Lights, Camera, Action: Hollywood Actors Strike Comes to a Close
After nearly four months of halted productions, empty studio lots, and celebrities walking the picket line, the infamous SAG-AFTRA strike has finally come to a close. The streets of Los Angeles will soon be bustling once again with A-list stars hustling between takes, and studios can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that cameras will start rolling ASAP.
Sources close to negotiations tell Harper’s Bazaar that SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers reached a tentative deal late Wednesday evening. The 3-year agreement, valued at over $1 billion, includes increased residuals for streaming programs as well as protections surrounding the use of artificial intelligence – two key issues that kept the opposing sides from reaching a deal over the past few months.
“This deal exemplifies the values of the entertainment industry and the power of collective bargaining,” SAG-AFTRA president Gabrielle Carteris told Bazaar exclusively. “We’re pleased to usher in a new era of labor relations where studios and talent unions work hand in hand to foster creativity and ensure every performer has a sustainable career in this business.”
Now that a deal has been struck, SAG-AFTRA will present the tentative agreement to its national board. If approved, the deal will then go to the guild’s membership for ratification. The whole process could still take a few weeks, but many believe the hardest part is behind them.
“I’m thrilled we finally have a fair agreement that protects performers as well as the future of storytelling,” said award-winning actor Sterling K. Brown. “This deal shows what we can accomplish when workers stand united.”
Indeed, solidarity has been a constant theme throughout negotiations with stars like Jennifer Aniston, Octavia Spencer, and Gabrielle Union walking the picket lines daily. Their commitment shone a spotlight on the strike and helped push both sides to compromise.
Sources say some major players even attended bargaining sessions toward the end to help move things along. Disney’s Bob Iger, Netflix’s Ted Sarandos, and Warner Bros.’ Ann Sarnoff were all intent on ending the strike that had cost the industry billions.
Now the real work begins to get production back on track. Studios are scrambling to resume projects that were halted mid-shoot and adjust release calendars for major features. Some films originally slated for late 2023 will likely get pushed back to 2024.
For now, Hollywood can take a breather and celebrate this moment. After months of uncertainty, the cameras are ready to roll once again thanks to both sides reaching a historic agreement. Stay tuned to see if your favorite stars and studios can regain their mojo after such a prolonged intermission.
