Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator of SAG-AFTRA, recently voiced concerns about potential setbacks in LGBTQ+ representation in film due to delays in negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). Crabtree-Ireland’s remarks came during a press conference announcing GLAAD’s annual Studio Responsibility Index.
The joint GLAAD press event featured speakers from SAG-AFTRA and WGA, emphasizing the urgent need for actors, writers, and creatives at all levels to return to work to preserve and advance LGBTQ+ representation.
Hey! Give us your email and we’ll give you news!
Subscribe to our FREE (yes FREE) weekly elert and get the latest news in advertising, film, TV and post-production. And more!
GLAAD’s Studio Responsibility Index assesses the quantity, quality, and diversity of LGBTQ+ characters in film. It serves as a roadmap for studios, identifying opportunities to increase and enhance fair, accurate, and inclusive LGBTQ+ representation in storytelling.
Crabtree-Ireland emphasized that the delays in restarting negotiations with writers and actors unions, led by the studios and streamers represented by AMPTP, could adversely affect LGBTQ+ representation in the entertainment industry in 2024 and beyond. He stated, “Though some gains have been made in recent years, storytelling that reflects the full, true spectrum of the human experience is currently under attack. The AMPTP companies are complicit in this regressive push if they continue preventing artists from getting back to work and making their worldview-changing stories.”
REELated:
SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher echoed these concerns, emphasizing the importance of diverse representation on screen. She said, “Seeing diverse representation on screen is vital for empowering everyone to embrace their authentic selves. Sadly, the longer the AMPTP companies keep the entertainment industry shut down by refusing to come back to the bargaining table, the more risk there is for disrupting the progress that’s been made in terms of inclusive representation.”
Jason Stuart, co-chair of the SAG-AFTRA National LGBTQ+ Committee, highlighted the significance of LGBTQ+ representation for young people. He added, “Seeing diverse representation on screen is particularly important for young people. They deserve to see themselves on screen. The actors and the writers know this. This is our lived reality.”
GLAAD president and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis stressed the vital connection between LGBTQ+ stories in film and cultural change, stating, “LGBTQ stories told through film have a powerful and inextricable link to culture change. With more people than ever now empowered to live authentically and openly, the cost of lost progress in LGBTQ representation on screen means erasure.”
Crabtree-Ireland concluded his remarks with an appeal to AMPTP companies, urging them to return to the bargaining table to resolve the ongoing stalemate. He emphasized the importance of continuing to share diverse and authentic stories in the entertainment industry.
SAG-AFTRA has been on strike for two months and the WGA for almost five. The Writers Guild is scheduled to meet with AMPTP tomorrow.
For Reel 360 News’ full strike coverage, click here.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram
