Explained: Why Hollywood Is On Strike And What It Means For Actors

Actors and writers are on strike in Hollywood - the first time both unions have picketed together since 1960

For the second time in film history, two Hollywood unions have gone on strike, shutting down production on current and future projects. Actors joined Hollywood's writers on picket lines today. The Screen Actors Guild announced on Thursday that the strike would be effective midnight, prompting the cast of Oppenheimer to leave the film's London premiere.  The last time both unions went on strike together was in 1960 – actors and writers have picketed separately at other times. Here's everything you need to know about the big Hollywood shut down.

WHY HOLLYWOOD IS ON STRIKE

Both the Screen Actors Guild and Writers Guild are asking for better pay, a fair share of profits, improved working conditions and protection against artificial intelligence or AI taking their jobs. SAG has also asked for actors sending in self-made auditions to be compensated. On a website created for the strike, SAG says it wants "a modern contract  that addresses modern issues."