In a significant development, thousands of actors from Hollywood’s Film and Television Industry have decided to go on strike, aligning themselves with the writers who initiated the walkout 11 weeks ago. The strike led by the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) is anticipated to have far-reaching consequences, affecting beloved shows and movies enjoyed by viewers.
Production Standstill: Walkout Halts Film and TV Production
The strike, if it proceeds, will bring all film and scripted television show production in the United States to a halt, excluding independent productions not covered by labour contracts with unions. FilmLA, the organisation responsible for issuing film permits, reported a standstill in the production of dramas and comedies in Los Angeles. As a result, popular shows like “Stranger Things” and “The Handmaid’s Tale” have shut down production.
Fall TV Season Impacted: Delays in Fresh Season Launches
The repercussions of the strike will also be felt in the upcoming fall TV season. Broadcast networks like Fox and Walt Disney Co’s ABC have unveiled their fall line-ups, which heavily feature reality shows that remain unaffected by the strikes. As a result, ABC will broadcast reruns of the popular comedy series “Abbott Elementary,” while Fox will showcase an already completed animated comedy. The launch of fresh seasons of comedies and dramas, typically scheduled for September, is likely to be delayed due to the strike.
Streaming Services and News Programs Continue, Movies Delayed
Streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon.com Inc’s Prime Video will still be able to provide locally-produced shows from countries like Korea and India. However, their Hollywood productions will be put on hold until the labour disputes are resolved. News programs, represented by a different union, will continue as usual, while unscripted reality shows like “Big Brother” and “The Bachelor” remain unaffected. In terms of movies, the immediate impact is limited as film production generally takes two to three years. However, future releases, including highly anticipated films like Marvel’s “Blade” and “Thunderbolts,” have already been delayed, and more movies are expected to be put on hold until the labour conflicts are resolved. Promotional events for upcoming movies will also be cancelled.
The strike by Hollywood actors joining the ongoing writers’ walkout has created significant disruptions in the entertainment industry. With the production of shows and movies coming to a standstill, viewers will experience delays in fresh season launches and the release of highly anticipated films. While some segments like reality shows and news programs remain unaffected, the resolution of labour conflicts will be crucial to restoring normalcy in the Industry.
