NEW YORK CITY, NY – On July 25, 2023, Times Square was buzzing with energy as thousands of actors and writers rallied together for SAG-AFTRA’s “Rock the City for a Fair Contract.” The event kicked off at 9:30 a.m. in the Times Square Pedestrian Plaza. Supporters gathered in large numbers, determined to demand better working conditions and fair pay.
Celebrities Lead the Charge
The rally featured many famous faces. Actors like Bryan Cranston, Jessica Chastain, Steve Buscemi, and Christian Slater took the stage to deliver powerful speeches. Cranston didn’t hold back as he directly addressed Disney CEO Bob Iger. He criticized the industry’s treatment of its talent. These celebrities made it clear that they stand firmly with their fellow actors and writers in the fight for fair labor practices.
Union Leaders Speak Out
Union leaders also played key roles during the rally. Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA’s National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator, voiced the union’s dissatisfaction with current proposals from studios. He called for better working conditions and pay. Other union leaders, including Joely Fisher and Ezra Knight, also spoke, reinforcing the message of solidarity. Leaders from the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and other labor organizations joined the event, highlighting the strong unity among different unions.
Key Issues Driving the Rally
The rally addressed several pressing issues affecting actors and writers today. For instance, the rise of streaming services and artificial intelligence has led to demands for a fair share of streaming revenues. Additionally, there’s a call for protection against AI-created digital replicas of performances. With inflation impacting everyone, the need for increased pay has become even more urgent.
SAG-AFTRA’s strike, which began on July 14, 2023, followed the ongoing Writers Guild of America strike. These dual strikes have nearly halted Hollywood productions, placing significant pressure on studios to negotiate more favorable terms.
An Atmosphere of Unity and Determination
Even though the rally addressed serious issues, the atmosphere in Times Square remained upbeat. Supporters filled an entire city block, waving picket signs and cheering on the speakers. Tourists paused to watch, and trucks driving by honked in support. The rally was also livestreamed, allowing many others to join virtually and show their support.
What Comes Next?
The massive turnout in Times Square sent a clear and powerful message. The creative community stands united in its pursuit of fair contracts. The involvement of high-profile actors drew widespread media attention, adding even more pressure on studios to address the demands of actors and writers.
As Hollywood navigates these challenging times, rallies like this one keep the spotlight on the importance of fair treatment and compensation for those who bring stories to life on screen.
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