The SAG-AFTRA strike, which lasted for 118 days, ended on November 9, 2023, paving the way for Hollywood actors to return to work.
SAG-AFTRA Secures Major Wins for Performers
SAG-AFTRA, the union representing actors and other entertainment professionals, has secured two major wins for performers in its latest contract negotiations:
1. Sets must have proper hair & makeup services for all performers, including those with diverse & textured hair & complexions
This is a huge victory for performers of color, who have long faced discrimination in the hair and makeup industry. In the past, many productions have not had the knowledge or resources to style diverse hair types, and performers have often had to bring their own stylists to set. This can be a financial burden for performers, and it can also lead to delays and frustration.
Under the new SAG-AFTRA contract, productions are now required to provide proper hair and makeup services for all performers, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or hair type. This means that productions will need to hire stylists who are trained to work with diverse hair textures, and they will need to have a wide range of products and tools available on set.
This new requirement is a major step forward for diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. It will ensure that all performers have access to the hair and makeup services they need to look and feel their best on screen.
2. Requirement for intimacy coordinators present for scenes involving nudity & simulated sex
Another important win for performers in the new SAG-AFTRA contract is the requirement for intimacy coordinators to be present for scenes involving nudity and simulated sex. Intimacy coordinators are professionals who work with directors, actors, and crew to create a safe and supportive environment for filming these types of scenes. They can help to choreograph the scenes, provide emotional support to the actors, and ensure that everyone involved is comfortable and safe.
The presence of an intimacy coordinator is essential for creating a safe and equitable work environment for performers. It can help to prevent sexual harassment and assault, and it can also help to create a more realistic and respectful depiction of intimacy on screen.
These two new requirements in the SAG-AFTRA contract are major victories for performers. They will help to create a more inclusive and equitable work environment for all performers, and they will help to protect performers from harm.
What does this mean for performers?
For performers, these new requirements mean that they can expect to be treated with respect and dignity on set. They can expect to have access to the hair and makeup services they need to look and feel their best, and they can expect to be protected from sexual harassment and assault.
These new requirements are also a sign that the entertainment industry is moving in the right direction. They show that the industry is committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace for all performers.
How can performers take advantage of these new requirements?
Performers can take advantage of these new requirements by making sure that they are aware of their rights under the SAG-AFTRA contract. They should also speak up if they feel like they are not being treated with respect or if they feel unsafe on set.
Performers can also help to promote these new requirements by spreading the word to other performers and by working with productions to ensure that they are in compliance.
