On October 10, 2023, Los Angeles-based Writers Guild of America, who moved from Chicago, extended their support to the ongoing strike by the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) by joining the picket line outside Paramount Pictures.
Planned by, a former NCIS LA writer and Chicago native. Adam Key, writers toting “WGA Supports SAG-AFTRA” signs danced and walked to the thumping beat of boom boxes and speakers blasting old school in front of the home of Mission Impossible and Quiet Place films.
The strike, which began on July 14, has been one of the most significant labor actions in recent years. SAG-AFTRA members are calling for equitable compensation, better health and retirement benefits, improved working conditions, and increased residuals from the booming streaming industry, which has seen tremendous growth over the past decade.
The presence of Chicago writers at the picket line at Paramount underscores the widespread support that the strike has received from various sectors of the entertainment industry. These writers recognize the need for fair compensation and proper recognition of the essential work performed by actors. They understand that a successful and equitable entertainment industry is built on collaboration and mutual support. Take a look at the photos from Chicago Day Below:
Even our West Coast Editor, Colin Costello, got in on the picket supporting two of his Storage actresses, Francesca DeLuca and Alicia Blasingame:
The strike, which has now extended into its third month, has put a halt to numerous productions, causing frustration among many actors and film crews. Donna Langley, Chief Content Officer at NBCUniversal, recently expressed her concerns over the strike, fearing that a lack of movie releases in summer 2024 could have a “lasting impact” on the industry.
Despite the challenges and potential disruptions caused by the strike, SAG-AFTRA members remain committed to their demands, focusing on creating a more equitable future for everyone involved in the entertainment sector. They are fighting not only for their own rights but for the rights of their fellow artists and professionals who often face similar issues of exploitation and inequity.
The involvement of Chicago writers in this strike sends a powerful message that unity and solidarity can bring about necessary change. As negotiations continue, the entertainment industry is witnessing a historic moment where artists are willing to stand together for the betterment of their industry and their future.
Key grew up on the south side of Chicago, where he was raised by a white Jewish mother and a black catholic father, attended public school and was a member of the local hip hop community where he both worked professionally as a DJ through his college years at the University of Illinois, and as an underground recording artist performing shows up and down the Los Angeles Sunset Strip.
After settling down in LA, he entered the world of set production departments for such films as – Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and Hancock, as well as the television shows Bones, Medium, The Ghost Whisperer,Big Love, Dexter, No Ordinary Family.
While it is uncertain how much longer the strike will last with talks stalled, the resolve of SAG-AFTRA members, with the added support of Chicago writers and many others, is a testament to their unwavering commitment to a fair, sustainable, and equitable entertainment industry.
As the entertainment world watches and waits, one thing is clear: the collective voice of artists and professionals united on the picket line speaks volumes about their dedication to their craft, their colleagues, and the future of their industry.
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