Oscar-winning actor, George Clooney, has called on Hollywood studios to reengage in discussions with striking actors, emphasizing the urgency of resolving issues surrounding a new labor contract.
Quick Facts
- Strike Concerns: Negotiations between the studios and SAG-AFTRA were halted after studios turned down a request for a bonus related to the count of streaming TV viewers. Clooney expressed his apprehension over the stalled talks.
- Clooney’s Stand: Speaking at an event in Los Angeles, Clooney stressed the importance of resuming negotiations. He cited SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher’s willingness to restart discussions to conclude the work halt that began in July.
- Industry Impact: The ongoing labor disagreement has considerably impacted U.S. film and television production, causing significant economic ramifications for California and leaving numerous actors and crew members jobless.
The dispute between the studios and the actors’ union, SAG-AFTRA, took a downturn this past Wednesday when studios turned down the proposal of a bonus connected to the number of subscribers for streaming TV. This disagreement has prompted significant concerns among industry insiders, including George Clooney, who described the suspension in talks as “worrisome”.
Addressing the matter while attending an event at the Roybal School of Film and Television Production Magnet, which he co-established, Clooney emphasized the necessity of continuing discussions. The renowned actor mentioned that SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher had intimated her readiness to resume negotiations to put an end to the work stoppage that has been ongoing since July. He voiced his hope that the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which is representative of several significant companies such as Netflix and Walt Disney, would make the decision to return and engage in dialogue.
The ongoing tussle in the film and television industry has resulted in substantial production delays across the U.S., taking a heavy toll on the California economy. With many film projects on hold, the dispute has left countless actors and crew members without employment, emphasizing the urgency of resolving the stand-off for the sake of all stakeholders involved.
| For Further Reading | SAG-AFTRA: The Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) is a prominent labor union representing approximately 160,000 people in the entertainment industry. This union works towards negotiating better working conditions, compensation, and benefits for its members. SAG-AFTRA’s negotiations and contracts are critical to the functioning of the U.S. entertainment industry. Wikipedia Link |
Q&A
Why are the actors striking?
The primary reason for the strike is a disagreement over a new labor contract. The actors, represented by SAG-AFTRA, demanded a bonus connected to the number of streaming TV subscribers, which was rejected by the studios.
How long has the strike been ongoing?
The work stoppage initiated by the actors began in July and has been ongoing since then.
How has this impacted the film and TV industry?
The strike has significantly disrupted U.S.-based film and television production, leading to a substantial economic impact on California and leaving many in the industry without work.
Citation: Original Article from Reuters