AI, Compensation, and Working Environment: Factors Behind theActor and Writer Strikes at Netflix and Disney
Q: Why are Hollywood actors and writers striking outside of Netflix and Disney?
A: Famous Hollywood actors represented by the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) and writers from the Writers Guild of America (WGA) are jointly striking against major Hollywood Studios and production companies, including:
- Warner Bros
- Netflix
- Disney
- NBCUniversal
It is the first time in 60 years that SAG-AFTRA and the WGA have jointly struck. These key demands are related to better pay, improved working conditions, and addressing concerns about the use of AI in film and TV production.
Q: What are the key issues around pay and working conditions?
A: According to actors and writers, residual payments (reruns, streaming) have declined sharply, comparable to broadcast TV rates. Although there is a rise in production budgets, their shares are not increasing proportionally. Shorter series and longer gaps between upcoming seasons also decrease payments.
Q: What are the threats and concerns about AI?
A: The performer stated that after the evolution of AI future of their jobs seems vulnerable. Artificial intelligence can easily replicate facial expressions. voices, and movements realistically. They want clear rules and guidelines about the usage of this new technology in the media industry
Q: Which major studios are being picketed? And who represents them?
A: Writers and actors marched outside studios like Warner Bros, Netflix, Disney, and NBCUniversal, among others. The Alliance of Motion Picture and TV Producers (AMPTP) represent these company in negotiations against the union.
Q: How long has this dispute been going on?
A: WGA writers started in May, whereas SAG-AFTRA actors joined in mid of July.
Q: Which celebrities are supporting the strike?
A: Popular celebrities like George Clooney, Matt Damon, Jason Sudeikis, Alec Baldwin, and Halle Berry have boldly backed the unions. This historic joint will positively get actors and writers a better deal.
Q: Which major productions have already shut down?
A: Major productions have already been affected by this strike. Deadpool 3, Mission Impossible 7, and an unnamed Formula 1 project have paused their film production. The Wicked musical also stepped back in the UK after seeing stars back the strike online.
Q: What are the union’s demands?
A: Unions are demanding mainly the rise in budgets, minimum time gap between seasons, and restriction on extensive use of AI. The unions asked for a new bargaining agreement with AMPTP studios.
