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Advertising Law Updates

| 1 minute read

SAG-AFTRA Takes a Hardline on ... Halloween Costumes for Members

As the SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical/Streaming strike approaches day 100, the union has issued guidance to members on … which costumes they should and shouldn't wear when they go out trick or treating. (Be afraid. Be very afraid.)

While the strike is on, members are prohibited from promoting any struck projects. In an effort to “make sure our members don’t inadvertently break strike rules” and maintain solidarity with the strike, the union issued the following dos and don’ts for costumes:

  • The union recommends that members “choose costumes inspired by generalized characters and figures” - like ghosts, zombies and spiders. 
  • Members are allowed to “dress up as characters from non-struck content like an animated TV show.” 
  • Members are advised that they shouldn't "post photos of costumes inspired by struck content on social media."

So … there's no problem dressing up like Cleopatra, George Washington or Richard Nixon. ("I see dead people.") Or Rip Van Winkle. ("Whatever you do, don’t fall asleep.") Or Johnny Carson. ("Here’s Johnny!”) But the union has crushed the dreams of members who had their hearts set on dressing like Barbie, Ken or Indiana Jones. ("Sometimes death is better.")

Not everyone is on board. Former SAG President Melissa Gilbert posted on Instagram: “THIS is what you guys come up with? Literally no one cares what anyone wears for Halloween. I mean, do you really think this kind of infantile stuff is going to end the strike?” ("We all go a little mad sometimes.")

And then there's this from Ryan Reynolds:

How I wish I could end every post with a quote from Ryan Reynolds. (“I am your biggest fan. I’m your number one fan. There is nothing to worry about. You are going to be just fine. I am your number one fan.”)

Tags

sag-aftra, strike, actors, halloween, advertising law