Disney CEO Bob Iger has called the demands set by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA “not realistic”.
The WGA strike has been going on for over two months, with members of the Writers Guild of America wanting more money in residuals from streaming content. they also want to ensure that their jobs will not be placed by A.I. screenwriters. Now, the actors in the Screen Actors Guild are on the verge of going on a SAG strike for similar reasons.
Iger called the looming SAG-AFTRA strike “very disturbing,” saying it will have a “very, very damaging effect on the whole business.” He says, “This is the worst time in the world to add to that disruption,” adding that “there’s a level of expectation that they [SAG-AFTRA and the WGA] have that is just not realistic.”
Although Iger respects “their right and their desire” to be fairly compensated, he says they “have to be realistic about the business environment and what this business can deliver,” and that the strikes will cause “huge collateral damage.” This comes amidst Iger’s recent contract extension through 2026, which would see the CEO lining his pockets with a $31 million yearly salary.
Is SAG on strike?
As the contract negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have failed to reach a deal, a strike will be formally approved.
This means that actors will not be allowed to film movie and TV productions, take part in press junkets or film premieres, or promote anything at San Diego Comic-Con.
