Streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime pump out movies and TV series that are consumed all over the world every day.
A large part of the production takes place in Hollywood, where hundreds of thousands of people work in the film industry.
During the autumn, film workers sounded the alarm about what they think are unreasonable working conditions and low wages in the industry.
"I knew I was entering a tough work environment, but this is a toxic work environment with inhuman working conditions," film producer Katie Sponseller told Kulturnyheterna earlier this autumn.
A historic strike
During the month of July, the contract expired for many film workers and since then, the trade union IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) and the film producers' association AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers) have been in negotiations to develop a new contract.
The parties have not managed to agree on a new contract - and if they still have not done so before Monday, then 60,000 film workers will go on a historically extensive strike.
- This protest movement allows us to express that we can no longer cope, says Katie Sponseller.
What happens if the strike ends?
Most film and television productions in the US will have to be stopped if the strike ends, writes AP.
Large production companies and streaming services will thus not be able to record their series and films as planned.
Not all production is affected.
For example, some streaming services, such as HBO, have another contract that will not expire until the end of 2022.
How is the audience affected?
Most streaming services have materials to fill temporary stops in production, writes AP.
If the strike is short-lived, it does not have to have any noticeable consequences for consumers, but if it lasts for a long time, the outcome may be different.
- I think a strike would shut down the whole industry, much like the pandemic did in the beginning, says Katie Sponseller.
The screenwriters' strike in 2007-2008 lasted for a hundred days and resulted in canceled productions and shortened seasons of popular TV series.
A new strike would involve more people and professions.
Hope to avoid strike
Both the IATSE union and the film producers' association AMPTP have said they want to avoid a strike.
"There are five days left to reach an agreement, and studios continue to negotiate a new contract that will keep the industry rolling," AMPTP wrote in a statement earlier this week.
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Tens of thousands of filmmakers in Hollywood and across the United States can go on strike - and make the entire industry stop.
Photo: Chris Pizzello / AP