The SAG-AFTRA strike held picket lines in four locations across Manhattan on Wednesday as actors and writers continued to fight to have their demands met.
The union representing about 160,000 Hollywood actors pounded the pavement outside of the New York headquarters of Netflix, Paramount, SONY, Amazon, and more on July 19. Both writers and actors are now shutting down the majority of the movie business by simultaneously striking together for the first time in more than half a century.
While those on the front line who are raising their picket signs say they are fighting for a fair contract and to be paid their full worth, many also told amNewYork Metro that another main concern is the advent of artificial intelligence.
“The one that is really sticking to my mind is what is going on with AI, particularly in regard to extras. You know Extras go on set for the longest time on a day and they earn very little compared to other people. And what the AMPTP want to do now is basically use their image, their likeness, get them to work on a set for one day, and then use their likeness in perpetuity for basically any project,” actor Jean Brassard said outside of Paramount on 1515 Broadway. “It’s basically saying we’ve copied everything that your hands and your mind can do and you’re done for the rest of your life, and we will collect all kinds of money from your work.”
In addition to gripes over new tech that can replace a person outright, actors are also charging against pay disputes, including increased minimum pay rates and increased streaming residuals, something those in the industry state have not increased with inflation. According to Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the COO and General Counsel of SAG-AFTRA, union members are making less money now than they did in 2020.
“It’s not okay to work in 2023 or 2026 for less than you made in 2020 and that’s what the studios want us to do,” Crabtree-Ireland said in Rockefeller Plaza surrounded by picketers. “We released yesterday a list of all of the proposals and issues in this negotiation publicly so anyone who wants to see it can.”
Despite the ongoing fight, those on the picket line say they are comforted by the camaraderie and support. While the strikers state they are lifting each other up, actors like Abraham Sparrow said they invite everyone to come out and support their cause.
“There’s a real duality to it. I mean, it’s wonderful because it shows the unity and the support that we have. But for obvious reasons, you know, it sucks that we’re out here,” Sparrow told amNewYork Metro outside 888 Broadway. “It’s making me sad. And it makes me wish that they would come and negotiate.”
In New York City, picketing will continue this week from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. outside of HBO/Amazon at 450 West 33rdStreet, Warner Bros./Discovery/Netflix Headquarters at 888 Broadway, Paramount at 1515 Broadway, and NBC Universal at 30 Rockefeller Plaza on 49th Street.
