As the summer box office season wraps up and the movies we’ve seen become fleeting but fond memories, The Talisman asks you to consider the people behind the screen. The writers, editors, actors and other personnel who collaborated tirelessly in order to create the TV shows and movies which inspire us, impact us and change us.
These individuals often do not get the recognition or the compensation which they deserve. According to the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) and the Writers Guild of America (WGA), two organizations representing the interests of television and film workers, large corporations like Disney and NBC have refused to increase the wages of workers to consider factors like inflation. Meanwhile, profits for television and film studios have grown exponentially over the last few years.
Additionally, studios frequently use loopholes in order to avoid paying both writers and actors in accordance with union regulations. One recently proposed loophole involves the usage of AI technology to scan the likeness of an actor, thus allowing for unlimited use of the actor’s voice and image, all while only granting them one day’s worth of pay. The same process can be applied to the work of writers to replace written scripts with AI generative text.
SAG-AFTRA and the WGA have made it clear that they are not returning to work until their demands for proper compensation and protection from AI technology are met. While studios have announced plans to starve workers into giving up the fight, picket lines are forming across Hollywood, shutting down productions indefinitely.
The Talisman stands in full support with SAG-AFTRA and the WGA as they strike. We believe that their demands for livable wages and workplace protections are necessary to preserve the integrity of the film and TV industries, and will follow union guidelines when covering struck productions.
What’s next:
- The Talisman will not be publishing any content involving TV shows or movies created by struck studios until the demands of WGA and SAG-AFTRA are met.
- The Talisman will continue to publish content which informs the Hayes student body on current issues, newsworthy events and other areas of interest.
- The Talisman invites the Hayes community to stand with actors and writers by donating to the Entertainment Community Fund and voicing your support for the WGA and SAG-AFTRA.
