A union representing more than 150,000 TV and film actors announced on Thursday that they would go on strike at midnight, joining screenwriters who resigned in May, triggering the first Hollywood industry-wide shutdown in 63 years. .
Here’s what you should know:
Why are actors and writers so impressive?
Payroll is often at the center of work interruptions, and that’s the case this time as well. But the rise of streaming and the challenges created by the pandemic are not only affecting actors and screenwriters seeking better pay and new protection in a rapidly changing workplace, but also studios, many of which are facing financial difficulties. giving me stress.
Both actors and writers are demanding more balances (a type of royalty) from streaming services. Streaming series usually have far fewer episodes than TV series. Once upon a time, when a TV series was a hit, actors and writers could count on regular balance checks for a long time. Streaming changed the system and hurt them, they say. Both groups want to put in place aggressive guardrails around the use of artificial intelligence to keep jobs.
The A-list actors signed a letter to guild leaders last month saying they were ready to strike, calling it an “unprecedented tipping point in our industry.”
What is the position of Hollywood Studios?
The Motion Picture and Television Producers Alliance, which represents major studios and streamers, said it had proposed “historic increases in salaries and residuals” in addition to higher pension and health insurance premiums. They also say their proposal includes audition protection, a “groundbreaking” proposal on artificial intelligence, and other benefits that address union concerns.
Hollywood Studios also stressed that the industry’s havoc isn’t going to be easy for them either. Many studios are seeing stock prices plummeting and margins shrinking as moviegoers languish back in the theaters and home audiences shift from cable and network TV to streaming entertainment. Some companies have resorted to layoffs, canceled projects, or both.
What will happen to my TV shows and movies?
With most of this year’s upcoming movies already filmed, it will be a while before moviegoers notice any changes. But TV viewers are already feeling the effects of the strike, and a prolonged strike could delay the next season of a popular show.
Due to the writers’ strike, late-night shows are already having reruns, and most TV and film productions have already canceled or paused production. his big name isyellow jacket“”Severance pay” and “stranger things’ stopped work after the writers’ strike began. It is not yet clear if the next season will be delayed.
Disney announced Some changes to the theatrical release calendar June in the midst of the writers’ strike.
Now, the actors’ strike adds even more turmoil.
For the first two weeks of July, no scripted television licenses were issued in Los Angeles County, according to FilmLA, which tracks production activity. Films and TV shows that have completed filming and are already in post-production are more likely to stay on schedule, as the remaining work usually involves no writers or actors.
Currently, with a few exceptions, it is not possible for any studio to participate in a film or television production. And that means that within months of the fall line-up, viewers will start noticing sweeping changes to their TV eating habits.
For example, ABC’s fall schedule includes nights that include “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune,” “Dancing with the Stars,” “Judge Steve Harvey,” and reruns of “Abbott Elementary.” lineup will debut. The Fox Broadcast Network’s fall line-up includes unscripted series like Celebrity Name That Tune, The Masked Singer, and Kitchen Nightmares.
How long will this last?
if only we knew
The writers have been walking the picket line for more than 70 days, and their union, the Writers Guild of America, has yet to return to talks with the studio.
The last time writers and actors went on strike together was in 1960, when Ronald Reagan was president of the Screen Actors Guild.
The writers quit their jobs several times, sometimes for long periods. The 2007 strike lasted 100 days. The last time actors went on a major strike was in 1980. It lasted over 3 months.
What about current show and movie promotions?
Officials said they would not promote the current project, either online or in person, for the time being. Don’t expect Ryan Gosling to promote ‘Barbie’ again any time soon. The promotional ban is very bad for upcoming movie premieres such as Comic-Con in San Diego, upcoming film festivals in places like Venice and Toronto, and the premiere of “Oppenheimer” in New York City on Monday. It could be news.
The 75th annual Emmy Awards, which announced its nominations yesterday, may now be in jeopardy. Organizers are already discussing postponing the Sept. 18 ceremony, possibly for a few months.
Nicole Sperling and John Cobrin Contributed to the report.
