The ongoing writers’ strike (more than 70 days) and now the SAG-AFTRA actors strike (Day 1) are on everyone’s mind, and the main theme crystalizing so far is corporate greed and the incredibly high salaries of CEOs. One writer illustrated this point by talking about what it was like writing a movie for Disney, and how she was exploited by doing so.
Screenwriter and author Mindy Stern was one of the scribes on the recent Disney Plus film Sneakerella. That movie was a twist on the classic Cinderella story with a stock boy who wants to be a sneaker designer in the Cinderella role and the daughter of a basketball star as “Prince Charming.”
Stern shared her thoughts on the social media site Mastodon. “Months into writing Sneakerella for Disney and after submitting countless free drafts, they demanded one more,” she said.
It was extra work for no pay, and she continued, “Seasoned writers told us we had to do it. That’s just how things work.”
Stern decided to take a stand. It didn’t work out well for her.
“We said no. Not for free. They refused, did not extend our contract.” Brutal. Meanwhile, she said, Disney CEO Bob Iger “earned $36M.”
“Hollywood,” she said, “runs on fear: of obsolescence, financial ruin, being labeled difficult (we were). Studios exploit that fear.”
She ends her powerful missive with a powerful expletive.
“We’re [bad word here] done being exploited.”
It’s easy to forget with all the glitz and glamour of showbiz that at the end of the day, it’s a business. It might feel like it’s about the art and exploring the human condition, but behind all that are people in suits who want bigger houses and enjoy climbing corporate ladders.
This conscientiousness between art and business is not new. Hopefully, with the dual strikes going on, we can get these artists what they deserve.
Published: Jul 14, 2023 02:09 pm