SAG-AFTRA has issued a clarification in response to member backlash regarding Halloween costume guidelines. The guidelines, intended to be “SAG-AFTRA strike-friendly,” were released on their website but garnered mixed reviews from members.
The guidelines initially advised SAG-AFTRA members not to post photos of costumes inspired by struck content on social media and encouraged them to choose costumes based on generalized characters like ghosts, zombies, or spiders. They also suggested dressing up as characters from non-struck content, such as animated TV shows.
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However, these guidelines triggered a range of reactions, including frustration and mockery, as Halloween is a popular holiday for children. Some members felt that these guidelines were unnecessary and impractical, given the festive nature of Halloween.
To address these concerns, SAG-AFTRA released a statement emphasizing that the guidelines do not apply to anyone’s children. The guild clarified that their primary focus is on the strike and getting the studios back to the negotiating table for a fair deal.
The statement explained, “SAG-AFTRA issued Halloween guidance in response to questions from content creators and members about how to support the strike during this festive season. This was meant to help them avoid promoting struck work, and it is the latest in a series of guidelines we have issued.”
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It’s important to note that SAG-AFTRA’s strike is not a result of walking away from contract negotiations but rather stemmed from the studios’ decision to cancel talks over objections to the guild’s revenue-sharing proposal. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) has yet to return to the bargaining table.
The backlash from members also included public criticism from former SAG-AFTRA President Melissa Gilbert, who expressed her frustration with the guidelines on Instagram, calling them “infantile” and urging the guild to focus on negotiation rather than issuing such policies.
On a lighter note, actor Ryan Reynolds, known for his role in Deadpool, humorously responded to the situation by joking on social media about playfully teasing his own child about being a “scab,” highlighting the playful side of the Halloween guidelines controversy.
SAG-AFTRA is continuing its strike for what it considers important reasons and is striving to reach a fair agreement for its members. The clarification underscores the seriousness of the strike while addressing the Halloween costume guidelines issued by the guild.
For Reel 360 News’ full strike coverage, click here.
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