Hollywood actors have joined screenwriters in a strike against the multi-billion-dollar U.S. movie and television industry over disputes in compensation and the use of artificial intelligence in entertainment productions. It’s the first time since 1960 that both unions have decided to strike at the same time.
A strike by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, SAG-AFTRA, began at midnight Pacific time Thursday, USA TODAY reported. The Writers Guild of America, WGA, began its strike on May 2. The guild consists of two unions, WGA West, WGAW, and WGA East, WGAE.
The current strikes, the first in about 15 years, are halting production of most movie and television shows worldwide.
When did Hollywood strikes take place and how long did they last?
Both guilds have conducted strikes in the past, but most have been separate. The screenwriters guild has recorded the longest-lasting strike, 154 days in 1988. Except for a brief, one-day stoppage, SAG-AFTRA hasn’t struck since 1980.
How many actors and screenwriters are striking?
What Hollywood stars support the strike?
A number of celebrities have voiced their support for the strike, USA TODAY reported. Among them is Margot Robbie, the star of “Barbie” and the cast of the new movie “Oppenheimer.”
What will the actor strike affect?
- Actors prohibited from working or auditioning.
- Actors can’t promote movies or TV shows.
- Actors can’t give promotional media interviews.
- Actors can’t appear at public events, including comic conventions.
- Emmy awards ceremony may be postponed.
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers is the trade association that bargains on behalf of studios and production companies. The association says it’s offered SAG-AFTRA historic pay and residual increases.
CONTRIBUTING Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY
SOURCE USA TODAY Network reporting and research; Associated Press
