Will the WGA Strike Pull in SAG and Halt Autograph Collecting?

The ongoing Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike is causing ripple effects in the entertainment industry, and the autograph hobby is not immune to its impact. While the strike is primarily about the writers’ demands for better pay and benefits, it has the potential to significantly alter the autograph market if the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) strikes in solidarity.

Because contacts with both SAG and the Directors Guild of America (DGA) expire with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) on June 30, the strikes could have imminent effects. Especially hit hard will be those who collect autographs through street graphing or at comic cons.

Understanding the WGA Strike and Its Ramifications

The WGA strike is a labor dispute between the Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which represents the major studios and production companies. The strike began on May 2nd, with the writers demanding better pay, improved benefits, and greater job security.

The strike is already affecting the television and film industry, with delayed production schedules and canceled TV shows. However, it could have even more far-reaching consequences for the autograph hobby.

Effects on Street Graphing

Street graphing is the practice of collecting autographs from celebrities encountered on the street, typically outside of venues such as studios where talk shows are filmed. It is a popular and exciting way to get autographs from stars, especially for collectors who cannot afford the often-expensive private signings or Comic Con appearances.

With the WGA strike in effect, the first victims will be talk shows that write their scripts close to filming. They will transition to airing pre-recorded shows which means that celebrity guests will not be making appearances on the shows. Of course, no guests means no opportunities for street graphing.

Even if those shows were still on the air, the writers are contractually obligated to not appear on talk shows or other media to promote their shows or movies. The exact same stipulations would apply to actors if SAG-AFTRA (the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) joins the strike. That means fewer opportunities for street graphing across the board. That’s a problem because it’s one of the major sources that supplies the autograph market.

Effects on Comic Cons and Conventions

Comic cons and other conventions rely heavily on celebrity guests to attract attendees, and many fans attend these events specifically to meet and get autographs from their favorite stars. If SAG-AFTRA joins the WGA strike, it could spell the end for Comic Cons that rely on celebrity guests to attract attendees.

If actors are contractually obligated not to promote their movies, that means they may cancel convention appearances or refuse to sign autographs. This could have a devastating impact on the autograph market, as convention appearances are often the at many autograph collectors enjoy the hobby.

Other Possible Impacts of the WGA Strike on the Autograph Hobby

The WGA strike could also affect private signings, which are organized events where fans pay to get autographs from stars through a third party. If actors and writers are on strike, it is unlikely that they will participate in private signings, because it could be seen as a promotional activity. This would lead to fewer opportunities for collectors to get autographs from their favorite stars.

Furthermore, the strike may also cause delays in the release of TV shows and movies, which could impact the release of related merchandise such as posters, photos, and other collectibles.

Overall, the WGA strike is a significant development in the entertainment industry, and its impact on the autograph hobby seems to be imminent. Fans and collectors alike will need to adapt to these changes and find new ways to get autographs from their favorite stars.