Hollywood Strikes: Behind the Scenes of the Entertainment Industry Standstill

As Hollywood remains at a standstill due to ongoing strikes, the entertainment industry is grappling with uncertainties and challenges that extend far beyond the glitz and glamour of the red carpet.

For the approximately 175,000 entertainment professionals who are part of two powerful unions—the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA—this strike has become a prolonged period of stress and uncertainty. Not only are beloved shows and films on indefinite hold, but those working in the industry are grappling with a complex web of economic and creative consequences.

Felicia Pride, a prolific writer and producer with credits on renowned shows like “Queen Sugar” and “Grey’s Anatomy,” is among the striking professionals. She acknowledges that the stress of the situation is multifaceted. “Sometimes you don’t know where the stress is coming from. It’s the uncertainty of what will the business look like on the other side of this?” she said, highlighting the collective anxiety among peers who share her concerns.

At the heart of the strikes are demands for better compensation, improved working conditions, and protection against the potential encroachment of artificial intelligence that could replace human workers. These issues are so pressing that those on strike are determined to continue their efforts until the studios and streaming platforms take meaningful steps to address their concerns.

Corey Scales, an aspiring writer trying to break into the industry, expressed surprise that the strike hadn’t occurred sooner. He highlighted the longstanding issue of inadequate compensation for many writers, with residual checks resembling something from a part-time job.

During the strike, Scales has turned to alternative income sources like working for Lyft while also focusing on other writing projects, such as comics and magazines, to nurture his creativity and bolster his finances. He remains skeptical about immediate changes in the industry’s treatment of writers, even with ongoing negotiations.

Josh Rhett Noble, an actor based in Atlanta, echoed similar sentiments. He emphasized that the striking actors are not all millionaires, as some may assume. He hopes that viewers can understand that the strike is not about greed but rather about securing a fair and sustainable livelihood.

The strikes have disrupted not only the lives of those in the industry but also the Fall TV schedule and movie release timelines, leaving audiences yearning for their favorite shows and films to return. However, the striking professionals argue that their concerns extend beyond personal gain; they reflect broader societal issues such as income inequality and job security.

Despite the challenges posed by the strikes, some artists have found creative silver linings. Del Harrison, a comedian and actress, believes that the situation has prompted the birth of independent projects. With auditions and busy schedules on hold, artists have been able to explore other creative endeavors and nurture their talents.

While Hollywood’s strike may be a new form of pandemic, as Harrison humorously suggests, it has also encouraged artists to explore their creative potential outside the confines of mainstream productions.

As the strikes continue, the entertainment industry remains in a state of flux. While audiences yearn for the return of their beloved shows and films, the professionals behind the scenes are fighting for more than just their own interests; they are advocating for a fair and equitable industry that values their contributions to the world of entertainment.