Silence is Golden: Influencers Warned Not to Speak During SAG-AFTRA Strike

Updated: 3 days ago

As the buzz around the “Barbenheimer” summer intensifies, and chatter about current film releases reaches new heights, influencers must tread carefully. The Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has made it clear: influencers should hold their thoughts on any struck work during the ongoing strike, whether they express these opinions organically or in a paid capacity.

SAG-AFTRA Strike

Understanding Struck Work: The SAG-AFTRA Strike & Influencers

If the term “struck work” leaves you puzzled, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experienced attorneys at PLF, who can guide actors, influencers, and producers in entertainment law to ensure compliance with the rules during this critical SAG strike.

In essence, struck work encompasses “all covered services under the Producer – SAG-AFTRA Codified Basic Agreement and SAG-AFTRA Television Agreements and their related agreements.” The strike includes productions under any of the following agreements, beginning at 12:01 AM Pacific Time, July 14, 2023:

  • Producer-SAG-AFTRA Codified Basic Agreement
  • SAG-AFTRA Television Agreement (includes New Media)
  • SAG-AFTRA New Media Agreement for High Budget Original or Derivative Programs
  • Special New Media Agreements
  • Low Budget Theatrical Agreement (LBA)
  • Moderate Low Budget Project Agreement (MPA)
  • Ultra Low Budget Project Agreement (UPA)

Any projects under these agreements are deemed ‘struck.’

The Risks of Speaking Out

If an influencer is considering promoting a ‘struck’ project, the advice is clear: don’t. Even if the post is unpaid, any support of a struck company’s work can jeopardize future relationships with SAG-AFTRA. Merely sharing a meme, like the intriguing Barbenheimer trailer circulating online, could lead to conflicts with the union now and in the future.

More Information

For a detailed examination of the requirements for influencers during this sensitive period, Vanity Fair offers an insightful article. SAG-AFTRA also provides an FAQ section on its website, guiding those in the entertainment industry through the complexities of the strike.

In these turbulent times, silence may indeed be the best policy for influencers. It preserves both integrity and future opportunities within the ever-evolving entertainment world.