A Pep Talk Collected from the SAG & WGA Strikes
As I’m writing this, the WGA (Writers Guild of America) and SAG (Screen Actors Guild) have been on strike for 107 days. The last time there was a duel strike was 1960 and Hollywood shut down for about six weeks as a result.
As of August 15th, there’s been a bit of progress, which you can read more about on Deadline and CBS.
Regardless of the recent progress that’s come from talks between the WGA, SAG, and AMTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers), it has absolutely been a bit of a downer reading about writers receiving residual checks in the mail for 46 cents, or about how 87% of actors, last year didn’t meet the minimum income threshold for health insurance. Especially for emerging and aspiring writers and actors, this time is tough and confusing. But like with most things, there’s always a silver lining. So, here are some encouraging words from TV and Film stars on the front lines to help remind us why these strikes happened to begin with, what’s at stake and to keep us inspired in this pivotal time.
Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary, SAG and WGA member):
“If we keep staying strong, then we’re actually going to be able to make this end sooner and get the things that we’re fighting for — I think that’s a very important part of this,” she continued. “I was just talking to one of the captains and it’s just important to remember that we’re fighting for something and we’re not going to leave here with nothing.”
Rob Delaney (Catastrophe, SAG member):
“They talk about these subscriber numbers and these blockbusters, then we asked for a nickel and they’re like, ‘Oh no, we don’t have any,’” he said. “We’re going to win. That’s what’s going to happen, you silly little toddlers. You’re welcome.”
Conan O’Brien (Late Night with Conan O’Brien, SNL, The Simpsons):
“It’s all changing so rapidly that taking a minute and trying to figure out a way to make this more equitable and to preserve the ability of writers to make a living is really important… I think it’s trying to negotiate a way the odds are better for a writer that’s starting out and I’m optimistic they can figure this out”
Conan has said he stands firm with the writers and did the same back in 2007, during the last WGA strike, when he famously paid his writing staff on The Late Night with Conan O’Brien.
Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad, Malcolm in the Middle, SAG member):
“We’ve got a message for Mr. Iger,” he added. “I know, sir, that you look through things through a different lens. We don’t expect you to understand who we are. But we ask you to hear us, and beyond that to listen to us when we tell you we will not be having our jobs taken away and given to robots. We will not have you take away our right to work and earn a decent living. And lastly, and most importantly, we will not allow you to take away our dignity!”
Jane Fonda (9 to 5, Grace and Frankie, all-around icon):
“We will stand together and hold firm until we all get justice, fairness, and respect.”
It can feel completely daunting to think about the future if you’re just starting out in the industry- it’s already a difficult feat to get started and now there’s a double strike halting everything. But, it’s important to look at the bigger picture and realize that this has been a long time coming, and for good reason.
The industry has been rapidly changing in recent years with the prominence of streaming services surpassing traditional cable networks and everybody is adjusting- the contracts need to adjust too. Sure it seems scary that these strikes are ongoing, but it’s also really inspiring that successful people in the industry are willing to stand up for all those who are struggling to be paid accordingly for the work they’ve done.
This strike needed to happen and it will only give those of us aspiring to make film and TV a better shot at creating and getting what we deserve for what we’ve created.
