Screen Actors Guild of America joins Writers Guild protest

The Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) has decided to join the Writers Guild of America protests after the breakdown of negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).

The union announced this during a press conference.

The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) wants to introduce artificial intelligence that will scan actors and use their images for supporting roles.

The union considers this idea to be exploitative. 

"We tried to make a deal with the AMPTP, but unfortunately they have left us without an alternative. We are disappointed with their reluctance to cooperate. The solidarity of SAG-AFTRA members has never been stronger," said Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland.

In protest, the actors will not take part in filming and advertising campaigns and will not attend the premieres of films and TV series.

This is the first joint strike by two unions in Hollywood in 63 years.

The Writers Guild of America strike has been ongoing since May 2, 2023. The union has appealed to the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers to sign a new agreement.

Photo: Allison Zaucha for The Washington Post