[wga/sag-aftra strike] SAG-AFTRA is asking that people not cosplay as any characters from major corperations (ie: Netflix, HBO, etc), as that does count as promoting the production. ETA: this is for SAG members only and does not affect people not cosplaying for profit, more details ITP!
So this whole cosplay thing they are only specifically calling for in regards to influencers who are in SAG-AFTRA, and have signed agreements with SAG-AFTRA as paid influencers or who are not members but who may seek future membership
I only knew it because I follow Neil Gaiman on Tumblr and he has been directing people to this because of an ask and concern that some of this is being spread in ways meant to drive a wedge between fans and the unions.
Oh god I didn't even think of it being used as a tactic, but yeah that makes sense. Gross but I wouldn't put it past them to try and get fans on their side instead of supporting the unions
Yeah, the majority of con goers won't really be affected, but it's still SO important to spread the word anyway because influencers could so easily accidentally cross the line if they don't go looking for it.
Exactly! Good luck everyone with upcoming cons. I know they're going to be leaner in some ways and refunds won't be easy/possible in a lot of circumstances.
I think the one caveat I saw was that if you ever wanna work with SAG-AFTRA you should avoid cosplays as well? If I'm wrong I am so open to be corrected
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: only if you’re doing it on behalf of studios/paid by them. It’s really about doing actual promotion/work and not a hobbyist wandering around a con and doing it for fun. It’s like 1% of all cosplayers who even have the opportunity to consider this
I think they might be asking people to consider refraining in solidarity but even influencers in the union are asked to refrain from posting organic things relating to media but view it as scabbing since it’s unpaid
Yeah. They are also very much encouraging people to reach out to them if they have questions about specific situations and are telling people if you have a standing contract abide by that but avoid taking new work. It's a super complex situation and they are doing their best to be clear. And there is a lot of mud in the water.
Also I think they’re doing this ahead of SDCC which is specifically an industry con used to promote upcoming media from these studios in a variety of ways (like sets you can take photos in) whereas a lot of other cons have no connections to any studios
From my friend who is a SAG member for further clarity basically it's an issue of the person at SAG not understanding the question and thinking that the person asking is a SAG member. SAG doesn't actually understand what cosplay is/how it works as a hobby.
it's def also about paid work for influencers so like if you're being paid by a struck company to do a cosplay for promotion that's something that would be frowned upon. but a general hobbyist? nah.
basically it's an issue of the person at SAG not understanding the question and thinking that the person asking is a SAG member. SAG doesn't actually understand what cosplay is/how it works as a hobby.it's def also about paid work for influencers so like if you're being paid by a struck company to do a cosplay for promotion that's something that would be frowned upon. but a general hobbyist? nah.