The threat of an acting strike in the US has taken another step toward becoming reality with major stars including Jack Nicholson, Ben Stiller and Martin Sheen campaigning against ratification of a new deal with studios.
The 'Hollywood Reporter' is reporting that Nicholson, Stiller and Sheen were signed up by the major acting union, the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), to speak out against a labour agreement negotiated by the other acting union, the AFTRA.
Tom Hanks, Kevin Spacey and more than 100 other actors have already gone on record to support the AFTRA deal.
The SAG is currently engaged in what has already been a lengthy and fraught negotiating process. But if the AFTRA, many of whose members are also in SAG and which has already concluded separate talks with studios, votes in favour of the proposed deal, SAG's position at will be considerably weakened.
The result of the vote are expected on 8 July. It is expected to play a significant role in either extending or ending a dispute which has already resulted in delays to Hollywood productions and could potentially result in a complete shutdown similar to that which occurred during the 100-day writers strike if it escalates further.
