With both Hollywood actors and writers on strike, studios may soon seek talent from other places. But those looking to cross picket lines may want to think again.
SAG-AFTRA, the union representing actors, has issued a warning to social media influencers and personalities who take work in film and television during the strike, stating that anyone who does will be barred from membership permanently. The guild clarified what is and is not allowed on their strike Dos and Don’ts list.
“Any non-member seeking future membership in SAG-AFTRA who performs covered work or services for a struck company during the strike will not be admitted into membership in SAG-AFTRA," reads sagaftrastrike.org.
This also bans influencers from promoting studio work, preventing them from taking paid partnerships with studios, and recommending against promoting content to their audiences even as a fan.
“Influencers should refrain from posting on social media about any struck work regardless of whether they are posting organically or in a paid capacity,” they explain.
This also entails appearances at public events for studios, or doing events for any material the actors are striking against. This includes Comic-Con, as well as “appearances, panels, fan meet and greets, etc. involving struck work.”
However, the union notes that those who engaged in deals before the strike are allowed to continue their work, writing: “If an influencer is already under contract to promote struck work, then the influencer should fulfill their work obligation.”
Influencers can also engage in commercial work and brand partnerships, but should receive clearance via a SAG-AFTRA waiver, as the website reads: “Influencers may still pursue commercial work including influencer-generated brand deals covered by the SAG-AFTRA Influencer Agreement and/or Influencer Waiver."
SAG-AFTRA announced its historic strike last week, joining its 160,000 members with the 11,000 writers already on strike. The joint effort could halt Hollywood productions well into next year.
Like the writers, the actors seek contracts that accommodate their work in new age of streaming services, as well as regulations to AI usage in the industry that protect their digital likeness and intellectual property.
