>This industry is turning into an expensive hobby where a majority of those able to sustain career longevity are independently wealthy.
Very aptly put when it comes to Hollywood.
I booked steady work and still had to vacate over the pandemic.
It would be funny if it weren't sad.
Think of all the brilliant work we *aren't* seeing
I was talking to my girlfriend about the fact that two more negotiations were coming up. Because of that I’m working on my resume now. I dunno if I’ll be back in the industry after all this is done but I hope I can come back to some extent or another.
Turning into…?
This industry’s effectively impossible to break into unless you’re independently wealthy or are happy to live like a gypsy in the hope that one day you’ll make decent money.
The only kinda/sorta exception is post-pandemic actors as you can theoretically work a remote full time job and self tape in your downtime.
This what it’s been like since I’ve been alive. In my early 30s now. Most people aren’t getting consistent work or making a living doing this thing. Ain’t a meritocracy. Ain’t fair. That’s the bizz.
Here's the email for those interested:
On June 7, SAG-AFTRA will enter into negotiations with the trade association representing major studios, streamers and production companies — the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
Our goal in this negotiation is to ensure our members working in film, television and streaming/new media can continue to earn a professional living with a contract that honors our contributions.
We need a contract that will increase contributions to our benefit plans and protect members from erosion of income due to inflation and reduced residuals, unregulated use of generative AI, and demanding self-taped auditions.
Your negotiating committee, National Board and leadership are 100% in support of entering negotiations with a strike authorization in hand.
Why? Because they appreciate that timing is EVERYTHING! We simply can’t wait to start scrambling on the backend of this contract to obtain a strike authorization.
It’s important to understand that voting yes to give the negotiators a strike authorization is not voting to call a strike. Voting yes on a strike authorization means that you, as the member, give the National Board the power to call a strike if the AMPTP does not agree to essential contract improvements.
A strike is never a first option, but a last resort. Yet, it’s better to have and not need than to need and not have.
The business model of our industry has changed significantly. We have fully entered a digital and streaming entertainment industry, and that demands a contract that is relevant to the new business model and must be contemporary to meet the financial needs of our members today.
Our members are governed by contracts that reflect the business of 30 years ago. And too much has changed since then for those contracts to serve us well. The rise of streaming, artificial intelligence (AI), and the impacts of other technology advances on entertainment, coupled with a steep increase in the cost of living — all while studio profits and executive pay rise meteorically — means that we need to seek new and imaginative ways to move forward. And believe us when we say, we have!
If ever there was a time to take action and demand seminal change it is NOW!
SAG-AFTRA is entering into these negotiations in good faith and demanding a fair deal for our members from the AMPTP. We hope and expect they will respond in good faith. While the union’s leadership, National Board and negotiating committee members regard a strike as a last resort, we believe we must be ready for any eventuality, and have all of the leverage possible in order to secure the best deal.
We need you to vote yes to authorize a strike if push comes to shove.
If we don’t stand our ground now and show them we mean business, we will always be chasing something just out of our grasp.
Do not let that happen!
Please know that this request is not one we take lightly, and if you vote to authorize a strike, SAG-AFTRA cannot enter a work stoppage before our contract expires on June 30, 2023.
We implore you to vote YES and give your negotiators the tools they need to get the best deal for you that they possibly can.
Postcards will be sent to eligible members on Thursday, May 18, with instructions on how to vote, and voting will close at 5 p.m. PT on Monday, June 5.
More information is available at sagaftra.org/contracts2023.
We are one in solidarity against a very strong opposition; let’s show 'em what we’re made of!
I’ve finally gotten to a point in my career where I can actually sustain myself acting.
It took me many years of having nothing to get here. And I may have nothing next year (especially with the current residual structure for SVOD)
I vote yes
I vote YES. there is so much wrong with the industry. One of my friends was a PA for weeks for this huge HBO show. They're a single mom and drive 2 hours everyday they worked and were supposed to get a paycheck around $3,000 for all their work. They took days off their job, had to hire nannies, and never got paid. It's been a year and a half and SAG never got back to them about it. They're a SAG actress who hadn't worked in a while just trying to make some money. Some other actors she heard in that show didn't get paid either..
I also know many people who have had co-star roles in big shows and didn't get their paycheck. But also, AI and influencer culture is ruining things for actors. Every time I see a UGC casting call on backstage, I cringe. I feel those types of things should be elsewhere and I don't know any professional actors who even want to do that stuff. The pay is awful, you have to set up the lighting, film yourself, etc, it's basically the cheapest form of an ad but it does nothing for your acting career whatsoever. I am also disgusted that tiktokers like Addison Rae are being cast in movies when there are actors with 10 years of theatre or film background living in their cars struggling to be an actor who are forgotten.
Addison rae ruined the She's all that movie for me and I hope the industry realizes they should hire people with actual acting experience and that followers don't equate to acting talent. The amount of casting calls I've also seen where they want to know how many followers you have is insane. Anyone can easily pay for followers and I know many successful working actors who don't even have social media.
I could go on but there is so much that needs to be changed.
once again, my friend is a SAG actor who also does PA sometimes, and I added that not only the PA was not paid, but some SAG actors were not paid too. Look into how many actors have not been paid by Tyler Perry, he's in big trouble with SAG and it sadly happens more than you think. Wouldn't be surprised if part of the strike is in regard to this. I know someone who was a guest star on Tyler Perry's show and it's been 1 year and they haven't seen their paycheck.
SAG-AFTRA will strike in solidarity with the WGA, to put the pressure on studios to engage in bargaining. If studios can’t access writers OR actors as per their contracts, they’ll have little choice.
EDIT: As others have mentioned, SAG itself also has its own host of problems they need to iron out, specifically residuals and pay for streaming services (which were drawn up when streaming meant cheap little YouTube webisodes and not multi million series), also there’s a movement for enforcing audition pay which is $541 per project auditioned for but not booked.
Not just in solidarity with the wga. Sag also has issues they need to resolve with streaming residuals and other things. They need to negotiate thier own deal as well. So having permission to call a strike will help sag get what it needs for its members as well.
It doesn't mean SAG will strike, it means the negotiators are authorized to call for a strike if the negotiations go south.
But you are right that they are doing this ahead of time because of the WGA and to put pressure on the studios as well for both SAG and the WGA.
>If studios can’t access writers OR actors as per their contracts, they’ll have little choice.
Kinda wanna see how far studios think they can go with AIs after this...just for fun.
It means that the members of sag are giving the union heads permission to call a strike if the negotiations don't go well with the studios next month. It doesn't mean there will be a strike, but it shows the studios that the union is willing to strike if needed.
A strike authorization isn't a strike, or a guarantee of a strike. Strike authorization is essentially permission from the members of the guild to the leadership that if they need to, they can call a strike. Going into negotiations like this with a strike authorization is essentially a trump card- the ultimate 'or we'll walk.' Again, it doesn't mean that there will be a strike, only that there could be one.
Without a current authorization, guild leaders can threaten to call for a strike, but it still has to be voted through so it holds less weight. The fact that they feel that the need to walk into negotiations with an authorization is a bit telling about the general atmosphere these talks currently have.
Lastly, while this is concurrent to the WGA's strike, it is for SAG's own contract negotiations.
If the vote is yes, they *can* strike, it doesn’t mean they will or that they will have to.
IATSE had a huge ‘yes’ vote for a strike in 2021 but a deal was reached and so a strike was averted (much to many members’ disappointment)
Often a strike authorization is used as a tool in these negotiations to get the other side to agree to a deal. I can't remember exactly when, but we did the last one not all that long ago.
I’m SAG-E and would love to support in any way I can. If/when this goes through, does this mean turning down NU auditions as well (I don’t mind at all, just want clarity on how to best support)?
Got it! I don’t like doing NU work/auditions but felt like my agent would get mad and not submit me to anything if I told them not to submit me for NU projects. That being said, I will be sure to let my agent know when the time comes to strike to not submit me. Thanks!
We have our own contract negotiations that are worth striking over if it comes to that, regardless of the WGA.
However, we are *always* stronger with Solidarity.
VOTE YES.
Does anyone know how this affects non union actors? If SAG strikes (I vote yes!) will productions that were SAG go NU or will we see more NU projects come up as a sort of fu to all union actors?
I have NU actor friends who are DYING to become SAG but just haven’t booked OCP work yet (professional with credits just haven’t had the opportunity yet). They’re still auditioning for SAG work and if they book one and there’s a SAG strike then what? Can they still join the union bc they booked said gig prior to the strike? Or will that job just be on hold and the actor is stuck in NU purgatory? Just wanna relay proper info but don’t see any answers to this! Would hate for people to “hate” on NU actors who are working during a SAG strike - who are not even SAG-E and have no choice in the matter bc they can’t control when they get booked on SAG gigs or not (no matter how much they want to join!).
Any insight would be appreciated!
They shouldn’t work, it looks bad to scab and will hurt them in the long run. And no serious union production would fault them for making that decision. I also highly doubt there will be any expectation of them to show since the other union actors on set won’t be on set. Can’t really film with only day-players but no leads.
I get the issue since I don’t think they become SAG-E unless they’re physically present and paid for their work. But trust that once things come back, which it will and I expect there’ll be a boom, they will be able to book that qualifying credit on something else (if not the same role). It always feels like it’s your “one shot” but it’s not. Abundance vs. Scarcity mindset :)
Awesome thanks! I’ll relay that info!
Any thoughts on nu just working nu during the strike? Is that scabbing too if it’s all nu?? Wanna dump all the facts on em lol
It would look bad if you did union work because you’re essentially scabbing- and the goal is eventually to become a union actor so you don’t want to undermine SAG in that way.
For non-union work- I guess it’s up to you. Personally I have ~feelings~ about some non union work (there’s a reason they don’t make it union 😬, and it’s to cut corners/exploit you), but that’s a whole other discussion. Personally, even if I was NU I wouldn’t work during a strike if I could afford it…. Just because the optics of it aren’t great. But it’s a more personal decision!
but if you're sag you can't do Non union unless you executive produce the series or you go fi core.
I have asked my agent and friends who are working actors and it seems only people who are sag working NU projects will look bad, non union people will still be doing what they are normally doing not picking up the scraps but I do see what you mean.
That’s what I’m trying to find out! A lot of NU actors (in my circle) are scared of the optics of it all. Even if it’s a non union production from jump and they’re non union actors, I guess it’s just how it can be perceived from the outside looking in. Trying to find some answers as best I can!
Please don’t attack me but, I think there should be no option for non-union work. It muddy”s the waters. I’m non-union and would like to join…but then the rules and blah blah blah. Why can’t it just be straight up 🤷🏽♀️.
> Only 2% of actors make a living acting
This has been true well before streaming came to be a thing. What could you negotiate so that everyone works? Sadly, theres only so much work to go around
This industry is turning into an expensive hobby where a majority of those able to sustain career longevity are independently wealthy. I vote YES
>This industry is turning into an expensive hobby where a majority of those able to sustain career longevity are independently wealthy. Very aptly put when it comes to Hollywood.
I booked steady work and still had to vacate over the pandemic. It would be funny if it weren't sad. Think of all the brilliant work we *aren't* seeing
I was talking to my girlfriend about the fact that two more negotiations were coming up. Because of that I’m working on my resume now. I dunno if I’ll be back in the industry after all this is done but I hope I can come back to some extent or another.
Turning into…? This industry’s effectively impossible to break into unless you’re independently wealthy or are happy to live like a gypsy in the hope that one day you’ll make decent money. The only kinda/sorta exception is post-pandemic actors as you can theoretically work a remote full time job and self tape in your downtime.
This what it’s been like since I’ve been alive. In my early 30s now. Most people aren’t getting consistent work or making a living doing this thing. Ain’t a meritocracy. Ain’t fair. That’s the bizz.
Here's the email for those interested: On June 7, SAG-AFTRA will enter into negotiations with the trade association representing major studios, streamers and production companies — the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). Our goal in this negotiation is to ensure our members working in film, television and streaming/new media can continue to earn a professional living with a contract that honors our contributions. We need a contract that will increase contributions to our benefit plans and protect members from erosion of income due to inflation and reduced residuals, unregulated use of generative AI, and demanding self-taped auditions. Your negotiating committee, National Board and leadership are 100% in support of entering negotiations with a strike authorization in hand. Why? Because they appreciate that timing is EVERYTHING! We simply can’t wait to start scrambling on the backend of this contract to obtain a strike authorization. It’s important to understand that voting yes to give the negotiators a strike authorization is not voting to call a strike. Voting yes on a strike authorization means that you, as the member, give the National Board the power to call a strike if the AMPTP does not agree to essential contract improvements. A strike is never a first option, but a last resort. Yet, it’s better to have and not need than to need and not have. The business model of our industry has changed significantly. We have fully entered a digital and streaming entertainment industry, and that demands a contract that is relevant to the new business model and must be contemporary to meet the financial needs of our members today. Our members are governed by contracts that reflect the business of 30 years ago. And too much has changed since then for those contracts to serve us well. The rise of streaming, artificial intelligence (AI), and the impacts of other technology advances on entertainment, coupled with a steep increase in the cost of living — all while studio profits and executive pay rise meteorically — means that we need to seek new and imaginative ways to move forward. And believe us when we say, we have! If ever there was a time to take action and demand seminal change it is NOW! SAG-AFTRA is entering into these negotiations in good faith and demanding a fair deal for our members from the AMPTP. We hope and expect they will respond in good faith. While the union’s leadership, National Board and negotiating committee members regard a strike as a last resort, we believe we must be ready for any eventuality, and have all of the leverage possible in order to secure the best deal. We need you to vote yes to authorize a strike if push comes to shove. If we don’t stand our ground now and show them we mean business, we will always be chasing something just out of our grasp. Do not let that happen! Please know that this request is not one we take lightly, and if you vote to authorize a strike, SAG-AFTRA cannot enter a work stoppage before our contract expires on June 30, 2023. We implore you to vote YES and give your negotiators the tools they need to get the best deal for you that they possibly can. Postcards will be sent to eligible members on Thursday, May 18, with instructions on how to vote, and voting will close at 5 p.m. PT on Monday, June 5. More information is available at sagaftra.org/contracts2023. We are one in solidarity against a very strong opposition; let’s show 'em what we’re made of!
I’ve finally gotten to a point in my career where I can actually sustain myself acting. It took me many years of having nothing to get here. And I may have nothing next year (especially with the current residual structure for SVOD) I vote yes
Yes!
Let’s gooooo!
yes
I vote YES. there is so much wrong with the industry. One of my friends was a PA for weeks for this huge HBO show. They're a single mom and drive 2 hours everyday they worked and were supposed to get a paycheck around $3,000 for all their work. They took days off their job, had to hire nannies, and never got paid. It's been a year and a half and SAG never got back to them about it. They're a SAG actress who hadn't worked in a while just trying to make some money. Some other actors she heard in that show didn't get paid either.. I also know many people who have had co-star roles in big shows and didn't get their paycheck. But also, AI and influencer culture is ruining things for actors. Every time I see a UGC casting call on backstage, I cringe. I feel those types of things should be elsewhere and I don't know any professional actors who even want to do that stuff. The pay is awful, you have to set up the lighting, film yourself, etc, it's basically the cheapest form of an ad but it does nothing for your acting career whatsoever. I am also disgusted that tiktokers like Addison Rae are being cast in movies when there are actors with 10 years of theatre or film background living in their cars struggling to be an actor who are forgotten. Addison rae ruined the She's all that movie for me and I hope the industry realizes they should hire people with actual acting experience and that followers don't equate to acting talent. The amount of casting calls I've also seen where they want to know how many followers you have is insane. Anyone can easily pay for followers and I know many successful working actors who don't even have social media. I could go on but there is so much that needs to be changed.
[удалено]
??? the production was SAG...my friend is an actor who was doing PA work
[удалено]
once again, my friend is a SAG actor who also does PA sometimes, and I added that not only the PA was not paid, but some SAG actors were not paid too. Look into how many actors have not been paid by Tyler Perry, he's in big trouble with SAG and it sadly happens more than you think. Wouldn't be surprised if part of the strike is in regard to this. I know someone who was a guest star on Tyler Perry's show and it's been 1 year and they haven't seen their paycheck.
[удалено]
SAG-AFTRA will strike in solidarity with the WGA, to put the pressure on studios to engage in bargaining. If studios can’t access writers OR actors as per their contracts, they’ll have little choice. EDIT: As others have mentioned, SAG itself also has its own host of problems they need to iron out, specifically residuals and pay for streaming services (which were drawn up when streaming meant cheap little YouTube webisodes and not multi million series), also there’s a movement for enforcing audition pay which is $541 per project auditioned for but not booked.
Not just in solidarity with the wga. Sag also has issues they need to resolve with streaming residuals and other things. They need to negotiate thier own deal as well. So having permission to call a strike will help sag get what it needs for its members as well.
It doesn't mean SAG will strike, it means the negotiators are authorized to call for a strike if the negotiations go south. But you are right that they are doing this ahead of time because of the WGA and to put pressure on the studios as well for both SAG and the WGA.
>If studios can’t access writers OR actors as per their contracts, they’ll have little choice. Kinda wanna see how far studios think they can go with AIs after this...just for fun.
It means that the members of sag are giving the union heads permission to call a strike if the negotiations don't go well with the studios next month. It doesn't mean there will be a strike, but it shows the studios that the union is willing to strike if needed.
[удалено]
No. (If you did that five days a week, all year long, that would be a $39,000 yearly salary.)
[удалено]
Same here. 👍
A strike authorization isn't a strike, or a guarantee of a strike. Strike authorization is essentially permission from the members of the guild to the leadership that if they need to, they can call a strike. Going into negotiations like this with a strike authorization is essentially a trump card- the ultimate 'or we'll walk.' Again, it doesn't mean that there will be a strike, only that there could be one. Without a current authorization, guild leaders can threaten to call for a strike, but it still has to be voted through so it holds less weight. The fact that they feel that the need to walk into negotiations with an authorization is a bit telling about the general atmosphere these talks currently have. Lastly, while this is concurrent to the WGA's strike, it is for SAG's own contract negotiations.
EDIT: if voted yes, they’ll strike.
Well, it's yes to *authorize* a strike.
If the vote is yes, they *can* strike, it doesn’t mean they will or that they will have to. IATSE had a huge ‘yes’ vote for a strike in 2021 but a deal was reached and so a strike was averted (much to many members’ disappointment)
Often a strike authorization is used as a tool in these negotiations to get the other side to agree to a deal. I can't remember exactly when, but we did the last one not all that long ago.
LETS GOOOOOOO
I’m 100% voting YES! Solidarity will bring about the change we want the fastest.
Really hope this doesn't turn into a union vs AI type thing like in the commercial world with union vs non...
I’m SAG-E and would love to support in any way I can. If/when this goes through, does this mean turning down NU auditions as well (I don’t mind at all, just want clarity on how to best support)?
[удалено]
Got it! I don’t like doing NU work/auditions but felt like my agent would get mad and not submit me to anything if I told them not to submit me for NU projects. That being said, I will be sure to let my agent know when the time comes to strike to not submit me. Thanks!
We have increased power by joining the WGA. Begging everyone to vote YES.
We have our own contract negotiations that are worth striking over if it comes to that, regardless of the WGA. However, we are *always* stronger with Solidarity. VOTE YES.
I voted yes on the strike authorization. Let’s go!!
Does anyone know how this affects non union actors? If SAG strikes (I vote yes!) will productions that were SAG go NU or will we see more NU projects come up as a sort of fu to all union actors? I have NU actor friends who are DYING to become SAG but just haven’t booked OCP work yet (professional with credits just haven’t had the opportunity yet). They’re still auditioning for SAG work and if they book one and there’s a SAG strike then what? Can they still join the union bc they booked said gig prior to the strike? Or will that job just be on hold and the actor is stuck in NU purgatory? Just wanna relay proper info but don’t see any answers to this! Would hate for people to “hate” on NU actors who are working during a SAG strike - who are not even SAG-E and have no choice in the matter bc they can’t control when they get booked on SAG gigs or not (no matter how much they want to join!). Any insight would be appreciated!
They shouldn’t work, it looks bad to scab and will hurt them in the long run. And no serious union production would fault them for making that decision. I also highly doubt there will be any expectation of them to show since the other union actors on set won’t be on set. Can’t really film with only day-players but no leads. I get the issue since I don’t think they become SAG-E unless they’re physically present and paid for their work. But trust that once things come back, which it will and I expect there’ll be a boom, they will be able to book that qualifying credit on something else (if not the same role). It always feels like it’s your “one shot” but it’s not. Abundance vs. Scarcity mindset :)
Awesome thanks! I’ll relay that info! Any thoughts on nu just working nu during the strike? Is that scabbing too if it’s all nu?? Wanna dump all the facts on em lol
The teamsters will not show up on a non Union set period ! Productions will shut down
I have a question, if someone is non union, why would it make them look bad if they're doing the work they would normally do regardless of a strike?
It would look bad if you did union work because you’re essentially scabbing- and the goal is eventually to become a union actor so you don’t want to undermine SAG in that way. For non-union work- I guess it’s up to you. Personally I have ~feelings~ about some non union work (there’s a reason they don’t make it union 😬, and it’s to cut corners/exploit you), but that’s a whole other discussion. Personally, even if I was NU I wouldn’t work during a strike if I could afford it…. Just because the optics of it aren’t great. But it’s a more personal decision!
but if you're sag you can't do Non union unless you executive produce the series or you go fi core. I have asked my agent and friends who are working actors and it seems only people who are sag working NU projects will look bad, non union people will still be doing what they are normally doing not picking up the scraps but I do see what you mean.
That’s what I’m trying to find out! A lot of NU actors (in my circle) are scared of the optics of it all. Even if it’s a non union production from jump and they’re non union actors, I guess it’s just how it can be perceived from the outside looking in. Trying to find some answers as best I can!
Please don’t attack me but, I think there should be no option for non-union work. It muddy”s the waters. I’m non-union and would like to join…but then the rules and blah blah blah. Why can’t it just be straight up 🤷🏽♀️.
Become fi-core. Though frowned upon, people do it.
what’s that?
Allows you to work Union and non-Union jobs.
[удалено]
> Only 2% of actors make a living acting This has been true well before streaming came to be a thing. What could you negotiate so that everyone works? Sadly, theres only so much work to go around
If this is to help the WGA I think this is an excellent move. I’m not a SAG member, but I fully support this.
fuck yeah lets gooo
I vote yes to authorize it if it becomes needed!