Actors Walk Off Sets as Labor Tensions Escalate Across Hollywood
On July 14, 2023, the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) officially declared a strike, following the collapse of negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). The decision marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing labor unrest in Hollywood, as SAG-AFTRA joined the Writers Guild of America (WGA)—already on strike since May—creating the first dual work stoppage in the industry since 1960.
The union, representing over 160,000 actors, performers, and voice artists, took to the picket lines to demand better compensation structures, increased transparency on streaming profits, and protections against artificial intelligence (AI) use in entertainment production.
Core Issues Behind the Strike
The strike centered on multiple key concerns that reflect the changing nature of the entertainment industry, particularly in the age of streaming and rapid technological advancement. Among the top demands from SAG-AFTRA were:
- Streaming residuals: With the rise of platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video, actors sought updated residual formulas that reflect the global reach and long-term value of streaming content. Many performers argued that existing compensation models failed to account for the massive revenue studios generate from streaming viewership.
- Artificial Intelligence protections: The union called for strict limits on the use of AI in replicating actors’ likenesses and voices. Concerns grew over studios scanning and digitally recreating performers—especially background actors—without clear compensation or consent.
- Wage increases and benefit improvements: SAG-AFTRA also demanded across-the-board pay increases to keep up with inflation, improved health and pension benefits, and more equitable treatment for background performers and stunt professionals.
Despite weeks of negotiations and federal mediation attempts, SAG-AFTRA leadership stated that AMPTP was “unwilling to meet essential and fair demands,” leading to the decision to strike.
Industry-Wide Impact: Productions Halted
The strike led to an immediate shutdown of film and television productions across the U.S. and abroad. High-profile movies and shows—including Marvel projects, Netflix series, and award-season contenders—went on indefinite hold. Promotional activities also ceased, with actors barred from attending press junkets, premieres, and conventions like San Diego Comic-Con, which saw multiple cancellations.
Studios, streaming platforms, and even theater chains began bracing for a long-term disruption, as the dual strike posed a significant blow to both production pipelines and release schedules.
A Historic Parallel: Echoes of 1960
The last time both SAG-AFTRA and the WGA went on strike simultaneously was in 1960, when legendary actor and then-union president Ronald Reagan led negotiations that eventually secured the first residuals for film and TV reruns. The 2023 strike evoked similar urgency, as creatives once again confronted seismic shifts in how entertainment is made, distributed, and monetized.
Union leaders including SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland delivered impassioned speeches at rallies, accusing the AMPTP of “stonewalling” and “refusing to acknowledge the human cost of their corporate model.” Drescher’s viral press conference resonated with striking members and the broader public, galvanizing support across the entertainment ecosystem.
Solidarity and Broader Labor Momentum
The SAG-AFTRA strike aligned with growing labor activism across multiple industries in 2023. Writers and actors were joined by solidarity statements from the Directors Guild of America, Teamsters, and IATSE, among others.
Public support surged on social media, with hashtags like #SAGAFTRAstrong and #ActorsStrike trending globally. Celebrities including Meryl Streep, Matt Damon, Viola Davis, and Bryan Cranston made appearances on picket lines, underscoring that the strike was about long-term sustainability for working-class performers, not just A-list talent.
What’s Next?
At the time of the strike’s onset, there was no timeline for resumed negotiations, and AMPTP had yet to publicly offer new proposals that addressed the union’s demands. Industry analysts warned that the dual strike could stretch into the fall, potentially delaying new television seasons, pushing back film release dates, and impacting awards season campaigns.
In the meantime, SAG-AFTRA urged its members to maintain unity and visibility on picket lines, while fans and creators alike reflected on the essential role of artists in storytelling and cultural production.
Source:
Entertainment Weekly – SAG-AFTRA Strike Announcement and Industry Reactions
