Hollywood strike’s impact on college internships
COLUMBUS, Geor. (CBS, KYMA/KECY) - July 14, 2023 marks the first time since 1960 that both the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) and the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike at the same time.
The actors formally joined screenwriters on picket lines outside studios and filming locations in a bid to get better terms from studios and streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon.
The national strike hits close to home as college students find themselves at a standstill when it comes to completing their degrees.
"I just was sitting there thinking, 'Well, when is my internship going to happen then?' Because it's the only thing keeping me from officially graduating," said Elizabeth Nesbitt, a student at Columbus State University (CSU).
Supporting students despite setback
With a halt on film and television production sets, internships are affected. CSU's Communications Department is focused on supporting their student's success despite the setback.
"On numerous levels, first off, does it have an impact? Yes. Are we panicking? No. We have total confidence and remain hopeful that things will be worked quickly. But as far as impact to students and our department. Georgia Film Academy offers other classes that are not impacted by this strike at this point. So we're just concentrating on making sure our students are able to still progress," said Dr. Danna Gibson, CSU Communications Department Chair.
Nesbitt is in a unique position. She recently graduated with a bachelor's degree, opening the door for potential job opportunities. But until she completes her GFA certification, applying for a full-time position is on the back burner.
"I could go and get another job because I do have my B.A. in Communication. But once the strike is over and productions are back up, I still have this 160 hours to complete. So, it kind of just puts me at a standstill with like what my next move is," Nesbitt shared.
Dr. Gibson says the department is still working towards finding opportunities for the students on sets not affected by the strike.
The current actor and writer strike only affects union productions, not independent non-union projects.
