Well, well, well, looks like This Is Us star Mandy Moore is joining the ranks of actors picketing for a fair shake in Hollywood. And she’s got a bone to pick, y’all – the whole streaming residuals situation has her and hundreds of actors fired up!
Let’s rewind a bit. Mandy, who played the matriarch in This Is Us for six glorious seasons, spilled the beans in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. She’s been getting checks for the show’s streaming deal with Hulu, but we’re talkin’ pennies here, people. Like, 81 cents, or even just a single penny! That ain’t cuttin’ it.
And she ain’t the only one feelin’ the pinch. Fellow actress Katie Lowes, you might remember her from Scandal, joined Mandy on the Disney picket line in Burbank. They’re in the same acting group, both part of the mighty SAG-AFTRA union that’s fightin’ for what’s right.
Katie backed up Mandy’s story, sayin’ she’s gettin’ zilch from Disney for Scandal’s streaming deals with Netflix and Hulu. It’s a struggle out there, y’all. And it ain’t just for the big shots – even those with tons of episodes under their belt ain’t seein’ the residuals rollin’ in like they used to.
See, the whole game’s changed. These days, broadcast networks are all about original content year-round, leavin’ fewer repeats for the actors to earn from. And with streamers like Netflix, Amazon, Apple, and Disney keepin’ their viewership data under wraps, it’s like fightin’ a shadow.
The actors, writers, and everyone in between are demandin’ transparency. They wanna share in the success of their shows on these streamin’ platforms, just like they used to with good ol’ fashioned TV reruns.
But it ain’t all bad news. Mandy and Katie are standin’ strong with the 160,000-plus performers represented by SAG-AFTRA, pushin’ for a fair deal. They’re fightin’ for a residuals model that keeps folks afloat, supportin’ actors during the lean times so they can keep doin’ what they love.
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents the streamers and studios, has been playin’ hard to get, though. They rejected SAG-AFTRA’s new media revenue sharing proposal, and that ain’t sittin’ well with the folks on the picket lines.
But hey, this ain’t the end of the story. It’s a battle for fairness and respect in the ever-changing world of entertainment. So let’s rally behind these actors, folks, ’cause their performances entertain us and touch our hearts. They deserve a piece of the pie, and they’re not backin’ down without a fight! ??
You know what, it’s not just about the big names and the glitz of Hollywood. It’s about every actor out there, from the seasoned veterans to the fresh faces trying to make it big. They all deserve a fair shot, a fair pay, and a piece of the streaming pie.
Mandy and Katie are just the tip of the iceberg, y’all. They’re standin’ strong, but they’re not alone. The picket lines are filled with passionate performers, united in their fight for justice. They’re not just doin’ it for themselves; they’re doin’ it for the next generation of actors, for those who dream of stepping on that stage or screen and makin’ a difference.
We’re talkin’ about livelihoods here. Residuals may be just a word to some, but for these actors, it’s the bread and butter that keeps ’em goin’. It’s the difference between payin’ bills and strugglin’ to make ends meet. It’s the reassurance that their craft is valued, that their work continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
You see, it’s not just about the money. It’s about the respect, the recognition, and the acknowledgement of their contributions. They pour their hearts into their roles, baring their souls for us to witness. And when we connect with their performances, when we laugh, cry, and feel every emotion they bring to life, they become a part of our lives too.
Streaming platforms have revolutionized the way we consume entertainment, and that’s a beautiful thing. But we can’t forget the human beings behind those characters and stories. They’re the ones who breathe life into those scripts, who make us believe in the magic of storytelling.
It’s time for the industry to step up and do right by its performers. Transparency and fair compensation shouldn’t be elusive goals; they should be the foundation of this ever-evolving landscape.
So, as we stand alongside Mandy, Katie, and all the actors on those picket lines, let’s remember why we love entertainment in the first place. Let’s remember the joy it brings us, the memories it creates, and the impact it has on our lives.
And while we cheer for those on the front lines, let’s also be mindful of the power we hold as viewers. Let’s support the creators and the artists, appreciatin’ their work not just for the duration of an episode but for the lasting impact it leaves.
Together, we can be a force for change, usherin’ in a new era where every actor, regardless of their show’s platform, gets the respect and reward they deserve. The story’s still bein’ written, and we’ve got a role to play in it.
So let’s keep fightin’, keep standin’ tall, and keep supportin’ the art that moves us. This is us, y’all – a community bound by the love of entertainment, and together, we can make a difference. ??