The quest for equity - What has been going on behind the scenes of raised fists?

63 Years since actors and writers last joined forces against the studios to fight for improved payments, including cover for healthcare

- Lois Beckett

 

It's been a hot, frustrating summer on the picket lines in Los Angeles, where film and TV writers have been striking for more than two months, no deal in sight.

But outside the Netflix building on Sunset Boulevard last Thursday, the striking writers finally got news they wanted to hear. "Sag is going on strike!" someone called, and the crowd of picketing writers roared.

Writers and actors say that technological changes in the industry are forcing them to negotiate hard for significant changes to their contracts. Digital streaming has led to a dramatic decrease in how much money they make, they say. The rise of artificial intelligence technologies is only adding to their concern.

"You really can't make a living anymore," said actor Felicia Day, who said she got bigger residual cheques for roles she played in 2004 than she does for much more recent performances. "People are having a harder and harder time just supporting themselves and staying in the industry," she said.

As pay for individual roles declined, Day said, actors had to secure twice as much work just to make rent even though obtaining roles had not become any easier. A few years ago, four to five guest roles on television shows would have been enough to get an actor through a year, she said.

Hollywood's striking writers have made similar arguments, pointing to television writing contracts that have become shorter and more precarious, a development they argue is increasingly turning writers into gig workers.