Navigating the Post-SAG-AFTRA Strike Resurgence: A Dual Perspective from an Actor-Photographer
Navigating the Post-SAG-AFTRA Strike Resurgence: A Dual Perspective from an Actor-Photographer
This blog is intended for fellow actors and creatives, paying particular attention to the recent US actor’s Union strike that majorly shook up our industry in a way we have not seen before. In my capacity as both an actor and headshot photographer, I keenly felt the impact of the recent US SAG-AFTRA strike—a seismic event, influencing even the usually vibrant film scene here in the UK, where we have seen many high-profile American productions find their home to film over recent years.
The strike, grounded in the quest for fairer pay, reasonable working conditions and improved industry standards (including the growing use and capabilities of artificial intelligence), compelled a necessary pause, forcing us all to reflect on our roles and rights within this ever-changing industry.
US actors, including many household names like Sarah Jessica-Parker and Kevin Bacon, joined the picket lines in support of the fiery words and sentiments of Fran Drescher, the current President of the US actor’s Union.
Drescher emphasised the need for unity among actors, highlighting that collective strength is the key to achieving lasting change.
Throughout the strike, Drescher and other prominent Union figures underscored the importance of standing firm in the face of industry challenges, often handed down to us by the big Hollywood studio corporations. The Union’s words served as a rallying cry for actors worldwide, reminding us that our rights are non-negotiable and that advocating for fair treatment benefits not only us today but the industry as a whole in the future. It is a fact, we don’t yet know how artificial intelligence will impact on our world of film or know what benefits it may actually serve but having the awareness and ability to speak up for our work as actors must surely be the right cause of action.
We now stand on the cusp of 2024 and the post-strike era heralds promising opportunities now that a tentative agreement has been reached. Productions are gearing up and as an actor-photographer myself this is great news! The festive period is always a quiet time in our industry and so, now really is the best time I can recommend for an actor to invest in some new headshots, check over their current showreel footage, make any improvements to their Spotlight profile and get on the front foot for the new year!
Here’s hoping for a thriving film industry in 2024!