SAG-AFTRA No Plans to ‘Bow’ to Studios – Deadline

Rosie Cordero/Deadline

The actor’s strike has reached its 100th day, as talks between SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP remain stalled.

With the continued support of its members and supporting sister unions such as the WGA, IATSE and Teamsters, among many others, lead negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland remains confident that all involved can reach a fair deal.

“I think the unity and strength of our members is very impressive. And as you saw on the picket lines, our members are fully engaged in this thing. Our strike leaders are always visible; everyone who comes to “The marches, there is a unity of purpose that will definitely help us until an agreement is reached.”

“I did not expect [negotiations] “We’re going to have to go for a long time,” he continued. “The amount of time I spent without negotiating was absolutely unreasonable. The studios and streamers need to be back at the table with us now. They should have been there for the first 80 days but they weren’t. I’m very excited to see it happen and I think it will happen soon.” “I think there’s a lot of pressure happening outside official channels to get people back to the negotiating table, so I’m optimistic that will happen at some point soon. But I know we’ll stand strong and get a fair deal.”

Michelle Hurd, a member of the SAG-AFTRA negotiating committee who recently starred star Trek: Picard, It takes a look at how things developed over the course of 100 days while also acknowledging the plight of other workers affected by the strike.

“It was interesting. The first day was like being freed from the room. So we all went out and said, ‘Yes! Strike, strike, strike, let’s get a contract.’ And on the 100th day, I became more active,” Hurd said.

“The solidarity I feel when I take to the streets is amazing. “The fact that the WGA is still with us like this is extraordinary because they have already earned their contract,” she continued. “When we talk to the public people ask: What about other people like the workers under “The calligraphers, the makeup artists, the people who are part of the tentacles that are our industry? They’re hurting but they’re here. They understand because they were hurting too. They didn’t get the contracts either. So we’re all more cohesive and united in our struggle.”

Heard understands the calls for the negotiating committee to “get this over with” but does not want the sacrifices made to be in vain.

“If we agreed on the 100th day, then what was all this for? We are on the 100th day because [the AMPTP] He didn’t come to the table. When they come to the table, we are more than ready, eager and happy to negotiate.

She added: “The strange thing is that I think they thought that the longer we waited, the more we would crack and melt and our resolve would weaken.” On the contrary, we are somewhat angrier. We feel disrespected and condescended to because they think we are stupid enough to give up and forget why we are fighting for this good contract. The reason we fight is for a working class actor to have the ability to earn a living through this beautiful and sacred art form of storytelling that we all love so much.

Hurd pointed out SAG-AFTRA’s lack of financial increases that “reflect inflation in the past four decades.” She felt doubly so in her home, which she shared with her husband, fellow actor, Garrett Dillahunt.

“How can I work in an industry that hasn’t raised these numbers since 1983? On the 100th day, we are more united and more united. We are focusing more on what we want, which is a good, fair wage contract to help our entire union, which is 160,000 in multiple categories. I feel That I am stronger than ever.”

“We are on the right side of history,” she added. I understand the pain. I feel it myself. I am married to an actor. We made a bad choice because we are both unemployed. I was 100% impressed with it. But one day longer, one day stronger. We will get what we want.”

The picket lines have highlighted actors like John Ortiz, Hollywood mainstays whose support drives others to keep showing up on the best and worst of days.

“When I grew up, I felt proud and like a homebody. But now I’ve been going out every day since the strike began. “I made this pact with myself,” Ortiz, who stars in the film directed by Cord Jefferson. American fantasy.

He continued: “What I found is that on the days I tell myself I’m going to put my headphones on and walk, those are the days I connect with someone. Yesterday, I had a conversation with someone at Sony who explained how much she wanted to walk through the entire studio with me but couldn’t because she had just had surgery. I just beat cancer. We had this great conversation about life, gratitude, and the importance of showing up no matter what. It’s just one example of how you can find inspiration on the picket line and make connections organically if you’re open.

Ortiz has helped pave the way for Latino talent in theater and Hollywood for more than three decades. The industry vet can often be seen participating in weekly flash mobs put together by Latinas Acting Up, a group started by Diana Maria Rivas and Lisa Vidal.

“I make so many connections with people who you discover share things in common that cut across all these wonderful sectors of life like cultures, genders, identities and professions. As painful as it is, it can also be wonderful. We all want to get back to work,” Ortiz said. “I have two scenes left to shoot for this series in Toronto. I have another movie I want to start on. I also have two films that I’m very proud of that I can’t promote and won’t do until we get a fair deal.

The Negotiating Committee realizes that there are good days and bad days at stake. Deadline spoke with SAG-AFTRA members who discussed how many of their bad days were turned into good days by finding community. Hurd echoes Ortiz’s sentiment of being open to listening or just saying hello.

“I come here when I feel very angry about what is happening, and instead of holding on to that anger, I feel inspired and I feel encouraged and supported. There is a kind of madness in the world of spanking. You have a community of people that becomes your family. Like when you feel weak, or you feel like you need a shoulder To cry on or an ear to hear you. You can go out to the strike line and people you may not have known before and perhaps never had a chance to meet. You meet eyes and suddenly say, “Oh my God, I’m so glad I saw you.” Your worst day becomes your best day in a situation “It sounds terrible, but it’s not. It’s actually empowering.”

Kevin E. West, a member of the negotiating committee who recently appeared on Good gemstonescalls on members to keep going out while recognizing that many are limited in the time they have.

“Solidarity is not about a percentage. Solidarity is a fundamental belief system and from the standpoint of your personal strength, your financial dependence and your emotional mental state. We simply need everyone to get out when they can and as much as they can,” he said. “Whether that’s 45 minutes, three days per week or three hours two days a week. It makes no difference to us. Choose lots anywhere in this country, New England, Mid-Atlantic, Atlanta, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles. Get out of what you can do. Bring a friend and join them here instead of lunch. You can arrive at the picket line with a snack and carry a sign. We just need you to show us that we’re not going anywhere.

Nicole Serrell, SAG-AFTRA negotiating committee member and president of Performers with Disabilities of Los Angeles, praised the strong membership turnout over the 100 days. She helped organize sit-ins like “Ramping Up: A Cross-Union Sit-In for Disabled Artists” in August.

“Every member that shows up is equally important. That’s strength. We’re showing strength by uniting and this union is more united than ever before,” Cyril said. “You can see the energy of the members here. We are committed and driven and will not back down until we get a fair deal for our entire membership. Nobody wants to be on strike, right? But seeing this in community and unity is something we will carry in our hearts forever. So, thank you to every member who walked the line, held a sign, and posted on social media to support this movement.