The Actors Union, which represents 160,000 film and television actors, reported that the deadline for reaching agreements with Hollywood studios has passed and it is preparing for a strike that could be announced as early as Thursday. The last time actors and screenwriters went on strike at the same time was in 1960.
According to a statement posted on the union's official website, "After more than four weeks of bargaining, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) – the entity that represents major studios and streamers, including Amazon, Apple, Disney, NBCUniversal, Netflix, Paramount, Sony and Warner Bros. Discovery – remains unwilling to offer a fair deal on the key issues that are essential to SAG-AFTRA members."
Fran Drescher, president of the union, described the studios' response as "insulting and disrespectful." "Though we’ve engaged in negotiations in good faith and remained eager to reach a deal that sufficiently addressed performer concerns, the AMPTP’s responses to our proposals have not been adequate," Drescher said in a statement.
In addition, Drescher explained that the union will keep members updated on the decisions to be made in the upcoming days and what actors can do next. She reiterated the importance of remaining united. "Our ninety-year history is a testament to what can be achieved through our conviction and unity. For the future of our profession, we stand together," she said.
A Message from the SAG-AFTRA President and Chief Negotiator: For the future of our profession, we stand together. https://t.co/FHL3jsULIa
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) July 13, 2023
Actors were underestimated, says the Union
Similarly, the national executive director and chief negotiator, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, indicated that the actors' demands are due to the changes made by the studios in the business model of the acting industry. "The studios and streamers have implemented massive unilateral changes in our industry’s business model, while at the same time insisting on keeping our contracts frozen," he said.
Finally, he added, "That’s not how you treat a valued, respected partner and essential contributor. Their refusal to meaningfully engage with our key proposals and the fundamental disrespect shown to our members is what has brought us to this point. The studios and streamers have underestimated our members’ resolve, as they are about to fully discover."
