by Venus Sanders
Accompanying Hollywood's actors and writers, from Los Angeles to New York, were picket signs that read, "On the picket lines with Hollywood's actors and writers, from LA to New York." As the strike entered Day 1, the vibrant sidewalks of Hollywood and midtown Manhattan filled with protesters demanding change.
The writers had already been striking since May, and now the actors from SAG-AFTRA joined in, making this the most significant labor dispute in the entertainment industry in over sixty years.
Dia Dipasupil / Staff | Credit: Getty Images
The Warner Bros. studios in Burbank, California, became a focal point for demonstrations. Under the scorching 98-degree Fahrenheit (36.7 Celsius) heat, the protesters stayed determined, chanting slogans and receiving support from passersby. Parents on the picket lines proudly displayed their children while holding up defiant signs.
SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher stressed the urgency of the situation, recognizing the impact of streaming, digital, and A.I. on the industry's business model. The influx of support from SAG members boosted the morale of the protesters. Comedian and writer Adam Conover highlighted the significance of their ongoing momentum and the unity between the two guilds.
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Dia Dipasupil / Staff | Credit: Getty Images
Zora Bikangaga, another member of both SAG and WGA, saw Friday's picket as invigorating, demonstrating how the issues at stake resonate throughout the entire entertainment sector.
The actors voiced concerns about their rates and contracts not keeping up with inflation and the changing landscape of the industry. They denounced the exploitation of the gig economy to undermine organized labor.
The strike also became an opportunity for former co-stars and acquaintances to reunite after the long hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the mix of emotions – from joy and unity to anger and frustration – the picketers remained committed to the cause. Stacey Travis, a dedicated SAG-AFTRA participant, described the decision to strike as extraordinary yet sad, emphasizing the seriousness of their stance.
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Actor Peter Carellini expressed the multifaceted reasons for striking, including concerns about A.I., residuals, and the stark disparity between the earnings of top executives and the financial struggles of writers and actors.
As the dual strike continued, the entertainment industry faced an uncertain future, with both actors and writers determined to bring about change and secure a fair deal for their respective guilds.