Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1512402
30 SAG-AFTRA | Fall/Winter 2023 | sagaftra.org N early 4,000 people gathered at Netflix on Sept. 13 for a historic solidarity march that followed Van Ness down to Melrose, and then ended in front of Paramount's gate at North Windsor Boulevard. SAG-AF TRA President Fran Drescher welcomed members, telling the crowd, "Your strength, your solidarity and your resolve is going to get us to the other side of this." As master of ceremonies, Vice President, Los Angeles and Los Angeles Local President Jodi Long acknowledged the creative community's unique ability to bring such positivity to the current moment. "That's what makes all of us so effective in this movement," she said. "We're fueled by joy — and occasionally some trauma, depression, anxiety, feelings of inadequacy — but still a lot of joy. And that ability exists in all of us, to turn a frustrating-as-hell situation into something fun and community-building to become the focal point of a global labor movement — which you have helped spearhead. You. Are. Awe-inspiring." A number of high-profile SAG-AF TRA members made appearances, including Margot Robbie, John Cho, Kal Penn, Jon Cryer, Jean Smart, Helen Hunt, Ever Carradine and others. Strike captain Terr y Wilkerson's speech was a crowd favorite. Leaning over the podium, he called on the AMP TP to "Do right by your shareholders. Do right by the fans … But most of all, do what's right in your heart … and give us a f***ing deal!" LOS ANGELES SOLIDARITY MARCH DRAWS HISTORIC CROWDS David Jolliffe, Jodi Long, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, Sheryl Lee Ralph and Sean Astin march from Netflix to Paramount in Hollywood. SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher rallies members at Paramount. ROB LATOUR/SHUTTERSTOCK FOR SAG-AFTRA 30 SAG-AFTRA | Fall/Winter 2023 | sagaftra.org