LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The ongoing writer's strike in Hollywood has brought about the most severe disruption to TV and film production since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Notably, it also marks the most substantial labor stoppage undertaken by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) since the last major strike that occurred between 2007 and 2008.
The WGA strike, which began on May 2, led to all late-night shows being suspended. Now, the entertainment industry braces for another potential upheaval, this time in the realm of daytime dramas. Speculation is rife that the SAG-AFTRA strike may disrupt soap operas, known for their continuous year-round production.
Why are soap operas still airing during SAG-AFTRA strike?
There is an interesting twist in the potential impact of the SAG-AFTRA strike on daytime dramas. Unlike other areas covered by the organization's film and TV contracts, members working on soap operas fall outside its jurisdiction. As a result, even if the guild proceeds with a strike, cast members involved in these daytime dramas will be obligated to continue working, per Deadline.
The situation arose after an overwhelming majority of SAG-AFTRA members voted in favor of a strike, setting the stage for tense negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), who represent the studios in collective bargaining discussions. What further complicated the matter was that the four popular daytime dramas, namely 'The Young and the Restless' (CBS), 'The Bold and the Beautiful' (CBS), 'Days Of Our Lives' (Peacock) and 'General Hospital' (ABC), have been finding ways to maintain their production flow amidst the ongoing WGA strike. They have been able to achieve this by utilizing financial core and employing other non-member writers. This strategic move has put these shows in a favorable position, seemingly allowing them to continue operations without any immediate disruptions in the foreseeable future.
Soap actors employed under the Network Code
Soap actors fall under the employment jurisdiction of the SAG-AFTRA National Code of Fair Practice for Network Television Broadcasting, commonly known as the Network Code. This agreement differs from the film and TV collective bargaining agreement currently under negotiation between SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP.
The Network Code is a distinct contract established through negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the Big 4 broadcast networks, as well as other producers. This comprehensive agreement encompasses various television genres, including soap operas, morning news shows, talk shows, variety programs, reality shows, game shows, sports broadcasts and promotional announcements. The existing code agreement, finalized in 2022, remains effective until July 2024.
One advantage that soap operas have during challenging times like the Covid pandemic was their ability to tape episodes well in advance. This advanced planning allowed these shows to continue airing original episodes for weeks after Hollywood production was shut down in March 2020. For example, the popular soap opera 'Days of Our Lives' boasts a remarkable six-month lead in taping, enabling the series to sustain its original content even during prolonged disruptions. The significant buffer created by advanced taping has proven to be a valuable asset for daytime dramas, contributing to their resilience during industry-wide challenges and helping to ensure a continuous flow of new episodes for dedicated viewers.
