The SAG/WGA strike could affect content creators. Here's what to do about it.
If you're a content creator, the SAG/WGA strike will likely affect you in some way. It might change the way you view Hollywood, affect what opportunities are available to you, or keep your loved ones from finding work. Here's a quick run down of why you should support the strike and how you can show solidarity.
What is this strike about?
What are SAG and WGA striking over?
We've put together a helpful summary at this link but basically, amidst an ongoing WGA strike, negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have soured.
SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher said in a statement earlier today that, "The [companies of the AMPTP] have refused to meaningfully engage on some topics and on others completely stonewalled us. Until they do negotiate in good faith, we cannot begin to reach a deal. We have no choice but to move forward in unity, and on behalf of our membership, with a strike recommendation to our National Board."
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This morning, the board chose to strike.
What can't actors do while striking?
Actors cannot participate in projects (acting of any kind, including voice acting), promotions (interviews, social media, public appearances), or any pre-production-related activities (costume fittings, etc). They also cannot negotiate new opportunities. This helpful TikTok video from Variety lays it all out:
Why you should support the strike:
Actors aren't working right now, so studios will turn to you for content in their place. Don't fall for it.
Without working actors, Hollywood will still want to make money. To do that, they will turn to content creators. But this is not your time to cash in, and it's not your "big break."
Standing in solidarity with the SAG and WGA will ensure that more than 180,000 people can make a decent living off of their work. Plus, once the unions come to an agreement and go back to work, the studios will drop you, and you'll be known as a scab — someone who worked while everyone else was striking.
SAG-AFTRA has released guidelines for influencers, noting that while they can still pursue brand partnerships, they shouldn't agree to any new work with companies being struck against. Influencers also shouldn't promote work by struck companies nor accept contracts to do so, but may fulfill contracts which they've already signed.
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Better working conditions for SAG/WGA means better working conditions for everybody
The 160,000 members of SAG and 20,000 members of WGA deserve to make a decent living off of their work. By supporting their strike, you support their survival and ensure the strike doesn't drag out longer than it has to.
Crossing the picket line now may make it difficult for you to join a union in the future
If you're a content creator who wants to become a screenwriter or actor, crossing the SAG/WGA strike picket line may affect your ability to join either union in the future. That means you'll have fewer protections as you work and a smaller community of collaborators to work with (because nobody likes a scab).
What you can do instead:
Pivot your content
If you make entertainment content, creator Imani Barbarin suggests pivoting your content:
"You need to be actively talking about the strike as well as what has happened during past strikes and how it changed entertainment... 'the plot holes that arose in my favorite show during the last writers strike or actors strike' or 'actors that have participated in strikes in the past and were blackballed by studios...' The reality is that in your content, this will be a momentary blip... Pivot your content to stick with the artists and actors... because in this industry, those are the people you are most likely to connect with."
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Walk the picket line
If you can, get out and walk the picket line with the actors and writers. And guess what? A day on the picket line can easily be transformed into content, too.
UPDATE: Jul. 17, 2023, 10:31 a.m. AEST This article has been updated with SAG-AFTRA's influencer guidelines.
Topics Creators
Elizabeth is a digital culture reporter covering the internet's influence on self-expression, fashion, and fandom. Her work explores how technology shapes our identities, communities, and emotions. Before joining Mashable, Elizabeth spent six years in tech. Her reporting can be found in Rolling Stone, The Guardian, TIME, and Teen Vogue. Follow her on Instagram here.
