Joined my fellow actors today on the strike line at Warner Bros. Studio. We made our grievances known, stopped traffic, and contributed to the cause.
Why Strike?
The 2023 SAG strike is marking an important moment in the history of the entertainment industry. A culmination of longstanding issues, it’s driven by a multitude of factors.
Residuals
One of the main reasons for the strike was the question of residuals. Actors, like many other creative professionals, earn a significant portion of their income from the residuals or the ongoing earnings from the shows and movies they participate in. However, in the age of digital streaming and on-demand services, the traditional model of residuals has been disrupted. SAG members felt that they were not being adequately compensated for their work when it was streamed or downloaded, leading to a major point of contention.
Safety
Another driving factor was the issue of safety on set. There were growing concerns about long hours, inadequate breaks, and the physical risks associated with certain scenes. The actors felt that their concerns weren’t being addressed and that their safety was being compromised, which was another catalyst for the strike.
Span
Finally, the dispute over the ‘span of day’ rule also played a part in the SAG strike of 2023. The rule, which determines how many hours an actor can work in a day, was being flouted by several production companies. This, coupled with the other issues, eventually led the actors to take a stand, resulting in the 2023 SAG strike.
I believe in solidarity, had to join the protests, and I am a member of SAG-AFTRA and an officer of APAG. I stand alongside my peers and wholeheartedly support the WGA writers guild.
*Pics by Marc Hausman available at Getty Images.