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Strikes in Hollywood

SHOUT-OUT Entertainment industry workers rally in Burbank, California, on August 22. CHRISTINA HOUSE—LOS ANGELS TIMES/GETTY IMAGES

Writers and actors continue to strike in Hollywood. They’re concerned about pay and the use of AI in the entertainment industry. They're striking against companies such as Disney and Netflix.

“The entire business model has been changed” because of streaming, actor Fran Drescher said. She leads the actors’ union. AI could bring further changes. “This is a moment in history, a moment of truth,” she said.

Many productions have shut down because of the strikes. This means fewer television shows in the fall. It could also mean delayed movie releases.

The studios say streaming has hurt business. Fewer people are going to theaters.

Writers and actors want livable wages. And both worry about the use of AI. The writers say it could replace them. Actors say their images could be used without their approval.

“This is an important moment,” actor John McClain says. “We’ve got to really make a decisive stand.”

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