SAG-AFTRA represents 160,000 actors, broadcast journalists, broadcasters, dancers, DJs and stunt performers and hasn’t called for a strike since 1980. Among the 65,000 acting members who could be taken out on strike are names like Meryl Streep, Ben Stiller and Glenn Close.
The union wants to adapt compensation to the new broadcasting landscape, which has resulted in lower compensation. More often today, fees are paid on the temporary job model rather than royalty based on how much or how often a movie or TV series has been shown.
The big movie and streaming giants also didn’t want to reveal data about viewing figures, something Sag-Aftra wants to see analyzed by a third party and then reflected in salary levels. In addition, the union also wants, among other things, clearer rules around AI, which would pay actors to use AI-generated images of themselves.
The 11,500 screenwriters of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) have also been on strike since May 2 and have similar demands from big Hollywood giants.
The last time Hollywood screenwriters and actors went on strike together was in 1960 when the actors’ union was led by future President Ronald Reagan.
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