Disney CEO Bob Iger said he was “personally committed” to finding a solution to end the SAG-AFTRA and writers’ community strikes that are crippling Hollywood.
This comes after the renowned business leader described the demands of the striking actors and writers as “unrealistic” at a billionaires’ retreat last month.
However, on a conference call on Wednesday, the mogul appeared to be taking a more diplomatic approach, telling investors, “Nothing is more important to this company than its relationships with the creative community.”
“That includes actors, writers, animators, directors and producers,” said Iger, who left Disney in 2020 to return two years later.
“I have great respect and appreciation for everyone who is critical to the extraordinary creative engine that powers this company and our industry.”
Disney CEO Bob Iger said he was “personally committed” to finding a solution to end the SAG-AFTRA and writers’ community strikes that are crippling Hollywood
The dispute focuses on wages, the use of AI and remaining amounts from streaming services such as Disney+
“And it is my great hope that we can quickly find solutions to the issues that have separated us over the past few months.”
“And I am personally committed to achieving that result,” he added.
The ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike began July 14 and is the first time since 1980 that actors have staged a labor dispute in America, and the first time since 1960 that both actors and writers have gone on strike at the same time.
The ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, now entering its 26th day of protest, has seen many prominent actors show solidarity on the picket lines including Richard Gere, Jason Sudeikis, Susan Sarandon, Vanessa Hudgens, Mandy Moore, Logan Lerman and America Ferrera and Josh Gad.
The dispute focuses on wages, the use of AI and remaining amounts from streaming services such as Disney+.
Disney CEO Iger announced that the company’s streaming platforms, including Disney+, Hulu and ESPN, suffered a $512 million loss in the second quarter.
Iger also said he expects overall Disney+ spending to fall this year due to the impact of the strikes.
“We currently anticipate that content spend will be approximately $27 billion in fiscal 2023, which is lower than previously forecast due to lower spend on produced content, in part due to the writer and actor strikes.” , explained Iger.
Actress Mandy Moore is seen on the picket line outside Disney Studios in Burbank
SAG/AFTRA chief negotiators Duncan Crabtree Ireland, Sean Penn and Emile Hirsch were seen picketing outside Disney Studios in Burbank this month
Iger recently extended his contract until 2026 and indicated he will retire at that point once a suitable successor has been found and named.
“I believe Disney’s long-term future is incredibly bright, but there is still more to be accomplished before this transformative work is complete,” Iger said in a statement last month.
“As I want to ensure Disney is in a strong position when my successor takes the helm, I have approved the Board’s request to remain CEO for an additional two years,” Iger continued.
It’s possible the company is seeking stability in its decision to keep Iger as the battle with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis rages on.
Iger’s predecessor, Bob Chapek, was largely unpopular with fans, and disdain only grew when the company became involved in the fight with DeSantis.
Chapek spoke out on behalf of the company against DeSanti’s “Don’t Say Gay” law after employees expressed outrage at the company’s initial silence.
The dispute resulted in a full-scale legal battle, with both Disney and DeSantis filing lawsuits against each other over the company’s Reedy Creek Improvement District.
The district gives the company the power to control zoning, operate its own police and fire departments, and more in Florida.
Iger has done little to improve the situation with the presidential nominee, but said he’s willing to sit down with DeSantis for talks.
“I don’t see this as a bedtime situation.” “Of course, if the governor of Florida wants to meet with me to discuss all of this, I’d be happy to do it,” Iger told The Time in April Magazines.