The actors and writers strikes in Hollywood have led to the shutdown of many film and television productions, including the “Gladiator” sequel and the live-action “Lilo & Stitch.” However, certain independent films and television productions have been given waivers by the union, allowing them to continue with Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) actors. This move has been seen as a negotiation tactic by the union leadership, but it has also caused division and confusion among those on the picket lines while famous actors like Anne Hathaway and Matthew McConaughey continue to work.
Here’s what you need to know about the “interim agreements” that are enabling some Hollywood productions to continue filming.
WHAT FALLS UNDER THE INTERIM AGREEMENTS?
The actors are currently striking against studios and streaming services that are part of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). This group includes 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, there are several independent production companies that are not affiliated with the AMPTP. These companies are allowed to film with SAG-AFTRA actors during the strike, as long as they agree to the terms proposed by the union during negotiations on July 12. These terms include a new minimum wage rate that is 11% higher than before, as well as guarantees about revenue sharing and AI protections.
These terms were rejected by the studios and streaming services, but SAG-AFTRA realized that some independent producers and smaller film studios, such as Neon and A24, were willing to agree to them in order to keep filming.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE PRODUCTIONS ALLOWED TO CONTINUE?
As of now, over 120 productions have been approved to continue filming. These include the Rebel Wilson comedy “Bride Hard,” an untitled Guy Ritchie project, a film starring Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd called “Death of a Unicorn,” the Matthew McConaughey thriller “The Rivals of the Amziah King,” and David Lowery’s pop star movie “Mother Mary,” starring Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel.
The list of approved productions is constantly being updated on SAG-AFTRA’s website. However, even some of the productions that have been granted waivers are choosing to pause for optics and solidarity. For example, Viola Davis decided to step away from her film “G20,” in which she plays the U.S. president at a G20 Summit overtaken by terrorists, despite the film being granted a waiver. “G20” was independently financed but was set to be distributed by Amazon Studios, which is a member of the AMPTP.
WHAT IS SAG-AFTRA’S STRATEGY?
According to Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the union’s chief negotiator, the interim agreements have several benefits for SAG-AFTRA members. Firstly, they provide empirical proof that the terms being sought in the negotiation are reasonable. Secondly, they offer opportunities for crews and actors to work, alleviating some of the financial pressures of the strike. Lastly, they may be getting the attention of the studios, as their unhappiness with the agreements confirms that the strategy is having an impact.
Emmy-winning actor Sheryl Lee Ralph, who is also the first vice president of the L.A. Local, supports the strategy of interim agreements. She believes it keeps conversations going with independent producers and smaller studios, which could push larger studios to consider similar agreements.
WHY IS IT CONTROVERSIAL?
To some members on the picket lines, it doesn’t feel like a unified work stoppage when major celebrities like Hathaway and McConaughey are still able to make movies. Comedian Sarah Silverman expressed her frustration about this loophole in an Instagram video. However, after meeting with SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher and Crabtree-Ireland, she acknowledged that the waivers could have both positive and negative aspects. Crabtree-Ireland emphasized that the union’s membership is clear on the fact that they are on strike against AMPTP companies and will not engage in production with them until a fair deal is reached.
WHAT HAPPENS IF AN AMPTP COMPANY BUYS THE FILM FOR DISTRIBUTION?
Some of the independent productions have their own distribution arms, while others sell to AMPTP companies who then distribute the films. This is a concern for SAG-AFTRA, but they accept it as a possibility. Crabtree-Ireland sees a potential upside if an AMPTP-owned streaming company acquires one of these projects, as the interim agreement includes a streaming revenue share proposal. In that case, the studios would have to cooperate with the proposed revenue sharing terms.
WHAT ABOUT ACTORS PROMOTING COMPLETED PROJECTS?
SAG-AFTRA is currently reviewing applications that would allow talent to promote independent films at upcoming fall festivals like Venice, Telluride, and Toronto. These festivals are proceeding with many high-profile world premieres regardless of actor availability. A film like Luc Besson’s “DogMan,” which is premiering at Venice, was recently granted an interim agreement, allowing its stars, like Caleb Landry Jones, to participate in red carpet appearances and interviews. Other independent films headed to these festivals, such as Sofia Coppola’s “Priscilla,” Michael Mann’s “Ferrari,” and Ava DuVernay’s “Origin,” could potentially be granted waivers as well.