For Aaron Paul, it is time for streaming services like Netflix to “pay” what they are owed.
Breaking Bad stars have spoken out in support of the SAG-AFTRA strike. As reported by 9gag, Aaron Paul joined Bryan Cranston, Jesse Plemons and other members of the universe of Vince Gilligan’s series to provide support to the striking actors.
Residual payments – additional compensation paid to actors when their series or films are rebroadcast – are a central issue in the strike. These payments have allowed stars of long-running sitcoms like Friends and The Big Bang Theory to rank among the highest-paid television actors of all time, with their shows often being rebroadcast. But in the age of streaming, actors rarely receive these residual payments, despite the fact that their work remains constantly available to be seen and re-watched by fans.
During its last season, broadcast more than ten years ago, breaking Bad was one of the most watched and highest rated cable series of all time. The hit AMC show later gained lasting popularity on Netflix, but its stars say that wasn’t reflected in their compensation.
According to The Independent, Aaron Paul said :
To be completely honest, I’m not getting anything from Netflix for Breaking Bad and that’s crazy to me. I think a lot of these streamers know they’re getting away with not paying people a fair wage and now it’s time to pay up.
Bryan Cranston also spoke out, stating that Netflix and Sony are “not bad guys” and the actors aren’t trying to portray them as such either.
We do not make them our enemies. They’re not bad guys. These are people we will all work with again at some point. We just want them to see reality.
According to Deadline, he adds: “Once the higher-ups come back to Earth and reality, I really feel like we’re going to find common ground and move forward on that path. That’s how we paid our bills… residuals, international residuals, DVD sales and things like that, but those things are gone.”
A WIDER MOVEMENT
The interpreter of the famous Walter White also confirmed recent comments by SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher to the Associated Press that this double strike in Hollywood is galvanizing a broader movement across the country.
“Without organized unions, leaders will continue to line their pockets. They don’t say and never will say, ‘You know what? I don’t think it’s fair to these people. I’ll pay them more.’ That’s just not what they do.”
In action, Bryan Cranston And Aaron Paul spoke to SAG-AFTRA on this subject.
“While on the picket line, SAG-AFTRA members Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul spoke with us about the importance of getting a fair, equitable and respectful contract. Until we get what we deserve, ‘we’re not going anywhere’.”
Check out their comments below: