The actors’ union SAG-AFTRA reached an agreement with Hollywood studios Wednesday night, according to The Washington Post. Union members still need to vote on the new contract and ratify the deal, but the strike officially came to an end at 12:01am Thursday, ending the labor dispute for thousands of unionized actors who walked off the job in mid-July. If SAG-AFTRA leadership agrees, details of the agreement will be made public on Friday. The use of AI had been a main point of focus during negotiations.
Faculty experts at the George Washington University are available to offer insight, analysis and commentary on a number of topics related to the actors’ strike. If you would like to speak with an expert, please contact GW Senior Media Relations Specialist Cate Douglass at [email protected].
Imani M. Cheers is an associate professor of digital storytelling and the Interim Senior Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education Office of the Provost. As a professor of practice, she uses a variety of mediums including video, photography, television, and film to document and discuss issues impacting and involving people of the African Diaspora. Her scholarly focus is on the intersection of women/girls, technology, health, conflict, agriculture, and the effects of climate change in sub-Saharan Africa. Cheers is also an expert on diversity in Hollywood, specifically the representation of Black women in television and film.
Patricia Phalen is the assistant director and an associate professor at the GW School Media and Public Affairs. Phalen brings over 25 years of experience researching the intersection of media, culture, and human behavior. Her academic research focuses on the economic sociology of mass media organizations, particularly the various occupational cultures at work in television production. Phalen teaches courses at GW such as Hollywood & Politics and Media Organizations & Audiences. Her areas of expertise include politics and popular culture, Hollywood television production, women in media and audience research.
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