1. Hollywood labor unions were, and continue to be, important players in the careers of Hollywood artists. When actors first became mainstream in the early 20th century, working conditions for the industry included long work weeks and low pay. Studios essentially âownedâ their artists, which meant that rival studios would not hire actors or actresses once their contracts ended. As individuals, screenwriters, actors, and radio stars did not have much bargaining power with studios. Realizing that banding together could improve conditions, the Masquers Club (later the Screen Actors Guild of America) was created in 1925. It was followed by many other unions for various artists in Hollywood.
Despite an improvement in work conditions, conflicts often occur between artists and studios even today. For instance, minorities and female actors/actresses still tend to be paid less than Caucasian and male actors. To address these challenges, many unions are banding together to address mutual concerns in the industry. This increases the bargaining power of the unions. The hope is that the unions can work with studios to arrive at solutions that will prove beneficial to both parties.
Based on the information above, why are Hollywood labor unions considered necessary? Your response should at least be 200 words.
1. Hollywood labor unions were, and continue to be, important players in the careers of Hollywood artists. When actors first became mainstream in the early 20th century, working conditions for the industry included long work weeks and low pay. Studios essentially âownedâ their artists, which meant that rival studios would not hire actors or actresses once their contracts ended. As individuals, screenwriters, actors, and radio stars did not have much bargaining power with studios. Realizing that banding together could improve conditions, the Masquers Club (later the Screen Actors Guild of America) was created in 1925. It was followed by many other unions for various artists in Hollywood.
Despite an improvement in work conditions, conflicts often occur between artists and studios even today. For instance, minorities and female actors/actresses still tend to be paid less than Caucasian and male actors. To address these challenges, many unions are banding together to address mutual concerns in the industry. This increases the bargaining power of the unions. The hope is that the unions can work with studios to arrive at solutions that will prove beneficial to both parties.
Based on the information above, why are Hollywood labor unions considered necessary? Your response should at least be 200 words.
