On July 14, SAG-AFTRA joined the picket line over ongoing disputes with the biggest studios in Hollywood. The 160,000 members of the union are currently striking along with the WGA with their 20,000 members for better pay, as well as a wealth of other issues with the working conditions.
Part of strike etiquette is not crossing the picket line. For these strikes, that means you shouldn't promote works on behalf of, or do work for, struck companies. I mean, you could, but you may mess up any potential for your future career post internet fame.
You may be wondering what these strikes have to do with content creators in the first place, especially since you're more than likely not part of the guild. Let's say you really get a break in your content creation and want to branch out into film and TV. Well if you've crossed the picket line, you risk being able to join SAG-AFTRA's Influencer program and you don't get access to those benefits. Regardless of future plans, it's frowned upon to cross the picket line. These people are protesting to be compensated fairly and they need our support in that!
So what are the things you can and can't do as a non-union influencer during the strike?
YOU CAN:
Fulfill the work you are currently under contract for
Continue watching and streaming shows even if it is from a struck company
Talk about artists and actors
Attend conventions in a way that is not with sponsorship by struck companies
Do brand partnerships with content you produce and release or show on your own and the advertiser's own websites, Social Media, and YouTube Channels
Go to the movie theaters and enjoy the films
Critique/Review films and shows as long as it is not paid for by the studios
YOU CAN NOT:
Promote struck work on behalf of the struck studios
Accept any new work for promotion from struck studios
Take paid promotions on social media about any struck work
Participate in conventions on behalf of struck studios. This means no appearances, panels, cosplays or fan meet and greets involving struck work.
Do any camerawork, including acting, singing, dancing, etc. for struck companies. (This is not the time for you to get your "big break".)
TLDR: If you aren't a part of the union you can promote struck work, so long as you are not being paid by the struck studios for promotion ie. paid partnerships.
If you ever want to be able to join SAG-AFTRA in the future, be sure to adhere to these rules during strike time. As a non-union member, you are encouraged to promote the films and shows you love to show the value in the work these actors and writers do and build the hype for the members who can no longer promote their work! Even if you don't plan to join the union, it's always great to support strikers fighting for their rights and better treatment. If you would like to read more, you can see detailed responses on the FAQ page on the strike site here.
Image from Freepik.
コメント