EdgeTheory Logo
CONTACT
← Back to Resources

Hollywood Strike - Actors Join Writers

July 14, 2023EdgeTheory

Synopsis

The Hollywood Strike narrative is gaining traction, with numerous sources amplifying the issue. Talks between the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have failed, leading to 160,000 actors in the United States refusing to work. If negotiations continue to stall, Hollywood could witness its first two-union strike in over 60 years. Key concerns include residual pay in the streaming ecosystem and the unregulated use of artificial intelligence in negotiations.

Rolling Updates

Our Kudzu Narrative Intelligence brief auto-update every few hours with fresh analysis:

Headline Issues

1. Actors Strike

The Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) have experienced a breakdown in negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). As a result, 160,000 actors in the United States are refusing to work. This potential strike would be the first two-union strike in Hollywood in over six decades.

Key Takeaways:

  • 160,000 actors, ranging from major stars to background players, are participating in the strike.
  • Talks between SAG-AFTRA, AMPTP, and the Screen Actors Guild have failed, leading to the strike.
  • If the strike continues, it will be the first time since 1960 that actors and writers picket film and television productions.

2. Union Negotiations

Negotiations between the Screen Actors Guild, the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers have reached an impasse. The use of artificial intelligence in negotiations and the effects of the streaming ecosystem on residual pay are major points of contention.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Directors Guild secured a three-year deal with the AMPTP in June, which included limitations on the use of AI technology.
  • Producers are facing cost-cutting measures due to the unprofitability of the streaming model, with Netflix being the exception.
  • The unregulated use of artificial intelligence and the impact of streaming on residual pay are key issues in the negotiations.

3. Residual Pay and Streaming Ecosystem

The emergence of the streaming ecosystem has raised concerns about residual pay for actors. As negotiations continue, the impact of streaming on actors' compensation is a significant issue.

Key Takeaways:

  • The streaming ecosystem has disrupted the traditional revenue model for the entertainment industry.
  • Producers are facing challenges in ensuring fair residual pay for actors due to the shift towards streaming platforms.
  • The effects of the streaming ecosystem on residual pay are a central point of contention in the negotiations.

(Note: The third issue was not explicitly mentioned in the provided text, so this section is based on the broader context of the Hollywood Strike narrative.)

In our analysis of the top surfaced keywords, we have identified several keywords that appear more frequently than others. Here are some insights on why certain keywords have a higher occurrence and how they relate to the competing narratives:

  1. Los Angeles: With a count of 149, the keyword "Los Angeles" is the most surfaced keyword in our analysis. This is not surprising considering the city's prominence in the entertainment industry as the hub of film and television production. It is likely that this keyword is mentioned in various contexts, such as filming locations, industry events, and celebrity news.
  2. Writers Guild: The keywords "Writers Guild" and "Guild of America" both have high counts of 148 and 143, respectively. This indicates the significance of the Writers Guild of America and its activities in the narrative landscape. These keywords are likely associated with discussions about the guild's role in representing and advocating for writers' rights, as well as any news or updates related to the organization.
  3. Writers Strike: The keyword "Writers Strike" also appears frequently with a count of 143. This suggests that there may be ongoing discussions or concerns about a potential strike among writers. The keyword's high occurrence could be attributed to news articles, opinion pieces, or debates surrounding the impact of a strike on the industry and its stakeholders.
  4. Emmy Nominations: With a count of 114, "Emmy Nominations" is a highly surfaced keyword. This indicates the relevance and interest in the annual Emmy Awards and the recognition of outstanding television achievements. The keyword likely appears in articles discussing the nominations, predictions, snubs, and overall buzz surrounding the awards ceremony.
  5. Streaming Services: The keyword "Streaming Services" appears 103 times, emphasizing the growing influence of streaming platforms in the entertainment industry. This keyword may be associated with discussions about the competition between different streaming services, the impact on traditional television networks, and the changing landscape of content consumption.
  6. Ted Lasso, White Lotus, Abbott Elementary: These keywords, along with others like "Quinta Brunson," "Jeremy Strong," and "Kieran Culkin," are related to specific television shows and actors. Their high occurrence suggests that these shows and individuals have garnered significant attention and are part of the current cultural conversation. The keywords may appear in reviews, interviews, and discussions about the shows' themes, performances, and impact.
  7. Jeffrey Dahmer: The keyword "Jeffrey Dahmer" and its variations appear multiple times, indicating the interest in the infamous serial killer's story. This keyword may be associated with discussions about true crime documentaries, podcasts, or series that delve into Dahmer's crimes and their impact on society.
  8. Artificial Intelligence: With a count of 95, "Artificial Intelligence" is a keyword that reflects the relevance of technology in the entertainment industry. It may be mentioned in articles discussing the use of AI in various aspects of production, such as data analysis, content recommendation algorithms, or even the creation of narrative-driven AI technologies like our Narrative Intelligence.
  9. Screen Actors, Supporting Actress: These keywords are related to the recognition of actors and actresses in the industry. Their occurrence suggests discussions about performances, awards, and the overall talent pool in the television landscape. These keywords may appear in articles covering the achievements and impact of actors and actresses in various roles.

Overall, the surfaced keywords provide insights into the current narratives and topics of interest in the entertainment industry. The frequency of certain keywords can indicate the level of attention and engagement they generate, as well as their relevance to ongoing discussions and debates.

Insights on Bias in U.S. Media

According to our Narrative Intelligence, the bias in U.S. media can be analyzed by examining the numerical differences in media coverage across political leaning. In our Kudzu Narrative Intelligence Briefs, we found that left-center sources had the highest bias, with 334 instances, followed by least bias with 136 instances. Left bias had 129 instances, while right-center bias had 100 instances. Right bias had the lowest number of instances with only 33.

These numbers provide a comparative analysis of the bias in U.S. media. Left-center sources had more than double the instances of left bias, and almost triple the instances of right-center bias. Least bias had the second highest number of instances, indicating a relatively balanced approach. Right bias had the lowest number of instances, suggesting a less prevalent bias in the media landscape.

This analysis showcases the importance of our Narrative AI and Narrative Technology in identifying and understanding bias in U.S. media. By providing these insights, we can contribute to a more informed and nuanced understanding of media coverage in our society.

Note: Kudzu Narrative Intelligence briefs update every few hours. Very likely, the Narrative Analysis data visualization depicted in the graphic above will have changed as well.

Image Credit for Article Header: Fabebk, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

hello world!

AI-Powered Narrative Intelligence

Request A Demo
chevron-down