But it also galvanized a fragmented union. But that doesn't seem to be what they're saying publicly. Confidence in SAG has suffered from the stalemate between actors and agents over new rules governing the two groups. But it's the only stick a union has. At Walt Disney Co., executives have worked quietly for six months on their strike plans, forming committees that report to President Robert Iger.
Studios are loath to pull the plug on movies and TV projects in midstream.
Some projects are already in limbo. Complicating matters is the current production frenzy. A de facto strike is unique to Hollywood because of the long lead times required for many projects. New ideas are stillborn if there's the slightest chance that the plug may be pulled. Affected first will be big-budget movie projects that require months to prepare.