As the deadline for a potential strike between SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers looms, top Hollywood PR firms representing A-list actors participated in a conference call with SAG-AFTRA officials.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the purpose of the call was to discuss protocols and best practices for promotion in the event of a strike, which could significantly impact PR tours and For Your Consideration (FYC) efforts. With negotiations reaching a critical stage, the entertainment industry braces for potential disruptions to film releases and promotional activities.
The union and studios have been engaged in back-and-forth battles to secure a new contract, with the midnight Wednesday deadline fast approaching. Both parties face the challenge of resolving key issues and reaching an agreement that satisfies the needs and demands of the industry’s actors and production companies.
So how with this affect promotion? The question has become increasingly significant as the summer movie season progresses and Emmy nominations are on the horizon. The potential strike could disrupt PR tours, press junkets, and FYC efforts, posing challenges for studios and talent alike.
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Major events like San Diego Comic-Con, known for its star-studded studio panels, will also be affected as prominent studios, including Marvel, Warner Bros./DC Studios, Netflix, and Universal, have already announced their absence from the convention.
The strike could also impact the premiere of the highly anticipated film Barbie recently took place, drawing attention to the ongoing strike concerns. Director Greta Gerwig highlighted the absence of her co-writer and partner Noah Baumbach due to the Writers Guild strike, emphasizing the importance of writers in the filmmaking process. The mention of the strike during the premiere underscores the broader impact a strike can have on the industry and its creative collaborations.
The industry has been anticipating the possibility of a double strike, as the WGA remains on strike and is seeking more strike captains to provide additional support if SAG-AFTRA goes on strike as well. The WGA strike, which began on May 2, has already halted significant physical production, with union writers ceasing work and picketing ongoing projects.
SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher and National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland had previously expressed optimism about the contract negotiations in a video statement. However, the member survey suggests that the union is preparing for the worst while hoping for a positive outcome in the talks with employers.
The last time SAG-AFTRA went on strike was in 1980.
