The Impacts of the SAG-AFTRA Strike on Conventions

As Hollywood grapples with the sweeping ramifications of the ongoing SAG-AFTRA and Writers Guild of America strikes, many industry sectors are left wondering about their fate, one of which is the vibrant world of conventions. Cons and Expos alike act as crucial meeting points for artists, industry professionals, and avid enthusiasts alike. This blog post seeks to unravel the potential impacts these strikes could have on conventions.

Although the strikes revolve around disputes over pay, working conditions, and emerging technologies, the general landscape of conventions is expected to endure with minor alterations. This introduction will lead you into a more detailed exploration of what changes we can anticipate, the reasons behind them, and how cons might adapt in response. According to SAG-AFTRA, the following is what is and isn’t allowed during the strike:

Allowed During Strike	Not Allowed During Strike
Participate in independent, non-AMPTP productions	Participate in conventions on behalf of or to promote AMPTP companies
Perform in works not covered by SAG-AFTRA agreements	Promote projects related to AMPTP companies, including interviews, red carpet appearances, and premieres
Engage in union activities and support other striking members	Participate in the production or performance of works for AMPTP companies
Engage with fans independently on social media platforms not associated with AMPTP companies	Participate in official AMPTP company live streams, podcasts, and other promotional events
Participate in non-AMPTP affiliated fan events and conventions	Participate in fan meet-and-greets, signings, or photo ops organized or sponsored by AMPTP companies
Accept independent awards and recognition not associated with AMPTP companies	Participate in promotional AMPTP company awards ceremonies and events

A Dark Cloud over Hollywood and Beyond

The Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), a labor union representing nearly 160,000 entertainment industry professionals — from actors and recording artists to broadcast journalists — is currently embroiled in a significant labor dispute. The ripple effects of this stand-off, resulting from failed negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), are casting a long shadow across the entire industry, reaching far beyond the confines of Hollywood.

At the heart of this strike are significant concerns around compensation, working conditions, and the potentially disruptive influence of artificial intelligence on the industry. While these issues are creating upheaval in the production of TV shows and movies, another area that may face the indirect impact of these complex negotiations is the vibrant, bustling world of conventions. These events, acting as essential intersections of fan engagement and professional networking, may need to navigate the new realities that this ongoing strike presents. The strikes have undeniably cast a cloud of uncertainty, leaving many to wonder about the future of these beloved gatherings in the face of industry-wide disruptions.

@talesfromthecollection How SAG-AFTRA / WGA Strikes Will Affect Comic Cons Going Forward #Autographs #Celebrities #Cons #ComicCon #SAG #WGAStrong #WGA @SAG AFTRA @wgaeast ♬ Aesthetic – Tollan Kim

Impact on Panel Discussions and Celebrity Appearances

Convention panels often shine a light on the creative processes behind beloved films and TV series, with cast and crew members sharing unique insights and personal experiences. However, due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, these discussions will now be subject to certain restrictions. While the strike continues, actors cannot promote their current projects, which may significantly affect the content and focus of these panels.

According to the SAG-AFTRA Strike Notice and Order, actors are barred from performing works and publicizing projects connected to the studios involved in the strike. This includes red-carpet appearances, premieres, and interviews related to these projects. While actors are still able to participate in panels, they, along with event organizers and panel moderators, must navigate a careful path. Discussions can revolve around broad topics such as the acting process, the motivations behind their career choice, and their general experiences within the industry. However, dialogue relating to characters from struck works, or work for struck companies, must be avoided.

The shifting landscape of these panels, driven by the strike, may impact the appeal of conventions, potentially leading to a decline in ticket sales. This could be particularly notable at events heavily focused on star-led panels and celebrity interactions, where discussions typically hinge on current or upcoming projects. The strike’s impact is set to reshape the convention experience, at least for its duration, potentially prompting new formats and discussions in the interim.

Allowed	Not Allowed
Speaking to event organizers and panel moderators about what questions are okay during the strike	Discussing characters from struck work or work for struck companies
Discussing general topics such as the acting process, reasons for becoming an actor, likes/dislikes about working in the industry	Answering questions about struck work

Unveiling of Trailers and First Looks

In the colorful and electrifying world of conventions, events like Comic-Con International and Star Wars Celebration have traditionally served as grand stages for unveiling tantalizing first looks and trailers of upcoming cinematic or television ventures. This practice is a highlight of these conventions, driving fan engagement and media buzz. However, with the current industry impasse due to the strikes, the glittering spectacle of these revelations might dim.

With production on pause and promotional activities curtailed, the pipeline of new trailers and sneak peeks, usually a cornerstone of these events, might be facing a drought. The industry-wide disruptions pose a challenge to these anticipated moments, threatening to reduce the scale and impact of these conventions, and potentially altering the very experience of these beloved fan gatherings. The absence of these exciting reveals could indeed cast a noticeable shadow over the vibrant landscapes of these events.

Autograph Signings Will Continue, with Some Limitations

Even amidst the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, autograph signings will continue at conventions, albeit with a few important changes. To adhere to the guidelines outlined by SAG-AFTRA during the strike, actors will avoid signing photos depicting them as characters from any affected projects. Instead, their signatures will grace headshots or similar photos, allowing a continued connection with fans while respecting the terms of the strike.

Personal quotes can accompany these autographs, ensuring a personalized touch. In cases where fans present memorabilia from struck works for signing, actors are allowed to sign but are instructed to avoid writing or including mentions of characters or quotes from those projects. This adherence to the strike guidelines introduces a nuanced dynamic to autograph signings, upholding the valued interaction between performers and fans, while still respecting the broader objectives of the strike.

Allowed	Not Allowed
Signing headshots or similar photos at conventions during autograph sessions.	Signing photos that depict them as a character from a struck work.
Writing personal quotes while signing autographs.	Writing or including mentions of characters or quotes from struck work.
Signing photos or memorabilia from struck work brought by fans.	Writing or including mentions of characters or quotes from the struck work on fan-provided memorabilia.

Looking Forward

The current strikes in Hollywood reflect deeper systemic issues within the industry, as summarized in an impassioned speech by SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher: “This is a moment of history that is a moment of truth. If we don’t stand tall right now, we are all going to be in trouble. We are all going to be in jeopardy of being replaced by machines and big business who cares more about Wall Street than you and your family”.

As we await the resolution of these strikes, it’s important to remember the wide-reaching impacts they have on both the industry and the events that celebrate it. As such, conventions may need to adapt and innovate to maintain relevance during these uncertain times. Despite the challenges, the spirit of creativity and collaboration that defines conventions could offer a way forward, signaling hope amidst the darkness.

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