Mark Ruffalo proposes actors "all jump into indies now"

"They've created an empire of billionaires & believe that we are no longer of value."

Author: Priyanca Rajput

Published: 24 Jul 2023

Mark Ruffalo; Cr: Gage Skidmore CC BY-SA 2.0

Ten days into the SAG-AFTRA strike, which sees actors demand fairer pay and conditions, Mark Ruffalo has taken to social media after finding a silver lining to the Hollywood shutdown.

The Avengers stalwart took to Twitter to advocate for indie filmmakers.

Ruffalo suggested the move in a series of tweets which began: "How about we all jump into indies now? Content creators create a film & TV-making system alongside the studio & streaming networks? So there is actual competition."

The actor continued: "Then we just do what we always do—create great content & they can buy it, or we take it out ourselves & WE share in those sales. They’ve created an empire of billionaires & believe that we are no longer of value. While they hang out in the billionaire boy summer camps laughing like fat cats, we organize a new world for workers.

"One sure way to strengthen our hand right now is to become very supportive & friendly to all independent projects immediately. Push every SAG-AFTRA member to join the ones that get SAG-AFTRA (WGA) WAIVERS immediately. The studios have no competition—this will change that."

As the dual work stoppage is affecting members of other film industry personnel, including below-the-line workers, Ruffalo's proposal also aims to support the wider institution: "This will also help our fellow filmmakers “The Crew,” who we love, to keep working. This is also part of #Solidarity. We have to take care of each other."

On July 14, Hollywood actors joined writers in a double strike against major studios, demanding better pay, fairer working conditions, and protections from present and future AI threats.

The official strike announcement came after SAG-AFTRA’s negotiating committee’s talks with the studios and streaming services about a new contract failed, despite the original deal deadline was extended by weeks and a federal mediator intervened.

Share this news feature

Promote your services with KFTV

Choose from three profile types - Basic, Silver and Gold

Create Profile

We offer a range of display advertising opportunities. Click below to find out more.

Advertise With Us