SAG-AFTRA Warns Influencers Amidst Strike: No Union Future for Struck Company Promoters
SAG-AFTRA, the union that represents actors, voice actors, and other media professionals, has issued new rules in light of the ongoing strike, defining boundaries for social media influencers. A warning has been served to influencers who may consider taking up promotional work for studios and streaming services despite not being members of the guild. The union has made it clear that any such individual seeking future membership will be barred from joining SAG-AFTRA if they perform work for a struck company during the strike.
The stipulations are explicitly mentioned in the union's "strike Dos and Don’ts" posted on the SAG-AFTRA Strike website. This news has already brewed a storm in various studios and streaming services, where influencers play a major role in building hype for their projects. One such example would be Sony's 'Insidious: The Red Door' launch stunt, essentially involving social media influencers to catalyze its success.
On the other hand, influencers who already signed contracts before the strike to promote any work by a struck studio are excused, as long as they fulfill their agreed-upon obligations. A similar sentiment is contained on the SAG-AFTRA strike website advising influencers to avoid promoting any struck work, even unpaid promotions. This rule also follows through for events like Comic-Con, where influencers aren't allowed to promote any companies that the union is striking against.
A sigh of relief for influencers, however, is the fact that they can still engage in commercial work, including brand partnerships, as covered by the SAG-AFTRA Influencer Agreement and/or Influencer Waiver.
Now onto the spicy side: just when influencers thought life was all glitz and glam, SAG-AFTRA swoops in with their red tape. Picture you're a social media influencer walking the fine line between fandom and professionalism, and then BAM: a union-blessed handcuff on your freedom of promotion. No, they're not asking you to bite the hand that feeds, just the one that may feed you in the future.
While this may seem like a nightmare for upcoming influencers dreaming of joining the SAG-AFTRA gala, let's not underestimate the power of ye olde disclaimer, "Contract work done prior to the strike is okay". The precision here is sharper than a set of Ginsu knives - a small but mighty loophole that can save many influencers from a career hiccup.
As the strike creates a divide between influencers and studios, every TikTok dance and Instagram story now carries an undertone of politics. But hey, isn’t that why we adore Hollywood? For the glitz, the glam, and of course, the ever-present drama.
And fear not, our influencer darlings; while you might have to tiptoe around studio promotions, there is still a silver lining: brand partnerships. Indeed, influencers can continue to ride the gravy train of commercial work. So put on your best smile, grab your green juice, and remember, don't mention the struck studio: even if their swag bag was top-notch.
