Writers Guild Of America (WGA) and Screen Actors Guild – American Federation Of Television and Radio Artists (SAG -AFTRA) have gone on a strike to get help on better pay and contracts. Not just this, they are also seeking protection against Artificial Intelligence and Streaming Effect. For the unversed, streaming effect basically means that a viewer can re-watch the same show or movie on OTT platforms for n number of times but the actors do not get paid the same residuals that the streamers get for the re-watches.
Shortly after receiving the letter, Dwayne aka The Rock made a significant seven-figure contribution to the fund. While the exact amount remains confidential, it will definitely help thousands of actors during this challenging time.
Johnson’s generosity sends out a powerful message and a wake up call for others in the industry to step up and assist their fellow performers.
SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s executive director Cyd Wilson and president Courtney B. Vance sent a plea to the union’s highest-paid actors highlighting the financial requirement that other actors would face during the work stoppage.“We rely on donations and grants to provide services — we have been very fortunate that we raised enough money to be able to cover all of our programs,” Wilson revealed. “But when we hit a crisis like this and we’re going to spend millions and millions of dollars in financial assistance, this is when we need our high profile talent who can afford it, who are in a situation to help others.”
The foundation has been working tirelessly to provide up to 1,500 dollars per individual, with lifetime members eligible for up to $6,000 in emergency financial assistance. Due to the ongoing strike, there has been a significant increase in requests for aid.
The financial crisis that many actors face is so severe that to reach a threshold of earning a minimum of $26,000 a year and qualifying for health insurance also becomes difficult. The perception that most actors enjoy substantial incomes is somewhat a farce as many take up second and third jobs to make ends meet.
This big move from Dwayne Johnson and other contributors sure sends a resounding message of solidarity with those who have been struggling for a long time.