Union actors are looking to tap into the riches of microdramas, but I think these types of films are hurting the industry

[Billy]

Microdramas Are Booming and Union Actors Are Looking for a Way In

Microdramas are booming and SAG-AFTRA is looking for a way to let union actors work on them without resigning or hiding from the guild.

variety.com

The popularity of microdramas is actually astonishing! Shoot a cheap film with a catchy story for $100, 000 then cut it into 1000 reels that clickbait viewers into paying to watch the whole story on an app. However, after the first payment, most users are disappointed because what was promised isn't what they get! Now, I understand, the soap-opera style microdramas have quite a fan base, but I don't think their money-making model is sustainable, and Union actors would be safer staying away from it, in my opinion.

 

[alexj-12]

Microdramas feel like the fast-fashion version of storytelling. They’re cheap, flashy, and everywhere, but the second people actually buy in, the seams start showing. It’s hard to imagine that holding an audience for long, especially when viewers are catching on to the bait-and-switch. And yeah, if you’re a union actor, jumping into that space right now feels more like a gamble than an opportunity.

 

[Billy]

Microdramas feel like the fast-fashion version of storytelling. They’re cheap, flashy, and everywhere, but the second people actually buy in, the seams start showing. It’s hard to imagine that holding an audience for long, especially when viewers are catching on to the bait-and-switch. And yeah, if you’re a union actor, jumping into that space right now feels more like a gamble than an opportunity.

My point exactly. If they are already this bad without union actors, imagine a microdrama starring a Tom Cruise or Angelina Jolie? It will have people scrambling to get past a paywall for something that isn't really worth the money.