Much of the attention about the writers’ and actors’ strikes has focused on how it impacts the principal parties involved… actors, writers, and studios based in Los Angeles and New York. However, the collateral damage has begun to spread to additional industries and cities across the country.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution published an extensive report on the strike’s effect on its local film industry. Due to ideal weather conditions and tax incentives, Atlanta has become a center for TV and Film production, amounting to $4.4 billion in local economic activity during 2022.
During the period from 2011-2021, Georgia has led the nation in creating new jobs in film and TV, with the industry now representing a significant portion of the state’s overall economy. The Journal-Constitution interviewed locals who work in the industry directly and secondary businesses that support TV and Film Production. Many are struggling to adapt to the shutdowns by cutting expenses and looking for alternative work.
A group of workers that have not received much attention are publicists, who have essentially shut down since SAG-AFTRA barred its actor members from promoting upcoming movies and shows. A Deadline report this week shows the tension this has created for publicists, who are asking the union to loosen its restrictions on promotion.
On a call held Tuesday, a group of publicists asked SAG-AFTRA to consider their “negative” and “unsympathetic” stance towards publicity, leaving many in a state of “despair and anger” regarding the current situation. It is hard to overstate the magnitude of the economic impact of the strike as it drags on, especially if it continues deep into the fall season.
See also: Publicists Call For SAG-AFTRA To “Loosen Stranglehold” On Promotion Rules; Guild Cites “Difficult Fight” Against Studios (Deadline)
