Hollywood actors strike looms after failed talks
The union representing film and television actors says no deal has been reached with studios and streaming services and its leadership will vote on whether to strike later on Thursday. The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists said early on Thursday that its decision on whether to join already striking screenwriters will be weighed upon by leadership at a meeting later in the day. If the actors go on strike, it will be the first time since 1960 that actors and writers picket film and television productions. The actors' guild released a statement early on Thursday announcing that its deadline for negotiations to conclude had ended without a contract.  “The companies have refused to meaningfully engage on some topics and on others completely stonewalled us. Until they do negotiate in good faith, we cannot begin to reach a deal,” said Fran Drescher, the star of “The Nanny” who is now the actors' guild president.  If the actors strike, they will formally join screenwriters on the picket lines outside studios and filming locations in a bid to get better terms from studios and streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon. Members of the Writers Guild of America have been on strike since early May, slowing the production of film and television series. Issues in negotiations include the unregulated use of artificial intelligence and the effects on residual pay brought on by the streaming ecosystem that has emerged in recent years. An actors' strike would prevent performers from working on sets or promoting their projects. Attending a photo event on Wednesday, star Matt Damon said that while everyone was hoping a strike could be averted, many actors need a fair contract to survive. “We ought to protect the people who are kind of on the margins,” Damon added. (AP)