The writers’ strike has been a topic of heated debate over the past few months as the misinformed public scoffs at the idea of millionaire movie stars asking for more money. However, the SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) strike stands up for those not under the global spotlight– struggling actors who work two jobs to pay the bills and underappreciated writers, half of whom get paid minimum wage.
The Writers Guild of America started striking in May this year, the first time Hollywood actors and writers have been on strike since 1960. SAG-AFTRA’s national board voted to strike after weeks of negotiations between unionized actors and movie studios. The two most notable topics of controversy include pay and artificial intelligence.
Streaming has changed the game for actors’ income. Before this recent development, actors were paid for their work and received residual payments depending on the show or movie’s popularity once it was resold as a rerun. Today, their residuals are at a flat rate regardless of the show’s success. Actors are looking to reform this system while also seeking regulations for AI in show business, which can digitally recreate an actor’s voice or face in a production. This means that actors, especially background actors, can appear in works without getting paid. Generative AI also threatens writers, who are facing additional issues due to streaming. Streaming services typically have mini-rooms that use few writers for a large project. Writers are protesting this and want studios to fund writers’ rooms with a minimum number of people.
Now, what we’ve all been wondering: how will this affect our viewing? Some anticipated shows and movies that have finished filming will be available to watch this year, including the new Percy Jackson series coming to Disney+ in December and “The Marvels,” hitting theaters on November 10th. However, many productions have been impacted by the strike and have postponed filming. Listed below are a few:
Abbott Elementary Season 3
Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse
Cobra Kai Final Season
Euphoria Season 3
Stranger Thing Final Season
The Last of Us Season 2
The Mandalorian Season 4
While we may be upset that our favorite shows and movies are delayed, it’s important to think of the actors and writers currently struggling, and their courage as they continue to strike for a more just industry.