Hollywood’s actors’ union and screenwriters have joined in a strike, shutting down production in the entertainment industry after contract talks with studios and streaming services failed.
Actors' union president, Fran Drescher, accused industry executives of prioritising Wall Street and greed over the essential contributors.
The strike has consequences for the upcoming 75th Emmy Awards as union rules prevent actors from participating in any promotional or ceremony activities.
The union mentions that modest but essential income streams, including long-term residuals for shows, have dried up and have been undercut by inflation and the streaming ecosystem.
The strike also highlights the issue of unregulated use of artificial intelligence (AI) and the pressure on performers to create video auditions at their own expense.
AMPTP states that they offered a generous deal that included a significant raise in minimum pay, higher pension and health contributions.