The SAG-AFTRA strike kicked off with a powerful demonstration in New York City, where prominent actors and members of other unions gathered to advocate for fair pay, AI rights, and residuals from streaming platforms. Four simultaneous protests took place outside the offices of Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery, Amazon, Paramount, and NBCUniversal.
Under the scorching sun and sporadic rain, picketers chanted and rallied near Union Square, Hudson Yards, Times Square, and 30 Rock. The protest attracted prominent figures like Susan Sarandon, Jason Sudeikis, Peppermint, and David Krumholtz.
Fair pay, particularly residuals from streamers, and using artificial intelligence were the top issues actors emphasized during the picket lines. Susan Sarandon stressed the importance of addressing these issues immediately to prevent irreversible consequences.
Merritt Wever, star of “Unbelievable,” expressed the need for a contract to support actors professionally and allow them to continue working in the arts. Several actors, including Chris Henry Coffey and Gary Farris, voiced their concerns about wage stagnation and the lack of baseline salaries.
Artificial intelligence emerged as a significant point of contention during the negotiations, especially concerning background actors. Union members, like Jonathan Kaine and Kelly Klein, highlighted the necessity of protecting actors’ likenesses and maintaining control over their image in the age of AI.
With both the Writers Guild and SAG-AFTRA now on strike, there is a sense of solidarity among the unions. Lauren Patten, a Tony Award-winning actor, emphasized that the central issues of concern were pay structures for streaming and protections against AI.
Despite the challenges posed by the strike, many actors like Hiram Delgado and Lauren Patten are prepared to persist and seek the respect they deserve from the studios. Recent comments by Disney’s Bob Iger dismissing actors’ demands have only strengthened the resolve of those walking the picket lines.
The striking union members hope to progress in negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) to ensure a fair and respectful agreement. They believe that addressing these concerns is vital for the entertainment industry and all workers impacted by AI and changing contract structures.
Throughout the strike, actors are determined to find alternate avenues to express their art, showing their resilience and unwavering solidarity. The message from the picket lines is clear: basic respect for their work is essential, and they will continue their fight until their demands are met.
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