Reel 360 News: The Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike, now in its fifth month, has taken a toll on the industry. Estimated costs to California are circling somewhere between $3 and $5 billion. Sister publication, Reel Chicago, has estimated it has cost Illinois $500,000. But it’s not just writers and actors who are being affected. Below the line workers such as gaffers, grips, and craft service are not working either.
2 comments:
While following the strike, I never thought about the effect it would have on the PR teams. It further shows the importance of the unions and studios coming to a resolution is, as it is truly affecting everyone in and out of the industry. The PR teams are semi-adjacent in the whole studio vs workers situation, and so aren’t directly thought of when referring to the strike, but it is so true that while actors aren’t working or supporting the studios, there is significantly less PR circling around, as no campaigns seem to be running except for those of the actor’s personal brands. It was interesting reading Mellman’s comments about the strike, and how yes it is directly affecting and hurting her business, and yet she is still supporting her clients and colleagues on strike. She mentioned also still being ‘on’ and how you’re still working, even though it is less obvious. All celebrities still have their ‘brand’ or ‘image’ that they must flourish, whether or not they’re presently working. Overall I found this article fascinating to read and think about, and am inspired by Mellman’s resilience!
The strike has had a huge impact. Movie making has always been such a big deal- we love Hollywood and found it to entrench our lives. We talk about what we watch- make cultural connections. As a viewer, I understand for me what the strike has affected. I also have seen videos on Instagram with actors and writers striking. But when you begin to break down all the other jobs that have been created to keep this industry afloat- it is shocking. This article brings up the PR people who have built careers on the lives of the actors and writers in Hollywood. They are natural hustlers- so they probably have figured out what to do in the interim. It is just really terrible what the leaders of these studios are doing- trying to literally starve the writers- so they will beg to come back. I hope all of these people stay strong and committed to the strike for as long as they need to get what they deserve.
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