The SAG Strike

In the wake of what has been called the most important presidential election in America history, there has been much debate and discussion over the last couple of months. However, as a slight apathetic, I've usually kept out of argument and discussion for the time being, but now that political tensions have calmed down, I would like to bring up a subject in the realm of entertainment.

For those who haven't heard, the Screen Actor's Guild is planning a strike for later this year or early next year. SAG is essentially the Hollywood acting work that is hired through major production companies such as 20th Century Fox or Warner Brothers. Now we all remember the Writer's Strike and the problems that it brought. Imagine those affects greatly multiplied. The Actor's Strike would mean no work in films or in television. www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iE0uIqtrdPXiNMr1qniAIsCAa0fwD950B6L00 (1)

I'm currently a film student at UWM, and I'm not much of a fan of the Hollywood scene. Now some might assume as a film student this topic has come up quite often in class, but truthfully, not once. Not because we don't care or don't think it's a problem, but because it can be a "positive problem", and I'll get to that in a bit, but first, some perspective on my complains about major Hollywood cinema.

The movie "Signs" cost 75 million dollars to make. 25 million was Mel Gibson's salary. Another 10 million went to his "crew" and random people he brought on set. The other actors on the set received 100 dollars a day for food and recreation. Mel Gibson received an additional 900 dollars. brainstuff.howstuffworks.com/2007/10/29/what-does-it-cost-to-make-a-movie-where-does-the-money-go-how-much-money-comes-in/ (2). This example is to show the outrageous amount of money being handed over to (in my opinion) mediocre actors/actresses. Now the root of the Strike comes from a royalty issue. Actors do no get paid for money the movie makes on formats like iTunes or other Internet based companies because their contracts don't have those formats listed. So SAG, which is essentially just a Union, decided to call a boycott of work until these royalties are added into every contract. However, these are mere pennies to the millions that are being made in some cases. www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSN2948674020080305 (3)

With that out of the way, I want to talk about what will happen if the Strike is not resolved quickly. Film numbers will decrease massively and the quality of films that make it to theater will be even more catastrophic. This means performers like Will Ferrell will not be making new comedies and there will likely be massive delays on movies already in production (rumored Twilight sequels or god forbid another Saw movie). These films may be delayed or even completely cancelled or recast with non-SAG actors. TV shows will also take yet another unfortunate relapse, luckily for me Scrubs has already finished filming and WILL complete it's final season, but the same can't be said for favorites like The Office or whatever the hell is on MTV now a days. Also, this may put a dent in the awards season, especially with the Academy Awards coming up early next year. www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSN2948674020080305 (3)

The actors are not all to blame. Some are millionaires and some are struggling artists who could use the extra coin. However, the large majority are making a decent living, so why so much complaining? This comes from the Guild leaders, or the Union board. The more actors make on average, the more the board members and higher ups in the Union will make. So you may ask, why don't they just go against the Union? It's the same as teacher Unions and business Unions. If you leave or disagree, it becomes extremely difficult to get back into work. Some actors cannot afford to go against the Guild's wishes, and we cannot blame them. So what's going to happen? (2)

While it's unfortunate that cinema has to take such an unfortunate back step, especially since the theater has become an escape from a suffering economy, this isn't all bad. Like I stated before, I'm an independent. I take pride in storytelling and the power of quality acting and a great story. What's not going to be affected are the independent filmmakers and actors. People will continue to write and direct, and as long as people are willing to be in movies, there will be actors. This is a great opening for people waiting so long to unveil their hidden story. Never before have indie filmmakers had such a window for mainstream viewing. Often times, indie films are made, scene by a select few, and then lost in the DVD boxes at Target. Now, people will see more than just There Will Be Blood or No Country for Old Men (the last is overrated in my opinion).

So really what I'm trying to say is try something new. If this Strike does happen, the films you see may be drastically different, but are we not supposed to be entering an era of change? Instead of looking for a cheap laugh or a subtle scare, try a movie that relates to you. Try a film that truly changes how you think about other people, how you think about yourself. I'm a film major because I think the stories of everyday life are beautiful, and no story deserves to be untold. (Personal Opinion)

Be open. Embrace a new style of entertainment and appreciate the effort that goes into making a film from scratch. Today movies can have over 10 writers for ONE SCENE. Directors are changed mid shooting. Producers aren't even on the set for more than two days. Take a journey with the story. Appreciate the artist who writes the screenplay, casts the actors, directs the film, edits the shots, and tries to work it into production. These are awesome artistic efforts that too many people are missing and now is the time for all to see. So don't dread the fact that Prom Night won't have a thrilling sequel or Will Ferrell isn't make a new, surprisingly dry, comedy yet again. Instead, start looking ahead, and slowly begin to take notice of the great stories around. You may be surprised.

Good placed to start:

Boy A-Story about a young troubled boy who murders a ten year old classmate and is then released after years of therapy with a name that isn't his, and a past he tries to forget.

The Savages- With an ailing abusive father, grown up brother and sister are forced to take care of their father when all of his life lines are gone.

Synecdoche, New York- I can't really explain this one, just watch it.

The Darjeeling Limited- Three brothers embark on a spiritual journey across India in order to heal the wounds from their father's funeral.

In America- An Irish family moves to New York in search for a better life, but are faced with demons from their past and poverty in their future

Now maybe disaster will be avoided and SAG will not strike. Even so, don't treat it necessarily as a good thing. I ask for those who wasted their time to read this that if nothing else, you step back and take a look at the true films being made, that maybe you took for granted a few times before.

(1) "Screen Actors Guild sets strike vote on Jan. 2" Ryan Nakashima. Associated Press

(2) "What does it cost to make a movie?" Marshall Brain. Brain Stuff

(3) "Hollywood Braces for Possible Actors Strike" Reuters/Nelson