Someone Remind Netflix That SAG Is Still On Strike

By Andrew Sanford | TV | September 29, 2023 |

By Andrew Sanford | TV | September 29, 2023 |

This is getting old. We now know that the AMPTP is capable of meeting reasonable demands. They puffed out their chests, made ominous threats, and dragged the strike out for five months. After all that time and all their posturing, the WGA proved what we knew all along. Big companies have a lot of money. Now, Netflix is trying to act like we’re all dumb (or they are).

Nicole Kidman is starring in a new limited series for Netflix called The Perfect Couple. The production attempted to shoot B-Roll footage in Nantucket. B-Roll footage doesn’t always require actors. For this footage, the production allegedly sought out people who could drive cars onscreen. They tried to get non-union actors to be those drivers. What do we call that? Scabbing.

Background extras are an integral part of a lot of productions. They’re hardworking professionals who can help fill a frame and bring a director’s vision to life. Sometimes, they’re playing cops and charging toward Bane’s henchman in a downtown Gotham that looks suspiciously like NYC. Other times, they’re just driving cars. No matter the scenario, they are always acting.

Despite negotiations finally resuming on Monday, Netflix tried to get one over on SAG/AFTRA. Members traveled to the Massachusetts island from all over New England. They know damn well that the strike is not over. Netflix knows damn well that the strike is not over. This doesn’t stop until the AMPTP plays fair. We know they can, and the sooner they recognize that, the better.