Fran Drescher on How the Hollywood Strikes Can End
Sep 7, 2023
auto_awesome
Fran Drescher, President of SAG-AFTRA and a renowned actress, discusses the ongoing Hollywood strikes affecting countless artists. She sheds light on the financial strain many are facing while advocating for fair compensation. The conversation emphasizes the urgent need for studio leaders to engage in negotiations, addressing the widening income gap between executives and creatives. Drescher also highlights the solidarity among writers and actors, framing these labor actions as pivotal for the future of workers' rights in the entertainment industry.
The ongoing Hollywood strikes are causing financial hardships for writers and actors, impacting not only those directly involved but also various industries related to the entertainment sector.
SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher suggests that the structure of contracts and payment models in the entertainment industry needs to adapt to the changing business landscape, be more inclusive, and honor the artistry of writers and actors, rather than focusing solely on maximizing profits.
Deep dives
Strikes in Hollywood causing financial hardship for many
The ongoing strikes by writers and actors against major Hollywood studios have led to financial hardships for those involved. Some writers and actors shared stories of living in their parents' garage and relying on food stamps to make ends meet during the strike. Even those who aren't part of the striking unions have lost work, affecting various industries related to the entertainment sector. The strikes have been going on for months with no end in sight, forcing many to find temporary and alternative sources of income.
Inflection point in the entertainment industry
According to SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher, the strikes in Hollywood represent an inflection point for the industry. Drescher argues that the culture of big business in the entertainment industry is degrading the artisans and focusing more on making profits for the shareholders. She believes that the structure of contracts and payment models needs to adapt to the changing business landscape of streaming and reduced episode counts. Drescher contends that the studios need to pivot, be more inclusive, and honor the artistry of writers and actors, rather than trying to cut costs to maximize profits.
Studios and unions at a standstill
Negotiations between the studios and SAG-AFTRA are at a standstill, with neither side showing a willingness to come to the table. Fran Drescher suggests that the studios are trying to hold out longer than the unions, citing greed as a driving factor. The studios claim financial difficulties, but Drescher highlights the personal wealth of CEOs and the billions made by studios over a single weekend. She emphasizes the need for studios to make a fair deal and share the wealth with writers and actors. The pushback from the studios is due to their focus on maximizing profits rather than fostering a collaborative and inclusive industry.
The writers and actors strikes have been grinding on for months with no end in sight. Many on the picket lines are struggling to pay for basics.
NPR's Ailsa Chang talks to Fran Drescher about what it's going to take to end the strikes. Drescher's the president of SAG-AFTRA, which represents the actors on strike.