On July 14, 2023, the American actors’ union SAG-AFTRA or Screen Actors Guild began their strike over a labor dispute with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers over low pay, thanks in part to the rise in streaming services. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers or AMPTP, represents the major Hollywood studios. This strike went on to be the longest strike in SAG-AFTRA history and its combined impact with the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike resulted in the loss of 45,000 jobs, and “an estimated $6.5 billion” loss to the economy of Southern California. On November 8, 2023, a deal between the two sides was reached with the strike proceeding to end on the following day, November 9 at 12:01 a.m. PST. The SAG-AFTRA announced a deal with AMPTP which leaves actors with one step away from getting back to work, the final step relying on union membership voting to authorize the deal the cameras can start rolling again. But unfortunately, it could be another year or even two before we will be able to see many of our favorite TV shows or upcoming movie projects on screens again. Just as with anything in life, producing these films and shows are not just as easy as having the actors show right back up on set and writers back in their offices typing away for new scripts. Preparations for TV series and movies involve a lot of groundwork, which involve the scriptwriting to set construction and costume design and preparing for fittings, makeup, extra takes, etc. Not to mention after the completion of this preproduction phase, there will be a huge rush to return all shows and films to the set simultaneously, potentially leading to congestion at prominent filming locations and an increased demand for behind-the-scenes crew that may exceed availability. I feel that this was an interesting topic to bring up as it comes to the main question of, should it have had to come this far for the actors to be able to get the pay they deserve for all the work they put into creating entertainment for the masses? If not for this strike and all the money lost, would big film industry really even care to give the actors their rightful pay.
SAG strike is done: When TV shows and movies will be back (usatoday.com)