FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty ImagesIf you thought TV these days was already confusing, well, get ready for some crazy new lineups as networks get creative to deliver an entertaining schedule this fall amid a full Hollywood shutdown.
What Is Happening With These Strikes?
Well, to put it simply, American television production, at least for scripted series, is basically at a standstill. On May 2, the Writers Guild of America, which represents 16,500 screenwriters, went on strike over payment negotiations. Then in mid-July, actors in the SAG-AFTRA union, which is actually two unions, the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, joined the Writers Guild strike. So that means writers are not writing and actors are not promoting any shows or films that were completed before the strike began, and in many cases are not acting either.
What Are Actors And Writers Fighting Over?
There are a lot of issues — too many to outline here — but, basically, writers and actors want better pay and job security. With streaming becoming so popular, the entire process of payment has been flipped over on its head, because streamers don’t pay out the same way as broadcast shows. “A lot of people think the strike is about Tom Cruise or Harrison Ford, but it’s mostly for the one who serves them coffee or says, ‘10 seconds until the bomb goes off!’” one actor explained to us. “It’s about the working-class actor whose job doesn’t pay the bills anymore.”
Artificial Intelligence Fears
Ironically, after who knows how many films Hollywood has put out about robots taking over, the writers strike is also about robots taking over. One of the problems presented during negotiations was the use of AI (artificial intelligence) to help facilitate script writing. Naturally, screenwriters are worried about potentially getting replaced by these robots in the future, and they want a say in where AI can (and cannot) claim creative authority. Actors have similar fears.
Brian Austin Green, who was coincidentally on a show about robots taking over called Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles with future Game of Thrones star Lena Headey in 2008, recently discussed this with us, saying, “I think somebody’s got to step in and put some rules and regulations to it all, and it’s obviously got to be monitored. The fact that we’re even having this conversation is beyond me.”
As if our world was not already too close to a sci-fi movie, there’s also talk of capturing the essence of actors and using their likeness in perpetuity; this brings up a lot of logistical and moral questions, as well as payment issues. How much do you a pay a person for their “likeness”? It’s all very gray area, and Hollywood is at the forefront of these very modern complications.
How Does This Impact Audiences?
Audiences may not see the full brunt of this until 2024, since some shows and films were finished before the strike, but there will definitely be way less new content this season. SNL has been off-air since mid April, and late-night shows and some daytime talk shows haven’t aired new episodes since the strike began. News and reality TV are not impacted, so be prepared to see much more of that than usual; same with shows from abroad. The highly anticipated Season 2 of Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon is still in production, as its primary cast is based out of the U.K. and is therefore in a different union. A lot of Canadian comedies are migrating south for fall, especially on The CW. We’re not entirely sure what will happen moving forward. This is the first time both actors and writers have been on strike since the 1960s! If studios and unions don’t come to an agreement soon, it could mean very long delays before you see your favorite shows returning.
How Does This Impact Hollywood?
Studios can’t have content without writers or actors, nor can writers and actors do much without studios. The trickle-down impact is vast. With everything shut down, that means entire crews are out of work, too: grips, production assistants, makeup, costume design — everything. Everyone involved in this strike — including audiences — will suffer temporarily, but hopefully an agreement will be made soon that will satisfy both sides.
Another actor/writer told us that although he is 100% behind the strike, it’s been a stressful time. “It’s like being on vacation but you know you left the stove on at home.”
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