As the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike continues to stretch past the two-month mark, it has collided with the traditional summer vacation season in Hollywood. This time of year is typically filled with out-of-office replies and extended trips as industry insiders take advantage of school breaks and the July 4th holiday. However, a new trend has emerged as more people pay attention to who is going on vacation, how long they are away, and what they are sharing on social media. As writers fight for fair compensation, extravagant displays of rest and relaxation in exotic locations are increasingly being viewed as insensitive and a breach of solidarity.
The core demand of the guild members during the strike is the ability for writers to earn a living wage. Early and mid-career writers are struggling to make ends meet, so seeing their industry peers going on luxurious vacations can evoke a range of emotions, from jealousy to rage. It also serves as a reminder of their place in the Hollywood hierarchy. Many industry professionals are combing over their bank statements and adjusting their budgets for the remainder of 2023. Some have had to forgo trips to extravagant destinations and instead opt for more affordable options like Palm Springs or Cabo. Others have even canceled their vacations entirely to focus on bills and tuition expenses.
Industry veterans have noticed a shift in behavior during this strike. Some high-profile agents and executives who are typically known for their flashy posts on social media have become surprisingly low-key. They are making a personal choice about how much they want to showcase their lifestyle during these challenging times. It raises the question of whether they should downplay their spending and portray that everything is business as usual or show empathy towards those who are struggling financially.
However, there are still some industry professionals who are maintaining their vacation plans. They believe that it is essential to prioritize self-care and not let the strike completely consume their lives. They emphasize the importance of discretion and being respectful of others who may be out of work. While they may share some aspects of their vacations on social media, they understand the optics and are mindful of the challenges others are facing.
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The situation becomes even more complicated for multihyphenate artists like Issa Rae, who are members of multiple unions. She is navigating the strike’s impact on the Writers Guild and potential strikes by other unions like SAG-AFTRA. Rae is engaging in constant conversations with her peers to determine the best course of action when it comes to vacations and respecting the strike actions.
While some industry professionals express concern about the optics of vacationing during a strike, others argue that taking time off should be encouraged rather than frowned upon. They believe that the strike is about supporting the whole human being and their ability to support themselves and their lives. Rest and rejuvenation are essential for mental and physical well-being, and breaks can be taken while still participating in strike activities through various means of communication.
Overall, the summer vacation season in Hollywood has collided with the ongoing WGA strike, creating a complex situation for industry professionals. There is a delicate balance between self-care and empathy for those who are struggling financially. Some are choosing to alter their behavior by downplaying their vacations or canceling them altogether, while others believe that taking time off is necessary for their overall well-being. The strike continues, and the industry waits for both sides to come back to the negotiating table and work towards a resolution.
