Marvel Actor Says Not All Actors are a “Bunch of spoiled brats”: “They still can’t meet their bills, can’t pay for basics”
The ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike has put a halt to most Hollywood productions and now many actors are joining the protest including a Marvel actor. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) have declared a strike in response to the streaming boom in order to seek better pay and job security.
For the first time in more than 60 years, both authors and performers went on strike at the same time, which started on July 13. Additionally, it is SAG-AFTRA’s first walkout since 2008.
Regarding the strike, a Marvel actor spoke out.
Hollywood actors took a stand for fair pay on Day 7 of the SAG-AFTRA strike and Day 80 of the WGA strike in Century City’s 90-degree heat. The picket lines at Fox Studios were active, led by Michael Chiklis, Josh Heald, Dylan McDermott, Dermot Mulroney, and WGA West Vice President Michele Mulroney.
Chiklis, a well-known actor best known for his portrayal of Vic Mackey in The Shield and a longtime SAG-AFTRA member, underlined the need of reaching a fair agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. He advocated a united front and a return to the negotiating table by both parties to settle the differences.
Beyond the picket lines, Chiklis also emphasized the difficulties encountered by industry workers who put in rigorous 85-plus-hour work weeks while still having trouble making ends meet. “They still can’t meet their bills, can’t pay for basics,” he said. Chiklis also said that not all actors are a “Bunch of spoiled brats.”
He expressed worry that the business had not adequately conveyed the realities of film and television production, frequently portraying a glamorized picture that misrepresented the difficulties encountered by employees.
Chiklis further emphasized the value of integrity and openness and urged businesses to recognize the vulnerability and challenges many employees experience. He urged both sides to behave properly, stressing that going on strike would only cause financial losses for all parties and that it was time to come to an agreeable conclusion through negotiation.
Chiklis and his fellow strikers want Hollywood to reach a turning point where fair pay and an understanding of the difficulties facing the business are okay. The message is crystal clear and it says to establish a compromise that benefits all parties involved in the entertainment sector, set aside differences of opinion, and act maturely.
One studio has agreed to abide by SAG-AFTRA’s demands
As the first studio to consent to SAG-AFTRA’s demands, A24, the small but renowned independent film studio behind blockbusters like Lady Bird and Moonlight, has stepped forward. This represents a huge win for the union since the internet community has taken note of A24’s willingness to comply with the demands.
Disney, Warner Bros., and SAG-AFTRA are still at odds because the studios haven’t come to an agreement on the union’s demands. The studios argue that paying actors the same amount for streaming releases as they do for theatrical ones will result in losses due to the possibility that streaming releases won’t be as successful.
Read More: What is SAG-AFTRA Strike? Why Are Hollywood Actors Mutinying Against the Movie and TV Industry
SAG-AFTRA is certain that actors should receive adequate payments for their hard work, regardless of how it is distributed. They underline the significance of streaming and the fact that Disney and Warner Bros. each make billions from streaming revenue alone, making it appear ridiculous that they cannot pay adequate salaries.
Read More: Tom Cruise Had an Uncomfortable Conversation With Studios and SAG Before the Actors Strike
Source: Twitter
