Photo courtesy of Flying Spot. I can tell you that commercial actors' strike did open everyone's eyes up to the sheer number of ways there are to get your message across. There are hundreds and hundreds of ways to get ads and other media to the public that do not include broadcast, cable or the Internet. Although some of Flying Spot's clients felt the strain as the work stoppage continued, the fact is, ad agencies were able to work around the dearth of union talent. In fact, he adds, the recent commercial actors' strike may have taught Hollywood a valuable lesson to be prepared in case strikes drag out.
People now realize they have to think and plan ahead if there's a threat of a strike on the horizon.
I don't think people will be taken by surprised by something like this any time soon. He says that this year's presidential election might have much to do with it, noting that during big election years there is usually less work editing traditional television ads. Still, it's going to be awhile before ad production ramps back up. It'll be interesting to see how much it comes back once things return to normal. The company, product or services names referenced above may be trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.