On Thursday, thousands of Hollywood film and television performers voted to strike, joining writers who went on strike 11 weeks ago. How will the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) walkout affect viewers’ favorite shows and films?
Hollywood actors’ strike: Which movies and television shows would be affected?
A walkout by actors would halt all film and scripted television show production in the United States, with the exception of independent enterprises not protected by labor contracts with unions. According to FilmLA, which issues film permits, work on dramas and comedies has already ceased in Los Angeles. The production of “Stranger Things,” “The Handmaid’s Tale,” and other shows has ceased.
What will the fall television season be like?
Broadcast networks such as Fox (FOXA.O) and Walt Disney Company’s (DIS.N) ABC have unveiled fall lineups that are focused on reality programming and are unaffected by the strikes. Reruns of the hit comedy “Abbott Elementary” will air on ABC, while an animated comedy that has already been completed will air on Fox. New seasons of comedies and dramas, which usually begin in September, will most likely be delayed.
What about on-demand services?
Netflix (NFLX.O), Amazon.com Inc’s (AMZN.O) Prime Video, and other streaming services can continue to provide local-language shows produced in Korea and India. However, their Hollywood productions would be halted.
What programming is immune to strike action?
Because their writers are represented by a different union, news shows will continue as usual. The same is true for unscripted reality shows such as “Big Brother” and “The Bachelor.”
What about films?
Because movies take two to three years to make, the flow of pictures to theaters is safeguarded against an immediate hit. However, upcoming publications, such as Marvel’s “Blade” and “Thunderbolts,” have been postponed, and more are expected to be halted until the labor disputes are settled. Promotional events for yet-to-be-released films will be canceled.
