See Mandy Patinkin & Bob Odenkirk Join 2023 WGA Strike (Video)
The WGA strike is not just about the writers, it's about the entire film and TV industry.
The 2023 Writers Guild of America strike continues unabated, with thousands of writers and their sympathizers picketing the offices of major media companies every day.
And the strike will not end until the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, representing the production and streaming giants, meets the demands of the struggling writers.
Many producers, directors, and actors are also picketing in support. Other industry unions such as the Directors Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA, representing actors and TV and radio artists, have also endorsed the strike.
Speaking of the latter union — two of its members, Mandy Patinkin and Bob Odenkirk, have also joined the cause. New York writers picketing Amazon's Manhattan office were joined by the two Emmy-winning actors on Wednesday, May 10.
The star of Evita and Criminal Minds, Patinkin came in with a curious sign, which referenced one of his 80s movies that made him a household name. The sign said, 'You killed residuals. Prepare to pay.' That was an obvious allusion to his line, 'You killed my father. Prepare to die' from the 1987 fantasy film The Princess Bride.
Patinkin shared his thoughts on why he and Odenkirk are on the same page with the writers.
'I believe all unions should be in solidarity. No one should go back to work until everyone has got an equitable fair wage and dignity to their lives,' he explained.
For his part, Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul alum Bob Odenkirk added that as much as the strike affects the state of the industry, it is a necessary measure.
'It's a shame that we have to do this, but writers need to be able to pay their bills and live a decent life when they're writing this great material that we're all getting to do and that's providing such entertainment for everyone,' the actor said.
As we mentioned earlier, SAG-AFTRA has expressed its solidarity. Without scripts and the writers themselves involved in all stages of the filmmaking process, the industry can't go on to produce any thoughtful, quality work.
It's great to know that a lot of actors, especially such huge stars as Patinkin and Odenkirk, are supporting writers in these tough times.
Source: Deadline.