We used to think that Hollywood actors earn stratospheric amounts and in some cases they do.But then why are they on strike?
In fact, Hollywood is facing a particularly hot summer. Beyond the temperatures, in fact, the “political situation” of the world capital of entertainment is still in flames.
Scores of actors and actresses have joined the writers in the first double strike by the two unions in more than six decades, with huge consequences for the film and television industries. But why do they do it? And what does this strike translate into in practice?
Why are Hollywood actors going on strike?
The strike currently underway was called by the American actors union SAG-AFTRA after the lack of new agreement on negotiations with the Hollywood industry, i.e. production companies and streaming services.Union leaders say the streaming models that has taken over the entertainment industry in recent years has robbed industry workers of their share of the income and funneled money to executives. The problem unites both actors and writers. Indeed, for both, the shift to streaming and its knock-on effects have meant, among other things, shorter seasons of shows with longer gaps between them, and therefore less work .
That’s why Hollywood actors and screenwriters are asking streaming services for an increase in residual rights, i.e. a higher share of royalties paid when a film or TV series is distributed online through platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney Plus.
The problem of artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence is another sticking point in union talks. In fact, the actors are asking for protections against the use of artificial intelligence in film and television productions, defined by SAG-AFTRA as “an existential threat”.
The prospect of being replaced with a “digital version” is especially daunting for lesser actors, for many of whom a small role in a large cast can provide a career breakthrough.
Who are the Hollywood actors on strike
The SAG-AFTRA union has around 160,000 members mainly actors and actresses, but also performers, radio presenters, models and YouTube influencers. In recent days, around 65,000 union members took to the streets to protest.
Among these, the most famous names of Hollywood actors who are on strike are George Clooney, Jessica Chastain, Mark Ruffalo, Vanessa Hudgens, Cillian Murphy, Olivia Wilde, Priyanka Chopra, Salma Hayek, Florence Pugh, Rami Malek and many others.
What is an actors’ strike?
The writing of films and TV series, as well as their filming, was interrupted due to the strikes. This has led to a delay, or even the suspension of some productions. At the moment, in fact, the filming of the following films has been suspended Deadpool 3, Venom 3, Gladiator 2 and the live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch . The TV series to have been affected are Stranger Things, House of the Dragon 2, The Last of Us, The Mandalorian and Andor.
In addition, the actors on strike do not participate in the promotion of their upcoming films or premieres. If it doesn’t resolve itself in time, therefore, the next Venice Film Festival (at the end of August) could be without actors on the red carpet.