A prominent member of Hollywood’s constellation has made an appearance amid the roiling storm that is growing within the entertainment sector. Adam Driver, praised for his unforgettable portrayal of Kylo Ren in the Star Wars saga, boldly confronts the streaming titans. The 39-year-old has taken over the spotlight as the industry is shaken by the demands of the SAG-AFTRA strike.
His goal is to criticize this digital giant for what he sees as a lack of support for the same artists who contribute to their enormous successes.
Adam Driver Criticizes Netflix And Amazon For Failing To Back SAG-AFTRA
Adam Driver has emerged as a prominent voice in the entertainment industry, expressing his criticism towards streaming giants Netflix and Amazon. His concerns revolve around their apparent failure to support the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).
This comes amid significant turmoil, with members of SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild of America unions staging a strike, effectively bringing Hollywood to a standstill.
Driver, whose latest film Ferrari received an exemption from the strike, insists that studio executives must do more to address the demands of those currently on strike.
Speaking at the Venice Film Festival, he emphasized the importance of supporting movies not affiliated with the AMPTP, he stated,
“I’m very happy to be here to support this movie, but also I’m very proud to be here, to be a visual representation of a movie that’s not a part of the AMPTP [Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers], and to promote the SAG leadership directive – which is an effective tactic – which is the interim agreement.”
Under the strike’s terms, members are prohibited from engaging in new film or TV projects or promoting those already completed, including attending premieres or film festivals in support of their work.
The actor’s question resonates,
“Why is it that a smaller distribution company like Neon and STX International can meet the dream demands of what Sag is asking for but a big company like Netflix and Amazon can’t?”
He underscores that supporting films that adhere to these terms highlights a willingness to support collaborators, contrasting starkly with those who do not.
Nevertheless, the strike has undeniable consequences, impacting Hollywood and its passionate audience.
SAG-AFTRA’s Influence On Hollywood
SAG-AFTRA, formally known as the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, wields a substantial influence over the Hollywood landscape.
This influential union comprises a diverse spectrum of professionals in the entertainment sphere, encompassing actors, broadcasters, and recording artists.
However, the Hollywood production scene has hit a major snag due to a contract deadlock between major studios and the unions representing screenwriters and actors.
The consequences are significant, with the motion picture and sound recording industries shedding 16,800 jobs previously.
The labor stoppages commenced when 11,500 members of the Writers Guild of America initiated a strike in May. The strike then rippled further as SAG-AFTRA, representing over 160,000 actors and broadcasters, joined in July when their contract with major film and television studios expired.
Warner Bros. Discovery, a major player, has also disclosed projected losses of up to $500 million this year due to the ongoing strikes.
This unprecedented dual work stoppage, the first in 63 years, has disrupted productions throughout the industry, incurring billions of dollars in economic losses and delaying the release of numerous films.
Source: The New York Times
