In the era of digital media, influencers have become a significant force in the entertainment industry. However, their role and responsibilities are not exempt from the impact of strikes, such as the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. As an influencer, it’s crucial to understand the guidelines and rules set by SAG-AFTRA to navigate this challenging situation while maintaining professional integrity and supporting the interests of the striking members. In this article, we will explore the specific guidelines for influencers during the SAG-AFTRA strike, and how they can fulfill their obligations while respecting the strike and its objectives.
Despite the strike, influencers are still allowed to pursue commercial work and brand partnerships. SAG-AFTRA has established the Influencer Agreement and Influencer Waiver to provide a framework for influencers to continue their collaborations while maintaining a balance with the union’s objectives. These agreements ensure that influencers can engage in commercial activities while respecting the strike and supporting the union members’ cause. Influencers should familiarize themselves with the terms and conditions of these agreements to ensure compliance.
It’s important to note that while influencers can pursue brand deals, they need to be cautious about promoting screenings and content produced by the struck companies. This includes studios and streamers that are directly affected by the strike. Influencers should refrain from posting on social media about any struck work, whether or not they are being paid for their posts. This demonstrates solidarity with the striking members and avoids any conflicts of interest.
“Influencers are expected to refrain from posting on social media about any struck work, whether or not they are being paid for their posts.” – SAG-AFTRA
Influencers are obligated to complete their ongoing work commitments if they have contracts with a struck company. This implies that if they have a written contract in place, influencers may continue to advertise shuttered businesses like Amazon, Hulu, and others. Influencers should, however, be open and honest with their audience about their contractual obligations and the circumstances around their promotions. This shows their grasp of the strike’s effects and helps to uphold confidence and transparency with their supporters.
While fulfilling preexisting obligations, influencers should still refrain from promoting any new content or screenings produced by these struck companies. This ensures that they are not actively undermining the objectives of the strike and are respecting the work and efforts of the striking members.
Conventions and events, such as Comic-Con, present significant opportunities for influencers to engage with their audience and generate income. However, during the SAG-AFTRA strike, influencers are expected not to participate in conventions that involve companies struck by the union. This includes both direct participation and promotion of these companies at such events.
Nevertheless, influencers can attend and participate in conventions in ways that are wholly independent of characters from struck work or sponsorship by struck companies. By doing so, they can still engage with their audience, share their expertise, and contribute positively to the convention experience. It’s essential for influencers to understand the distinction between their personal participation and their association with struck companies to ensure compliance with the guidelines and preserve their eligibility for future membership in SAG-AFTRA.
While journalists are not subject to the same restrictions as influencers during the SAG-AFTRA strike, they still have certain rules to abide by. Reporters can continue reporting films and TV shows without violating any SAG-AFTRA or WGA regulations. This implies that during the strike, journalists can still publish news, reviews, and other pertinent materials on the sector. There are no boycott demands coming from either union, so readers can interact with journalism without worrying about moral obligations.
As an influencer, it’s essential to understand and adhere to the guidelines set by SAG-AFTRA during the ongoing strike. By balancing brand partnerships, fulfilling contractual obligations, and responsibly navigating conventions and events, influencers can demonstrate their support for striking members while maintaining their own professional integrity. Seeking clarity from SAG-AFTRA and utilizing social media to show solidarity can further contribute to the union’s objectives. By following these guidelines, influencers can actively participate in the industry while respecting the rights and interests of the striking members.
Influencers play a crucial role in the digital landscape, and their actions during the SAG-AFTRA strike can have a significant impact. By understanding their responsibilities and actively supporting the union’s cause, influencers can contribute to a fair and equitable industry for all.
First reported by Vanity Fair.
