As of Nov. 9 at 12:01am, both the writers’ and actors’ strikes officially ended and all picket locations suspended.
Earlier this year, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) went on strike in an effort to raise wages and fight against the growing use of artificial intelligence in the industry.
The WGA strike lasted 148 days, from May 2 to Sept. 27, making it one of the longest strikes in Hollywood history. The SAG-AFTRA strike lasted 118 days.
These strikes served as a reminder that Hollywood writers and actors are instrumental in the working class struggle. In fact, the entertainment industry has deep roots in labor union history: The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) was one of the earliest unions in the United States, founded in 1893.
For so long, the recognition writers have received for their work has not been equivalent to the number on their paychecks.
Alex O’Keefe, a writer for FX’s “The Bear” shared that he attended the WGA Awards, where the show won Best Comedy Series, with a negative bank account and while wearing a bowtie purchased with credit. At the time of the strikes, he was applying to work at movie theaters.
Writers faced an uphill battle trying to protect the existence of their careers and simply being able to afford rent. Work in the entertainment industry is generally considered a financial risk, one that not many are willing to take, and others are willing to sacrifice a living wage for. Now, there are steps being taken in the right direction to make the entire industry more equitable.
“Through solidarity and determination, we have ratified a contract with meaningful gains and protections for writers in every sector of our combined membership,” said WGA West President Meredith Stiehm in a press statement. “Together we were able to accomplish what many said was impossible only six months ago.”
On Nov. 8, the SAG-AFTRA National Board met with the TV/Theatrical Negotiation Committee and voted unanimously to approve a tentative agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). The new contract, valued at over $1 billion, includes new wages and benefit plan funding, as well as guidelines for consent and compensation to protect members from the threat of AI.
“I was determined to redefine SAG-AFTRA as not only the largest entertainment union in the world, but the most powerful,” said SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher in a statement.
“And now that we have forged the biggest deal in industry history which broke pattern, established new revenue streams and passed a historic $1 billion plus dollar deal with the most progressive AI protections ever written, I feel pretty confident in saying this is a paradigm shift of seismic proportions!”
As outlined in the writers’ new regulations for AI, the technology is meant to be used as more of a tool rather than a replacement for their work.
“A writer can choose to use AI when performing writing services, if the company consents and provided that the writer follows applicable company policies, but the company can’t require the writer to use AI software (e.g., ChatGPT) when performing writing services,” reads the summary.
In response to the concerns of actors about the visual capabilities of AI, namely the “digital replication and alteration of performers” without their consent, new rules were created to better define and control the technology.
The creation of “employment-based digital replicas” must have a 48-hour advance notice prior to services, and consent is required in the form of an endorsement or statement in the performer’s employment contract that is separately signed or initiated by the performer.
The use of the digital replica must be in the motion picture or project for which the performer was employed and the performer must be given a specific description of the intended use of their likeness.
In addition to the use of AI, writers disputed over residuals from streaming media, claiming that AMPTP’s share of said residuals cut many of their average incomes compared to a decade ago. Not only did they win better residuals, but the new negotiations include increased to minimum wage and compensation, increased health and pension rates, and improved terms for screenwriter employment.
The SAG-AFTRA contracts also received important winnings for hair and makeup equity, transparency around sharing diversity statistics, gender neutral language, improved access to gender-affirming health care, and translation services. It will also implement more sexual harassment prevention protections for performers, including the use of intimacy coordinators on set.
Though the WGA ratified their contract with AMPTP on Oct. 9, members of SAG-AFTRA will have to wait a few more weeks for the vote to be finalized. Eligible voting members were mailed a postcard on Nov. 14 with ballot instructions explaining how to vote online or how to request a paper ballot. Ratification votes will be counted on the deadline of Dec. 5.
For now, the current contract will remain in effect, except for the wage increases, which are presently in effect during the ratification period. The new agreement will be effective for three years through June 30, 2026.
Pursuing a writing or acting career is often discouraged for practical reasons, but pursuing art in any sense is also bold and inspiring. In a world overrun by algorithms and artificial intelligence, the need for human connection could not be more stressed.
Though many productions are back in full swing, it will take a while for writers, actors, and crew to fully return to “normal.” Regardless, the wins of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA mark a new era for Hollywood and the fight for unions everywhere.
Aspiring haunted house owner, ex-barista, and NYT mini crossword player.
