Things in the media world just got more complicated.

The media industry is already facing a writers strike that has impacted a number of events and projects. Disney CEO Bob Iger discussed what was (at the time) a potential actors strike early in the morning on July 13th, saying “This is the worst time in the world to add to that disruption.” And now it seems the actors strike will go from a potential to a reality.

On the afternoon of July 13th, SAG-AFTRA (which brings together the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) held a press conference where they announced that a strike order had been issued. In other words, the actors union will be on strike, just like the writers union. The strike will reportedly start at midnight.

SAG-AFTRA indicated that the board had convened with the Alliance of Motion Pictures earlier in the day but the Alliance was reportedly unwilling to agree to a deal. After that meeting, the strike order was approved by a unanimous vote by SAG-AFTRA.

SAG-AFTRA indicated that they have devoted time to achieving a deal for a sustainable future, but that the Alliance of Motion Pictures has devalued their works. Reportedly, they worked for weeks to try to reach a deal. They discussed how the streaming model impacts things, as well as the threats actors face with AI technology.

According to the press conference held on this announcement, SAG-AFTRA proposed some contract changes that the Alliance of Motion Pictures did not agree to. So, they are withholding labor until a contract can be agreed to. SAG-AFTRA representatives indicated that they have been left with no alternative but to strike.

Deadline shared some videos of the reaction outside of Netflix Studios in LA as the press conference was being held — “Pay Your Actors” was being chanted outside the studio.

“Pay your actors” is being chanted outside of Netflix Studios in LA today #SAGAFTRA #WritersStrike pic.twitter.com/5WJKO3Fgge

— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) July 13, 2023

 

Earlier on July 13th, Disney CEO Iger noted that he understood that labor organizations must work on behalf of their members. He mentioned that studios had already made a good deal with the Directors Guild and that they wanted to do the same with writers and actors. But he claimed there was a level of expectation they have that’s just not realistic.

He said he respects the unions’ rights to get more compensation for their people, but also said “you also have to be realistic about the business environment.” See Iger’s full statements from earlier in the day here.

As CNBC reports, “The failed negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers means film and television productions will immediately halt, essentially shutting down Hollywood.” It will reportedly be the “first tandem strike in Hollywood since 1960.”

CNBC reports that the actors have been “looking to improve wages, working conditions and health and pension benefits, as well as create guardrails for the use of artificial intelligence in future television and film productions.” They’ve also been looking at transparency when it comes to streaming services so that “residual payments can be made equitable to that seen on linear TV.”

Variety notes that due to the actors strike, “Film and television productions will shut down,” and “SAG-AFTRA members will not be able to attend premieres, do interviews for completed work, go to awards shows, attend film festivals or even promote projects on social media while the strike is in effect. They are also not allowed to attend conventions such as Comic-Con or 90s Con to promote any past or present work made under a SAG-AFTRA contract.”

Stay tuned for more news.