Hollywood Loves A Happy Ending. But Has It Really Got One This Time?

Wednesday’s deal between Hollywood actors and studios and streaming services isn’t expected to immediately restore production to its full swing. That will take months, at the latest.

But the tentative deal suggests the more than six months of labour strife engulfing Hollywood is drawing to a close and soon, scores of workers could get back to work.

The deal, which both sides say includes extraordinary provisions, also means popular franchises such as “Deadpool” and “The Last of Us” will be a step closer to returning to screens.

Is The Actors Strike Really Over?

Hollywood is fond of happy endings. The actors strike deal might prove that, though there is still a possibility of strike sequels in the months ahead.

Picket lines are suspended and the only rallies on the horizon are the celebratory ones. But there are a couple of steps that need to happen before the deal becomes official.

On Friday, the national board of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists reviewed the deal and approved it. The guild’s full membership will now vote on it.

What Changes Could I See Now?

According to the union, the deal includes compensation increases, consent protections for use of AI and actors’ likenesses and includes a new “streaming participation bonus”.

The negotiation arm of the studios also hails the deal. It appears lots more actors will now be talking about their work again. Splashy premiers will resume with their stars, too.

And as Hollywood heads into its awards season, expect to see more interviews with stars and red carpet shots. But after two major strikes, what’s next?

Anything Else There Is To The Story

In July, Hollywood actors joined screenwriters in a historic strike after negotiations with studios broke down. The resolution of the writers strike allowed script work to resume.

That headstart might help some productions get back on the air sooner once their stars are cleared to work. Nonetheless, television moves faster than movies.

After the historic dual strike, one by video game performers is possible. Actors who work on video games, too, are concerned about the use of AI in their industry.