2023 SAG-AFTRA strike: Difference between revisions

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On July 14, 2023, the American actors' union SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) went on strike over an ongoing labor dispute with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). It has coincided with a Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike in a series of broader Hollywood labor disputes.

The strike marks the first time that actors have initiated a labor dispute in the U.S. since the 1980 actors strike and the first time that actors and writers have walked out simultaneously since 1960. Both the 2023 SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes have contributed to the biggest interruption to the American film and television industries since the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.^[1]

Background

Unionization in Hollywood

The Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) is a labor union that represents approximately 160,000 media professionals and entertainers.^[2] The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) trade association represents film and television studios in collective bargaining negotiations with unions such as SAG-AFTRA, the Directors Guild of America (DGA), and Writers Guild of America, East and Writers Guild of America West, comprising the Writers Guild of America (WGA).^[3] SAG-AFTRA was formed by the merger of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) in March 2012, allowing SAG-AFTRA to represent not only actors, but also journalists, talk show hosts, and other broadcast workers.^[4] The WGA and the Screen Actors Guild have not simultaneously been on strike since 1960, when actors joined striking writers over residual payments from films sold to television networks.^[5] The 1980 actors strike involved the combined efforts of SAG and AFTRA.^[6] The largest SAG-AFTRA strike since 1980 occurred in 2000, in which commercial actors went on strike to push for a continuation of the residual system against advertiser backlash, amidst the divisions between SAG and AFTRA.^[7]

Lucasfilm Animation Singapore

On 15 August 2023, Lucasfilm announced that it will be shutting down its Singapore operations. Disney explained that the shutdown was due to economic factors, with the SAG-AFTRA strike in the United States affecting the industry's work.^[8]

Notes

References

^ Coyle, Jake (July 17, 2023). "Hollywood plunges into all-out war on the heels of pandemic and a streaming revolution". Washington Post. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
^ "SAG-AFTRA agrees to federal mediation with studios as deadline nears". CBS News. July 11, 2023. Archived from the original on July 14, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
^ Littleton, Cynthia (July 11, 2023). "If SAG-AFTRA Goes Out, How Fast Will WGA Go Back in to Negotiations With AMPTP?". Variety. Archived from the original on July 15, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
^ Cieply, Michael (March 30, 2012). "Merger of Performers' Unions Approved". The New York Times. Archived from the original on July 3, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
^ Richwine, Lisa (July 13, 2023). "Hollywood actors poised to strike, join writers on picket lines". Reuters. Archived from the original on July 13, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
^ McNamara, Mary (June 7, 2023). "Ed Asner warned us about Hollywood's summer of labor unrest 40 years ago". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on June 18, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
^ McNary, Dave (October 20, 2020). "20 Years Later, Actors Wrestle With Legacy of Divisive Six-Month Commercials Strike". Variety. Archived from the original on December 8, 2022. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
^ "Lucasfilm to shut Singapore operations, affecting more than 300 employees". CNA. Retrieved 2023-08-15.

External links

Official website

[1] Coyle, Jake (July 17, 2023). "Hollywood plunges into all-out war on the heels of pandemic and a streaming revolution". Washington Post. Retrieved July 17, 2023.

[2] "SAG-AFTRA agrees to federal mediation with studios as deadline nears". CBS News. July 11, 2023. Archived from the original on July 14, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.

[3] Littleton, Cynthia (July 11, 2023). "If SAG-AFTRA Goes Out, How Fast Will WGA Go Back in to Negotiations With AMPTP?". Variety. Archived from the original on July 15, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.

[4] Cieply, Michael (March 30, 2012). "Merger of Performers' Unions Approved". The New York Times. Archived from the original on July 3, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.

[5] Richwine, Lisa (July 13, 2023). "Hollywood actors poised to strike, join writers on picket lines". Reuters. Archived from the original on July 13, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.

[6] McNamara, Mary (June 7, 2023). "Ed Asner warned us about Hollywood's summer of labor unrest 40 years ago". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on June 18, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.

[7] McNary, Dave (October 20, 2020). "20 Years Later, Actors Wrestle With Legacy of Divisive Six-Month Commercials Strike". Variety. Archived from the original on December 8, 2022. Retrieved July 13, 2023.

[8] "Lucasfilm to shut Singapore operations, affecting more than 300 employees". CNA. Retrieved 2023-08-15.

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-{{Short description|Ongoing American media labor dispute}}
-{{Use American English|date=July 2023}}
-{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
-{{Infobox civil conflict
-| place = United States<br/>Primarily [[Los Angeles]] and [[New York City]]{{Efn|As SAG-AFTRA members live and work across the country, "strike support events" have been called in other filming locations, including to date [[Atlanta]], [[Honolulu]], and [[San Francisco]].}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Picket Schedule & Locations |url=https://www.sagaftrastrike.org/picket-schedule-locations |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714110258/https://www.sagaftrastrike.org/picket-schedule-locations |archive-date=July 14, 2023 |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=SAG-AFTRA Strike |publisher=SAG-AFTRA}}</ref>
-| title = 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike
-| partof = [[2023 Hollywood labor disputes]]
-| image = File:SAG-AFTRA Picket I (53051649802).jpg
-| causes = * Lack of agreement on a new contract between [[SAG-AFTRA]] and the [[Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers|AMPTP]]
-* Disagreement over streaming residuals and regulation of self-tape auditions
-* Studio usage of [[artificial intelligence]] to [[3D body scanning|scan actors' faces]] to [[Synthetic media|generate performances digitally]]
-| caption = SAG-AFTRA members picketing<br>in New York City in July 2023
-| date = {{Start and end dates|2023|7|14|present}}{{pb}}({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|2023|7|14}}, or {{Age in years and days|2023|7|14}})
-| side1 = [[SAG-AFTRA]]
-| side2 = [[Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers]]
-| methods = {{ubl|[[Strike action]]|[[Work stoppage]]|[[Picketing]]}}
-| goals = * Ratification of a [[labor contract]]
-* [[Streaming media|Streaming service]] residual formula
-* Greater regulation of self-tape auditions
-* Preventing artificial intelligence from replacing actors on set
-| result =
-| sidebox = {{Campaignbox US service strikes}}
-}}
 On July 14, 2023, the American actors' union [[SAG-AFTRA]] (Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) went [[on strike]] over an ongoing labor dispute with the [[Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers]] (AMPTP). It has coincided with [[2023 Writers Guild of America strike|a Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike]] in a series of [[2023 Hollywood labor disputes|broader Hollywood labor disputes]].
@@ Line 34: / Line 12: @@
 The Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) is a [[labor union]] that represents approximately 160,000 media professionals and entertainers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 11, 2023 |title=SAG-AFTRA agrees to federal mediation with studios as deadline nears |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/sag-aftra-studios-agree-to-federal-mediation-as-deadline-nears/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714073444/https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/sag-aftra-studios-agree-to-federal-mediation-as-deadline-nears/ |archive-date=July 14, 2023 |access-date=July 13, 2023 |website=[[CBS News]]}}</ref> The [[Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers]] (AMPTP) [[trade association]] represents film and television studios in [[collective bargaining]] negotiations with unions such as SAG-AFTRA, the [[Directors Guild of America]] (DGA), and [[Writers Guild of America, East]] and [[Writers Guild of America West]], comprising the Writers Guild of America (WGA).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Littleton |first=Cynthia |date=July 11, 2023 |title=If SAG-AFTRA Goes Out, How Fast Will WGA Go Back in to Negotiations With AMPTP? |url=https://variety.com/2023/biz/news/wga-sag-aftra-strike-amptp-negotiations-1235666738/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715015925/https://variety.com/2023/biz/news/wga-sag-aftra-strike-amptp-negotiations-1235666738/ |archive-date=July 15, 2023 |access-date=July 13, 2023 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> SAG-AFTRA was formed by the merger of the [[Screen Actors Guild]] (SAG) and the [[American Federation of Television and Radio Artists]] (AFTRA) in March 2012, allowing SAG-AFTRA to represent not only actors, but also journalists, talk show hosts, and other broadcast workers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cieply |first=Michael |date=March 30, 2012 |title=Merger of Performers' Unions Approved |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/31/business/media/merger-of-screen-actors-guild-and-aftra-approved.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230703073056/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/31/business/media/merger-of-screen-actors-guild-and-aftra-approved.html |archive-date=July 3, 2023 |access-date=July 13, 2023 |website=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> The WGA and the Screen Actors Guild have not simultaneously been on strike since 1960, when actors [[1960 Writers Guild of America strike|joined striking writers]] over [[residual (entertainment industry)|residual payments]] from films sold to television networks.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Richwine |first=Lisa |date=July 13, 2023 |title=Hollywood actors poised to strike, join writers on picket lines |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/hollywood-actors-union-sets-strike-vote-thursday-talks-break-down-2023-07-13/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230713102111/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/hollywood-actors-union-sets-strike-vote-thursday-talks-break-down-2023-07-13/ |archive-date=July 13, 2023 |access-date=July 13, 2023 |website=[[Reuters]]}}</ref> The [[1980 actors strike]] involved the combined efforts of SAG and AFTRA.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McNamara |first=Mary |date=June 7, 2023 |title=Ed Asner warned us about Hollywood's summer of labor unrest 40 years ago |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2023-06-07/wga-writers-strike-sag-aftra-actors-strike-ed-asner-column |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230618231437/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2023-06-07/wga-writers-strike-sag-aftra-actors-strike-ed-asner-column |archive-date=June 18, 2023 |access-date=July 13, 2023 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> The largest SAG-AFTRA strike since 1980 occurred in 2000, in which commercial actors [[2000 commercial actors strike|went on strike]] to push for a continuation of the residual system against advertiser backlash, amidst the divisions between SAG and AFTRA.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McNary |first=Dave |date=October 20, 2020 |title=20 Years Later, Actors Wrestle With Legacy of Divisive Six-Month Commercials Strike |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/sag-aftra-strike-20-years-later-1234792060/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208063442/https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/sag-aftra-strike-20-years-later-1234792060/ |archive-date=December 8, 2022 |access-date=July 13, 2023 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>
-During the last decade and the rise of streaming, writers and actors have been frustrated over studio policy regarding residuals from [[Streaming media|streaming services]]; the decline of network television has led to a stronger reliance on other residuals. The [[2007–08 WGA strike]] was motivated in large part by studio executives insisting that writers should receive no residuals from streaming services.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilkinson |first=Alissa |date=April 27, 2017 |title=Why Hollywood's writers are on the verge of a strike — and what it could mean for the industry |url=https://www.vox.com/culture/2017/4/19/15265700/wga-strike-writers-guild-hollywood |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628155209/https://www.vox.com/culture/2017/4/19/15265700/wga-strike-writers-guild-hollywood |archive-date=June 28, 2023 |access-date=July 13, 2023 |website=[[Vox (website)|Vox]]}}</ref> The 2007–08 strike cost the city of [[Los Angeles]] an estimated {{USD|1.5}} billion, according to [[NPR]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Grisby Bates |first=Karen |date=February 12, 2008 |title=Writers Strike May End Soon, but Trouble Isn't Over |url=https://www.npr.org/2008/02/12/18921318/writers-strike-may-end-soon-but-trouble-isnt-over |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714073638/https://www.npr.org/2008/02/12/18921318/writers-strike-may-end-soon-but-trouble-isnt-over |archive-date=July 14, 2023 |access-date=July 13, 2023 |website=[[All Things Considered]] |publisher=[[NPR]]}}</ref> As with striking WGA writers, actors have expressed concerns about the use of [[artificial intelligence]], noting that it could be used to replicate their likeness without compensation.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Koblin |first1=John |last2=Sperling |first2=Nicole |date=July 13, 2023 |title=The two sides are divided over compensation, artificial intelligence, and more. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/07/13/business/actors-strike-sag/the-two-sides-are-divided-over-compensation-artificial-intelligence-and-more |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715015951/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/07/13/business/actors-strike-sag/the-two-sides-are-divided-over-compensation-artificial-intelligence-and-more |archive-date=July 15, 2023 |access-date=July 13, 2023 |website=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilkinson |first=Alissa |date=May 2, 2023 |title=Hollywood's writers are on strike. Here's why that matters. |url=https://www.vox.com/culture/23696617/writers-strike-wga-2023-explained-residuals-streaming-ai |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425105322/https://www.vox.com/culture/23696617/writers-strike-wga-2023-explained-residuals-streaming-ai |archive-date=April 25, 2023 |access-date=July 13, 2023 |website=[[Vox (website)|Vox]]}}</ref>
-===Contract negotiations===
-Weeks after the Writers Guild of America went on strike, SAG-AFTRA's national board of directors unanimously agreed to pursue a strike authorization vote ahead of a renewed contract; SAG-AFTRA approved a new contract in 2020 that would expire on June 30, 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sakoui |first=Anousha |date=June 11, 2020 |title=SAG-AFTRA reaches deal with studios on a new contract |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2020-06-11/sag-aftra-reaches-deal-with-studios-on-a-new-contract |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230611092342/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2020-06-11/sag-aftra-reaches-deal-with-studios-on-a-new-contract |archive-date=June 11, 2023 |access-date=July 13, 2023 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> The union stated that it did not intend to strike but that it sought to give its negotiators "maximum bargaining leverage" ahead of negotiations on June 7, 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sakoui |first=Anousha |date=May 17, 2023 |title=SAG-AFTRA seeks strike authorization even before talks with studios begin |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2023-05-17/sag-aftra-strike-authorization-vote-writers-strike |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622163929/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2023-05-17/sag-aftra-strike-authorization-vote-writers-strike |archive-date=June 22, 2023 |access-date=July 13, 2023 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> SAG-AFTRA cited several issues in negotiations, including "economic fairness, residuals, regulating the use of artificial intelligence and alleviating the burdens of the industry-wide shift to self-taping", and told its members that the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers would cut actors' salaries to "pad corporate profits".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Robb |first=David |date=May 22, 2023 |title=SAG-AFTRA: Studios Seek To "Pad Corporate Profits & Fund Lavish Executive Compensation" As Threatened Actors Strike Looms |url=https://deadline.com/2023/05/sag-aftra-actors-strike-threat-hollywood-studios-1235376214/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529224353/https://deadline.com/2023/05/sag-aftra-actors-strike-threat-hollywood-studios-1235376214/ |archive-date=May 29, 2023 |access-date=July 13, 2023 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref> In a video released on May 30, 2023, SAG-AFTRA members [[Julia Louis-Dreyfus]], [[Jean Smart]], and [[Kumail Nanjiani]] appealed to members to vote to strike but reserved that a vote for strike authorization was solely a bargaining tool, not a vote to order an immediate strike.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Frank |first=Jason |date=May 31, 2023 |title=SAG-AFTRA Prepares Its Troops for the Fight |url=https://www.vulture.com/2023/05/sag-strike-2023-celebrities-support.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629111716/https://www.vulture.com/2023/05/sag-strike-2023-celebrities-support.html |archive-date=June 29, 2023 |access-date=July 13, 2023 |website=[[Vulture (website)|Vulture]]}}</ref>
-On June 5, 2023, SAG-AFTRA approved the strike authorization by a 98% margin, according to the union.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sakoui |first=Anousha |date=June 5, 2023 |title=SAG-AFTRA members approve strike authorization by overwhelming margin |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2023-06-05/sag-aftra-strike-hollywood-labor-amptp-strike-authorization |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705030759/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2023-06-05/sag-aftra-strike-hollywood-labor-amptp-strike-authorization |archive-date=July 5, 2023 |access-date=July 13, 2023 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> High-profile members—including [[Quinta Brunson]], [[Jennifer Lawrence]], and [[Rami Malek]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pulliam-Moore |first=Charles |date=June 28, 2023 |title=Hundreds of actors are ready to strike if SAG-AFTRA doesn't secure a truly transformative deal' |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/6/28/23776829/sag-aftra-strike-letter |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230711011743/https://www.theverge.com/2023/6/28/23776829/sag-aftra-strike-letter |archive-date=July 11, 2023 |access-date=July 13, 2023 |website=[[The Verge]]}}</ref>—signaled their willingness to strike ahead of the deadline to achieve a "transformative deal",<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kilkenny |first=Katie |date=June 27, 2023 |title=Meryl Streep, Jennifer Lawrence, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Other Top Actors Sign Letter to SAG-AFTRA: We're 'Prepared to Strike' |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/meryl-street-top-actors-sag-aftra-prepared-to-strike-1235524973/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705204909/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/meryl-street-top-actors-sag-aftra-prepared-to-strike-1235524973/ |archive-date=July 5, 2023 |access-date=July 13, 2023 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> despite "extremely productive" negotiations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kilkenny |first=Katie |date=June 24, 2023 |title=SAG-AFTRA Leaders Tell Members Negotiations Have Been 'Extremely Productive' as Expiration Date Looms |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/sag-aftra-negotiations-update-talks-extremely-productive-1235523287/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705222717/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/sag-aftra-negotiations-update-talks-extremely-productive-1235523287/ |archive-date=July 5, 2023 |access-date=July 13, 2023 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> SAG-AFTRA agreed to extend negotiations to midnight on July 13, 2023, in an attempt to avoid a strike, but negotiations broke down in July 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sakoui |first=Anousha |date=June 30, 2023 |title=SAG-AFTRA agrees to extend negotiations with studios, averting a strike for now |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2023-06-30/sag-aftra-strike-contract-extension-studios-actors-writers-strike-drescher |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230711011156/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2023-06-30/sag-aftra-strike-contract-extension-studios-actors-writers-strike-drescher |archive-date=July 11, 2023 |access-date=July 13, 2023 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> SAG-AFTRA surveyed members on a strike on July 5, 2023<ref>{{Cite web |last=Robb |first=David |date=July 5, 2023 |title=Preparing For Possible Strike, SAG-AFTRA Surveys Members About How They Can Help Out |url=https://deadline.com/2023/07/preparing-for-possible-strike-sag-aftra-surveys-members-about-help-out-1235430725/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707175944/https://deadline.com/2023/07/preparing-for-possible-strike-sag-aftra-surveys-members-about-help-out-1235430725/ |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |access-date=July 13, 2023 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref> and began preparing [[Picketing|picket signs]] two days later.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Robb |first=David |date=July 7, 2023 |title=SAG-AFTRA Preparing Picket Signs As Possible Strike Looms |url=https://deadline.com/2023/07/actors-strike-sag-aftra-picket-signs-1235432253/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708220319/https://deadline.com/2023/07/actors-strike-sag-aftra-picket-signs-1235432253/ |archive-date=July 8, 2023 |access-date=July 13, 2023 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref>
-The AMPTP agreed to a "last-minute request" for mediation from the [[Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (United States)|Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service]] on July 11, 2023; congressional and public affairs director Greg Raelson stated that a federal mediator would be present the following day. In turn, SAG-AFTRA accused the AMPTP of attempting to extend negotiations beyond the deadline and reiterated that it would not continue negotiating after July 12, 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sakoui |first=Anousha |date=July 11, 2023 |title=SAG-AFTRA and studios turn to federal mediator as strike threat looms |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2023-07-11/sag-aftra-amptp-federal-mediator-contract |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230712180649/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2023-07-11/sag-aftra-amptp-federal-mediator-contract |archive-date=July 12, 2023 |access-date=July 13, 2023 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> A number of high-profile actors, including Lawrence and Malek, then affirmed their support again by signing a letter urging the union to take aggressive measures and stating their willingness to strike.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Isidore |first=Chris |date=July 12, 2023 |title=Actors are poised to go on strike against studios and streaming services |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/12/business/sag-aftra-actors-strike-deadline/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230712174304/https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/12/business/sag-aftra-actors-strike-deadline/index.html |archive-date=July 12, 2023 |access-date=July 13, 2023 |website=[[CNN]]}}</ref> It was later reported by ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' that mediation collapsed after AMPTP President Carol Lombardini insulted negotiators by telling them to "be civilized" and avert a strike, which prompted a walkout by union negotiators.<ref name="Lombardini insult">{{Cite web |last=Littleton |first=Cynthia |date=July 21, 2023 |title=How SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP Talks Broke Down After Calls to CEOs, a Strike Delay Demand and Rebuffed Offers |url=https://variety.com/2023/biz/news/sag-actors-strike-amptp-fran-drescher-1235675852/ |access-date=July 25, 2023 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> In response to Lombardini's comment, SAG-AFTRA president [[Fran Drescher]] reportedly said to AMPTP negotiators "Now you've got two unions on strike" as they left.<ref name="Lombardini insult" />
-==Strike action==
-[[File:Fran Drescher 2018.jpg|alt=The actress Fran Dresher holding a microphone.|upright|thumb|SAG-AFTRA president [[Fran Drescher]] announced the strike on July 13, 2023. ]]
-On July 13, 2023, with no agreement between SAG-AFTRA and the [[Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers]] (AMPTP), the SAG-AFTRA negotiating committee voted unanimously to recommend a strike to the union's national board.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Grant |first1=Teddy |last2=Carr |first2=Will |last3=Shalawylo |first3=Abigail |last4=Haworth |first4=Jon |date=July 13, 2023 |title=SAG-AFTRA negotiating committee votes unanimously to recommend strike as Hollywood talks stall |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/sag-aftra-strike-looms-union-studios-meet-federal/story?id=101181001 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230713092105/https://abcnews.go.com/US/sag-aftra-strike-looms-union-studios-meet-federal/story?id=101181001 |archive-date=July 13, 2023 |access-date=July 13, 2023 |website=[[ABC News]]}}</ref> The national board held a vote officially approving the strike.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Robb |first1=David |last2=Patten |first2=Dominic |date=July 13, 2023 |title=SAG-AFTRA Contract Talks Fail To Reach Deal; National Board Meeting Thursday Morning To Launch Strike; Sides Issue Statements |url=https://deadline.com/2023/07/actors-strike-contract-talks-fail-sag-aftra-to-launch-pickets-1235436031/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230713080654/https://deadline.com/2023/07/actors-strike-contract-talks-fail-sag-aftra-to-launch-pickets-1235436031/ |archive-date=July 13, 2023 |access-date=July 13, 2023 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref> SAG-AFTRA president [[Fran Drescher]] announced the strike would begin at midnight on July 14;<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Robb |first1=David |last2=Patten |first2=Dominic |date=July 13, 2023 |title=SAG-AFTRA Officially Calls Strike As National Board Approves Guild's First Walkout Against Film & TV Industry Since 1980 |url=https://deadline.com/2023/07/actors-strike-sag-aftra-hollywood-studios-1235436118/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230713191744/https://deadline.com/2023/07/actors-strike-sag-aftra-hollywood-studios-1235436118/ |archive-date=July 13, 2023 |access-date=July 13, 2023 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref> the cast of ''[[Oppenheimer (film)|Oppenheimer]]'' left the film's London premiere ahead of the announcement to walk out.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ravindran |first=Manori |date=July 13, 2023 |title='Oppenheimer' Cast Leaves U.K. Premiere as SAG-AFTRA Strike Imminent |url=https://variety.com/2023/film/global/matt-damon-oppenheimer-cast-moved-red-carpet-strike-1235669528/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230713204356/https://variety.com/2023/film/global/matt-damon-oppenheimer-cast-moved-red-carpet-strike-1235669528/ |archive-date=July 13, 2023 |access-date=July 13, 2023 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> Joined by chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland,<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Powell |first1=Tori B. |last2=Hammond |first2=Elise |last3=Chowdhury |first3=Maureen |date=July 13, 2023 |title=SAG-AFTRA national board votes to go on strike, union leader says |url=https://www.cnn.com/business/live-news/hollywood-actors-sag-aftra-strike-07-13-23/h_583f1629128b3e03da59db71743956f7 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714074108/https://www.cnn.com/business/live-news/hollywood-actors-sag-aftra-strike-07-13-23/h_583f1629128b3e03da59db71743956f7 |archive-date=July 14, 2023 |access-date=July 13, 2023 |website=[[CNN]]}}</ref> Drescher asserted that the strike was a reluctant last resort<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Powell |first1=Tori B. |last2=Hammond |first2=Elise |last3=Chowdhury |first3=Maureen |date=July 13, 2023 |title='We had no choice': Actors union president Fran Drescher details importance of strike |url=https://www.cnn.com/business/live-news/hollywood-actors-sag-aftra-strike-07-13-23/h_f80cbf58facb32ce576352424fc594f3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715015951/https://www.cnn.com/business/live-news/hollywood-actors-sag-aftra-strike-07-13-23/h_f80cbf58facb32ce576352424fc594f3 |archive-date=July 15, 2023 |access-date=July 13, 2023 |website=[[CNN]]}}</ref> and described the proposed contract as "moving around furniture on the ''[[Titanic]]''."<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Powell |first1=Tori B. |last2=Hammond |first2=Elise |last3=Chowdhury |first3=Maureen |date=July 13, 2023 |title='Moving around furniture on the Titanic': Fran Drescher says union won't accept incremental changes |url=https://www.cnn.com/business/live-news/hollywood-actors-sag-aftra-strike-07-13-23/h_c75c5f2f4d2f217dc3981d817c1aafad |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714074639/https://www.cnn.com/business/live-news/hollywood-actors-sag-aftra-strike-07-13-23/h_c75c5f2f4d2f217dc3981d817c1aafad |archive-date=July 14, 2023 |access-date=July 13, 2023 |website=[[CNN]]}}</ref> In the press conference, Crabtree-Ireland alleged that the AMPTP attempted to include a proposal that allowed studios to, for a one-time fee equivalent to one day's pay, have exclusive and indefinite rights to [[Extra (acting)|extras]]' likenesses, including the use of [[Generative artificial intelligence|generative AI]] to replicate them on screen.<ref name="Verge AI replicas">{{Cite web |last=Webster |first=Andrew |date=July 13, 2023 |title=Actors say Hollywood studios want their AI replicas — for free, forever |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/7/13/23794224/sag-aftra-actors-strike-ai-image-rights |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715134352/https://www.theverge.com/2023/7/13/23794224/sag-aftra-actors-strike-ai-image-rights |archive-date=July 15, 2023 |access-date=July 15, 2023 |website=[[The Verge]]}}</ref><ref name="ai proposal">{{Cite web |last=Buckley |first=Sean |date=July 13, 2023 |title=Striking actors say studios 'AI proposal' would have them sell their digital likeness for only one day's pay |url=https://www.engadget.com/striking-actors-say-rejected-ai-proposal-would-let-studios-use-their-likeness-without-fair-pay-000025878.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715020436/https://www.engadget.com/striking-actors-say-rejected-ai-proposal-would-let-studios-use-their-likeness-without-fair-pay-000025878.html |archive-date=July 15, 2023 |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=[[Engadget]] |language=en-US |quote=They proposed that our background actors should be able to be scanned, get paid for one day's pay, and their company should own that scan, their image, their likeness and to be able to use it for the rest of eternity in any project they want with no consent and no compensation.}}</ref> Media commentators likened this to the film ''[[The Congress (2013 film)|The Congress]]'' (2013) and the ''[[Black Mirror]]'' episode "[[Joan Is Awful]]".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Donaldson |first=Kayleigh |date=May 8, 2023 |title=A.I. Filmmaking Is A Terrible Idea, And One Underseen Movie Shows Us Why |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/1279512/a-i-filmmaking-is-a-terrible-idea/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622055114/https://www.slashfilm.com/1279512/a-i-filmmaking-is-a-terrible-idea/ |archive-date=June 22, 2023 |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=[[/Film]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Heritage |first=Stuart |date=July 13, 2023 |title=Joan Is Awful: Black Mirror episode is every striking actor's worst nightmare |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2023/jul/13/joan-is-awful-black-mirror-striking-actors-nightmare |url-status=live |access-date=July 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230713140421/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2023/jul/13/joan-is-awful-black-mirror-striking-actors-nightmare |archive-date=July 13, 2023 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> However, AMPTP denied these claims, stating that their proposal would allow usage of these replicas within the specific film for which they are employed, and that any other uses would require consent and further compensation.<ref name="Verge AI replicas"/> The strike officially began on July 14.<ref name="strikebegins">{{Cite news |last=Lang |first=Robert |date=July 14, 2023 |title=SAG-AFTRA Strike Photos: Actors Hit The Picket Lines On Day 1 |work=Deadline Hollywood |publisher= |url=https://deadline.com/gallery/actors-strike-photos-picket-line-sag-aftra/ |url-status=live |access-date=July 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714172702/https://deadline.com/gallery/actors-strike-photos-picket-line-sag-aftra/ |archive-date=July 14, 2023}}</ref>
-As part of the rules established on July 10, actors cannot engage in film or television productions and cannot take part in promotional work, such as [[press junket]]s, film premieres, and events—including [[San Diego Comic-Con]], which was scheduled for July 20–23.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fuster |first=Jeremy |date=July 10, 2023 |title=SAG-AFTRA Lays Out Strike Rules: No Shoots, No Press, No Social Media Promos |url=https://www.thewrap.com/sag-aftra-strike-rules-publicists/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230712172426/https://www.thewrap.com/sag-aftra-strike-rules-publicists/ |archive-date=July 12, 2023 |access-date=July 13, 2023 |website=[[TheWrap]]}}</ref> The strike action does not apply to SAG-AFTRA members who work under those contracts that are negotiated by the union separately from the AMPTP contract, including broadcast journalists.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Levin |first=Gary |date=July 14, 2023 |title=Game shows, soaps and British actors: What TV will look like during the SAG actor's strike |language=en-US |work=[[USA Today]] |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2023/07/14/sag-strike-what-to-know-tv-soaps-game-shows-emmys/70413456007/ |access-date=2023-07-16}}</ref> Work in podcasts, "micro-budget" independent films, and student films is allowed, as is "unscripted" television work such as game shows, reality competition shows, documentaries, and talk shows.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Durkee |first=Alison |date=July 14, 2023 |title=SAG-AFTRA Strike: Here's What Isn't Affected By Actors' Work Stoppage |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2023/07/14/sag-aftra-strike-heres-what-isnt-affected-by-actors-work-stoppage/ |access-date=2023-07-15 |website=[[Forbes]] |language=en}}</ref> Internationally, SAG-AFTRA members are authorized to continue work in the United Kingdom under pre-established [[Equity (British trade union)|Equity]] collective bargaining agreements, as UK law criminalizes [[Solidarity action|solidarity strikes]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Whittock |first=Jesse |date=July 13, 2023 |title=Actors Strike: British Acting Union Equity "Stands In Unwavering Solidarity" With SAG-AFTRA |url=https://deadline.com/2023/07/actors-strike-equity-issues-uk-members-working-guidance-1235437198/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230713194634/https://deadline.com/2023/07/actors-strike-equity-issues-uk-members-working-guidance-1235437198/ |archive-date=July 13, 2023 |access-date=July 13, 2023 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |publisher=[[Penske Media Corporation]]}}</ref> The HBO series ''[[House of the Dragon]]'' thus continued its UK-based filming with SAG-AFTRA actors operating under Equity contracts, prompting backlash among fans of the series.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clark |first=Meredith |date=July 14, 2023 |title=House of the Dragon hit with backlash for continuing filming despite SAG-AFTRA strike |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/house-of-the-dragon-filming-actors-strike-b2375139.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715015925/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/house-of-the-dragon-filming-actors-strike-b2375139.html |archive-date=July 15, 2023 |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=[[The Independent]]}}</ref>
-On July 17, SAG-AFTRA released a twelve-page statement outlining the breakdown in negotiations, and terms they found unacceptable, including but not limited to a five-percent salary increase for actors, while the union had asked for eleven percent.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 17, 2023 |title=We're Fighting for the Survival of Our Profession |url=https://www.sagaftra.org/files/sa_documents/SAG-AFTRA_Negotiations_Status_7_13_23.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718040403/https://www.sagaftra.org/files/sa_documents/SAG-AFTRA_Negotiations_Status_7_13_23.pdf |archive-date=July 18, 2023 |access-date=July 18, 2023}}</ref> The AMPTP released a counter-statement, highlighting that its actions were being "deliberately distort[ed]" and that SAG-AFTRA had chosen to pass over "the most lucrative deal we have ever negotiated... valued at $318 million over the three-year term of the contract."<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 17, 2023 |title=Statement from the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers |url=https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/23879629/amtptp-sag-aftra-717.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719061145/https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/23879629/amtptp-sag-aftra-717.pdf |archive-date=July 19, 2023 |access-date=July 18, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Littleton |first=Cynthia |date=2023-07-18 |title=SAG-AFTRA, AMPTP Spar Over Terms of Rejected Contract Offer: 'Deliberately Distorts,' Says AMPTP; 'Rewarded for Exploiting Workers,' Says Union |url=https://variety.com/2023/biz/news/sag-strike-amptp-contract-reject-fight-1235672764/ |access-date=2023-07-27 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref>
-On July 19, 2023, SAG-AFTRA approved more films to be shot during the strike, including [[Ishana Night Shyamalan]]'s ''The Watchers''. A total of 56 films are now eligible to shoot under strike rules.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2023/07/actors-strike-sag-aftra-waivers-list-the-watchers-dont-move-1235442039/ |title=Ishana Night Shyamalan's 'The Watchers' & Sam Raimi's 'Don't Move' Among Latest Projects Granted SAG-AFTRA Waivers To Shoot During Strike |website=Deadline |first=Justin |last=Kroll |date=July 19, 2023 |access-date=July 21, 2023}}</ref>
-===New York strikes===
-SAG-AFTRA's New York picketing action took place at Paramount's New York headquarters at 1515 Broadway and various offices of NBCUniversal, including [[Rockefeller Center]]. [[Jason Sudeikis]] joined the NBCUniversal picket lines, stating that actors would strike for "as long as it takes", as did [[Joe Pantoliano]], the [[Naked Cowboy]], [[Alex Edelman]], and [[Sarah Sherman]]. Meanwhile, at Paramount's headquarters, picket lines included [[Michael Schur]] and [[Kevin Bacon]].<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Isidore |first1=Chris |last2=Melas |first2=Chris |date=2023-07-14 |title=Jason Sudeikis on the picket line: We'll strike 'as long as it takes' {{!}} CNN Business |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/14/business/actors-strike-picket-lines/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719023334/https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/14/business/actors-strike-picket-lines/index.html |archive-date=July 19, 2023 |access-date=2023-07-17 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Lang |first=Robert |date=2023-07-17 |title=SAG-AFTRA Strike Photos: Actors Hit The Picket Lines Including Kevin Bacon, David Duchovny, Hilary Duff & Rosario Dawson |url=https://deadline.com/gallery/actors-strike-photos-picket-line-sag-aftra/ |access-date=2023-07-17 |website=Deadline |language=en-US |archive-date=July 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714172702/https://deadline.com/gallery/actors-strike-photos-picket-line-sag-aftra/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-17 |title='I'm here for the working class': Kevin Bacon joins actors protesting against Hollywood studios |url=https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/m-working-class-kevin-bacon-203354577.html |access-date=2023-07-17 |website=Yahoo Sports |language=en-CA |archive-date=July 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718041541/https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/m-working-class-kevin-bacon-203354577.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Earl |first=William |title=SAG-AFTRA Strike Begins in New York and L.A. With Celebrities, Signs and Chants: 'Logan Roy Would Pay Us More' |url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/sag-actors-strike-begins-1235670214/ |url-status=live |access-date=July 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715015929/https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/sag-actors-strike-begins-1235670214/ |archive-date=July 15, 2023}}</ref>
-====Rock the City for a Fair Contract====
-On July 25, 2023, thousands of actors rallied Tuesday morning at Times Square from 9:30 A.M. to 12 P.M. to voice their concerns about fair treatment and wages. SAG-AFTRA's main contractual negotiator, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland spoke about the struggle that the union is facing with the AMPTP.  Many celebrities gave speeches to express their concerns about the future of their union and technological advancements in the industry.  In attendance were: [[Lauren Ambrose]], [[Matt Bomer]], [[Christine Baranski]], [[Steve Buscemi]], [[Vin Diesel]], [[Bobby Cannavale]], [[Henry Cavill]], [[Tituss Burgess]], [[Liza Colón-Zayas]], [[Bryan Cranston]], [[Jennifer Aniston]], [[Rob Riggle]], [[Jessica Chastain]], Gregory Diaz, [[Jennifer Ehle]], [[Brendan Fraser]], [[Rob Schneider]], [[Nancy Giles]], [[Seth Rogen]], [[Ashton Kutcher]], [[Charlie Sheen]], [[Danai Gurira]], [[Jill Hennessy]], [[Marin Hinkle]], [[Ben Stiller]], [[Nicole Kidman]], [[Mila Kunis]], [[Jon Cryer]], [[Stephen Lang]], [[Seth MacFarlane]], [[Cameron Diaz]], [[Tom Holland]], [[Zendaya]], [[Jason Momoa]], [[Arian Moayed]], [[David Spade]], [[Christopher Meloni]], [[Chloë Grace Moretz]], [[Wendell Pierce]], [[Adam Sandler]], [[Keegan-Michael Key]], [[Michael Shannon]], [[Jordan Peele]], [[Christian Slater]], [[Corey Stoll]], [[Merritt Wever]], [[Rachel Zegler]], and [[Tom Cruise]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lindsay |first1=Benjamin |date=July 24, 2023 |title=SAG-AFTRA Strike to Host Star-Studded 'Rock the City' Times Square Rally |url=https://www.thewrap.com/sag-aftra-strike-to-host-star-studded-rock-the-city-times-square-rally/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725045029/https://www.thewrap.com/sag-aftra-strike-to-host-star-studded-rock-the-city-times-square-rally/ |archive-date=July 25, 2023 |accessdate=July 25, 2023 |website=[[TheWrap]] |publisher= |location=Los Angeles, California}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Complex |first1=Valerie |last2=Piccoli |first2=Sean |date=July 25, 2023 |title=Dispatches From The Picket Lines: Stars Hit Times Square Rally – From Fraser, Chastain, Cranston & Pierce To Slater, Wong, Hennessy, Shannon, Buscemi & More |url=https://deadline.com/2023/07/actors-strike-brendan-fraser-bryan-cranston-picket-line-1235447565/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725221522/https://deadline.com/2023/07/actors-strike-brendan-fraser-bryan-cranston-picket-line-1235447565/ |archive-date=July 25, 2023 |accessdate=July 25, 2023 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |publisher= |location=Los Angeles, California}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Otterson |first=Joe |date=2023-07-25 |title=Bryan Cranston Tells Bob Iger 'Our Jobs Will Not Be Taken Away' by AI in Rousing Speech: You Will Not 'Take Away Our Dignity' |url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/bryan-cranston-bob-iger-sag-strike-speech-ai-1235679629/ |access-date=2023-07-27 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref>
-===Los Angeles strikes===
-SAG-AFTRA's strikes in Los Angeles targeted the major film studios as well as offices for companies. Drescher personally joined the strikes outside of Netflix's offices. [[Josh Gad]] was among the protestors at [[Fox Entertainment]]'s picket lines. [[Allison Janney]], [[Kaitlyn Dever]], [[Logan Lerman]], and [[Joey King]] joined protests at [[Warner Bros.]], and actresses [[Constance Zimmer]] and [[Ginnifer Goodwin]] took part in picket lines at Paramount's Los Angeles studios. Disney's offices saw picket lines whose notable members included [[Mandy Moore]], [[Michelle Monaghan]], [[Raini Rodriguez|Raini]] and [[Rico Rodriguez (actor)|Rico Rodriguez]], [[Danielle Fishel]], and [[Ben Schwartz]].<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Earl |first=William |date=2023-07-14 |title=SAG-AFTRA Strike Begins in New York and L.A. With Celebrities, Signs and Chants: 'Logan Roy Would Pay Us More' |url=https://variety.com/2023/film/news/sag-actors-strike-begins-1235670214/ |access-date=2023-07-17 |website=Variety |language=en-US |archive-date=July 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718041433/https://variety.com/2023/film/news/sag-actors-strike-begins-1235670214/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
-On August 18, 2023, it was announced that picketing would be cancelled in Los Angeles due to [[Hurricane Hilary (2023)|Hurricane Hilary]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/wga-and-sag-aftra-cancel-monday-strike-pickets-hurricane-hilary-tropical-storm/|title= WGA and SAG-AFTRA Cancel Monday Strike Pickets Ahead of Tropical Storm Hitting Los Angeles|first=Mike|last=Roe|work=The Wrap|date=August 18, 2023|accessdate=August 18, 2023}}</ref>
-====Hostility from Universal Studios Hollywood====
-[[NBCUniversal]] has been accused of conducting business at [[Universal Studios Hollywood]] to deter or endanger the protesters and infringe on their rights to protest.<ref name="TheLawyersAreDenying">{{cite news |last=Rice |first=Lynette |date=July 18, 2023 |title=Universal Responds To Complaints About Pruned Trees On Barham Boulevard: "Not Our Intent …To Create Unintended Challenges For Demonstrators" |url=https://deadline.com/2023/07/universal-pruned-ficus-trees-wga-picket-line-barham-boulevard-1235440896/ |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |access-date=July 23, 2023}}</ref><ref name="THRGaryBaum" />
-On July 12, 2023, a statement was made announcing the construction of a ''[[Fast & Furious]]''-themed [[roller coaster]];<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-12 |title=Universal Studios Hollywood to begin construction on "Fast & Furious" themed rollercoaster - CBS Los Angeles |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/universal-studios-hollywood-to-begin-construction-on-fast-furious-themed-rollercoaster/ |access-date=2023-07-27 |website=[[CBS News]] |language=en-US}}</ref> the date of the announcement coincided with the deadline SAG-AFTRA gave before ending negotiations with the AMPTP, and construction began by the strike's start. This added to the construction that begun on May 8, shortly after the WGA began protesting on-site, obstructing Lankershim Boulevard along the west end of the park's campus and parking lot and further restricting sidewalk access.<ref name="WGAWestPetition" /> The sidewalks in front of Gates 1, 2, 4, and 5 would be scaffolded-off and demolished in this construction.<ref name="TheLawyersAreDenying" /><ref name="WGAWestPetition" /> Despite prior advice from the [[Los Angeles Police Department]]'s Labor Relations Unit to place [[K-rails]] from River Road to Universal Hollywood Drive for the safety of protesters and other pedestrians since WGA protests as early as June 6, none were placed by July 18, by which time reports of two protesters being struck by vehicles had been made.<ref name="TheLawyersAreDenying" /><ref name="WGAWestPetition" />
-On July 17, the [[ficus tree]]s on Barham Boulevard's sidewalk outside Gate 8 were [[pruned]] almost entirely of their leaves.<ref name="WhoCaresIfAFewTreesAreDying">{{cite news |last=Miller |first=Julius |date=July 17, 2023 |title=Striking Writers, Actors Peeved at Hollywood Studio's Spite Stunt: Pruning Trees on Sweltering L.A. Day |url=https://www.lamag.com/article/tree-pruning-universal-pictures-strike-spite/ |quote=Some are questioning the timing of Universal Pictures's shade-eliminating trimming alongside a picketing route |work=[[Los Angeles (magazine)|Los Angeles]] |location=Los Angeles |access-date=July 18, 2023 |archive-date=July 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718040122/https://www.lamag.com/article/tree-pruning-universal-pictures-strike-spite/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Pine tree]]s on the opposite side of Barham were not touched, as were a row of [[pepper tree]]s behind the fence near the production gate. The pruning was described as a vindictive action as the trees were being used by protesters as shade from the above 90&nbsp;°F (32&nbsp;°C) summer weather of Southern California, as well as illegal, citing ownership by the city and violation of Los Angeles' tree ordinance codes that prohibit the trimming of trees from July to September.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chapter 16.76 - TREE TRIMMING |url=https://library.municode.com/ca/los_angeles_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT16HI_DIV5MIPR_CH16.76TRTR |access-date=2023-07-27 |website=library.municode.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Davis |first=Julie Bawden |date=February 26, 1994 |title=When to Prune Trees |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-02-26-hm-27488-story.html |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |access-date=July 18, 2023 |archive-date=September 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929195725/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-02-26-hm-27488-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-23 |title=NBCUniversal Gets Weak Fine for Mid-Strike Tree Pruning |url=https://gizmodo.com/nbc-universal-tree-controversy-los-angeles-penalty-1850668332 |access-date=2023-07-23 |website=Gizmodo |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-23 |title=Universal Studios fined for trimming trees that were shading striking actors and writers from extreme heat |url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/universal-studios-fined-trimming-trees-204857693.html |access-date=2023-07-23 |website=Yahoo News |language=en-SG}}</ref>
-NBCUniversal issued a statement to ''[[Deadline Hollywood]]'' denying that the trimming was done out of malice, claiming that they trim the trees outside the park in July annually for safety, and describing it and the obstructive construction hazards as "unintended challenges for demonstrators".<ref name="TheLawyersAreDenying" /> NBCUniversal was fined US$250 for violating tree laws and destroying city property.<ref>{{cite news |last=Rice |first=Lynette |date=July 21, 2023 |title=More On Treegate: City To Slap Universal With $250 Fine For Trimming Ficus Trees |url=https://deadline.com/2023/07/writers-strike-wga-files-federal-complaint-nbcuniversal-construction-1235441167/ |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |location= |access-date=July 23, 2023}}</ref>
-On July 18, SAG-AFTRA and WGA issued a joint grievance to the National Labor Relations Board against NBCUniversal, accusing the company of infringing on their freedom to picket and endangering their members.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--not stated--> |date=July 19, 2023 |title=Striking writers and actors accuse NBCUniversal of blocking picket area |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-writers-guild-sag-aftra-file-nbcuniversal-grievance-the-hollywood-reporter-2023-07-18/ |work=[[Reuters]] |location= |access-date=July 23, 2023}}</ref> [[Writers Guild of America West]] additionally filed a petition to the AMPTP for NBCUniversal's failure to install barriers to protect their and SAG-AFTRA's protesters from being forced into traffic.<ref name="TheLawyersAreDenying" /><ref name="WGAWestPetition">{{cite web |url=https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdJbtnZjJYw9sX8ZWI7tOOECpKmDqKMrEAkD8qOy3g6E74WhQ/viewform |title=WGA NBCU Construction Petition |author=[[Writers Guild of America West]] |date=July 18, 2023 |website=[[Google Forms]] |access-date=July 23, 2023}}</ref><ref name="WGAWestPetitionTweet">{{cite tweet|number=1681482995889504256|user=WGAWest|title=Say...while you're here, sign the petition being ciruclated by WGA members picketing at @NBCUniversal #WGAstrike|author=Writers Guild of America West|author-link=Writers Guild of America West|date=Jul 18, 2023|access-date=July 23, 2023|language=English|archive-url=|archive-date=}}</ref> NBCUniversal responded to ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' in a statement: “We are aware of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA complaints. We strongly believe that the company has fulfilled our legal obligations under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) and we will cooperate with respect to any inquiries by the National Labor Relations Board on this issue. While we understand the timing of our multi-year construction project has created challenges for demonstrators, we continue to work with public agencies to increase access. We support the unions’ rights to demonstrate safely.”<ref name="THRGaryBaum">{{cite news |last=Baum |first=Gary |date=July 18, 2023 |title=Writers Guild, SAG-AFTRA File Labor Grievance Against NBCUniversal (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/sag-wga-labor-board-grievance-nbcuniversal-1235539134/ |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |location= |access-date=July 23, 2023}}</ref>
-==="Quick Photo Op" strikes===
-SAG-AFTRA also staged brief strikes at other locations outside of New York and Los Angeles. Branded as "Quick Photo Op" strikes, these took place in Orlando, Honolulu, and Atlanta. The union stated it plans to launch more protests across the country, requesting that SAG-AFTRA members contact their local executives for details.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Robb |first=David |date=2023-07-17 |title=SAG-AFTRA Expands "Quick Photo Op" Strike Events To Orlando, Atlanta & Honolulu |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/sag-aftra-expands-quick-photo-175437146.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718000958/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/sag-aftra-expands-quick-photo-175437146.html |archive-date=July 18, 2023 |access-date=2023-07-17 |website=[[Yahoo Entertainment]] |language=en-US}}</ref>
-==Responses and reactions==
-===Media executives===
-Before the end of SAG-AFTRA's negotiations, one anonymous AMPTP executive stated that their current strategy was to "allow things to drag on until union members [started] losing their apartments and losing their houses" to force SAG-AFTRA into less favorable negotiating positions.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wilkinson |first=Alissa |date=July 13, 2023 |title=Hollywood's historic double strike, explained |url=https://www.vox.com/culture/2023/7/13/23793828/sag-aftra-strike-wga-hollywood |work=Vox.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714033021/https://www.vox.com/culture/2023/7/13/23793828/sag-aftra-strike-wga-hollywood |archive-date=July 14, 2023 |access-date=July 15, 2023}}</ref>
-====Bob Iger====
-[[Bob Iger]], the CEO of [[The Walt Disney Company]], said the actors' demands were "not realistic", adding they were "adding to the set of challenges that this business is already facing". Iger has been criticized for these remarks in light of his contract with Disney, which allows him to earn as much as $27 million in 2023 between his salary and bonuses.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shafer |first=Ellise |date=July 13, 2023 |title=Disney CEO Bob Iger Says Writers and Actors Are Not Being 'Realistic' With Strikes: 'It's Very Disturbing to Me' |url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/bob-iger-writers-actors-strike-disney-ceo-1235669169/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230713172509/https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/bob-iger-writers-actors-strike-disney-ceo-1235669169/ |archive-date=July 13, 2023 |access-date=July 13, 2023 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> ''[[TheWrap]]'' wrote Iger makes over 500 times the [[median]] salary of Disney employees, while ''[[Town & Country (magazine)|Town & Country]]'' wrote it was actually 1,242 times a Disney employee's median salary.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Csathy |first1=Peter |title=No More Mr. Nice Guy: Bob Iger May Just Want to Sell Disney and Be Done |url=https://www.thewrap.com/bob-iger-disney-off-site-meeting-anxiety-tv-not-core/ |access-date=July 27, 2023 |publisher=TheWrap |date=July 27, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Burack |first1=Emily |title=Abigail Disney Calls Out Disney CEO Bob Iger |url=https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/money-and-power/a44649891/abigail-disney-calls-out-disney-ceo-bob-iger/ |access-date=July 27, 2023 |publisher=Town & Country |date=July 26, 2023}}</ref> When asked about Iger's remarks, Drescher described them as "repugnant" and "tone deaf." She went on to call Iger a "land baron" who "has no idea about what is really happening".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2023/film/news/fran-drescher-slams-bob-iger-sag-strike-comments-repugnant-1235670767/ |title=Fran Drescher Slams Bob Iger's 'Repugnant' and 'Tone Deaf' Strike Comments: If I Were Disney, 'I Would Lock Him Behind Doors' |first=Zack |last=Sharf |website=Variety |date=July 14, 2023 |access-date=July 16, 2023 |archive-date=July 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719061144/https://variety.com/2023/film/news/fran-drescher-slams-bob-iger-sag-strike-comments-repugnant-1235670767/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The ''Wall Street Journal'' also called Iger "tone deaf".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Masters |first1=Kim |date=July 25, 2023 |title=Unpacking Bob Iger's Terrible, Horrible, No Good PR Week |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |publisher= |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/unpacking-bob-igers-bad-pr-week-1235544279/ |access-date=July 26, 2023}}</ref> Actor [[Bryan Cranston]] responded to Iger in part: "[W]e will not be having our jobs taken away and given to robots."<ref>{{cite news |title=Bryan Cranston calls out Bob Iger at striking actors' rally |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/bryan-cranston-calls-out-bob-iger-striking-actors-rally-2023-07-25/ |access-date=July 26, 2023 |publisher=Reuters |date=July 25, 2023}}</ref>
-===Politicians===
-U.S. president [[Joe Biden]], Vermont U.S. senator [[Bernie Sanders]],<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Murphy |first=Chris |date=July 14, 2023 |title=President Biden, Bernie Sanders Support SAG Strike |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2023/07/president-biden-bernie-sanders-support-sag-strike |magazine=Vanity Fair |access-date=July 16, 2023}}</ref> and Los Angeles mayor [[Karen Bass]] have voiced their support for the actors' union.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Ted |date=2023-07-17 |title=Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass Issues New Statement On SAG-AFTRA And WGA Strikes With More Explicit Case For "Fair And Equitable" Contracts |url=https://deadline.com/2023/07/sag-aftra-strike-karen-bass-los-angeles-mayor-1235438482/ |access-date=2023-07-21 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> Biden had previously supported the writers on strike in May 2023.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/07/14/biden-supports-hollywood-actors-strike.html |title=Biden throws his support behind Hollywood actors' strike |website=CNBC |first=Sarah |last=Whitten |date=July 14, 2023 |access-date=July 16, 2023 |archive-date=July 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719061145/https://www.cnbc.com/2023/07/14/biden-supports-hollywood-actors-strike.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Ted |date=2023-07-17 |title=Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass Issues New Statement On SAG-AFTRA And WGA Strikes With More Explicit Case For "Fair And Equitable" Contracts |url=https://deadline.com/2023/07/sag-aftra-strike-karen-bass-los-angeles-mayor-1235438482/ |access-date=2023-07-17 |website=Deadline |language=en-US |archive-date=July 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717212144/https://deadline.com/2023/07/sag-aftra-strike-karen-bass-los-angeles-mayor-1235438482/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Some politicians joined the picket lines themselves, including [[Burbank, California|Burbank]] mayor [[Konstantine Anthony]] (himself a SAG-AFTRA member) and California U.S. Representative [[Adam Schiff]].<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Patel |first1=Jaysha |last2=Hayes |first2=Rob |date=2023-07-17 |title=Adam Schiff, Michael Rapaport join SAG-AFTRA picket lines as 1st full week of strike begins |url=https://abc7.com/hollywood-strike-sag-aftra-actors-wga/13515206/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718041329/https://abc7.com/hollywood-strike-sag-aftra-actors-wga/13515206/ |archive-date=July 18, 2023 |access-date=2023-07-17 |website=[[ABC7 Los Angeles]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Goldberg |first1=Katie Kilkenny,Lesley |last2=Kilkenny |first2=Katie |last3=Goldberg |first3=Lesley |date=2023-07-14 |title=Burbank Mayor Takes Aim At Hollywood CEOs Amid Actors Strike: "We Need to Keep the Money Here" |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/burbanks-mayor-actors-strike-economic-impact-1235536723/ |access-date=2023-07-17 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US |archive-date=July 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718041229/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/burbanks-mayor-actors-strike-economic-impact-1235536723/ |url-status=live }}</ref> U.S. Representative [[Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez]] joined the picket line in front of Netflix studios in New York City. She criticized the wealth of studio executives while the average screenwriter or actor struggles to get access to healthcare, and she emphasized the power of [[direct action]] in achieving economic victories.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sainato |first1=Michael |date=July 24, 2023 |title=AOC joins Hollywood picket line in New York: 'Solidarity is stronger than greed' Liberal congresswoman criticizes the wealth of studio executives as new contract negotiations remain at loggerheads |work=[[Guardian US]] |agency= |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/24/aoc-hollywood-strike-new-york |access-date=July 25, 2023}}</ref>
-===Other unions===
-Numerous other labor unions in the United States expressed support for the strike. Along with the Writers' Guild, statements of support were released by the [[Directors Guild of America|Directors Guild]] and [[Producers Guild of America|Producers Guild]]. The [[International Brotherhood of Teamsters]], itself in a contractual dispute with [[United Parcel Service|UPS]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cypress |first=K. C. |date=2023-07-19 |title=UPS Bows to Teamster Pressure, Negotiations to Resume Next Week |url=https://teamster.org/2023/07/ups-bows-to-teamster-pressure-negotiations-to-resume-next-week/ |access-date=2023-08-14 |website=International Brotherhood of Teamsters |language=en}}</ref> and scheduled to go on strike at the end of July if no deal is reached, expressed support through a statement released by their president, [[Sean O'Brien (labor leader)|Sean O'Brien]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moskowitz |first=Daniel |date=2023-07-13 |title=Teamsters Statement on SAG-AFTRA Strike |url=https://teamster.org/2023/07/teamsters-statement-on-sag-aftra-strike/ |access-date=2023-08-14 |website=International Brotherhood of Teamsters |language=en}}</ref> The [[AFL–CIO]] additionally threw their support behind SAG-AFTRA, as did the [[Department for Professional Employees, AFL–CIO|Department for Professional Employees]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-13 |title=DPE Stands in Solidarity with SAG-AFTRA Members Going on Strike |url=https://www.dpeaflcio.org/press-releases/dpe-stands-in-solidarity-with-sag-aftra-members-on-strike |access-date=2023-07-17 |website=Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO |language=en-US |archive-date=July 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718041102/https://www.dpeaflcio.org/press-releases/dpe-stands-in-solidarity-with-sag-aftra-members-on-strike |url-status=live }}</ref> the [[International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees]], and the [[Writers Guild of America, East]].<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2023-07-12 |title=Teamsters, IATSE, Writers Guild, DGA Issue Joint Statement in Solidarity with SAG-AFTRA |url=https://iatse.net/teamsters-iatse-writers-guild-dga-issue-joint-statement-in-solidarity-with-sag-aftra/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718040913/https://iatse.net/teamsters-iatse-writers-guild-dga-issue-joint-statement-in-solidarity-with-sag-aftra/ |archive-date=July 18, 2023 |access-date=2023-07-17 |website=IATSE |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-14 |title=SAG-AFTRA Members on Strike Deserve a Fair Contract {{!}} AFL-CIO |url=https://aflcio.org/press/releases/sag-aftra-members-strike-deserve-fair-contract |access-date=2023-07-17 |website=aflcio.org |language=en |archive-date=July 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718040826/https://aflcio.org/press/releases/sag-aftra-members-strike-deserve-fair-contract |url-status=live }}</ref>
-===Other organizations===
-Two forthcoming film festivals, the [[Toronto International Film Festival]] and the [[Venice International Film Festival]], have acknowledged the potential impact of the strike and its associated ban on promotional appearances by actors if the strike is not resolved by September, but have indicated that both events will proceed regardless, with an increase of Canadian, European, Asian, and South American titles in all sections being expected.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ransome |first=Noel |date=2023-07-18 |title=A starless red carpet? TIFF attendees say festival enthusiasm waning due to strikes |url=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/a-starless-red-carpet-tiff-attendees-say-festival-enthusiasm-waning-due-to-strikes/article_a4fc8544-2644-5956-80db-87f8a954ee94.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/mQWOG |archive-date=2023-07-21 |access-date=2023-07-21 |website=[[Toronto Star]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mouriquand |first=David |date=2023-07-18 |title=Venice Film Festival preparing Plan B if Hollywood strikes continue |url=https://www.euronews.com/culture/2023/07/18/venice-preparing-pan-european-festival-amid-potential-hollywood-strike-impact-on-fall-fest |access-date=2023-07-20 |website=[[Euronews]] |language=en}}</ref>
-==Impacted productions==
-{{Main|List of productions impacted by the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike}}
 ===Lucasfilm Animation Singapore===

v t e 2023 Hollywood labor disputes
Strikes and impact	Writers Guild of America strike productions impacted SAG-AFTRA strike productions impacted
Parties and lead figures	SAG-AFTRA Fran Drescher Writers Guild of America East West Meredith Stiehm Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers
Related	Opposition to artificial intelligence art
Category