The impact from the double-strike was felt across the entertainment industry and beyond, leading to unprecedented delays in the production of TV shows and films, and having a trickle down effect on all those who rely upon a healthy industry. The 118 day strike was the longest movie and television strike in the union’s 90-year history.
A week to ten days before the SAG-AFTRA strike settled, the industry began to stir. One Chicago opened their production offices with the essential staff. Crews were put on notice and told to be prepared to return to work soon. We were all sitting on go and glued to our phones. Needless to say, there was a collective sigh of relief when a settlement was announced.
With the strike settled, tens of thousands of actors from Los Angeles to New York dropped their picket signs and prepared to get back to work, and an industry that has been paralyzed for months, sprung to life.
Here are the prep and filming schedules as our Chicago shows return to production:
Chicago Fire crews will begin prep on Monday, November 13.
Chicago Fire first day of filming Season 12 is Monday, November 27.
Chicago P.D. will also bring in their crews on November 13 to begin prep.
Chicago P.D. first day of filming Season 11 is Monday, November 27.
Chicago Med crews will be back to work on Wednesday, November 15 to begin prep.
Chicago Med first day of filming Season 9 is Wednesday, November 29.
The number of episodes has not yet been announced.
The Chi is expected to return after Thanksgiving to begin prep. There will be a new Producer and UPM on board for Season 7. LouAnn Wu (The Chi Season 4) will return for Season 7 as UPM, and Michael Pendell (The Chi Season 4) will return for Season 7 as Producer.
Alex R Hibbert who plays Kevin Williams will not be returning in Season 7. Full story here.
The Emperor of Ocean Park production offices will open at Chicago Studio City after Thanksgiving. Prep will begin on December 6. Filming will begin January 10.
The Bear will add two extra episodes to Season 3 for a total of 12 episodes. They are scheduled to begin prep in early January and will begin filming in mid February.
Somebody Somewhere will begin prep in January for Season 3. They will be filming a total of 7 episodes in their Lockport location from February to early April.
Deli Boys is returning with a possible January start date for filming a total of 10 episodes for Season 1.
Power Book IV: Force has not officially been renewed but check back, we will have that announcement very soon.
There are other projects that we hope to announce soon as soon as they confirm. As for now, we are thrilled that crews and actors and fans can once again look forward to their favorite characters and captivating storylines on the small screen.
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