Bryan Cranston, known for his role in the hit TV series “Breaking Bad,” delivered a passionate speech addressing Disney boss Bob Iger during a SAG-AFTRA rally in New York City. The rally, titled “Rock the City for a Fair Contract,” was organized by the union to push studios to give actors a share of streaming subscription revenue and establish regulations around the use of AI.
Cranston’s message to Iger was straightforward and powerful. He acknowledged Iger’s different perspective but urged him to listen and understand the concerns of the actors. Cranston emphasized that they will not let their jobs be taken away and given to robots. He also expressed their determination to protect their right to work and earn a decent living. Above all, Cranston emphasized that their dignity is non-negotiable.
The rally featured several other well-known performers who echoed Cranston’s sentiments. Joely Fisher, star of “Ellen,” spoke about the history of strikes in the industry, which resulted in important benefits such as residuals, health plans, and pension plans. Fisher expects significant progress from this strike and urged the studio negotiators to come to their senses, stating, “You will not bleed us out!”
Another prominent actor, Arian Moayed from “Succession,” emphasized the importance of unity among actors. Referring to the show, Moayed jokingly questioned whether the studio negotiators had watched it. He emphasized that they must stay together and united to overcome any challenges they may face.
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Christine Baranski, known for her role in “The Good Fight,” emphasized the need for the industry to share its wealth. Baranski argued that if the industry can generate millions for those at the top, it can afford to provide fair compensation to all participants. She rejected the idea of living under corporate feudalism and proclaimed that they will not be undervalued or replaced.
Stephen Lang, an actor from “Avatar,” discussed the impact of SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher’s speeches on his decision to join the strike. He highlighted Drescher’s righteous indignation towards the disrespectful and irresponsible attitude of the negotiators and the sadness she felt that it had come to this point. Lang described the strike as a maelstrom of inequality caused by organized corporate greed and emphasized the need for the actors to be the voice of reason in the current civilization.
The actors’ strike has entered its second week, with thousands of members halting work. While all of SAG-AFTRA’s 160,000 members, including broadcast journalists and program hosts, can participate in this strike, other union contracts are still in effect, allowing some members to continue working.
The strike and the demands put forward by SAG-AFTRA highlight the growing concerns within the entertainment industry regarding fair compensation and the use of AI. As streaming services continue to dominate the market, actors are calling for a fair share of the revenue generated by their work. Additionally, the union seeks to establish regulations around the use of AI to ensure that actors’ jobs are not replaced by automated systems.
The union’s push for a fair contract reflects the changing dynamics in the entertainment industry. It highlights the importance of protecting the rights and livelihoods of actors, who contribute significantly to the success of films, TV shows, and streaming content. The rally serves as a powerful demonstration of unity among actors who are willing to fight for their rights and ensure that the industry values their contributions.
As the strike continues, it remains to be seen how the negotiations between the union and the studios will unfold. However, with the support of high-profile actors like Bryan Cranston, Joely Fisher, Arian Moayed, Christine Baranski, and Stephen Lang, the actors of SAG-AFTRA are sending a clear message that they will not be silenced or underestimated. They are demanding fair treatment, fair compensation, and the acknowledgement of their worth in an industry worth millions.
