During a recent stop by Audacy St. Louis’ 96.3 R&B for a chat on Your Workday with Mishelae, actor Isaac Keys discussed the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strike.
LISTEN NOW: Isaac Keys talks WGA SAG-AFTRA strike with Mishelae
Due to the ongoing strike Isaac was not able to mention the show he is on or his character, however the conversation intensely focused on what the strike means, what they are striking for, the significance of it and how he has been out of work as an actor like so many others for almost a year. “To add clarity,” Keys explained, “ the writers strike is going on, they started first… back in the beginning of May, maybe end of April. And then after the SAG-AFTRA (actors) started striking when we couldn’t get resolutions on our contracts.”
“So right now we have the actors strike," Isaac explained, “which is the Writer’s Guild and SAG-AFTRA. Those are the unions for the writers and the actors, and then everybody that comes along with that, for stunts. And now we got the NFLPA and everyone just backing us and this whole stance, and it’s big.”
“So that means,” Isaac continued, “right now that I can’t promote a show, can’t talk about the show, I can’t talk about previous shows right now, because we all stand in solidarity with one another against the studios to try to get what we deserve. And right now we at a standstill and we gonna keep fighting.”
Digging deeper into the current debate in the utilization of A.I. for writing and recreation of an actors likeness, Keys explained it's “taking out the humanity,” and making it artificial, and in turn taking paying jobs away from actual individuals.
Other issues the strike aims to resolve have to do with residuals. “Cause all these streaming platforms are out right now, but writers and actors are not getting a just piece of the pie off these residuals that these studios are making.”
Breaking down the realities of being a guest star and a series regular, when it comes to contracts, pay and residuals, Isaac felt adamant to point out, “just because you’re on TV, doesn’t mean you’re rich.” Noting, “we have to fight for these things now, so we can keep being consistent about it and have it later.”
To listen to the important conversation in its entirety, plus more including what he is looking for in a woman and what he brings to the table, press play on the clip above.
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