Steps from TIFF, striking actors, writers rally at Canadian offices for Amazon, Apple
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Film and TV star Patricia Arquette joined dozens of actors and writers who rallied outside the Canadian headquarters of Amazon and Apple to support ongoing labour protests.
Film and TV star Patricia Arquette joined dozens of actors and writers who rallied outside the Canadian headquarters of Amazon and Apple to support ongoing labour protests.
Members of Canadian and U.S. performers unions gathered just blocks from marquee venues hosting the Toronto International Film Festival to call for job protections and better compensation.
Aside from directors and producers, TIFF premieres have been largely devoid of Hollywood A-listers as strike rules prevent unionized actors from promoting projects, although some independent productions have been allowed to court publicity.
The Alliance of Canadian Cinema Television Radio Artists (ACTRA), the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the Writers Guild of America are each embroiled in contract woes.
Protesters held picket signs declaring, “Respect the performers,” while SAG's chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said global support is essential to secure better treatment of actors and writers.
Arquette, who is at TIFF with her directorial debut, “Gonzo Girl,” and was set to receive a festival Tribute Award, spent about 10 minutes speaking to the crowd about concerns including the unregulated use of artificial intelligence.
The Toronto International Film Festival runs through Sept. 17.
