Indiana Jones stunt coordinator Mike Massa recently demonstrated his fiery support for the SAG-AFTRA strike with a daring stunt of his own.
Massa gathered at Covert Camera Vehicles on Monday with several other stunt performers in a show of solidarity with Hollywood actors, who have been on strike for two weeks.
Stunt performer Elena Sanchez addressed the crowd, saying via WSB-TV: "Eighty-seven percent of the 160,000 SAG-AFTRA members make less than $26,000 a year. Which means they do not qualify for health insurance."
Massa then entered the stage and closed the event by lighting himself on fire, holding a sign that read "SAG-AFTRA on Strike." The performer later confirmed that a "fire team" was nearby to help safely execute the stunt.
Sanchez and Massa shared the moment in a video to Instagram, writing in the caption: "We are tired of being burned by the AMPTP," referring to the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.
Hollywood writers announced their strike at the beginning of May, with actors joining their forces on July 13. The 160,000 actors together with the 11,000 writers could halt Hollywood productions into next year. Like writers, actors seek contracts that accommodate their work in new age of streaming services, as well as regulations to AI usage in the industry that protect their digital likeness and intellectual property.
AI is a large focus of the strikes, actors are protesting proposals from studios which offer only one-time payments for their likeness. After scanning their faces and bodies, studios have put forth that they should be able to use actors' images without compensation or permission on any future projects.
In another Instagram post, Massa shared his motivation for taking action, writing: "We wanted to make a statement, and I think we did! It was great to see such a great turnout from our local Stunt community, local leadership, and actors who showed up to support us."
Massa most recently spent 10 months working on Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, serving as one of Harrison Ford's stunt doubles.
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