Hollywood Shutdown Persists Amid Stalemate Over AI, Residuals, and Industry Reform
As of October 2023, the SAG-AFTRA strike, which began on July 14, entered its third month with no resolution in sight. Despite renewed negotiations between the Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), talks remained stalled, leaving the entertainment industry in a prolonged state of disruption.
At the heart of the impasse were unresolved disputes surrounding streaming residuals, artificial intelligence protections, and fair compensation for performers across the board. With scripted production halted and promotional activities suspended, the strike continued to have a far-reaching impact on film and television schedules, awards season campaigns, and the industry workforce at large.
Core Issues: Streaming and AI Continue to Drive Negotiations
The ongoing negotiations focused primarily on two central issues:
1. Streaming Residuals
SAG-AFTRA has demanded a revised residual payment model that reflects the global scale and long-term revenue generated by streaming platforms. Current formulas, designed for traditional broadcast models, fail to adequately compensate actors for their work in the digital era—especially for shows that perform well on services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.
2. Artificial Intelligence and Digital Replication
One of the most contentious topics remains the unauthorized use of AI-generated replicas of actors’ likenesses and voices. SAG-AFTRA is fighting for clear consent requirements and fair compensation for any use of digital doubles, particularly for background actors, whose images can be scanned and reused indefinitely without further pay.
The union’s leadership has insisted on contractual safeguards that prevent studios from using AI to replace or replicate actors without their approval. These protections are seen as critical as AI technology rapidly evolves in the entertainment landscape.
Star Power Mobilized: Clooney, Johansson, and More Weigh In
In October, a coalition of A-list actors, including George Clooney, Scarlett Johansson, Emma Stone, Ben Affleck, and Tyler Perry, proposed an alternative framework aimed at breaking the deadlock in negotiations. Their plan reportedly included:
- Increased dues and contributions from top-earning actors to help fund improved benefits for lower-income members
- A redistribution of income from the highest-paid talent to ensure union sustainability and equity
- Support for SAG-AFTRA’s bargaining position while encouraging transparency and compromise
While the gesture was broadly viewed as a show of solidarity, it did not immediately shift the trajectory of formal talks. Union president Fran Drescher and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland reiterated their commitment to protecting all union members—not just celebrities—underscoring that systemic changes, not short-term fixes, were needed.
Public Support and Industry Impact
As the strike persisted, SAG-AFTRA and its members continued to receive widespread public backing. Picketers gathered daily outside major studios in Los Angeles and New York, often joined by writers, directors, and crew members who expressed frustration over economic precarity and corporate inflexibility.
Meanwhile, the strike’s impact became increasingly visible:
- Major releases, including TV shows, films, and awards campaigns, were delayed or shelved.
- Fall television programming was dominated by unscripted content, reruns, and international imports.
- Film festivals like Toronto (TIFF) and Venice proceeded with limited actor participation, dampening red carpet visibility.
Industry analysts warned that continued inaction could result in permanent disruptions to the traditional production calendar and potentially reshape how future content is financed, distributed, and promoted.
Hope for Progress, But No Agreement in Sight
By the end of October, negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP had resumed intermittently, but no formal agreement had been reached. Both sides appeared committed to continuing discussions, but major philosophical differences remained.
Union leadership encouraged members to stay mobilized and united, urging the AMPTP to return with offers that addressed long-term sustainability and creative rights in an evolving industry.
A Pivotal Moment for Hollywood
As the SAG-AFTRA strike moved into its fourth month, it became clear that this labor action was not just about short-term gains—it was about setting new standards for the future of work in Hollywood. The involvement of high-profile actors, the breadth of public support, and the significance of the issues at stake signal that this strike could shape the industry for years to come.
Source:
Wikipedia – 2023 SAG-AFTRA Strike
Variety – George Clooney, Scarlett Johansson Propose Strike Aid Plan
Deadline – Ongoing Negotiation Updates
