As the SAG-AFTRA strike marks its 85th day, Hollywood veterans like Bill Adams, 85, find themselves on the picket lines, driven by a desire to combat what they see as rampant corporate greed. Adams, who hasn’t worked as an extra for a few years, now commutes from Long Beach to join the strike about once a week.
The key issues at the heart of the strike remain unchanged since its inception in July, encompassing concerns such as streaming residuals, the utilization of artificial intelligence, and the need for minimum rate increases that keep up with inflation, alongside a host of lesser-known grievances.
This week marked a significant turn of events as the heads of four major studios engaged in negotiations at the SAG-AFTRA headquarters. These talks signal a potential turning point in the strike, and both sides seem eager to reach an agreement.
Tyler Barnhardt, a strike captain representing Amazon workers, noted the solidarity among members. He highlighted the support of the Writers Guild of America, which recently ended its 148-day strike, as a source of motivation for the actors.
Despite the challenges of returning to work post-strike, many participants find solace and camaraderie on the picket lines. Matt Billingsly, a writer, sees it as a form of therapy, allowing him to process the transition back to work. He compares the experience to the need for soldiers to decompress after war, emphasizing the sense of community that has emerged during the strike.
Related articles
As for the strike’s duration, opinions vary among the actors on the picket lines. Some optimistically anticipate a resolution in the coming week, while others believe it could stretch for another month. The success of the recent Writers Guild deal has bolstered hope among some SAG-AFTRA members.
Joseph Makkar, an actor participating in the picketing, believes that the studios underestimated the level of public support for labor. He draws inspiration from the recent success of the writers’ strike and anticipates that SAG-AFTRA will benefit from their achievements.
Bill Adams, with a positive outlook, underscores the importance of addressing concerns about artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry. He expresses confidence in SAG-AFTRA’s leadership, particularly union president Fran Drescher, in securing a favorable deal.
As the strike continues, these Hollywood veterans remain resilient, driven by their commitment to fair labor practices and the hope of a brighter future for the industry.
Discussion about this post