LA Supervisors Push Studios to End Strike Drama
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has voted to send a letter to major film and television studios urging them to resume negotiations with striking actors. This decision emerges on the 85th day of the Writers Guild strike and the 10th day of the SAG-AFTRA strikes against members of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
This move is not unfamiliar territory for the board. A similar motion was approved to show support for the writers during the early stages of the WGA strike. According to a statement made by Supervisor Lindsey Horvath after the vote, those responsible for the pulse and rhythm of Los Angeles' entertainment industry deserve a just agreement. Pointedly noting the AMPTP’s refusal to return to bargaining and its consequent imposition of financial hardships on many, Horvath stressed the importance of reaching a reasonable agreement.
Supervisor Horvath, joined by Supervisor Hilda Solis, put forth the motion to propel the AMPTP back to the negotiation table, aiming for the resolution of the strike with the 160,000-member strong actors union. The board also passed a second motion, proposed by Horvath and Supervisor Kathryn Barger, evaluating programs and services that could aid small businesses affected by the strikes to stay afloat and considering the wider economic impact on employees and contractors within the entertainment industry.
"The entertainment industry strike is creating a cascade effect on numerous small businesses that are facing financial difficulties due to the sudden loss of clientele and revenue," Barger noted. The pandemic’s aftermath served as evidence that county resources can be effectively mobilized to assist such small business owners in times of crisis.
In an initiative to help those in their community, the County’s Department of Economic Opportunity will host a webinar to provide more information about resources available for industry workers and businesses buffeted by the labor strike.
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Now, let's add some Hollywood Dynamics spice to this boil. Similar to wrangling actors off their trailers for a 4 AM shoot, rallying studio bosses to renegotiate terms in a labor strike seems to be a Herculean task. It appears our friends in the Board of Supervisors have had it with the 'art of suffering' that encompasses the entertainment industry lately: reminiscent of a tragic Shakespearean play, if you will.
Horvath's comments are a timely reminder that the titans molding the dreams of Tinseltown shouldn't forget the myriad faces that make its magic happen. These strikes are not merely contractual and boardroom issues. They seep deep into the economic fabric of the community with affected businesses riding a financial roller coaster that Agatha Christie might find inspiration from.
Supervisor Barger, striking the chord of empathy, perfectly underlines that behind the embattled industry march numerous 'mom and pops' who've had no say in the matter but are the victims of an unexpected financial heist. This story, with all its dramatic finales and plot twists, certainly brings one aspect of the Hollywood life to the forefront. The show might go on, but at what cost?
As the AMPTP receives the supervisor's letter, I hope they appreciate its Oscar-worthy plea for fairness. The AMPTP's current strategy is a far cry from the famed Hollywood mantra "#WeAreInThisTogether." Here's to hoping they review, return, and reach for that Hollywood staple - a resolution - instead of prolonging the 'strike season.' After all, Hollywood's plotlines are meant to stay on screens, not bleed into real lives.
