Entertainment News #34: Actors' Strike

Congratulations to SAG-AFTRA for reaching a Tentative Deal! I know the actors have to be breathing a sigh of relief now that this is finally settled. This is fantastic news and I really hope they got a good deal and that the A.I. issue is covered. From a statement the Actors Guild released, "In a unanimous vote this afternoon, the SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical Committee approved a tentative agreement with the AMPTP bringing an end to the 118-day strike." Which means that the strike will officially ends at 12:01 a.m. Thursday.

Also from the statement, "In a contract valued at over one billion dollars, we have achieved a deal of extraordinary scope that includes "above-pattern" minimum compensation increases, unprecedented provisions for consent and compensation that will protect members from the threat of AI, and for the first time establishes a streaming participation bonus. Our Pension & Health caps have been substantially raised, which will bring much needed value to our plans. In addition, the deal includes numerous improvements for multiple categories including outsize compensation increases for background performers, and critical contract provisions protecting diverse communities."

"We have arrived at a contract that will enable SAG-AFTRA members from every category to build sustainable careers. Many thousands of performers now and into the future will benefit from this work."

It's the 100th Day of the Actors' Strike

Today is the 100th day of the Actors' Strike. I can't believe the strike has gone on this long. It really makes no sense that the AMPTP would rather drag out the strike than make a good deal with the actors. I do commend the actors for continuing to fight for a better contract.

There is some good news, it's being reported that they will be going back to negotiating on Tuesday. So, here's hoping a good deal will finally be reached. And I do hope the actors won't budge on protection against A.I. and making sure they get their residuals.

Entertainment News #31: Actors' Strike and Star Trek: Prodigy

- SAG-AFTRA released a statement this morning stating talks have stalled with the AMPTP. It's disappointing to hear that the Actors' Strike has hit a little bump. I do hope they will eventually reach a good deal because actors along with all the others who bring stories to life: writers, directors, hair and makeup, production, etc. should be able to make a living doing their job. They shouldn't have to deal with receiving terribly low residuals (if they receive any at all) as well as the threat of A.I. being used to take away their jobs. I can understand why they would want to strike because they should get a better contract. The AMPTP already have deals with the Directors and Writers why are they stalling on the Actors?




- There's some really good news for us Star Trek: Prodigy fans. Back in June, Paramount Plus had cancelled and removed the animated series despite that it had been renewed for a second season. At the time, the company that created the show had announced that the second season was in post-production. And that they were trying to find a new channel or streaming service for it. And it appears they did because the show will now air on Netflix sometime later this year and the second season next year. I'm really glad this show was able to be saved, it's so good. And how the first season ended, I can't wait to see how the young crew will do now that they will be out there with the real Kathryn Janeway. And I want to see if Gwyn will accomplish her task and rejoin her friends. So, yes, I can't wait for this show to return.

Actors' Strike: Lance Bass

I found this Actors' Strike video from actress Miki Yamashita. It's a video compilations of pictures she took of singer and entertainer Lance Bass who brought pizza to the strikers. I think it's so cool that the strike continues to be supported because most of the actors are not big names receiving a lot of money. Which is why they are fighting for better contracts. They're hoping that new contracts will not only protect them but make sure they get the money they deserves. And not to mention the lack of residual.

(Video Source: Miki Yamashita   Instagram: miki410)

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Throwback Thursday Photo of the Day: Actors and Writers from Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Writers' and Actors' Strike)

It's sad that the Writers' and Actors' Strike is still ongoing. However, it's pretty cool to see so many of the actors and writers out there striking and letting the AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers) know that they want a fair deal and will continue fighting for it. Below is a picture from August of some of the crew, writers and actors (Clark Gregg (also on strike for writing), Ming-Na Wen, Brett Dalton and Briana Venskus) from the TV series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Photo Credit: Ming-Na Wen (Instagram: mingna_wen)

Actors' Strike: Tracie Thoms and Aisha Hinds (Photo) and Dermot Mulroney (Video)

Yesterday (August 25th), actresses Tracie Thoms and Aisha Hinds along with so many other actors and supporters were striking at Disney. I do love that the actors (and writers) are keeping their spirit and morale up while they continue their fight for better contracts, residuals and working conditions. Below is a video of actor Dermot Mulroney talking about some key issues surrounding the Actors' and Writers' strike.

Photo Credit: Tracie Thoms   Instagram: traciethoms

Photo of the Day: Gina Torres (Actors' Strike)

I like this picture of actress Gina Torres, who was striking at FOX Studios on Friday (August 11th). Because despite the circumstances of the Strike, she looks so happy. I guess why be miserable, the only thing that will do is make a bad situation even worse.

Photography by Amanda Edwards

Video: Actors' Strike

As with any news, there is a slight dip in interest as time goes on but I hope the Writers' and Actors' Strikes don't get lost in the daily shuffle of life. Because what the AMPTP and Studio executives over the years have made it impossible for most writers and actors to make a living pursuing their careers. The Studios make all the money while most of the writers, actors and crew members make enough just to get by.

Anyway, here's a recent video from BLD PWR (Build Power) that has some of actors highlighting some of the key issues SAG-AFTRA is fighting for. And please read the information in actor Kendrick Sampson's Instagram post.

(Video Source: Kendrick Sampson   Instagram: kendrick38)

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Video: WGA Picket Line Warm Up! (And Cool Down)

I can't believe this is the 13th week of the Writers' Strike as well as the Actors' Strike which is its early days but both are still going strong. Unfortunately, the Studio executives still have not gone back to negotiating but both the writers and actors are not letting that stop them from continuing their fight for fair contracts.

And speaking of staying strong, there's a fitness video I've seen floating around this morning. It's a nearly six minute warm up video created by WGA member and fitness professional Sheila Callaghan. And according to the video description is "designed to get you limber and loose for the picket line". Although, I highly doubt there are any actors or TV/movie writers reading my little geeky lifestyle blog but if you are, here's a fitness video you could try before and after striking.

And for anyone who is not writer or actor, you could still give this warm up a try. As with any exercise, check with your doctor before trying.

Photo of the Day: Writers' and Actors' Strike (9-1-1 and 9-1-1: Lone Star)

On Monday (July 17th), some of the cast and crew of 9-1-1 and 9-1-1: Lone Star were out there striking with their fellow actors and writers in Los Angeles. I really like this picture, they look determined, positive and tired. I do hope the writers and actors will eventually get a good and fair contract and everyone in the industry can go back to work.

Also, there is a non-profit SAG-AFTRA Foundation set up to provide donations. Because many if not most of the actors are or will be in need of help. Especially since most actors don't make a lot of money while trying to pursue their careers. So if you can, please make a donation to either the SAG-AFTRA Foundation or the Entertainment Community Fund.

From L to R: Gina Torres (Actress, 9-1-1: Lone Star), Aisha Hinds (Actress, 9-1-1), Oliver Stark (Actor, 9-1-1), Peter Krause (Actor and Executive Producer, 9-1-1), Andrew Meyers (Writer and Producer, 9-1-1) and Keith Tripler (Producer, 9-1-1 and 9-1-1: Lone Star)

Photo Credit: Oliver Stark, July 17, 2023   (Instagram: oliverstarkk)

Book Girl Thoughts: On the Writers' and Actors' Strikes

As with the Writers' Strike, I totally support the Actors' Strike, neither group should have to deal with terrible working conditions and being offered a terrible contract. I still can't believe that Deadline article where one of the Studio executives stated the AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers) evil plan of wanting the writers to run out money which will lead to the them losing their homes. And once that happens they will then be willing to go back to negotiating with the writers and can offer them a terrible deal. How evil are these overly paid CEOs of these studios that they are gleefully okay with people losing their homes? They probably feel the same way about the actors as well.

And now you have the Disney CEO stating that these strikes are disruptive and what the writers and actors want are unrealistic. However, I'm sure he has no problem excepting all the money that Disney gives him. I'm so glad that both the writers and actors are striking and I hope they win because the AMPTP could have ended these strikes before they even started by truly offering both groups better contracts.

I just wanted to post my thoughts and if you would like to show support to the writers and actors striking (as well as the teamsters and IATSE members affected by the strikes), please make a donation to the Entertainment Community Fund. Although there are some big names in Hollywood, there are so many more writers and actors who barely make do which is why they are fighting for a better deal.