Adam Driver Criticizes Netflix and Amazon at Venice Film Festival

Adam Driver, while attending the Venice Film Festival to promote his latest film “Ferrari,” expressed his disappointment in major streaming platforms, Netflix and Amazon, for failing to adhere to the demands of actors’ and writers’ unions during a strike that has significantly impacted the entertainment sector.

For the first time in over six decades, actors and writers have engaged in a concurrent strike, advocating for limitations on the employment of artificial intelligence and increased compensation as streaming gains popularity. This action has obstructed A-list celebrities from endorsing major studio and streaming films at the Venice Film Festival this year, in line with union recommendations. However, actors from smaller independent films like “Ferrari” were permitted to grace the renowned Lido red carpet.

Driver questioned why smaller distribution firms such as Neon and STX International could accommodate the ideal demands of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), whereas prominent companies like Netflix and Amazon could not. Despite multiple attempts to contact them, representatives from Netflix and Amazon did not provide any comments.

Driver has previously collaborated with Netflix, representing two of their films at past Venice festivals, including “White Noise” in 2022 and “Marriage Story” in 2019.

The writers’ strike commenced in May, followed by the actors’ strike in July, resulting in the suspension of television and film productions in Hollywood. However, projects unaffiliated with major studios have been granted exemptions to continue operations if they adhere to the latest union requirements. Driver commented that when SAG members support a film that has consented to the interim agreement terms, it highlights the individuals willing to back their collaborators, in contrast to those who are not.

Michael Mann, the director of “Ferrari,” informed journalists that the completion of the film was made possible by the financial sacrifices of several actors, producers, and himself.

Mann noted that the cast and crew of ‘Ferrari’ managed to complete the film by relinquishing substantial portions of their salaries, including both Driver and himself. The producers essentially worked without receiving any fees.

Mann emphasized that they did not receive any financial support from major studios, which is why they stood in unity with both unions at the event.

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