Alex McCurthy
Taylor Swift, a prominent member of the SAG-AFTRA union, managed to produce and release her Eras Tour concert film despite the ongoing strikes within the entertainment industry. This captivating concert film, based on her globally acclaimed tour, was recorded during a six-night performance at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. It showcases performances from all her distinct eras, allowing fans worldwide to either relive the magic or experience her show for the first time. The intriguing aspect is that this project was realized during a period of industry strikes, yet there are valid reasons behind the decision to proceed.
During this time, both the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) joined the Writers Guild of America (WGA) in a collective effort to demand better compensation, improved working conditions, and enhanced job security for their union members. These strikes primarily revolved around the insufficient income earned by actors and writers from streaming services, with some not receiving residuals for even the most successful content.
So, how did Taylor Swift manage to film her Eras Tour movie amid these challenging circumstances, especially given her SAG-AFTRA membership? Billboard reports that the crucial factor here lies in the nature of the production itself. Unlike a traditional dramatic production, this was a concert film, eliminating the need for writers and thus bypassing the concerns raised by the WGA strike. Nonetheless, Swift still needed to seek permission from SAG-AFTRA to proceed with her project. The union made exceptions for certain films that met specific criteria, falling under an interim agreement that upheld the same quality standards as those sought during negotiations. This agreement mandated that the production maintain suitable labor conditions, fair wages, breaks, and more. Additionally, Swift was permitted to promote “Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour” on social media, an opportunity she has enthusiastically embraced. In contrast, many performers were constrained from promoting their work on social media or in interviews during the strike.
With tickets for “Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour” already sold out, the film is poised for great success. According to Deadline, ticket prices for AMC theater showings reflect Swift’s love for hidden messages, with prices set at $19.89 for adults and $13.13 for children. The film will be screened at least four times daily from Thursday to Sunday. On August 31, ticket sales commenced and quickly broke records, surpassing even the figures achieved by “Avengers: Endgame.” In a single day, Swifties, as Taylor Swift fans are affectionately known, generated a staggering $26 million in pre-sales, setting new records for AMC.
For those unfamiliar with the details, “Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour” film will premiere across North America on October 13, 2023. While its release on streaming platforms remains uncertain, the film’s success is virtually guaranteed, making it a highly anticipated event in the world of entertainment.
