Actors' Publicists Briefed On Strike Protocols By SAG-AFTRA

TV & Film

Jul 14

Image Source: SAG-AFTRA

SAG-AFTRA initiated a conference call with the publicity agencies serving Hollywood’s elite talent to help prepare agents for the possibility of a strike. Ahead of the meeting, SAG-AFTRA leadership wrote ahead to the agencies that “SAG-AFTRA’s National Board has the option to call a strike if the AMPTP won’t agree on a deal that bolsters performer’s careers and ensures their profession remains one that can support a dignified livelihood.” Variety reports that the goal of this meeting was to “brief the reps on protocols and how talent can best serve the union if and when a strike takes place.”

Per Variety, there were about 140 PR representatives on the call. One of the meeting participants described the tone of the call as “panicked.” The publicists engaged with interest by asking many questions. They wanted to know if their clients who are on the panels at the San Diego Comic-Con would be able to keep those schedules. Additionally, publicists also inquired how the strike would impact clients with previously scheduled promotional obligations outside of the United States. Currently, SAG-AFTRA has not yet responded with comments. The union has gone back and forth for weeks on the possibility of joining the Writers Guild of America on strike. The contract between actors and producers expired as of midnight on July 12. An anonymous source told Variety that while early last week it looked like a compromise was in reach but by the end of the week, “everything fell apart.”

There are several films expected for theatrical release this summer, that includes Barbie, Oppenheimer, and Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 1. Even blockbuster movies rely on heavy exposure for success.

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