Hollywood at a Standstill
The entertainment industry came to a complete standstill in May 2023 when the Writers Guild of America (WGA) initiated a strike, citing a labor dispute with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). The AMPTP represents major industry players like Netflix, Amazon, Apple, Disney, and others. Soon after, in July 2023, the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) joined the strike, amplifying the disruption and bringing most productions to a halt across Hollywood.
Exceptions to the Rule
While many film and TV projects were forced to pause indefinitely, a select group of productions were given permission to continue filming. These films had already completed their scriptwriting before the WGA strike began, allowing them to continue without violating the terms of the strike. The key factor for these exceptions was that the scripts were finalized and ready to go prior to the start of the work stoppage.
SAG-AFTRA’s Guidelines
Amid the ongoing strikes, SAG-AFTRA outlined specific guidelines that determined which projects could proceed with production. According to the union, actors are prohibited from participating in most film and TV productions, including promotional activities like attending premieres, doing interviews, or engaging in any on-camera or off-camera work. This includes stunt work, motion capture, camera tests, and even background work. Additionally, those hoping to join SAG-AFTRA in the future must follow these rules to avoid jeopardizing their union membership.
Interim Agreements: A Path Forward
Although most productions were halted, there is a pathway for some to continue: the Interim Agreement. These agreements are granted to films and TV shows that are not produced by AMPTP member studios and agree to follow union guidelines. In addition, projects with lower production budgets can also receive approval to proceed under these special agreements. The Interim Agreement has allowed select films and shows to continue production despite the ongoing strikes.
Projects Approved for Filming
As of August 2023, SAG-AFTRA has confirmed that no new deals will be made for titles covered under WGA contracts if those films are produced in the U.S. However, several projects have received approval to continue filming under the Interim Agreement, and the list of these ongoing productions continues to grow.
Among the approved films are The Killer’s Game, Wildcat, The Watchers, and Don’t Move, as well as numerous others across a range of genres. These films are allowed to continue production, provided they comply with the terms laid out by SAG-AFTRA. The Interim Agreement ensures that these projects can move forward, even as the larger industry remains in limbo due to the strikes.
Looking Ahead
Hollywood is facing an unprecedented situation with most productions halted as a result of the dual strikes. However, thanks to the Interim Agreement, a select few films and TV shows are able to proceed with filming. As the strikes continue, it remains uncertain which other projects will be able to move forward under these special conditions. For now, the focus remains on resolving the labor disputes that have shaken the entertainment industry, with all eyes on how the situation will unfold in the coming months.
