Anne Hathaway and Matthew McConaughey continue filming movies while SAG actors strike

Anne Hathaway and Matthew McConaughey continue filming movies while SAG actors strike

Lights, Camera, Strike: Inside Hollywood’s Interim Agreements

Lights, cameras, but not necessarily action – that’s the current state in Hollywood as the entertainment industry grapples with a strike by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). While the strike has brought major productions to a halt, a controversial tactic called “interim agreements” is allowing some movies to continue production. This move by the union has both divided and confused those on the picket lines, with celebrities like Anne Hathaway and Matthew McConaughey being able to work while others are on strike.

Breaking Down Interim Agreements

So, what exactly falls under these interim agreements? The strike is directed at studios and streaming services that are part of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), including major film studios like Disney, Paramount, Sony, Universal, and Warner Bros., as well as television networks such as ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC, and streaming services like Netflix, Apple TV+, and Amazon.

However, independent production companies not affiliated with the AMPTP have the option to film with SAG-AFTRA actors during the strike. To do so, they must agree to the terms proposed by the union during negotiations on July 12. These terms include an 11% increase in the minimum wage rate, guarantees regarding revenue sharing, and protections for artificial intelligence (AI).

While the major studios and streaming services rejected these terms, some independent producers and smaller film studios, including Neon and A24, were willing to meet the union’s demands. As a result, over 120 productions have been approved to continue filming, including projects like “Bride Hard” starring Rebel Wilson, an untitled Guy Ritchie film, “Death of a Unicorn” featuring Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd, “The Rivals of the Amziah King” starring Matthew McConaughey, and “Mother Mary” with Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel. The list of approved productions is constantly updated on SAG-AFTRA’s website.

The Strategy Behind Interim Agreements

Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA’s chief negotiator, believes there are several benefits to the union’s interim agreement strategy. Firstly, it provides empirical proof that the terms being sought in negotiations are reasonable, as hundreds of independent producers have agreed to produce under these terms. Secondly, it offers opportunities for crews and actors to work, alleviating some of the financial pressures associated with the strike. Lastly, it seems to be catching the attention of the major studios, with Crabtree-Ireland noting that “when the people you’re on strike against aren’t happy that you’re doing something, that probably means that it’s a tactic that’s having an impact.”

• Crypto.com, along with numerous other potential suitors, was not ch...
• Bill Gates used to compete with colleagues to sleep as little as po...
• Working from home for an extended period may have affected your bra...

Emmy-winning actor Sheryl Lee Ralph supports the interim agreements, emphasizing their effectiveness in engaging smaller producers. By demonstrating that lesser-known players are willing to abide by the union’s terms, it puts pressure on the major studios to reconsider their position and negotiate in good faith.

A Controversial Move

While interim agreements may be seen as a strategic maneuver, they have not been without controversy. Some members on the picket lines feel that the presence of celebrities like Hathaway and McConaughey making movies undermines the united front of the strike. Comedian Sarah Silverman, initially irked by the loophole, eventually acknowledged the nuanced nature of the situation and understood the positive and negative aspects of waivers.

Crabtree-Ireland acknowledges the concern surrounding the potentially mixed message sent by granting waivers to high-profile actors. However, he clarifies that AMPTP companies remain the primary targets of the strike. The union will not engage in production with these companies until they accept the same terms or negotiate a fair deal.

Distribution and Promotion Dilemmas

An additional complication arises when independent films produced under interim agreements are purchased for distribution by AMPTP companies. While some independent studios have their own distribution arms, others rely on agreements with major studios or streaming services. For instance, “G20” had already secured a deal with Amazon Studios for distribution before Viola Davis, its lead actor, decided to step away from the film in solidarity with the strike. Crabtree-Ireland acknowledges this concern but sees an upside if an AMPTP-owned streaming company acquires an independent project. The interim agreement includes a proposal for streaming revenue sharing, potentially benefitting both the union and the company involved.

In terms of promoting completed independent projects, SAG-AFTRA is currently reviewing applications that would allow talent to attend upcoming fall festivals such as Venice, Telluride, and Toronto. While some high-profile premieres have proceeded regardless of actor availability, the union is working to strike a balance that permits talent to promote independent films without undermining the larger strike effort.

Lights, cameras, interim agreements – these are the rapidly evolving dynamics of Hollywood’s strike. While controversy surrounding these agreements lingers, the union’s strategy aims to exert pressure on major studios while also providing opportunities for actors and crews. As tensions continue to rise on the picket lines, the outcome of this battle between creative professionals and corporate giants remains uncertain.