(CMR) Hollywood actors have joined more than 11,000 film and television writers on a strike after talks for a new contract with studios and streaming services broke down. The strike resulted in Hollywood's most widespread work stoppage in over 60 years.
The actors, members of The Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), are protesting failed negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.
“We are the victims here. We are being victimized by a very greedy entity. I am shocked by the way the people that we have been in business with are treating us,” said Fran Drescher, president of the actors union, during a news conference Thursday.
“It is disgusting. Shame on them,” she added.
SAG-AFTRA, the union representing screen actors, announced Thursday that it would officially go on strike, The union national board's Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said the strike was an “instrument of last resort.”
Disney chief Bob Iger warned the strike would have a “very damaging effect on the whole industry.”
“This is the worst time in the world to add to that disruption. There’s a level of expectation that they have that is just not realistic,” Iger said on CNBC.
According to AP, the strike casts a shadow over the upcoming 75th Emmy Awards, whose nominations were announced a day earlier. Union rules prevent actors from doing any interviews or promotions around the awards, and they may not appear at the ceremony.
The strike rules also prevent actors from making personal appearances or promoting their work on podcasts or at premieres. They are also barred from doing any production work, including auditions, readings, rehearsals, voiceovers, and actual shooting.
- Fascinated
- Happy
- Sad
- Angry
- Bored
- Afraid
