Where Does Hollywood Strike Stand Now?

While the writers’ strike officially ended this month with the signing of a new contract, the resolution of the actors’ strike may still be weeks or months away. Word came late Wednesday night that talks had broken down between SAG-AFTRA, the union representing actors, and the AMPTP, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers representing streamers, producers and networks, dampening hopes of a similar accord.

The suspension of negotiations came as the strike neared the end of its third month. Actors took to the picket lines in July, and last week they rejoined the producers at the table.

But Wednesday, things soured. “Conversations are no longer moving us in a productive direction,” said a statement by the AMPTP. A statement from SAG-AFTRA presented more of its own case: “We have negotiated with them in good faith, despite the fact that last week they presented an offer that was, shockingly, worth less than they proposed before the strike began.”

How did actors and producers get here, and does this mean the Hollywood strike will last even longer? Here’s a look at where negotiations stand, how the two sides got to this point, and a brief timeline of the strike.

What Is SAG-AFTRA?

SAG-AFTRA stands for Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, which represents about 160,000 performers and media professionals worldwide, though not all members are covered under the same contract. The union is a member of the union guild AFL-CIO.

When Did The SAG Strike Start?

The strike started nearly three months ago, on July 14, 2023. At the time, the Writers Guild of America was also striking, having walked out in May. Many SAG-AFTRA members had joined WGA members in solidarity on the picket lines even before their own strike began.

WGA reached a preliminary deal with the AMPTP in late September, and last week its members ratified that agreement, receiving a 99% “yes” vote. Some of the issues addressed in the deal included bigger staff for certain shows and restrictions on using artificial intelligence (AI) as a replacement for writers. Writers also won concessions on payment for their work.

Why Are The Hollywood Actors On Strike?

Actors are striking over some of the same concerns as writers, namely AI and payments. In fact, one reason for the breakdown in negotiations this week was SAG-AFTRA’s demand for a viewership bonus that AMPTP claims is economically “untenable,” but the actors union insists it is simply keeping up with the times.

SAG-AFTRA demands include a bigger chunk from streaming residuals, which now make up a great deal of viewership, and concessions on usage of AI, which actors worry studios could use to put their likeness on projects they haven’t actually worked on.

Is This The Longest SAG Strike?

No, at least not yet. The 2000 SAG strike was the longest in history, lasting six months. That time, they were striking against TV advertisers, so TV and film production weren’t impacted. The WGA strike was the second-longest in history.

When Is The Actors Strike Over?

It’s impossible to say when the actors strike will end. Both sides are leaning hard into their rhetoric right now, but legal experts say that as the public grows restless with dwindling entertainment options, producers could be at a disadvantage. Right now, public sentiment remains with the actors.

SAG-AFTRA Strike Timeline

May 2

WGA goes on strike for many of the same issues facing actors.

June 7

SAG-AFTRA begins negotiations on new contract with AMPTP.

June 24

SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher releases a video to members claiming talks have begun productively.

June 27

Many A-list actors, including Meryl Streep, release a letter saying they are ready for a strike if the union can’t win necessary concessions from producers.

June 30

Both sides agree to extend contract negotiations through July 12.

July 1

Original negotiation deadline passes without a new contract.

July 11

SAG-AFTRA asks for a federal mediator to join talks as deadline looms.

July 12

SAG-AFTRA negotiating committee votes to recommend a strike after no deal is reached.

July 13

The union announces a strike.

July 14

The strike begins and TV and film actors stop work.