Hollywood History Is Made As The SAG-AFTRA Strike Begins

The Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Radio And Television Artists, SAG-AFTRA, is joining the Writers Guild of America (WGA) on strike. SAG-AFTRA notably represents the most acclaimed actors in film and television. Many actors and directors have communicated support and even joined picket lines for the WGA strike, which began in May. After an anonymous studio executive told Deadline that the strike would drag on until “writers start losing their apartments” and that they would not cater to any of their demands, SAG-AFTRA is stepping up to apply pressure to the situation.

The WGA Strike began in May 2023, marking the first writers strike since 2008. Now that SAG-AFTRA is joining them, the now joint strike marks the first of its kind since 1960. The WGA strike was born after years of low wages amid the changing nature of streaming services. Additionally, writers are seeking to combat the threat of Artificial Intelligence (AI) replacing writers and editors in the writers room. After several major studios, notably Netflix, Disney, and Warner Bros., failed to reach a fair contract with the writers for their respective platforms, the union decided a nationwide strike was the only option.

Why SAG-AFTRA Is Now Striking

The era of streaming services for television and film has not only changed the viewing experience for consumers, but the pay for actors, writers, directors, and crew members. SAG-AFTRA supports all of the WGA’s demands, and have several of their own. Actor turned U.S. President Ronald Reagan led the first SAG-AFTRA strike in 1960.

some truly bizarre trivia, the last SAG strike that lasted more than a day was lead by…Ronald Reagan #SAGstrike #SAGAFTRA pic.twitter.com/54XETbZZXj

— Aaryn Robinson (@aarynrob) July 13, 2023

Among the SAG-AFTRA demands are increased minimum pay rates, increased streaming residuals to match the rising inflation costs, and improved working conditions. Previously, many could rely on royalty payments from reruns. For streamers, this is no longer the case.

Disney CEO Bob Iger was recently quoted as saying that the WGA’s demands were “not realistic.” A Variety report revealed that Iger recently renewed his contract through 2026, and will make millions more in his renewed salary.

Bob Iger, who earns $25M+ annually, says actors & writers are not being realistic with their demands for fair compensation & working pages

Iger also just extended his contract to 2026 with his annual bonus potentially reaching 5x its previous size

(via: https://t.co/RbWrer7RAJ) pic.twitter.com/IsbXgasYAQ

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) July 13, 2023

Many feel that the company’s ability to continue to inflate Iger’s salary but not even pay writers adequate salaries is simply a result of big corporate greed.

pic.twitter.com/5cc6i0fjEF

— From The 300 Level (@FromThe300s) July 13, 2023

Others feel that Iger’s statements to the press are hypocritical, as the writers behind Disney’s many successful projects are who really keep the company afloat and pay his salary.

“How am I supposed to make 10000% more than everyone if I pay you better? Think about me guys!!!”

— ☠️ cousin mose ☠️ (@bighersh319) July 13, 2023

Scenes From The Picket Line

Before SAG-AFTRA announced their strike, several actors joined the WGA picket line. Notably, Mandy Patinkin of “The Princess Bride”, “Yentl,” and more showed support for writers at the very beginning.

@mandypatinktok

We are asking for fairness: when the studios invest millions into producing a certain film or series, they can find it in their budgets to pay writers for the value they create. #WGAStrong #WGAStrike

♬ original sound – Mandy Patinkin and Kathryn G

Today, WGA and SAG-AFTRA members engulf studios with unique picket signs referencing shows they’ve worked on and their need for the demands they’ve requested.