After almost four months of inactivity, Hollywood's actors' strike came to an end on November 8, 2023, when the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) reached a tentative billion-dollar agreement with the Association of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). However, the industry will not return to full capacity immediately, as it may take a considerable time to restore filming to pre-strike levels.
The strike, which began in July, brought the entertainment industry to a halt, disrupting major film and TV show productions and reshuffling the traditional awards season calendar. The Emmy Awards, originally set for September, were rescheduled to January, joining the Grammys, the Screen Actors Guild Awards, and the Oscars in Hollywood’s awards season.
The agreement, estimated to be worth over $1 billion, includes increased compensation, consent protections for the use of artificial intelligence and actors’ likenesses, and a new "streaming participation bonus." The AMPTP highlighted that the deal also features the highest minimum wage increase in four decades and a new residual for streaming programs. This landmark agreement still requires approval from the SAG-AFTRA national board and its full membership.
Despite the tentative resolution of this strike, the entertainment industry faces potential disruptions from another impending strike by video game performers. Additionally, in 2024, studios will need to negotiate with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), who were significantly affected by the filming shutdown.
The emergence of streaming services, which has disrupted traditional revenue models, was a major factor behind the actors and writers strikes and may influence the upcoming set worker negotiations. The industry is facing demands for better compensation for actors, writers, and other professionals due to this shift.
The strike, the longest and most disruptive in Hollywood history, had a profound economic impact, costing California's economy over $6.5 billion. Local businesses, restaurants, makeup artists, and custodians, heavily reliant on the film and TV industry, also suffered significant losses.
While the agreement has been hailed as a "new paradigm" for the industry, it has elicited mixed responses. Some union members expressed disappointment that not all demands were met, despite the contract representing the largest gains in the union's history.
The termination of the strike symbolizes a significant advancement for the industry, demonstrating the effectiveness of collective bargaining and the resilience of the actors. As Hollywood gears up to recommence filming, it is poised to enter a new era promising better pay, improved working conditions, and enhanced protections for workers.
Nevertheless, the road to recovery will be challenging. The industry must navigate the rise of streaming, the possibility of further strikes, and ongoing negotiations with other industry guilds. However, for now, the industry can take a momentary breath of relief, as the show can finally go on.
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