Moviefone Editorial

Tag: sag-aftra-strike

  • SAG-AFTRA Makes Deal to End Actors’ Strike

    SAG-AFTRA members walk the line in New York on 9/21.
    SAG-AFTRA members walk the line in New York on 9/21. Photo courtesy of SAG.

    Preview:

    • SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP have reached a tentative labor deal.
    • The actors strike, which has lasted 118 days, will end at 12:01am Thursday.
    • The deal comes more than a month after SAG-AFTRA’s sister guild the Writers Guild of America solidified a new contract with studios and ended its own strike.

    Looks like Hot Strike Summer is finally, actually coming to an end. Following the Writers Guild making a deal for a new contract to end its own industrial action, performers guild SAG-AFTRA (the combo of Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) has announced to members that it has secured a new deal.

    It’s good news for so many in the entertainment community, since it means TV shows and movies can now start shooting again –– assuming the deal goes through.

    What’s the latest on the end of the strike?

    SAG-AFTRA members walk the line in Northhampton on 9/21.
    SAG-AFTRA members walk the line in Northhampton on 9/21. Photo courtesy of SAG.

    The SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical Committee approved the agreement in a unanimous vote on Wednesday, SAG-AFTRA announced. The strike will end at 12:01 am Thursday. On Friday, the deal will go to the union’s national board on Friday for approval.

    The performers’ union announced the provisional agreement on Wednesday, after about two weeks of renewed negotiations. The development on Wednesday came not long before a deadline of 5pm that the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers had set for the union to give their answer on whether they had a deal.

    At the weekend, the AMPTP announced it was making its “last and final offer” to the guild, a statement that was widely mocked by actors on social media, and it was revealed that the two sides were still some distance apart on provisions such as protection against the use of AI to copy performers’ images.

    What does this mean for actors?

    SAG-AFTRA members Nia Vardalos and Octavia Spencer walk the line at Disney Studios in Burbank, CA on 9/20.
    SAG-AFTRA members Nia Vardalos and Octavia Spencer walk the line at Disney Studios in Burbank, CA on 9/20. Photo courtesy of SAG.

    While the board and the membership still have to ratify the new agreement, it effectively means a new three-year contact with a host of changes to how revenue is shared and other protections for performers.

    SAG-AFTRA has yet to reveal explicit details of the new contract.

    Related Article: Writers Guild Makes Tentative Deal with Studios to End Strike

    When will shows and movies get back to work?

    Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine in 'Deadpool 3.'
    (L to R) Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine in ‘Deadpool 3.’ Photo courtesy of Ryan Reynolds Instagram account.

    Between the writers’ new contract and this agreement to end the actors’ strike, it means that Hollywood can officially start production on movies and TV shows within a few weeks, or potentially, a few days.

    Of course, given the delays from the twin strikes, there will be a scramble for available talent and studio space, particularly on the movie front, meaning that some productions will still be delayed.

    We can expect a period of frenzied activity now, but with the incoming holiday period, the various studios and TV networks will once more be quiet as workers take time off.

    The companies had already been putting plans in place to shift release dates and TV series launches, and we’d expect most of those changes to stick if there isn’t time to get productions moving again quickly again.

    All told, the Hollywood strikes have cost the Southern California economy an estimated $6.5 billion and 45,000 entertainment industry jobs after the WGA hit the picket lines in May, followed by SAG-AFTRA in July.

    SAG-AFTRA on strike.
    SAG-AFTRA on strike. Photo courtesy of SAG-AFTRA.

    Movies Affected by the SAG-AFTRA Strike:

    Buy ‘Deadpool’ Movies On Amazon

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  • ‘Mission: Impossible 8’ Delayed to 2025

    Tom Cruise in 'Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One' from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.
    Tom Cruise in ‘Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One’ from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.

    Preview

    • The actors’ strike means ‘Mission: Impossible 8’ won’t be ready for next year.
    • The next ‘Mission’ movie is shifting to Memorial Day weekend 2025.
    • With that change, other Paramount movies are changing dates, including ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’.

    The cavalcade of movies being delayed because of the ongoing actors’ strike continues. We recently brought word that ‘Deadpool 3’ was joining the list of movies going into release limbo, and now ‘Mission: Impossible 8’ is facing another date change.

    Work on the two ‘Mission’ movies (‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning’ finally arrived this year to somewhat disappointing box office figures) has been packed with problems –– especially the Covid-19 pandemic, which shut down shooting almost immediately.

    Despite heroic attempts to keep it going, more delays and problems cropped up. And, of course, with SAG-AFTRA members on strike, that means that the cast cannot work on the film until the issue is resolved.

    Unlike other movies, which have the potential to gear back up quickly once the strike is resolved, ‘Mission: Impossible 8’ has a lot of footage left to shoot and requires globe-trotting travel, multiple crews and huge logistical planning.

    While ‘Mission: Impossible 8’ was scheduled for June 28th next year, it’s now shifted to May 23, 2025, Paramount likely hoping that the Memorial Day weekend will offer a prime opportunity to lure in audiences. It means (barring other movies shifting to the same period) ready access to IMAX screens and a historically successful spot for Cruise movies following ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ last year.

    So now we can add industrial action to Covid on the list of obstacles that Tom Cruise cannot hurdle.

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    When was ‘Mission: Impossible 8’ originally to be released?

    Hayley Atwell and Tom Cruise in 'Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning - Part One' from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.
    (L to R) Hayley Atwell and Tom Cruise in ‘Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning – Part One’ from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.

    This is far from the first release date change for the movie, which was originally scheduled for August 5th, 2022, but was then delayed to November 4th of that year. Yet the tough production schedule meant more changes.

    At one point, it was dated for July 7th of this year, before setting its most recent slot. And now, we’ll have to wait even longer. But knowing Cruise, Christopher McQuarrie and co., it’ll be worth our patience.

    Related Article: ‘Deadpool 3’ Faces Release Date Delay Amidst Actors Strike

    Other movies changing release dates

    Noah Jupe and John Krasinski
    (L-R) Noah Jupe and director John Krasinski and on the set of Paramount Pictures’ “A Quiet Place Part II.”

    ‘Mission’s arrival in May 2025 punts Paramount’s latest animated ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ movie (which has yet to confirm a title) to December 19th of that year, which unfortunately puts it squarely in the crosshairs of the third ‘Avatar’ movie.

    With the June 28th slot opening up next year, Paramount is shifting horror thriller prequel ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ from its planned March launch to that date. The film, which stars Lupita Nyong’o, is set on the day the sound-hunting aliens arrive and start causing chaos.

    Elsewhere, John Krasinski’s latest directorial effort ‘IF’, starring Ryan Reynolds, is moving a week from May 24th to May 17th.

    Tom Cruise plays Ethan Hunt in 'Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning - Part One 'from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.
    Tom Cruise plays Ethan Hunt in ‘Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning – Part One ‘from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.

    List of Movies and TV Shows in the ‘Mission: Impossible’ Franchise:

    Buy ‘Mission: Impossible’ Movies On Amazon

     

  • Hollywood A-List Actors Make Offer To Help End Actors Strike

    (Far Left) George Clooney in Universal Pictures' 'Ticket to Paradise.' (Center Left) Emma Stone in 'Gangster Squad.' Photo Courtesy of Warner Bros. (Center Right) Ben Affleck as Phil Knight in 'Air.' Photo: Courtesy of Amazon Studios. © Amazon Content Services LLC. (Far Right) Scarlett Johansson in Marvel Studios' 'Black Widow.' Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved.
    (Far Left) George Clooney in Universal Pictures’ ‘Ticket to Paradise.’ (Center Left) Emma Stone in ‘Gangster Squad.’ Photo Courtesy of Warner Bros. (Center Right) Ben Affleck as Phil Knight in ‘Air.’ Photo: Courtesy of Amazon Studios. © Amazon Content Services LLC. (Far Right) Scarlett Johansson in Marvel Studios’ ‘Black Widow.’ Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved.

    Preview

    • Hollywood top earners meet with SAG-AFTRA leaders, offering to remove the cap on membership dues
    • The actors are asking for better work conditions and pay, including residuals from streaming services and protection from AI
    • The AMPTP and SAG walked away from the table on October 11, unable to come to an agreement on a deal

    The biggest stars in Hollywood may have a solution to help end the actors’ strike, offering to remove the $1 million cap on membership dues, as well as a “bottom-up” residual structure to help actors lower on the call sheet to be paid first.

    George Clooney, Scarlett Johansson, Tyler Perry, And More Spoke With SAG-AFTRA Leaders

    George Clooney and Tiffany Boone on the set of Netflix's 'The Midnight Sky.'
    George Clooney and Tiffany Boone on the set of Netflix’s ‘The Midnight Sky.’

    Deadline has learned exclusively that some of the top-paid actors in Hollywood met with SAG-AFTRA leaders on Tuesday to find a way to end the actors strike. George Clooney, who spoke with Deadline, confirms the meeting:

    ‘A lot of the top earners want to be part of the solution,” the two-time Oscar winner told Deadline. “We’ve offered to remove the cap on dues, which would bring over $50 million to the union annually. Well over $150 million over the next three years. We think it’s fair for us to pay more into the union. We also are suggesting a bottom-up residual structure — meaning the top of the call sheet would be the last to collect residuals, not the first. These negotiations will be ongoing, but we wanted to show that we’re all in this together and find ways to help close the gap on actors getting paid.”

    Alongside Clooney, stars such as Tyler Perry, Scarlett Johansson, Ben Affleck, Ryan Reynolds, Meryl Streep, Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston, Emma Stone, Bradley Cooper, Laura Dern, and Kerry Washington were a part of Tuesday’s Zoom meeting (via THR).

    SAG-AFTRA leaders have brought the offer to the negotiating committee.

    Related Article: Talks Between Striking Actors and the Major Studios Have Broken Down After Another Day of Negotiation

    The SAG-AFTRA Strike Has Been Going For Over 98 Days

    SAG-AFTRA members Nia Vardalos and Octavia Spencer walk the line at Disney Studios in Burbank, CA on 9/20.
    SAG-AFTRA members Nia Vardalos and Octavia Spencer walk the line at Disney Studios in Burbank, CA on 9/20. Photo courtesy of SAG.

    The SAG-AFTRA strike began on July 14, 2023, and has been ongoing for over 98 days. The actors are seeking a new deal for better work conditions and wages as well as residuals, especially since streaming has changed the landscape of entertainment. They also seek protection from the use of AI, something that can replicate an actor’s likeness and performance.

    The strike has caused a significant pause in the entertainment industry, along with the WGA strike, which began on May 2, 2023. Recently, the WGA has reached an agreement with the AMPTP after a grueling 148 days. Due to the SAG strike, the actors are prohibited from doing promotion or publicity work for any struck projects, meaning they cannot appear on red carpets for premieres or take part in interviews. All production is halted, with the exception of a production where an interim agreement has been approved by SAG-AFTRA.

    The negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP paused on October 11, without reaching a deal.

    SAG-AFTRA on strike.
    SAG-AFTRA on strike. Photo courtesy of SAG-AFTRA.

    Movies Affected by the SAG-AFTRA Strike:

    Buy ‘Deadpool’ Movies On Amazon

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  • ‘The Bikeriders’ Moves From Its Planned December 1st Launch

    Austin Butler as Benny in 20th Century Studios' 'The Bikeriders'.
    Austin Butler as Benny in 20th Century Studios’ ‘The Bikeriders’. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    Preview

    • Who is in the cast of ‘The Bikeriders’
    • The movie will campaign for Best Original Screenplay in the upcoming award season
    • The studio is citing the SAG-AFTRA as the reason for the delay, as actors are currently prohibited from doing promotional work or publicity.

    Jeff Nichols’ upcoming film has been moved off its original release date of December 1, 2023, with no new release date on the calendar.

    ’The Bikeriders’ will star Austin Butler (‘Elvis’) as Benny, Tom Hardy (‘Venom: Let There Be Carnage’) as Johnny, Jodie Comer (‘The Last Duel’) as Kathy, Michael Shannon (‘Amsterdam’) as Zipco, Mike Faist (‘West Side Story’) as Danny Lyon, Norman Reedus (‘The Walking Dead’) as Funny Sonny, and Boyd Holbrook (‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’) as Cal.

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    What Is ‘The Bikeriders’ About?

    Austin Butler as Benny in 20th Century Studios' 'The Bikeriders.'
    Austin Butler as Benny in 20th Century Studios’ ‘The Bikeriders.’ Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    Written and directed by Jeff Nichols, the movie is inspired by the photo and interview book by Danny Lyons. It was published in 1968 and is filled with black-and-white photographs and interviews with members of the Chicago Outlaws Motorcycle Club.

    The official synopsis for the movie:

    “The Bikeriders” is a furious drama following the rise of a fictional 1960s Midwestern motorcycle club through the lives of its members. Inspired by Danny Lyon’s iconic book of photography, “The Bikeriders” immerses you in the look, feel, and sounds of the bare-knuckled, grease-covered subculture of ’60s motorcycle riders. Kathy (Jodie Comer), a strong-willed member of the Vandals who’s married to a wild, reckless bikerider named Benny (Austin Butler), recounts the Vandals’ evolution over the course of a decade, beginning as a local club of outsiders united by good times, rumbling bikes, and respect for their strong, steady leader Johnny (Tom Hardy). Over the years, Kathy tries her best to navigate her husband’s untamed nature and his allegiance to Johnny, with whom she feels she must compete for Benny’s attention. As life in the Vandals gets more dangerous, and the club threatens to become a more sinister gang, Kathy, Benny and Johnny are forced to make choices about their loyalty to the club and to each other.”

    According to Variety, even though the film is based on Lyons’ book of the same name, the WGA has classified it as original work, and the studio will campaign for Best Original Screenplay for the awards season.

    Related Article: ‘The Bikeriders’ Trailer

    The SAG-AFTRA Strike Cite As Reason For Date Change

    SAG-AFTRA on strike.
    SAG-AFTRA on strike. Photo courtesy of SAG-AFTRA.

    The studio is citing the actors’ strike for the change in the movie’s release schedule, The Hollywood Reporter has learned exclusively. As actors are prohibited from doing any sort of promotional work or publicity during the strike, perhaps the right decision is to wait for the strike to end so the star-studded cast can talk about the movie.

    However, with the talks between SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP halting, there’s no telling when this strike will be over.

    ‘The Bikeriders’ would have also shared an opening weekend with Beyoncé’s concert movie ‘Renaissance’, and given how successful Taylor Swift’s ‘Eras Tour’ movie is at the box office, it gives an additional reason for moving the film off its original release date.

    20th Century Studios' 'The Bikeriders' opens in theaters on December 1st.
    20th Century Studios’ ‘The Bikeriders’ opens in theaters on December 1st.

    Movies Similar to ‘The Bikeriders’:

    Buy Austin Butler Movies On Amazon

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  • SAG-AFTRA Strike Negotiations Stall

    SAG-AFTRA members walk the line in Northhampton on 9/21.
    SAG-AFTRA members walk the line in Northhampton on 9/21. Photo courtesy of SAG.

    Preview

    • The latest talks between the striking actors’ union and the studio representatives have ended without much progress.
    • The actors are seeking a similar new deal to what the writers recently secured, albeit with their own extra points.
    • Studio representative body the AMPTP claims that the gap between the parties is “too great” right now.

    Just when it looked like there was hope for an end to the actors’ strike following the resolution of the writers’ industrial action (the new contract for writers was officially ratified by 99% of the WGA membership on Monday), some cold water was thrown by news yesterday that performers’ union SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers that represents studios were “too far apart” on talks for their own deal.

    The actors have now been officially on strike since July 14th, essentially bringing Hollywood production in the States and elsewhere in the world to a standstill with the impact felt in shut down movies, delayed release dates and a shaken-up TV schedule, networks filling fall slots with reality shows and series that had already been in production.

    And, as has been the case throughout the strike, the two sides are waging a war of words to present their side of negotiations.

    Related Article: Writers Guild Makes Tentative Deal with Studios to End Strike

    SAG-AFTRA’s statement on the talks progress

    SAG-AFTRA members Nia Vardalos and Octavia Spencer walk the line at Disney Studios in Burbank, CA on 9/20.
    SAG-AFTRA members Nia Vardalos and Octavia Spencer walk the line at Disney Studios in Burbank, CA on 9/20. Photo courtesy of SAG.

    Here’s what SAG-AFTRA’s leadership told members in its latest release:

    “We have negotiated with them in good faith, despite the fact that last week they presented an offer that was, shockingly, worth less than they proposed before the strike began. 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. The companies are using the same failed strategy they tried to inflict on the WGA –– putting out misleading information in an attempt to fool our members into abandoning our solidarity and putting pressure on our negotiators. But, just like the writers, our members are smarter than that and will not be fooled.”

    The actors’ union has been pushing for various new deal points, including protection against the use of AI to replace some performers and an 11% increase in minimum payments (by comparison, both the Directors Guild and the writers secured 5).

    AMPTP put out its own statement on the talks

    WGA + SAG-AFTRA members walk the line at Paramount on Sept. 20.
    WGA + SAG-AFTRA members walk the line at Paramount on Sept. 20. Photo courtesy of SAG-AFTRA.

    The alliance offered its usual publicity blast to explain its side of the matter:

    “SAG-AFTRA’s current offer included what it characterized as a viewership bonus that, by itself, would cost more than $800 million per year – which would create an untenable economic burden. SAG-AFTRA presented few, if any, moves on the numerous remaining open items. After meaningful conversations, it is clear that the gap between the AMPTP and SAG-AFTRA is too great, and conversations are no longer moving us in a productive direction.”

    We would expect this back-and-forth to continue for some time, with little forward movement (and it feels like the studios are once more the main sticking point). So, if you were hoping that your favorite show or that movie you were anticipating would be back on the schedule soon, we’d say patience is a virtue.

    SAG-AFTRA on strike.
    SAG-AFTRA on strike. Photo courtesy of SAG-AFTRA.

    Movies Affected by the SAG-AFTRA Strike:

    Buy ‘Deadpool’ Movies On Amazon

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  • Disney/Marvel Updates On ‘Deadpool 3’ Release

    (Left) Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman discuss Marvel Studios' 'Deadpool 3.' Photo courtesy of Ryan Reynolds YouTube channel. (Right) Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine in 'Deadpool 3.' Photo courtesy of Ryan Reynolds Instagram account.
    (Left) Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman discuss Marvel Studios’ ‘Deadpool 3.’ Photo courtesy of Ryan Reynolds YouTube channel. (Right) Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine in ‘Deadpool 3.’ Photo courtesy of Ryan Reynolds Instagram account.

    Preview

    • ‘Deadpool 3’ is among the big movies that studios will want to prioritize shooting once the ongoing actors’ strike is resolved.
    • Director Shawn Levy has talked about how far along ‘Deadpool 3’ was in its shoot.
    • Other movies likely to be prioritized include ‘Beetlejuice 2’, ‘Mission: Impossible –– Dead Reckoning Part 2’ and ‘Captain America: Brave New World’.

    With news arriving yesterday that the members of the Writers Guild of America have officially ratified their new contract with the studios, one of the major strikes impacting Hollywood’s production process has come to an end.

    All eyes are naturally now on the industrial action by SAG-AFTRA members, with the actors looking to score their own new deal with the companies. Negotiations on that one are still ongoing (the next round is scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday October 11th) and there is no sign of an agreement in place yet, even if the writers’ deal means a clearer pathway to one.

    But what happens when a deal is finally sealed, and actors are available to work again? The dam breaks on all the various productions that have been paused and studios must decide which movies in particular to prioritize.

    Related Article: Shawn Levy says ‘Deadpool 3’ is “Director Heaven”, and Promises It Will Be “Raw and Audacious”

    ‘Deadpool 3’ as a priority

    Reynolds as Deadpool
    Ryan Reynolds in 20th Century Fox’s ‘Deadpool.’

    For Disney, one of the bigger projects to gear back up as a priority is ‘Deadpool 3,’ featuring the return of Ryan Reynolds’ Wade Wilson, the “Merc with a Mouth”.

    This latest entry in the superhero franchise features Hugh Jackman appearing as Wolverine for the first time, which naturally makes it an exciting one for fans.

    Director Shawn Levy has been making the movie and reported that he was roughly halfway through the shoot when the strike shut it down.

    Here’s Levy on whether he’d front-loaded the big effects that could have been worked on during the strike:

    “That would have been smarter than I am. That would have been so savvy. But I guess, like others in our industry, I somehow thought this second strike would be averted. Then suddenly, it was upon us, and I had to send several hundred people home, and they’re still waiting to come back to work. So, I’m just really — I don’t use this word lightly — I’m yearning for a resolution that feels fair and equitable and gets this industry back to work.”

    With Disney and Marvel currently sticking to their May 3rd, 2024, release date, the pressure will naturally be on to complete the film. But if the actors’ strike goes on beyond the next few weeks, expect that to change.

    What other movies will be priorities?

    Hayley Atwell and Tom Cruise in 'Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning - Part One' from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.
    (L to R) Hayley Atwell and Tom Cruise in ‘Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning – Part One’ from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.

    According to a new report from The Wrap, there are a variety of big films that were already in progress which will gear back up once the strike ends.

    Among them? ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 2’, whose mammoth, marathon shoot was shut down, Tim Burton’s ‘Beetlejuice 2,’ which the director has said was “99% done” before the strike, and another Marvel title, ‘Captain America: Brave New World’.

    Of course, first we need the strike to be over, and that’ll require a fair deal from the studios. Keep those fingers crossed, everyone.

    Hugh Jackman will return as Wolverine in Marvel Studios' 'Deadpool 3.'
    Hugh Jackman will return as Wolverine in Marvel Studios’ ‘Deadpool 3.’

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Deadpool 3:’

    Buy ‘Deadpool’ Movies On Amazon

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  • End of Writers Guild Strike in Sight as Deal Struck

    WGAW member urges "AI Protections Now" at 9/12's Showrunner Solidarity picket at Fox.
    WGAW member urges “AI Protections Now” at 9/12’s Showrunner Solidarity picket at Fox. Photo courtesy of WGA.

    Hollywood –– at least, the part that relies on scripted material featuring actors –– has been largely at a standstill since May of this year, as the Writers Guild, followed, by the actors/performers union SAG-AFTRA went on strike for a better deal from the studios, as represented by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).

    It has been 146 days since the start of the writers’ strike, but on Sunday, after a long stretch of negotiations before the weekend and through it, a deal has been agreed, at least on paper.

    This doesn’t however, mean that the strike ends immediately. While picketing has been suspended by writers, the union’s members still have to vote to ratify a new three-year contract featuring the improved terms negotiated.

    Assuming the guild approves the deal, the strike could be officially over by the end of the week.

    WGA speaks out

    WGA + SAG-AFTRA members walk the line at Showrunner Solidarity picket at Fox on 9/12.
    WGA + SAG-AFTRA members walk the line at Showrunner Solidarity picket at Fox on 9/12. Photo courtesy of WGA.

    This is what the WGA’s leadership sent to members once the deal was finalized:

    “What we have won in this contract — most particularly, everything we have gained since May 2nd — is due to the willingness of this membership to exercise its power, to demonstrate its solidarity, to walk side-by-side, to endure the pain and uncertainty of the past 146 days. It is the leverage generated by your strike, in concert with the extraordinary support of our union siblings, that finally brought the companies back to the table to make a deal.”

    To see the full statement, go to the WGA West site.

    It is also not the end of the actors’ strike –– but a deal between the writers and the AMPTP means that a path to that is now much clearer.

    Related Article: Stephen Amell of ‘Heels’ Attacks SAG-AFTRA Strike as ‘Reductive Negotiating Tactic’

    What happened with the strike(s)?

    SAG-AFTRA on strike.
    SAG-AFTRA on strike. Photo courtesy of SAG-AFTRA.

    The actors’ strike, which began on July 14th, follows similar action by the Writers Guild of America, the workers looking for a better deal.

    The WGA went on strike on May 2nd, after its own contract ran out with the AMPTP.

    Much like the Writers’ Guild, the actors’ unions had been negotiating with the AMPTP to secure a new contract. Actors have long been unhappy with reduced residuals brought about by streaming services and are displeased by studios claiming they can’t pay more while company CEOs earn millions. And roughly 12% of actors working today make the minimum required to trigger health benefits and keep their livelihoods.

    Here’s SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher on the actors’ strike announcement:

    “The gravity of this move is not lost on me or our negotiating committee or our board members who have voted unanimously to proceed with a strike. It’s a very serious thing that impacts thousands, if not millions, of people all across this country and around the world.”

    Another key issue has been studios’ concerning efforts to bring in new technology to replace physical performers. When the strike was called yesterday, SAG-AFTRA revealed one pertinent detail of a studio offer –– digitizing the likeness of background players (or extras), paying them for one day’s work but then being able to use their image in perpetuity and however they please with no other payment.

    Now, at last, it appears everyone is on a path to get back to work, which means an end to movies and TV series being delayed, a return for shows to the air and fresh development on new projects.

    Hundreds of showrunners gather for group shot at Showrunner Solidarity Day at Fox on 9/12.
    Hundreds of showrunners gather for group shot at Showrunner Solidarity Day at Fox on 9/12. Photo: J.W. Hendricks.

    Movies Affected by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA Strike:

    Buy ‘Deadpool’ Movies On Amazon

     

  • Zachary Levi Calls Out “Hollywood Garbage”

    Zachary Levi as Shazam in New Line Cinema’s action adventure 'Shazam! Fury of the Gods,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
    Zachary Levi as Shazam in New Line Cinema’s action adventure ‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2023 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Zachary Levi continues to be one of the more outspoken actors, especially at a time when performers and writers can’t talk up their work given the strikes.

    In fact, he broached that very subject recently, receiving backlash for seemingly speaking out against the strikes.

    Levi recently clarified his comments on striking.

    “I fully support my union, the WGA, and the strike. I remain an outspoken critic of the exploitative system that us artists are subject to work in since I started my journey in this business 25 years ago. This strike is necessary to protect ourselves, our writers, and all those working in production who make the industry move.”

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    Levi calls out Hollywood garbage

    Adam Brody as Super Hero Freddy, Zachary Levi as Shazam, Meagan Good as Super Hero Darla and D.J. Cotrona as Super Hero Pedro in New Line Cinema’s action adventure 'Shazam! Fury of the Gods,'a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures.
    (L to R) Adam Brody as Super Hero Freddy, Zachary Levi as Shazam, Meagan Good as Super Hero Darla and D.J. Cotrona as Super Hero Pedro in New Line Cinema’s action adventure ‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods,’a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2021 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved. TM & © DC.

    But this weekend, he turned his attention obliquely to work, calling out the studios for producing what he called “garbage”.

    This is what Levi said at Fan Expo Chicago, as reported by Entertainment Weekly:

    “I personally feel like the amount of content that comes out of Hollywood that is garbage — they don’t care enough to actually make it great for you guys. They don’t. How many times do you watch a trailer and go, ‘Oh my god, this looks so cool!’ Then you go to the movie and it’s like, ‘This was what I get?’ They know that once you’ve already bought the ticket and you’re in the seat, they’ve got your money. And the only way for us to change any of it is to not go to the garbage. We have to actively not choose the garbage. It’ll help. It’ll help a lot.”

    It’s a matter of some irony that audiences rejected Levi’s latest output, as superhero sequel ‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods’ flopped at the box office earlier this year, making $133.8 million worldwide (not great given its estimated $125 million budget and unknown marketing costs).

    Related Article: ‘Shazam!’ Actor Zachary Levi Opens About The Negative Reviews For The Sequel

    Charlie Kaufman speaks out

    Jessie Buckley as Young Woman and director Charlie Kaufman on the set of 'I'm Thinking Of Ending Things.'
    (L to R) Jessie Buckley as Young Woman and director Charlie Kaufman on the set of ‘I’m Thinking Of Ending Things.’ Photo: Mary Cybulski/NETFLIX © 2020.

    Yet Levi wasn’t alone in his comments. Charlie Kaufman, the writer/director behind ‘Synecdoche, New York’ and 2020’s ‘I’m Thinking of Ending Things’ was leading a masterclass at the Sarajevo Film Festival and urged filmmakers to find a new way to create work outside of the studio system.

    According to Deadline, this is what he said:

    “At this point, the only thing that makes money is garbage. It’s just fascinating. It makes a fortune, and that’s the bottom line. It’s very seductive to the studios but also to the people who engage and become the makers of that garbage, especially if they’re lauded for the garbage because they don’t have to look inward or think long about what they’re doing.”

    He also touched on the subject of A.I. –– which has been a hot-button topic, especially between writers and the studios as the strikes rumble on.

    This was his comment:

    “Once you give that up and allow the studios to use AI to write their screenplay, there’s no going back. Then there’s no hope because AI can’t create a moment of humanity. As long as people are doing it and there’s that struggle, then there’s always a chance that something will come out of it that will be worth something to human beings.”

    Ross Butler as Super Hero Eugene, Adam Brody as Super Hero Freddy, Grace Caroline Currey as Super Hero Mary, Zachary Levi as Shazam, Meagan Good as Super Hero Darla and D. J. Cotrona as Super Hero Pedro in New Line Cinema’s action adventure Shazam! Fury of the Gods,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
    (L to R) Ross Butler as Super Hero Eugene, Adam Brody as Super Hero Freddy, Grace Caroline Currey as Super Hero Mary, Zachary Levi as Shazam, Meagan Good as Super Hero Darla and D. J. Cotrona as Super Hero Pedro in New Line Cinema’s action adventure Shazam! Fury of the Gods,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2022 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved. TM & © DC.

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    Please click on the video player below to watch our interview with Zachary Levi and the cast of ‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods.’

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  • ‘Arrow’ Star Stephen Amell Rejects The Actors’ Strike

    ‘Arrow’ Star Stephen Amell Will Return as Oliver Queen in the Final Season of ‘The Flash.’
    ‘Arrow’ actor Stephen Amell. Photo by Steve Schofield / Contour by Getty Images.

    Stephen Amell, an actor who got his big break playing Oliver Queen on CW superhero series ‘Arrow’ (and went on to appear as the character in the various other DC shows on the network including ‘The Flash’ and ‘Legends of Tomorrow’), has spoken out against the industrial action under way by the union that represents him, SAG-AFTRA.

    Here’s what Amell said at the Galaxycon event this past weekend, as reported by Variety:

    “I support my union, I do. And I stand with them. I do not support striking. I don’t. I think that it is a reductive negotiating tactic. I find the entire thing incredibly frustrating. I think the thinking as it pertains to shows — like the show that I’m on that premiered last night (Starz’ wrestling series ‘Heels’, which launched its second season) — I think it’s myopic.”

    The statement makes Amell one of the highest-profile actors to speak out against the strike so far, though his sentiments are unlikely to be shared by most of his peers.

    Related Article: ‘Arrow’ Star Stephen Amell Will Return as Oliver Queen in the Final Season of ‘The Flash’

    What’s happening with the strike?

    SAG-AFTRA on strike.
    SAG-AFTRA on strike. Photo courtesy of SAG-AFTRA.

    The actors’ strike, which began on July 14th, follows similar action by the Writers Guild of America, the workers looking for a better deal. The WGA went on strike on May 2nd, after its own contract ran out with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).

    Much like the Writers’ Guild, the actors’ unions had been negotiating with the AMPTP to secure a new contract. Actors have long been unhappy with reduced residuals brought about by streaming services and are displeased by studios claiming they can’t pay more while company CEOs earn millions. And roughly 12% of actors working today make the minimum required to trigger health benefits and keep their livelihoods.

    Here’s SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher on the strike announcement:

    “The gravity of this move is not lost on me or our negotiating committee or our board members who have voted unanimously to proceed with a strike. It’s a very serious thing that impacts thousands, if not millions, of people all across this country and around the world.”

    Another key issue has been studios’ concerning efforts to bring in new technology to replace physical performers. When the strike was called, SAG-AFTRA revealed one pertinent detail of a studio offer –– digitizing the likeness of background players (or extras), paying them for one day’s work but then being able to use their image in perpetuity and however they please with no other payment.

    The AMPTP replied to that with the following statement:

    “The claim made today by SAG-AFTRA leadership that the digital replicas of background actors may be used in perpetuity with no consent or compensation is false. In fact, the current AMPTP proposal only permits a company to use the digital replica of a background actor in the motion picture for which the background actor is employed. Any other use requires the background actor’s consent and bargaining for the use, subject to a minimum payment.”

    When SAG-AFTRA voted to authorize the strike, an overwhelming 98% majority of returns gave guild leadership the green light to walk out of negotiations if needed, with roughly half of eligible members submitting ballots. Amell’s comments show there is a minority who would prefer not to take the strike action, but few have been prepared to speak out until now.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CvaNQOnp3F2/

     

    Amell walks back his comments

    Following an understandable backlash from fellow actors, Amell hit Instagram to clarify his statement.

    Here’s the opening to his statement, which you can read in full above:

    “Understandably, there has been a lot of reaction to the comments I made this weekend about our strike. To ensure there is no misunderstanding about my thoughts and intentions I’m providing what I actually said and clarity/context to ensure my feelings aren’t unintentionally misinterpreted. We all know soundbites can be taken out of context and I have too much respect for my fellow union members to not clarify the record.”

    ‘Arrow’ Star Stephen Amell Will Return as Oliver Queen in the Final Season of ‘The Flash.’
    Stephen Amell on The CW’s ‘Arrow.’

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  • ‘Deadpool 3’ Halts Shooting as Actors Go on Strike

    Hugh Jackman will return as Wolverine in Marvel Studios' 'Deadpool 3.'
    Hugh Jackman will return as Wolverine in Marvel Studios’ ‘Deadpool 3.’

    Given how much of the ‘Deadpool’ movies have been written on the fly, you might have expected the latest –– ‘Deadpool 3’ to shut down when the Writers Guild of America went out on strike earlier this year. And yet… it kept going, with no official explanation other than the fact that the script had already been written.

    But now, as SAG-AFTRA –– the union that represents actors –– joins the writers on the picket line, ‘Deadpool 3’ is among the productions shutting down.

    The third ‘Deadpool’, which also features Hugh Jackman’s return as Wolverine, had been shooting in the UK, and it’s clear the strike is having a global impact as other productions, such as the ‘Mortal Kombat’ sequel, which had been filming in Australia, are also shutting down.

    Many movies and shows had already been delayed by the writers’ strike, and the actors’ action promises to affect output even further. This represents the first time in decades that two branches of filmmaking unions have been on strike at the same time.

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    What’s happening with the actors’ strike?

    SAG-AFTRA on strike.
    SAG-AFTRA on strike. Photo courtesy of SAG-AFTRA.

    Much like the Writers’ Guild, the actors’ unions had been negotiating with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) to secure a new contract. Actors have long been unhappy with reduced residuals brought about by streaming services and are displeased by studios claiming they can’t pay more while company CEOs earn millions.

    Here’s SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher on the strike announcement:

    “The gravity of this move is not lost on me or our negotiating committee or our board members who have voted unanimously to proceed with a strike. It’s a very serious thing that impacts thousands, if not millions, of people all across this country and around the world.”

    Another key issue has been studios’ concerning efforts to bring in new technology to replace physical performers. When the strike was called yesterday, SAG-AFTRA revealed one pertinent detail of a studio offer –– digitizing the likeness of background players (or extras), paying them for one day’s work but then being able to use their image in perpetuity and however they please with no other payment.

    The AMPTP replied to that with the following statement:

    “The claim made today by SAG-AFTRA leadership that the digital replicas of background actors may be used in perpetuity with no consent or compensation is false. In fact, the current AMPTP proposal only permits a company to use the digital replica of a background actor in the motion picture for which the background actor is employed. Any other use requires the background actor’s consent and bargaining for the use, subject to a minimum payment.”

    Loopholes

    Emma D’Arcy as "Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen" and Matt Smith as "Prince Daemon Targaryen" in 'House of the Dragon.'
    (L to R) Emma D’Arcy as “Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen” and Matt Smith as “Prince Daemon Targaryen” in ‘House of the Dragon.’ Photograph by Ollie Upton/HBO.

    Not everything that had been shooting is shutting down, however –– some productions have been able to keep going through the writers’ strike (which started on May 2nd) because their scripts are complete. That includes HBO’s ‘Game of Thrones’ spin-off ‘House of the Dragon’, which is continuing to shoot through even through the actors’ strike as much of its cast is British and covered by the Equity actors’ union. And while some Equity members have promised to abide by the strike in solidarity with SAG-AFTRA, they have no legal protection if they end up fined or fired by companies they’re working for.

    Welcome, then, to the summer of strikes…

    Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine in 'Deadpool 3.'
    (L to R) Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine in ‘Deadpool 3.’ Photo courtesy of Ryan Reynolds Instagram account.

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