation and industry changes.
This strike has been particularly significant as it occurred simultaneously with a strike by Hollywood writers, although the writers’ strike has since been resolved. It marks the first time since 1960, when Ronald Reagan led the protests, that the two unions have gone on strike together.
Economists estimate that the industry-wide strike has cost at least $6 billion in lost wages.
Studios, already grappling with delayed releases of major films like Dune: Part Two and the next installment of Mission: Impossible, will now be working to restart productions on hit shows like Stranger Things in order to meet next year’s deadlines.
Due to the backlog of productions waiting to resume, there will likely be a high demand for actors and soundstages in the coming months, potentially leading to additional bottlenecks in the industry.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass welcomed the fair agreement reached by both parties, acknowledging the impact the strikes have had on millions of people in Los Angeles and throughout the country. She emphasized the need to focus on local production to ensure that the entertainment industry can rebound stronger than ever and contribute to economic recovery.
In order to resolve the standoff between actors and studios, both sides made compromises on minimum pay, ultimately agreeing to an increase of around eight percent compared to the previous contract. Although this is lower than what the actors initially desired, it represents the largest increase in decades. The parties also agreed to an improved bonus structure for actors starring in hit shows or films.
The growth of streaming platforms has significantly affected actors’ incomes, as these platforms typically pay minimal residuals when a show is rewatched.
Artificial intelligence (AI) was another major point of contention during the negotiations, with actors expressing concerns about the potential use of AI to clone their voices and likenesses. They wanted stricter rules regarding compensation and consent, which the studios were initially hesitant to provide. The details of the AI-related provisions will be revealed after a SAG-AFTRA board meeting to review the terms.
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents the studios, has not yet responded to requests for comment.
In conclusion, the resolution of the strike is a positive development for the entertainment industry, allowing actors to return to work and bringing much-needed stability to the sector. The agreement reached between SAG-AFTRA and major studios ensures higher pay for actors and addresses concerns over the use of AI. As the strike impacted millions of individuals and resulted in significant economic losses, the focus now shifts to rejuvenating the industry and positioning it for a strong recovery.
