Aussie actors unite in Hollywood as strike rolls on

The first industry-wide Hollywood shutdown in 63 years is still in full swing as Australian actors explain what it means for Down Under.

Aussie actor Luke Cook has warned the Hollywood strike could continue for months, predicting serious ramifications for TV and film viewers around the world.

The star of hit US shows The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Dynasty and Dollface has been vocal in his support of the actors and writers strike that has brought the entertainment industry to its knees.

“It could go on for months, or until after February next year, which would mean they would have nothing to release in the American autumn,” Cook said.

“It would mean they’d have nothing to release in March next year and that would be terrible.”

Actors and writers protest outside Netflix headquarters in Hollywood. Picture: Jonathon Moran

The Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA), which represents more than 150,000 actors, this month moved to join the screenwriter union to strike following lengthy negotiations over work conditions and pay. One point of contention is the use of artificial general intelligence (AI) and residuals, the amount of money actors are paid in royalties from the number of streams their shows receive.

It is the first industry-wide shutdown in 63 years.

Aussies on the SAG picket line - Kara Cook, Christian Wilkins, Andi Lew, Luke Cook. Picture: Jonathon Moran

“The Writers Guild hasn’t gone back to the table with the AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers), ever since the strike has happened, they haven’t renegotiated,” Cook explained.

“The AMPTP won’t meet them so we are hoping that this energy that the actors add brings people back to the table. I have heard September/October, other people are saying March next year so who knows. I will do this for as long as it takes. I will fight for as long as it takes.”

A TikTok video Cook posted last week went viral with the popular actor detailing the reality of the strike. In it, he stated that despite his profile, most actors are “paid chips”.

Cook’s stylist wife, Kara, said the impact is being felt far and wide with her sector also largely out of work, as well as hair, makeup and fashion industries associated with Hollywood.

“It trickles down to everyone,” said Cook, who has worked with the likes of Ariana Grande, Sofia Vergara, Priyanka Chopra and Gigi Hadid.

“Since there are no red carpets, all of the glam teams are going to be out of work also. It is huge. As a stylist, even down to the showrooms that we pull through and the designers, their collections won’t be worn by celebrities so what is going to happen there? It really is a snowball effect.”

Jackpot protests in L.A

Actor Carter Jenkins

Christian Wilkins moved to Los Angeles in April to pursue acting.

“It definitely wouldn’t have been my choice example of a time to move here but it is also kind of amazing to be here and see how the community has banded together,” the son of veteran entertainment TV reporter Richard Wilkins said.

“It really has fortified my interest in it and my love and passion for acting.”

Wilkins also warned consumers will be starved of content as the strike continues when the major studios and streaming services run out of new television and film productions.

“Absolutely content is going to run dry, that is definitely a factor,” he said.

“But I think more broadly, art imitates life and Hollywood is kind of the physical manifestation of cinema and art. And I think people will see if these things can happen here, if people can stand up for what is wrong here, then they could also stand up in other places like back home.”