Sometimes, the ideas I scribble in my notebook for content that 撸奶社区 readers might care about come from my own house.
That is the case for the current film industry shutdown.
The ongoing by both the Writers Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television, and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) means that my husband — who works in TV, and film post-production — is laid off, like many others in town.
The strikes are more complex than this, but basically, it is about writers and actors wanting more money from the studios and streaming platforms, and wanting to limit the use of artificial intelligence to replace paid writers and actors.
This is only the second time both writers and actors have been out simultaneously, the last time being in 1960.
My partner is not part of any side. He, like many others, is just collateral damage.
The ties between the U.S. and Canada within the industry are so strong that it means most productions across Canada are shut down.
Contrary to popular belief, while most film folks earn a fair wage, they don’t earn Ryan Reynolds’ wages!
Glassdoor says the average film crew member’s salary is $72,000 annually. Many make much less than that.
The industry supports about 75,000 jobs in this province, 120,000 when freelancers are included, according to.
Given inflation’s impact on us all, this shutdown is kicking Canadian film folks in the keister (variable mortgage, anyone?).
And it feels like a weird déjà vu after the shutdowns due to COVID.
Local actress Amy Reid —of Netflix’s and many other stage, TV and movie productions — says this situation is hitting harder than the pandemic.
Reid has had one audition in the more than three months since the writers first went on strike.
“Normally, I would get a couple a week. That’s the level of it. So yeah, people are scrambling.”
According to the District, one feature film, one episodic show, and one movie of the week are on hold and waiting to film in Squamish.
Seven permits were issued from June 1 to Aug. 3, in 2022, while three permits were issued for the same period this year.
Lightcast labour analytics data show 69 local businesses with employees in ‘Performing arts, spectator sports, and related industries.’
Of these, 62 are more specifically related to the film industry.
About 240 locals work in entertainment-related jobs.
Employment insurance is a godsend for those who can access it, but it isn’t a full paycheque.
But the strikes aren’t all for not north of the border.
Reid noted that Canadian actors face the same issues as their U.S. counterparts. , will be at the bargaining table mid-2024.
What happens down south will impact Canada, as it always does.
Let’s hope that all sides make a deal soon so we can return to being ‘Squamishwood.’
