Show Business Without the Business: Hollywood Actors and Screenwriters Continue Strike

As of August 23, it marks the 112th day of Hollywood actors and screenwriters being on strike, impacting film release schedules and leading to show cancellations. This is reported by The Guardian.

International media outlets refer to the situation as 'show business without the business.' For 112 days, Hollywood screenwriters have set down their pens, and for nearly 40 days, actors have joined them in the strike.

The production of major films, from Gladiator 2 to Deadpool 3, has been forced to halt due to rising studio costs and lost income for their workers. Long-awaited new films from 2023 have been postponed to next year. New seasons of TV shows have been canceled, while other planned shows have been entirely scrapped.

This large-scale protest by actors and screenwriters is happening for the first time in 60 years, uniting over 200,000 industry workers.

Film critic Tamara Kotova highlighted the reasons behind actors' demands, questioning why they are striking despite seemingly earning significant sums. Actors are unable to give interviews, engage with the press, attend red carpet events, or participate in award ceremonies, which is particularly significant ahead of the autumn festival and awards season.

Actors and screenwriters are calling for a review of work contracts and the payment system. Additionally, they are demanding restrictions and prohibitions on the use of artificial intelligence in their work.