Can I cosplay or write fanfic during the SAG and WGA strikes?

Both the Writers Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, (WGA-SAG-AFTRA), are striking against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. This is the first strike since 1960. Hollywood Studios are being boycotted by both screenwriters and actors, who picket for better contracts. Not only have productions been stopped, but also promotional events such as interviews and red-carpets.

With movies and TV shows getting delayed, and the general state of the entertainment industry temporarily up in the air, many people are wondering about the best way to support the actors and writers — especially when it comes to consuming the content made by the very studios those workers are striking against. There is some confusion about what is considered “scabbing” (joining the side of the producers instead of the workers) for those who aren’t affiliated with the unions in question.

But luckily, it boils down to one simple answer: If you are not an actor in SAG-AFTRA or a screenwriter in the WGA — or an aspiring member of either union — then cosplaying, fanfiction, or participating in other fandom activities is not scabbing.

There are still some murky areas, especially in this age of social media and easily accessible fan-generated content, so we’ve broken down exactly what a good fan can do to show solidarity with striking actors and writers.

What if I don’t want to watch movies and TV?

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SAG-AFTRA or WGA neither have called on any boycott of consumer products at this point. This means that you don’t need to cancel any streaming service subscriptions, or stop watching any shows or going to movies, to demonstrate your support for the striking workers. Without a systematic consumer boycott, individual action on this front doesn’t really amount to much. In fact, many union members have urged consumers to keep on watching, because it helps prove the value of the shows and movies they’ve worked on.

Can I still make unofficial content like cosplay and fanfiction? Do I have to make it?

Fan-generated content does create some confusion, but the same simple rule applies: If you are not in SAG-AFTRA or the WGA (and don’t aspire to be someday), then you are not scabbing! That “aspire to be” part is important — both unions will bar any current nonmember from future membership if they determine that a person has scabbed.

Also, if one of those studios is not paying you to work as a unionist then you aren’t scabbing. It’s not possible to substitute the MCU next movie with your Avengers fanfic, or for Rosario Dawson to answer questions in Hot Ones using Ahsoka Tano costume.

Consider this real life example: Disney Parks staffers who were hired by Disney as character actors for their events. Haunted MansionThe premiere of last week was not scabbing. Because 1) although they were paid by Disney for their normal day-today work; 2) they’re not SAG-AFTRA members; and 3) there are no union jobs being replaced.

You can’t make anyone else decide whether you are morally okay with making fan content in the midst of these strike days. But just know that you aren’t being a scab if you do it.

What happens if I? You can also find out more about Are you a member of one of these unions?

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It can get confusing if there are multiple rules. The following are some of the most effective ways to improve your business.If you’re a member or aspiring to be a member of SAG-AFTRA, the WGA. You are not scrabbling if a studio is not paying you. SAG-AFTRA influencers, for example, are not allowed to accept any promotions paid by the studio during the strike. They’re encouraged, however, to fulfill any current contracts.

Influencers who are members (or aspiring to be members) of SAG-AFTRA should not make hype posts on their own. SAG-AFTRA encourages members and aspiring members of the union to be active in their communities. It is not clear how to get there. promote “organically” — i.e., they shouldn’t post about struck work at all, even just as a fan. Cosplaying and fanfiction are examples of this. (If you fall into the category, it’s a good time to start creating fan-content for video games, books or comics).

WGA guidelines differ from those of other unions. The writers’ union asks that members (and aspiring members) refuse to promote projects if a struck company asks them, but it’s OK with writers posting about their own projects as long as that promotion is organic. WGA urges members to avoid participating in San Diego Comic-Con and other events sponsored by strike companies. The WGA and SAG websites have a complete list of studios that are currently in bankruptcy.

Basically, if you’re an actor or if you want to be one someday, you shouldn’t post about new movies or TV shows. But if you’re just a person posting your BarbieMake a TikTok or instagram about the movie you’re watching Oppenheimer in IMAX 70mm film, you’re totally in the clear — and more importantly, you’re still helping to prove that actors’ work is valuable!

At the end of the day…

Studios are happy to confuse you about the rules. If you are in doubt, always listen to official union channels. If you are unsure about something, check the SAGAFTRA and WGA website. Donating to the strike fund and showing solidarity via social media are the two best ways to show support for the workers on strike.