Amidst the historic actors and writers strike, DB Woodside, known for his roles in popular TV shows like “Lucifer” and “The Night Agent,” took to social media to address the reality faced by most actors in the entertainment industry. As the strike continues, Woodside passionately shared the challenges that many actors experience, dispelling the misconception that all actors are living lavish lifestyles.
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In a lengthy tweets, Woodside pointed out that a significant number of TV shows are not filmed in Los Angeles, where most actors reside. For those fortunate enough to be series regulars on such shows, they are often required to relocate to another city, and sometimes even to other countries, like Canada, for the duration of filming. The studios provide a one-time “relocation fee,” typically ranging from $4,000 to $8,000, which is meant to cover the expenses of moving and setting up in the new location. However, this amount is expected to last for the entire duration of the series, regardless of how many seasons it may run, which can be a considerable financial burden for actors who have to maintain their lives back in LA.
“The overwhelming majority of TV shows are not filmed in LA where most live. So, what does that mean? Well, if you’re a series regular on a TV show you get flown to another city (another country, Canada usually) where you’re expected to LIVE for the duration of filming. They give you a “relocation fee” to get you “started.” Usually falls between $4,000 – $8,000. That’s it. For the LIFE OF THAT SERIES. Not every season. ONCE. I repeat: ONCE. So if you’re on a show for 5, 6, 7 seasons you’re expected to pay your rents/mortgages and car leases back IN LA where most live. You are also expected to pay for your rent and rental cars in the city that they decide to move you to for the duration of that series. 4, 5, 6, 7 seasons depending on the success of your show.”
Woodside revealed that most actors have to deal with month-to-month rentals or break leases when their job is over, leading to a constant financial struggle. Additionally, they are responsible for covering the costs of flying back and forth to see their families, further adding to their financial strain. This financial pressure often pushes actors to seek new jobs urgently, as the clock is always ticking on their financial stability.
“Most of us pay month to month. Or, we find a lease that we have to break when the job is over. Or, we find another actor friend that will take over that lease. I’ve done this with my homie @meagantandy Add airline tickets to fly back and forth to see your partners and children. We pay for that shit too. This happens EVERY SINGLE SEASON on TV shows throughout the USA that film outside of LA. I don’t know many folks that can easily afford a mortgage, an apartment rental, two cars, one a lease, the other a rental car, AND airline tickets to see their families and not eventually feel the pain financially. And THAT is why when most jobs finish actors are racing to find the next job because the clock is always ticking financially.”
The issue of residuals also plays a crucial role in the actors’ financial well-being. Residuals are payments made to actors for the reuse or rebroadcast of their work. Woodside emphasized that residuals matter to actors, and the perception that all actors are millionaires is far from the truth. While the top 1% of actors may be financially comfortable, the majority of actors face financial challenges due to the cost-cutting measures implemented by studios.
The situation has reached a boiling point, leading to the current strike by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). Contract negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have reached an impasse, prompting the guild’s national board to approve the strike. This marks the first time actors have gone on strike in the film and television industry since 1980 and the first simultaneous strike by actors and writers since 1960.
The failed negotiations stem from the studios’ refusal to address essential issues raised by SAG-AFTRA members, leading to the decision to strike. The strike is expected to have a significant impact on the film and TV industry, affecting productions worldwide that employ SAG-AFTRA members.
This strike takes place alongside an ongoing strike by the Writers Guild, with writers expressing solidarity with the actors’ cause. Both unions are aiming to push the studios to engage in meaningful negotiations and address the demands of their members for fair compensation and benefits in an industry that generates billions of dollars in revenue.
The hope is that the strike will ultimately lead to a fair and equitable resolution that benefits the hardworking actors and writers who contribute so much to the success of the shows and movies that captivate audiences worldwide.
READ HIS FULL TWEET HERE.
“We’re happy to get the kind of money that jingles, but we’d rather get the kind that folds.” – Lisa, Coming to America
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