Hollywood Is Bracing For Actors Strike

The writers had their 100 day strike last year and now the actors want concessions from the producers too. New technology is driving this enmity between Tinseltown workers and management. Product is being shown on all kinds of new devices (DVD, Internet) and actors want a fair cut. They will probably not get most of what they want, the writers sure didn't, but they will get some additional pieces of the pie (just enough to make them go back to work). The studios' contract with the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) expires June 30. We expect a strike. The studios are represented by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).

Although television and movie producers are trying to get as much product as possible completed before June 30, a strike will probably delay the 2009 TV season and some movies. This has to be painful for all involved, but it usually is when big money is at stake. The subplot is that prominent actors want to keep acting and not so prominent and unknown actors want to strike. Maybe this will provide opportunities for independent operators. Billions were lost during the writers strike. Billions more will be lost during a prolonged actors strike. We have our thinking caps on over here at AAEA.