Hollywood on Pause: Unravelling the Largest Screen Actors Guild Strike in Four Decades

The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) has publicly stated its intention to commence industrial action, heralding the commencement of the most extensive cessation of activity within the Hollywood film industry in four decades.

The guild is adamant in its demand for improved remuneration and enhanced working conditions from prominent streaming platforms, initiating a work stoppage that is to affect an estimated 160,000 performers from midnight onwards.

Acclaimed actors Cillian Murphy and Emily Blunt reportedly vacated the premiere of the film “Oppenheimer” just as the industrial action took effect, as reported by director Christopher Nolan.

The planned strike action is set to start at midnight, Los Angeles local time, which is 08:00 BST. Demonstrations will follow an hour later outside the California-based Netflix headquarters, subsequently proceeding to Paramount, Warner Bros and Disney.

A prominent point of contention for the guild is the burgeoning use of artificial intelligence and computer-generated imagery that threatens to render traditional acting obsolete. As per the strike order issued online by the guild, the work stoppage is applicable to those who undertake acting, singing or dancing duties, along with stunt artists, puppeteers and motion capture specialists. Furthermore, it also extends to individuals involved in background work and promotional activities.

On the previous Wednesday, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) formally declared an impasse in their negotiations with major film studios. Subsequently, its negotiation committee endorsed the decision to strike unanimously. This decision implies a significant portion of American film and television productions are set to halt.

SAG-AFTRA’s national executive director and lead negotiator, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, affirmed that members will be present at the picket line on Friday morning. He further stated the strike is the ultimate resort in the face of failed negotiations.

The studios’ representative body, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), expressed regret at the decision to strike, acknowledging the pivotal role of performers in the functioning of studios. In their statement, they cautioned against the potential financial adversity that countless individuals dependent on the industry are likely to face due to the industrial action.

SAG’s president, Fran Drescher, contextualised the strike as a critical moment for actors in the industry. Drescher critiqued the prioritisation of financial gain over the labour force that underpins the industry.

Meanwhile, the Writers Guild of America has been engaged in a separate industrial action since the 2nd of May, seeking improved remuneration and working conditions. Some writers have resorted to non-contracted projects amidst the ongoing dispute.

This double strike marks a first since 1960, during Ronald Reagan’s tenure as the SAG head. The last recorded actors’ strike occurred in 1980. The Directors Guild of America, having successfully negotiated a contract in June, will not participate.

The commencement of the strike indicates a forthcoming standstill in a large part of US film and TV productions, exacerbating the effects of the writers’ strike. Films and TV shows currently in production will face a major setback, and actors will not be available for reshoots or promotional events. International events like the Toronto and Venice film festivals are expected to proceed as scheduled, albeit without SAG’s participation.

Several A-list Hollywood stars, including Margot Robbie, Meryl Streep, and Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson, have expressed solidarity with the impending strike.