‘Our longevity and our livelihoods are at stake’ – actress Gail Bean explains why she said enough is enough and voted to strike

Actress Gail Bean spoke to ESSENCE, initially using the metaphor of putting gas within the automotive to explain why SAG-AFTRA and WGA are on strike.

“Remember when gas was 25 cents. When we go to the gas station, it still says 87, 89 and 93. But now we have gotten to the purpose where gas is $7, that is $4, that is $5. That’s the profit these firms are making,” he says. common.

“But we still make 5 and 25 cents, so we can’t afford to live, and inflation is rising everywhere, not just for groceries, housing, everything.”

Bean asserted that “the stakes are at stake [for Black women] it’s our longevity, our livelihood… so I think it’s necessary… The decisions I make have a direct impact on me. I have two projects that are literally on the shelf because of the strike.”

Speaking concerning the broader implications of the strike, Bean emphasized: “I do know numerous individuals who are affected by this, and I’m not only talking about actors, although actors are striking. I’m talking concerning the individuals who are location scouts, the extras, the transportation people… the individuals who write, the wardrobe and costume people, the marketing people, the sound and lighting people… that is their livelihood too.”

Technological advances have had a huge effect on the entertainment industry, and Bean highlighted the implications of artificial intelligence. “They want to pay us to come, they shoot us, and then they keep our likeness, our voice and our images and use them even long after we are dead. We have seen holograms of Tupac, Michael Jackson and other critically acclaimed people.”

“If they use my likeness and image, but I’m already in my grave and they still get paid,” she noted.

“But my trust is not paid, neither my fortune nor my family. But no, the businesses profit long after I’m dead.

“We’re not trying to get wealthy off them [the companies]. But don’t leave us on the sidelines… We’re not trying to fight it. We’re just trying to agree, but they’re trying to bypass us, so it’s extremely unlucky,” Bean said.

This 12 months, Equal Pay Day fell on March 14, but we didn’t have fun Black Women’s Equal Pay Day until July 27. Bean believes this strike is “a start[ing] conversation to fill the gap.” He does not believe that “a strike will necessarily solve the issue in any way or form, but… [does] I believe this is a step forward in the precise direction.”

The actress also described that this is not a trait unique to the entertainment industry.

“There are huge pay disparities for people of color and Black people normally in every field, not only entertainment. We fight it, but I believe it’s a continuing battle.

Looking to the long run, Gail wants other striking actors to know that “you may still proceed your art. Go to [the] theater, keep going out and having fun with friends and other artists, keep creating. Speak your truth. Don’t hold it back. Let it out and have free speech. Find other things in life that make you pleased since it’s greater than just the entertainment industry. That’s lots, an enormous part, but not the just one. And finally, this can end, this too will pass.”