LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – In a major breakthrough for the entertainment industry, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) actors’ union has reached a tentative agreement with Hollywood studios, signaling the end of the 118-day strike that had sent shockwaves through the world of entertainment. The strike, which began in mid-July, was driven by workers’ demands for higher pay in the era of streaming TV, a share of streaming service revenue, and protection from being replaced by AI-generated “digital replicas.”
SAG-AFTRA made the official announcement, revealing that the strike would officially conclude just after midnight. The union’s national board is set to review the details of the deal on Friday, with further specifics expected to be disclosed after this crucial meeting.
The strike, which began as a grassroots movement by actors looking to address the challenges posed by the rise of streaming platforms, had a profound impact on the industry. Its resolution marks a turning point, allowing Hollywood to return to full production for the first time since May. However, the deal is not yet set in stone; union members will vote to ratify it in the coming weeks.
Fanny Grande, an actor deeply affected by the strike, expressed relief, especially for individuals within the industry, particularly those from diverse backgrounds who lack the financial cushion enjoyed by major celebrities. “As it is, we don’t have as many opportunities. We aren’t big celebrities with money in the bank for months. I just really hope that it’s a fair deal,” Grande stated, echoing the concerns of many other actors who struggled to make ends meet during the strike.
This strike was part of a larger movement that included concerns from film and television writers, who had long argued that compensation for working-class cast members had dwindled as streaming took hold. The advent of streaming platforms led to a decrease in residual payments, a source of income that actors once relied on during the heyday of broadcast television.
Another significant concern among performers was the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, which raised fears of studios manipulating their likenesses without consent or replacing human actors with digital images. A-list stars, including George Clooney, voiced their support for lower-level actors and encouraged union leadership, including SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher, to work toward a resolution.
The strike had severe economic consequences for California, resulting in a loss of over $6 billion in output, according to estimates from the Milken Institute. The film and television industry’s ripple effect was felt by many crew members, such as prop masters and costume designers, who struggled to make ends meet due to the lack of work. FilmLA, the organization responsible for approving filming permits, reported a 77% decline in scripted production during the week of Oct. 29 compared to the previous year.
Hollywood’s strikes coincided with a year marked by other high-profile labor actions. The United Auto Workers recently concluded a six-week walkout at Detroit carmakers, while teachers, nurses, and healthcare workers also took part in work stoppages.
The strike’s impact was evident in the programming choices made by broadcast networks, which had to rely on reruns, game shows, and reality programs to fill their fall lineups. Additionally, movie studios were forced to delay the release of major films, including “Dune: Part 2,” “Mission: Impossible” sequels, and Disney’s live-action remake of “Snow White,” as striking actors were unable to promote them.
With this tentative agreement, the entertainment industry can look forward to resuming full-scale production, but the true test lies in the ratification process as SAG-AFTRA members decide whether the deal offers a fair resolution to their long-standing concerns.
