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Thousands Of Striking Actors And Writers March In Hollywood
Thousands of Hollywood strikers marched from Netflix to the Paramount lot where SAG-AFTRA held a special rally.
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Robert Garrova/LAist
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On Wednesday morning, SAG pickets at studios across the city were cancelled, so strikers could show up to march down Van Ness Avenue from Netflix headquarters to the Paramount lot.
Thousands packed the street, creating more of a spectacle than the usual sidewalk pickets at a time when talks are still stalled.
The marchers were met with a full stage and live band at the end of their route.
“Hang in and do not give up, because this is the moment that is going to change the future and if we don’t start getting a piece of that pie, then what are we doing?” SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher told the hyped-up crowd.
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Newly elected SAG-AFTRA L.A. Local First Vice President Sheryl Lee Ralph said the fight in Hollywood was inspiring other labor movements.
“So this isn’t just for us. This is for workers around the world,” Ralph exclaimed to a cheering crowd just outside the historic Paramount lot gates.
Guidelines around artificial intelligence and the use of performers' digital replicas are a major part of the SAG-AFTRA demands in negotiations. A new proposed state bill that won’t be taken up until next year would intervene, giving actors more protections.
Marcher Ray Joseph has been an actor for more than 30 years. He says actors just want their fair share.
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Robert Garrova/LAist
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Actor Frances Fisher called on attendees to contact their elected representatives in support of the measure.
“AB 459 ... will make it so that if any performer who signs — or who has signed — a contract with AI provisions, and they weren’t represented by an attorney prior to signing that contract, that contract will be null and void,” Fisher told the crowd.
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Marcher Ray Joseph said he’s been an actor for more than three decades and it was powerful to be around so many of his colleagues at once.
“We just want a fair share. We want to be treated well, as equals,” Joseph said.
In their latest statement, studios and streamers said they want a fair deal for writers and actors and an end to the strikes.
How are the dual Hollywood strikes affecting you?
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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