SAG-AFTRA organized its most impressive and celebrity-filled rally to date on Tuesday, in the iconic Times Square, as part of the ongoing actors strike, which had entered its 12th day.
Addressing concerns raised in a recent Variety report about the lack of A-listers on the picket lines, this rally proved to be a remarkable display of star power. Prominent actors like Jessica Chastain, Bryan Cranston, Brendan Fraser, Ellen Burstyn, Wendell Pierce, Steve Buscemi, Rachel Zegler, Michael Shannon, Jane Curtin, Christian Slater, and Chloe Grace Moretz, were among the throngs of demonstrators participating.
The rally dominated a whole city block, with passionate speeches delivered by actors and union representatives on a stage situated at the heart of Times Square. The event garnered attention from curious tourists and support from passing trucks, which honked in solidarity. Some actors also directed their speeches against the corporate giants represented by the dazzling lights and billboards in the vicinity, including ESPN and ABC studios, both owned by Walt Disney.
In summary, the SAG-AFTRA rally in Times Square was a powerful and star-studded show of unity during the ongoing actors strike, drawing significant attention and support from the public.
“We have a message for Mr. Iger,” declared Bryan Cranston, directing his words towards Disney CEO Bob Iger. “I understand, sir, that you view things differently. We don’t expect you to fully grasp who we are, but we urge you to listen to us when we say that we won’t stand for losing our jobs to robots. We won’t allow you to take away our right to work and earn a fair livelihood.”
The rally took place just a short distance from Broadway theaters and, thanks to the talented individuals involved, it had a touch of show business rarely seen in labor rallies. Stephen Lang, known for his role in “Avatar,” quoted Frederick Douglass, while Wendell Pierce recited lines from Samuel Beckett. Tituss Burgess chose to express himself through song rather than speech, performing a piece by Stephen Sondheim.
Arian Moayed, who portrayed Stewy Hosseini in “Succession,” likened the characters in the HBO series to the studio executives currently negotiating with the actors.
“It’s like these people haven’t even watched ‘Succession,'” Moayed exclaimed. “It’s about you!”
Drawing from her own roles in “The Good Wife” and “The Good Fight,” Christine Baranski also spoke passionately at the rally.
“We refuse to live under corporate feudalism. It’s time, simply time, to make things right. Our contributions will not be undervalued, and we will not be robbed,” Baranski proclaimed before concluding with determination, “Let’s fight the good fight!”
Earlier this month, actors joined the strike that had been initiated by screenwriters in May. This marks the first time both unions have simultaneously gone on strike since 1960. As a result of the stoppage, almost all film and television production has come to a halt. The actors are voicing concerns over the impact of the streaming revolution on their pay, with residuals diminishing and working conditions undergoing significant changes. They are also seeking protections against the increasing use of artificial intelligence and advocating for improvements in the union’s healthcare and pension programs.
Bryan Cranston emphasized that the entertainment industry has undergone drastic changes, with the business model evolving significantly over the past decade. Despite acknowledging this reality in today’s economy, the producers are resisting any departure from the outdated economic system, and the actors feel they are being pushed back in time.
On the other side, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, representing the studios, claims to have offered a generous deal to the actors, including the most significant increase in minimum pay in 35 years, along with other benefits. However, negotiations broke off, and since the strike began, there have been no further talks scheduled.
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, chief negotiator for SAG-AFTRA, expressed the union’s willingness to continue negotiations, even during the strike. He emphasized that they are ready to talk and reach a deal as soon as possible, but the companies have delayed the process, citing concerns about dealing with “uncivilized” people and being unprepared for discussions.
For many actors, this strike has personal significance. Christian Slater, for instance, shared how the union’s health care had played a crucial role in sustaining his father’s life until his passing in November. Liza Colón-Zayas, an actor known for her role in the popular Hulu series “The Bear,” expressed her frustration over a lifetime of hard work that doesn’t seem to pay off adequately.
Liza Colón-Zayas, reflecting on her 35-year journey as an actor, expressed her frustration at how residuals have significantly dwindled over time. She pointed out that if the industry can proudly announce the highest viewership and profits for various projects, then they should also be able to provide transparent tracking of actors’ residuals. As negotiations continue, she urged the producers to approach the bargaining table in good faith and ensure transparency in how actors are compensated for their work in streaming. To achieve this, she appealed for the companies to open their books and reveal the financial details that impact the actors’ pay in the streaming era.
