For the first time since 1960, both Hollywood writers and actors went on strike, shutting down nearly the entire industry. While the writers’ strike had been long predicted, many were surprised that negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and studio executives had broken down – and by the acrimonious rift that suddenly developed. development between the two sides. The union’s anger over what it sees as insulting offers from its partners is expressed by SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher, who is familiar with the hit ’90s sitcom The Nanny, as well as other roles. Last week, Drescher gave an impassioned and impassioned speech after the strike, saying she was “shocked at the way the people we do business with are treating us.” In the latest episode of On With Kara Swisher, Drescher explains how she became a union leader, why the actors are sticking to their demands, and how the strike might end up. any.
Kara Swisher: Welcome, Fran. I suspect you’ve had a busy week. Just so you know, you can say “the jig is up” three times. So be careful when you want to use it, but please feel free to use it. I really like that slogan and I also like your Titanic reference. But speaking of Titanic, why did you want to become president of the association in the first place at such a tumultuous time, when the economy was changing so rapidly since you had a hit movie?
Fran Drescher: It’s not something I pursue, but I live by “life unfolding,” which I think is a healthier way to live than always trying to pursue something that’s out of your reach. And so this was presented to me and I considered it long and carefully. I shouldn’t talk long, because they rarely say: “We must know within three days.” And I said, “Well, this, let me think about it,” because I knew it would be a big commitment, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that it was an opportunity for me, because All of my personal accomplishments throughout my career can be focused on this work and allow me to help this coalition and make everything that I have worked so hard for come true in this decisive moment.
Did I know there was going to be a strike? Are not. Do I know how ineffective the union has been and how much it is like a microcosm of all the problems with our Über partisan Congress? Are not. But I said I thought I could be more radical than the party that recruited me.
Kara Swisher: That’s right. They recruited you – why? If you are an activist or…
Fran Drescher: In other areas, yes. I got a bill passed in Washington by unanimous consent. I was appointed public diplomacy envoy for the U.S. Department of State. I created and executive produced The Nanny. I founded a non-profit organization. I have written two New York Times bestsellers. I am a public speaker. I mean, for a myriad of reasons, I was qualified for the job. Kara Swisher: Oh, I don’t think you’re unqualified. I’m just curious why they came to you.
Fran Drescher: Oh, you know, that’s part of it. They actually went to Rosie O’Donnell at first, or maybe, I don’t know, maybe the tenth – I didn’t know how many until I got the chance. But when they asked Rosie if this was something she was interested in, it became clear that they were after someone who could elevate the union by capitalizing on their reputation – should I say high reputation their. “It’s not for me, but I know someone who would be good at it,” she said. She is the smartest woman I know. Go talk to Fran Drescher.” And that’s when I got the call that changed everything.
Kara Swisher: Lead the strike, the first strike in 63 years for both unions. You said in the press conference that you took the negotiations seriously and from the beginning you were positive. Why so?
Fran Drescher: Well, because we start with peripheral issues. And I think later, it was by their design. They put different things together and say, “Can we tackle this part first? To us, it seems like they’re all a little bit related to each other. And let’s start from here.” And it’s like, okay, we’re going to have to get through everything. And Duncan made the point that –
Kara Swisher: Explain who Duncan is.
Fran Drescher: Duncan Crabtree Ireland is our country managing director and chief negotiator. And he and I ran the union together.
Kara Swisher: So what did he say about that, about going around the edges?
Fran Drescher: He said, “Please don’t fight anything
