SAG/Aftra On Strike

Hello Friends, fans and family, 
How are you doing today? I hope that you are having a good day. On July 14, 2023, the American actors' union SAG-AFTRA went on strike over an ongoing labor dispute with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. It has coincided with the Writers Guild of America strike that began in May in a series of broader Hollywood labor disputes. (from Wikipedia). The actor's efforts have not gone unnoticed. The hope is that we are able to bring this to an end as soon as possible, however, the plan is to go as long as it is needed to get the resolve that we are working so hard for. A livable wage is not too much to ask for. To have some form of protection against AI or moreover, companies using AI to use our likeness to do TV Shows and movies and such like that without adequate compensation. All of this is very important to us and moreover, a major concern for us actors.  

As an SAG.AFTRA member, I am an actor, and I am with the union in their decision to strike and yes if you come out, you will see me out there. I am not an A-Lister, or even a B or C lister for that matter. I guess I would fall somewhere around F or D, haha. I have done a lot of background work in my day and I am now doing a lot of principle roles; I am totally thankful for it all. I got in the union doing background, and I thank God for that. I treat acting like a regular job, I show up on time or early, I pay attention and I am engaged with what is going on. It was not and has not been easy for me. So, being in the union is very important to me. It took me a while to qualify to join the union. The union is so important to me and in general. The union are there when we need them. Also, being in the union grants us the ability to call ourselves a professional actor because we have put in so much work that is necessary to get to the next level. Now that I am getting principal roles, I still thank God every day. But honestly, I still can't say that I am a working actor, or at least not yet. I won't go into all of my gripes right now but I am hopeful that with a better contract we can have a livable wage and I can be a real working actor. There's no bitterness towards the process, just the pains of failing over, and over again. But that is also what makes it so sweet when (speaking in faith) I make it. For me, "making it" is being a working actor, where my only job is acting. Not that I am not going to do other things but that I don't have to get a side hustle or two or three to pay the bills.  

I am going to close with, STEM will always be prime and definitely needed. STEM is needed in every society, city, state and country. However, arts or the arts are needed as well. Some people are born to be creatives, or creators. Others work very hard to do the same but we all work extremely hard be considered professionals. So, to have artist in your society is a blessing and we are needed as much as STEM. I may never be an "A-Lister" I will always be a professional. Peace, Love and blessings to you all. 

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