LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – The actors strike has reached its 100-day mark on Saturday, with those on the picket line expressing a mix of concerns about financial difficulties and hopes for a favorable agreement with studios after failed negotiations.
Outside Netflix on Friday, striking actors expressed gratitude for a proposal made by A-list Hollywood actors, including George Clooney, who offered $150 million to the SAG-AFTRA union over three years to help bring an end to the strike.
“It shows that they’re paying attention and it shows that we’re having an impact because A-listers can’t work without the B and C-Listers underneath them supporting the rest of the show,” said Richard Speight, 54.
“I am thrilled that they’re involved, thrilled that they’re emotionally committed, and even willing to get financially committed to what’s going on.”
Vincenza Blank, 36, an actor and writer, acknowledged the impressive labor solidarity but highlighted the financial toll, explaining that she had to undertake additional financial measures to cover expenses.
The strike has disrupted film and television production, leaving both actors and thousands of crew members without work. The film and television writers in Hollywood recently ratified a new three-year contract, ending their own 148-day work stoppage.
Talks between the studios and the actors union broke down last week due to disagreements over streaming revenue and the utilization of artificial intelligence.
Several actors remain hopeful that the union will secure a deal that provides deserving benefits to actors and helps them cope with the high cost of living in Los Angeles.
“The feeling is that we’re going to keep strong, we’re going to keep going,” said Kevin Grossman. He added, “I certainly don’t feel like we should stop. If you get this far, you might as well keep going.”
(Reporting by Rollo Ross; Writing by Mary Milliken; Editing by David Gregorio)
