SAG-AFTRA is now on strike as Hollywood actors and writers are protesting for better pay and other working conditions. What that essentially implies is that, with a few exceptions for productions on the other side of the world, practically all Hollywood productions have come to a halt.
SAG-AFTRA might make an exception for independent productions, though. You may be allowed to keep working with union actors if you have a production truly independent, meaning there are no studios or streamers that are AMPTP members associated as producers or distributors.
Mark Ruffalo Got Some Serious Question
Hollywood is just paused following the SAG-AFTRA strike. Actors have joined the writers in strike which resulted in a halt of any new movie shooting or any promotion. Amidst all these, the independent producers had a question that’s asked, “What if I am an independent producer who’s not part of the AMPTP?”
The guild has its answer saying that “For independently produced content that comes within the scope of a strike order, the producer may qualify for an ‘Interim Agreement’ that would allow such productions to continue working during a strike.”
And the incredible Hulk Mark Ruffalo, who has been picketing in support of the WGA strike for a while now got some queries on this matter.
On Twitter, he asked, “How about we all jump into indies now? Content creators create a film & TV-making system alongside the studio & streaming networks. So there is actual competition.”
“Then we just do what we always do—create great content & they can buy it, or we take it out ourselves & WE share in those sales. They’ve created an empire of billionaires & believe that we are no longer of value. While they hang out in the billionaire boy summer camps laughing like fat cats, we organize a new world for workers.
“One sure way to strengthen our hand right now is to become very supportive & friendly to all independent projects immediately. Push every SAG-AFTRA member to join the ones that get SAG-AFTRA (WGA) WAIVERS immediately. The studios have no competition—this will change that.”
Mark Ruffalo took home nearly $35 million from MCU. Ruffalo continues to portray Bruce Banner, a.k.a. the Hulk, in the MCU, with his most recent appearance being in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law on Disney+.
What Does This Strike Mean for Indie Filmmakers?
The US actors’ union Sag-Aftra, which was created in 2012 through a merger between the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, announced the strike on Thursday morning following the failure of talks with the AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers), which represents studio bosses.
There are over 160,000 members of SAG-AFTEA, including actors in movies and TV shows, as well as performers in video games, radio hosts, models, and YouTube influencers.
Independent producers who aren’t associated with the AMPTP, the organization SAG-AFTRA is on strike against, can apply for interim arrangements that nevertheless allow their productions to go ahead, the union said.
There was a question on the guild’s FAQs that said that if one’s production would like to use the Interim Agreement, what the next step they need to take is.
It answers, “If you would like to apply for an Interim Agreement, please contact your assigned business representative. If you have questions about the Interim Agreement, please email sagaftrastrike@sagaftra.org”
There are no apparent holdouts; all US actors seem to be on board with the action. Only time will tell the course SAG-AFTRA will take when negotiations with the studios end soon.
Source: Twitter
