SAG-AFTRA Negotiations Are Underway
It's a high-stakes battle between the actors' union, SAG-AFTRA, and the big Hollywood producers, Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. Here are the updates on the 2023 writers’ strike. We discuss it here.
WGA members particpating during a protest during the writers strike.
Photo Credit: Ringo Chiu/ Shutterstock
By: Gentel Sharrie
Step into the glitzy world of Hollywood as we uncover the latest news on the 2023 writers' strike. It's a high-stakes battle between the actors' union, SAG-AFTRA, and the big Hollywood producers, Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). These negotiations are a clash of giants, where actors' pay meets the growing use of artificial intelligence in writing.
In a story that could be right out of a movie, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) won big after a long five-month strike against AMPTP. They paved the way for writers to get three times more money than what was initially offered, better pay for their work later on, and safeguards against AI taking their jobs. This win gives hope to everyone in the industry and sets the stage for SAG-AFTRA's fight.
Actors picketing outside Warner Bros. studios in Burbank in July.
Photo Credit: Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times
SAG-AFTRA is a group of artists that includes actors, dancers, and stunt performers. They've been on strike since July, fighting to get a fair deal from AMPTP. However, their journey is more complicated because they have different needs from WGA. This is the first time they're negotiating since their strike began in May, which adds extra tension to the story.
As these strikes continue, the entertainment world is feeling the effects. Movies, TV shows, and commercials are all facing delays and problems, changing how Hollywood does business. SAG-AFTRA members are standing strong, ready to make big changes in the entertainment world.
LaNisa Frederick, front, and Danielle Pinnock, two Black actors who are part of “Hashtag Booked,” a groundbreaking online series, dance to the song “Fight the Power” while picketing outside Warner Bros. studios in Burbank in July. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)
As we watch this big face-off between SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP, the choices they make will shape the future of Hollywood. It's not just about getting paid more or having better working conditions; it's also about how computers are used in the creative process. Get ready for some big changes, as Hollywood becomes fairer and better for everyone, all thanks to the determination of WGA and SAG-AFTRA members. Stay tuned because this story is far from over.
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White Saviorism in Black Movies: Can't We Help Ourselves?
From The Blindside to Harriet, movies centered around a Black protagonist seem to have a certain commonality among them. Why is White saviors a lingering theme among Black movies? We discuss it here!
By: Raki Jordan
From The Blindside to Harriet, Black movies or movies centered around a Black protagonist always have a certain commonality among them all. The very essence of Black movies is centered on the premise that they cannot help themselves, unless, some form of 'whiteness' (may it be physical or spiritual) is involved in helping the Black protagonist achieve their goal. The questions must be asked: Why is White saviors a lingering theme among Black movies? Can't we help ourselves? And if we can't, then is the trope of a white savior an ideology that Black and non-Black people cannot uplift themselves, without the guidance of a White hero?
The term 'white saviorism' is defined as an act or the willingness to help and/or control the narrative of non-white people—which, then, portrays White people as a hero. White saviorism in movies is not a new practice; the fundamentals of it had been around since cinema became an American past-time. A prime example is a film called, To Kill a Mocking Bird (1962). The ideology of placing White folks as the center of Black films shows that Black people cannot provide from themselves.
This is rooted in the concept that Black people lack the moral compass to make rationalizations, that results in the betterment of their predicaments. And the idea is that Black people cannot reach this level of morality—virtue—ethics, unless, it is taught or portrayed through White folks. This, then, will spark a flame within the Black protagonist to better themselves or others, in some way. We've been soaked into the conditioning of White saviorism in movies, that we give no mention that this concept shows the narcissistic complex of White people. One group is shown to be a hero—a Messiah in some form, while the other is seen as a savage—simple-minded group, who always needs help.
Joe Alwyn in Harriet. Photo by Glen Wilson / Focus Features
When we think of White saviors in Black films, we pictured the basic movie where a white teacher goes into an inner-city public school (they have no business going into), and is the inspiration in the students' lives, giving them the 'encouragement' to graduate and do better. Let's steer from that cinematic trope, and focus on the evolved version of White saviors in films:
In the 2019 'biopic' movie Harriet, we can see the evolved version of White saviorism in today's society. The movie surrounds Harriet Tubman as the leading protagonist, who's escaping to and from the shackles of slavery, to free her people. It seems simple enough. However, looking at it closely, the movie focused on her only being able to escape and have confidence because she's getting visions from some outer force. Let's considered this force to be God. In the time Harriet was alive, the depiction of God was solely limited to the imagery of White people. Not only that, but the movie takes away Harriet as a Black woman who was fueled by fear and passion, which led her to be able to travel great lengths and free hundreds of slaves.
Harriet is a cesspool of White saviorism as it doesn't portray the Black protagonist as someone who can do for themselves, but relay of the spiritual concept of morality from someplace else. Looking much deeper into the film, we as viewers, turned to hate the Black bounty hunter (who's a fictional character), and admire—even going as far as to sympathize with the slave master, who 'saved' Harriet from being killed by the Black bounty hunter.
Although the film was created to show the strength of a Black woman, her strength was only gained through spiritual enhancements and the help of a White man. This undermines the ability of a Black woman to be able to do all those things, on her own. This concept is even seen in Django Unchained, Hidden Figures, Green Book, 12 Years A Slave, and many, many more. And yes, even in the newest Black centered film, Queen and Slim.
White saviorism in Black films undermines the reality of Black people. In every Black film, there's one or sometimes multiple White individuals, who happens to uplift or help Black people in some way. This concept takes away the very reality of how society is towards Black people. The idea that there's always a beckon of hope lingering in the air, lessens the fact that America dislikes Black people in many ways, but only love them when they are under its boot. When will an accurate depiction of slavery, Black triumph—resilience be produce, without the narrative of White saviorism? Or is it too late to create one because everyone is conditioned to the White savior concept?
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Black Movies You Should Be Watching: 'Hav Plenty'
Tons of dope movies fall under the radar that you may have missed out on! Here is a black gem that you should be watching, Hav Plenty!
By: Eric Lewis
I am what most consider a movie junkie. I am significantly tied to all genres of movies. From comedies to art house movies, short films to epic anime, I’ve seen thousands of them. It is what sparked a significant interest in filmmaking. That is why I create short films and narrative podcasts. I love the idea of telling compelling stories, and I love sharing my passion of movies with people.
I also think it is a complete travesty when people miss out on movies that may not have gotten a lot of public press or fell under the radar. Hence, the reason you are reading this today. I would like to share with you some movies I feel you should be watching. Whether new or old, fresh or vintage, I will provide some of these “missed” movies so you can check them out...starting with the 20 year old gem, Hav Plenty.
When it comes to unrequited love, it is a bummer. A serious bummer. Having the thought of someone you have these strong feelings for and it not be reciprocated. Yeah, it sucks. Such the case is explored in pretty and painstaking detail with Hav Plenty. Released in 1998, it was somewhat overlooked by big name releases like Deep Impact and How Stella Got Her Groove Back. What’s fascinating about this movie is the way it was shot. It has a certain level of realism in the filming...almost like the entire movie was shot impromptu.
‘Hav Plenty’
It was written and directed by Chris Cherot. He’s been on record saying the story is based loosely on a previous relationship with a Def Jam executive at the time. It stars Chris as Lee Plenty, Chenoa Maxwell as Havilland Savage and Hill Harper as Michael Simmons. Lee is a struggling novelist that lives in his car and house hops between friends and his mom. Havilland is a well-to-do friend of Lee that decides to invite him to her family home for New Year’s Eve. They are accompanied by Havilland’s sister Leigh, Her husband Felix and Hav’s friend Caroline. In the beginning, it’s apparent Lee’s feelings are pretty strong for Hav and it becomes more obvious through the course of the movie. She is, however, just getting over a serious breakup with her recording artist boyfriend, Michael. Not to mention she’s seriously conceited and controlling.
Throughout the movie, there are more romantic sparks that ignite including Leigh, Caroline and even Hav. I’m not going to give too much of the movie away, but it is definitely a must watch. It’s a great romantic comedy with some real funny parts, and it’s just in time for the New Year! It’s available on Starz (with a subscription) and Amazon Prime. Oh yeah, one last thing. The Hav Plenty Soundtrack is pretty badass too. It compliments the movie extremely well. Produced by Babyface, it has Faith Evans, SWV, John B, Erykah Badu and others. It’s available on YouTube Music, Spotify and other platforms.
If you’ve seen this movie and would like to give your opinion on it, or if you have another movie I feel you should watch, be sure to hit me up @TheTmPLife on Twitter and IG!
Meet Gentel Sharrie, Head of Media Coverage for 247 Live Culture!
Email: Gentel@247LCTV.com