The entertainment world was SHOCKED this week when the Screen Actors Guild announced a strike against Hollywood TV and companies, commencing at midnight on July 14, 2023. Striking actors will join striking writers on the picket line, as both trade unions bargain for better rights and compensation in an industry that has long embraced streaming. Thousands of working actors will walk off their jobs as the shortage commences – but how can we, the little people, show our support? There’s no shortage (ha!) Of ways, but here are 6 to start with.
1. DO NOT equip any licensed skins on Fortnite
Although one of the main draws of this popular battle Royale is an impressive library of licensed skins and items, do NOT cross the picket line by equipping your Black Adam or John Wick skin. Promoting the product enriches the company that exploits the creative people who created your favorite characters! Instead, take the opportunity to familiarize yourself with Fortnite’s original characters, like Annie the e-girl and B3NN13 the e-girl.
2. DO NOT listen to the radio
Whenever you get into a vehicle, make sure you turn the radio OFF! Although most musicians aren’t actors, some of them are. And are you really going to risk accidentally crossing the picket line just to listen to a THE KID LAROI song?
3. DO NOT quote TROPIC THUNDER on Comms
As funny as the movie Tropic Thunder is, and how well it has aged – seriously, name one thing in Tropic Thunder that could be considered insensitive – do NOT quote the movie on Comms with your squamates. Anytime you say “I know who I am. I’m the dude playin’ the dude, disguised as another dude!” to your squamates in a problematic voice, you are not only promoting Paramount Pictures, you are stopping your squamates from effectively calling out and tagging enemy combatants on the map.
4. DO NOT watch any cutscenes
Although these are only released once a season, make sure you DO NOT watch any of the cutscenes. By watching these videos – stitched together with AI and underpaid labor – you are tacitly approving the synthesis of all creative endeavors into a slurry of IP landmarks and undervaluing the very real work of making you believe a guy dressed like a spider can swing around New York. Also, they are really confusing and I think maybe it makes me feel inferior when everyone around me seems to understand them.
5. DO Thank the bus driver
Woodrow Wilson said it best: Solidarity Now, Solidarity Forever. Any time you recognize a service worker as an actual human being, you are joining the frontlines against the tyranny of faceless capitalism. That’s why it’s so important to thank the bus driver. Also, a strangely high amount of quests in the game Fortnite are progressing by thanking the bus driver hundreds of times.
6. Venmo me $9
As a struggling actor myself, I think one of the best ways to support ALL actors is to Venmo me $9. If just one of you a month Venmos me $9, then I will be able to keep my Fortnite Crew subscription and the status symbol of exclusive quests and skins.
