ADG President: Below-the-Line Crew Carrying the Financial Weight of Ongoing Strikes

Art Directors Guild (IATSE Local 800) president Scott Roth has publicly stated that below-the-line workers are “bearing the brunt” of the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, acknowledging the severe financial strain on crew members who are not directly party to either labor dispute.

While writers and actors walk picket lines to secure better pay and protections against AI, the downstream impact on non-striking crew — including production designers, art directors, set decorators, camera operators, grips, gaffers, and other IATSE members — has been significant. Productions across the US have shut down or stalled, leaving thousands of below-the-line workers without work or income.

The ADG represents over 2,400 members. Roth’s comments highlight the growing pressure on guild leadership to advocate for their members even as they are not direct participants in the strikes. IATSE has expressed solidarity with both the WGA and SAG-AFTRA while its own members face mounting financial hardship.

Crew members affected by the work stoppage should check with their locals regarding any available hardship funds, and monitor guild communications for updates as negotiations continue.