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'A lot of blood in the water.' Why actors' and writers' strikes are a big blow to Hollywood studios

https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2023-07-16/sag-aftra-strike-actors-writers-strike-hollywood-production-film-tv-disruption-fall-season

As SAG-AFTRA members join writers on picket lines, the fallout will disrupt Hollywood film and TV productions worldwide. 'There's going to be blood in the water,' said one analyst. 'This will not end well.'

'A lot of blood in the water.' Why actors' and writers' strikes are a big blow to Hollywood studios

9 comments

Nepenthe

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We’re looking at class warfare,” Nathanson said. “It’s become more than just about their work agreements, but also about statements they want to make about society and fairness. Working-class people are looking to take their anger out on the studio executives."

The subtle insinuation in that phrasing, that the executives are not at fault here, but merely benevolent rulers upon whose heads their workforce has spitefully misplaced the blame. AI capabilities have significantly improved, and now the human writers are demanding unnecessary expenses like money and job security. Pah!

A strike is certainly not the outcome we hoped for as studios cannot operate without the performers that bring our TV shows and films to life,” the [Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers] said. “The union has regrettably chosen a path that will lead to financial hardship for countless thousands of people who depend on the industry.”

Privately, company executives say their businesses won’t feel much financial pain for several months. Without widespread production, costs will be lower, which translates into higher profits — at least in the short term.

Studios also are expected to begin canceling TV writers’ overall deals to find more savings.

So it's just gonna be war, then.

stopthatgirl7

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I couldn’t help but notice how the article didn’t even mention the studio exec who said the plan was to wait until writers stating losing their homes before negotiating.

If there’s class warfare happening, they fired first.

Nepenthe

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I really hope that knowledge only emboldens them. There needs to be a contingency plan for when this point is reached. The most important action in this situation is to band closer and prop your colleagues up instead of crumbling, or they'll keep using the tactic to force workers on their knees.

FlyingSquid

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They seem to be forgetting they need celebrities to promote their movies and shows. None of them will be doing press junkets. Not even podcasts. Do they think their PR departments can replace something like that? Sure, maybe that won't stop people from going to see the next Marvel blockbuster, but it's not going to be good for their industry as a whole.

TubeTalkerX

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It’s always called Class Warfare when the Lower-Class start fighting back.

darkentries

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It’s gonna be a big year for YouTubers!

Ragnell

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They really are going to try to win a Public Relations War against a group of people selected SPECIFICALLY for their charisma and likeability. Wow.