SAG-AFTRA representatives ratified a temporary agreement that ended the longest actor strike against film and television studios in Hollywood history.
Union president Fran Drescher (known for the TV series “The Nanny”) called the concession “historic,” and the studios said it “represents a new paradigm” for Hollywood, TV and actors.
The strike ended between Wednesday and Thursday, November 9, at 0:01 am Los Angeles time, or 5:01 am Brasília time. The movement had been underway since July 13 of this year.
According to the American magazine Variety, the agreement implies salary increases of 7% for actors, exceeding by two percentage points what was previously discussed in negotiations between AMPTP and the director and screenwriter unions. Additionally, the agreement includes legal provisions to protect artists against the use of their images through artificial intelligence.
“AMPTP is pleased to have reached a tentative agreement and looks forward to the industry getting back to the work of telling great stories,” the studios said in a statement.
The terms of the agreement, however, still need to be ratified by union members before coming into force and have not been disclosed in advance. The union said it would not reveal them until the union council reviewed the agreement.
According to the CNN Business , in a statement to members, the union called the scope of the agreement “extraordinary.” Full details are expected to be released on Friday (10), after the national council vote.
Understand the strike
This was the first time in 63 years that actors and screenwriters stopped their activities at the same time. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has been on strike since May 2, the longest strike in the category since 2007 (except those caused by the Covid-19 pandemic).
The emptying of film sets, film promotion campaigns, awards shows and other events in the entertainment market, imposed by the movement, left Hollywood practically at a standstill.
Fran Drescher, president of SAG-AFTRA, classified the strike as a “difficult decision”, but unanimous among members. “It is unacceptable to expect the business model to change without contracts changing as well,” he said.
Among the unions’ restrictions, in addition to working on the film set, was participation in any promotional event, publicity material or award ceremony involving the films.
Brazilian actress Bruna Marquezine had announced her adherence to the strike and the halt in the promotion of her debut film in Hollywood, “Besouro Azul”.
Furthermore, films in production, such as “Gladiator 2” and “Mortal Kombat 2”, had to suspend their filming.
Source: CNN Brasil
I’m Robert Neff, a professional writer and editor. I specialize in the entertainment section, providing up-to-date coverage on the latest developments in film, television and music. My work has been featured on World Stock Market and other prominent publications.
