What happens if there is a strike by Hollywood actors? | Movies

After the failure of negotiations between representatives of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) studios and the American actors’ union Sag-Aftra (Screen Actors GuildAmerican Federation of Television and Radio Artists), the prospect of actors joining writers on strike is now imminent.

While the effect of the writers’ strike has been far-reaching on film and television production, as well as related activities such as award shows and publicity events, an actors’ strike is likely to be seismic. Not least because Sag-Aftras’ reach is global: any movie or show starring a Hollywood actor will likely have to be shut down, or at least massively rescheduled, as soon as a strike is called.

The writers’ strike has already seen the vast majority of scripted TV shows shut down in the United States, as picket lines have largely been successful in ensuring production activities stop. Series such as The Last of Us, Blade Runner 2099 and The Mandalorian have already been delayed, while future projects such as the Spider-Man: No Way Home sequel and Disneys Blade remake have also stalled as scripts are not finished. Others, including Thunderbolts and Captain America: Brave New World, are in production, but have had their release dates pushed back.

However, the withdrawal of participation by American actors means that even productions whose scripts have been completed can no longer continue, whether in the United States itself, in Europe or elsewhere. According to the deadline, TV shows likely to be affected include House of the Dragon, Andor and Industry, while Sharon Horgans’ Bad Sisters second season likely won’t be able to begin filming. Doctor Who, who is now produced in partnership with the Disney+ streaming serviceis also likely to be affected by strikes.

Studio film productions, which operate on even longer and more elaborate schedules, will suffer longer-term damage if they do not complete filming on time. High-profile films still in the works include Gladiator 2 directed by Ridley Scott, starring Paul Mescal, which was planned to shoot in Malta, Morocco and the UK between June and October, and Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part Two, the sequel to the blockbuster Tom Cruises, which was due to end filming this summer after the end of the promotional tasks on the first part.

Other studio productions including the fourth Bad Boys movie Beetlejuice 2 and the untitled Ghostbusters: Afterlife sequel have reportedly wrapped filming, as has the second season of Amazon’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings TV series. to be able to.

The situation is more complex for low-budget and independent films, which can request waivers from Sag-Aftra to allow them to move forward. However, uncertainty about who can work and who can and cannot cross picket lines has led to considerable financial instability in an already precarious sector. Even with a waiver and a script already completed, productions can’t count on the participation of a crucial crew, as the transport union, the Teamsters, and the technicians’ union, Iatse, mostly refuse to cross the lines. writers’ union picket.

Apart from cinema activities, other large-scale events are subject to change or cancellation if the interim union calls a strike. The London premiere of Christopher Nolan’s atomic bomb drama Oppenheimer has one hour forward tonight to make sure his cast can attend. And the popular Comic-Con event in San Diego set to take place July 20-23, which a slew of stars normally attend to promote their movies to adoring fans, is set to take a big hit. Late summer releases such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, Haunted Mansion, and Blue Beetle are also expected to reduce promotional activity. Major international film festivals, including Venice and Toronto, which run almost simultaneously in late August and early September, should be able to screen available films, but red carpet activity and guest appearances are now in doubt.