SAG-AFTRA Strike Sparks Surge in Actors Turning to Cameo for Income

As the SAG-AFTRA strike continues to impact the entertainment industry, a growing number of actors are seeking alternative sources of income, with many turning to the platform Cameo to bridge the financial gap during these uncertain times.

While Hollywood boasts its glitzy movie stars, the reality for many actors involves living paycheck to paycheck and taking on odd jobs to sustain themselves during lulls in gig opportunities. Some wait tables, while others have found a unique way to connect with fans on Cameo, where they offer personalized videos for purchase, ranging from greetings to special messages, at prices spanning from $1 to $1,500.

Since the SAG-AFTRA strike commenced on July 14, over 2,400 performers have either joined Cameo or reactivated their accounts, marking a substantial 137% increase, according to Steven Galanis, CEO of Cameo. This influx represents the largest surge since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, which severely hampered the entertainment industry.

Galanis emphasized that the allure of Hollywood often masks the financial struggles that many actors face. He remarked, “You just assume that they’re making all this money, they’re rich and famous, but the vast majority of them just aren’t. Something like Cameo is certainly the better way for many of them to bridge the gap.”

Even high-profile figures like SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher, renowned for her role in the ’90s sitcom “The Nanny,” have reactivated their Cameo accounts. Drescher, for instance, charges $1,500 for a personalized video message.

Notable unionized stars including Alyssa Milano, Cheyenne Jackson, Chris Wood, China McClain, and Melissa Benoist have also reconnected with their fans on the platform, indicating a collective effort to adapt to the changing landscape of the entertainment industry.

Cameo offers varying price points depending on whether the video is intended for personal use or business purposes, with an average cost of $70 for personal bookings and $1,700 for business-related videos. The platform retains 25% of the earnings.

For actors like Fred Stoller, who has appeared in various TV shows, including “Everybody Loves Raymond” and “The Penguins of Madagascar,” Cameo has provided a source of income during slower seasons. Stoller remarked that Cameo earnings often amount to “Postmates money,” and he appreciates the interaction with fans that the platform fosters.

Although the platform has seen a surge in actor participation during the SAG-AFTRA strike, Cameo’s busiest period typically coincides with holidays, when fans buy celebrity videos as gifts. The strike has led to shifts in how actors connect with their audience, with many embracing digital avenues like Cameo to maintain their brand accessibility, especially during times of production disruptions and lockdowns.

The SAG-AFTRA strike, while presenting challenges to the entertainment industry, has also spurred creative adaptations that reflect the changing dynamics of celebrity-fan interactions in the modern era.