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Hundreds of local film industry workers, on and off camera, gather as actors’ strike continues

By Candace McCowan
By Candace McCowan

ATLANTA — Hundreds of those in front of and behind the camera came together tonight as the SAG-AFTRA strike continues.

SAG-AFTRA members were joined by IASTE Local 479, the union representing many who work behind the scenes, rallying Monday night.

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The SAG-AFTRA president, Fran Drescher, was rallying the crowd.

“They are not old land barons of medieval times and we’re not serfs, hello,” said Drescher as the group met in an auditorium.

Outside of a few reality shows and commercials, everyone from those who drive trucks delivering gear to hair and makeup is out of a job until a deal is reached.

Background worker Terri Digby isn’t in a union but considers the actors’ fight for protection from artificial intelligence her own.

“What they will do is they will put you in a room and cameras will take many photos and they’ll duplicate your likeness in 3D and pretty much they’ll pay you for that one day and they can use your likeness on any production from that point on. So it’s basically putting you out of work,” said Digby.

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And while the SAG-AFTRA also works for more pay for its members, others are feeling the strike’s impact.

In Trilith, a community built to support the movie industry in Fayette County, other small businesses are feeling the pinch.

“You can tell that the village of the town has kind of quieted down. You don’t see as much foot traffic,” said Erica Houston-Pickett, owner of Woodstone Bakery. “Every dollar, every person that comes through the door we depend on it.”

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