Actors Express Disappointment as Studio Talks Stall After 90-Day Strike.
Members of SAG-AFTRA returned to picket lines at Hollywood studios on the 91st day of the strike following the news that negotiations with the AMPTP had hit an impasse.
In the aftermath of the breakdown in negotiations between the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers and SAG-AFTRA on Wednesday evening, the atmosphere among actors and their supporters at Hollywood studios was melancholy. They marched with signs bearing the slogan “SAG-AFTRA on Strike!”—a familiar sight at entrances for the past three months.
Outside Netflix in Hollywood, there was an energetic crowd with DJ Evan Shafran setting the mood, and several negotiating committee members were in attendance. Duncan-Crabtree-Ireland delivered a brief address while chants of “one day longer/one day stronger” echoed through the air.
At studios like Amazon, Sony, Disney (which hosted activities like pumpkin carving and bracelet-making), and Warner Bros., the atmosphere was notably more subdued compared to previous days. No large crowds were spilling into the streets, and fewer food and coffee trucks were present. Comedy day was observed at the Warner Bros. picket line, with comedians trying to lighten the mood in the shade. Despite their efforts, the atmosphere remained somber, punctuated by supportive honks from passing cars and the soundtrack of Nena’s “99 Luftballons” blaring from speakers.
In conversations with The Hollywood Reporter, several actors expressed feeling “disheartened,” “sad,” “deflated,” or “disappointed” in the wake of Wednesday’s news following the AMPTP’s statement that the gap between the parties was too wide to continue negotiations. “It’s a tough day for everyone,” said one actress who remained anonymous.
Many actors, however, were not surprised by the outcome. Davis Noir, known for “I Think You Should Leave With Tim Robinson,” remarked at the Netflix picket line, “I’ve been following the situation with the WGA, and we know how reluctant the AMPTP has been in providing a fair deal.”
Adam Shapiro (credits include “Never Have I Ever” and “She Said”) shared a similar sentiment, stating, “We’re actors—the threat of losing our homes is already the reality of being an actor. We’re hustlers; this is what we do. If we have to be out here another month to be paid fairly and valued the way we should be, then that’s what we’ll do.”
On early Thursday morning, SAG-AFTRA responded to the AMPTP, asserting that the studios had avoided negotiations and accused them of employing “bully tactics.” The negotiating committee emphasized, “These companies refuse to protect performers from being replaced by AI, they refuse to increase your wages to keep up with inflation, and they refuse to share a tiny portion of the immense revenue YOUR work generates for them.”
Sol Marina Crespo (“New Amsterdam”) reflected on the picket lines outside Amazon Studios in Culver City, stating, “It’s easy to get discouraged and disheartened… But part of what makes artists artists is resiliency.” She expressed the collective sentiment, “Things felt like they were going so well. And it’s just not what we hoped for.”
Geoffrey Blake (“Forrest Gump,” “Cast Away”) added, “[Morale] is not great [today]! This is about half of what we see [usually]… This is the time to fire up.”
Dailyn Rodriguez, a Writers Guild of America West board member who stood in solidarity with the actors’ union at Disney, noted the familiarity of the AMPTP’s approach. “It’s very similar to what they did to our negotiating committee in early August,” she said.
The announcement of a break in talks came after the fifth day of negotiations since SAG-AFTRA initiated the strike on July 14. The union’s streaming revenue proposal remained a significant point of contention during the renewed negotiations.
Amid these disappointments, actors emphasized the significance of residuals and concerns regarding using artificial intelligence. They stressed that these issues are pivotal in securing fair compensation for their work.
As the strike persists, actors are grappling with financial challenges, and many are hopeful for a resolution that reflects their contributions to the industry.
In the face of adversity, actors remain resolute, unwilling to accept a deal that falls short of their rightful compensation.
