Good old American capitalism tells us that competition is a good thing. For the next few weeks, though, you may be hard-pressed to find a Hollywood actor who will agree with such a sentiment.

That’s because the opposition of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) against the rival, albeit smaller American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) has divided Hollywood and invoked memories of the recent writers strike. The Guild’s contract with the industry expired at midnight Monday night, and members are quickly splitting into two camps about what to do next.

One group advocates swift reconciliation, pushing for SAG to accept a contract similar to the one recently agreed upon by the AFTRA. The opposing side claims that this contract is insufficient, though, demanding increased payment for DVD sales and Web-based programming. Supporters of this second view have been lobbying heavily in recent weeks for AFTRA members to vote against the contract; even if the agreement is passed, a significant minority opposing the contract could give the SAG footing to negotiate for increased wages.

All those hoping that SAG accepts the AFTRA contract need only turn back the clock a few months for support; according to a Milken Institute study cited by the Los Angeles Times, the Hollywood writers strike caused the loss of 37,000 jobs and $2.3 billion in wages. Being the largest union for actors, the SAG certainly has the ability to throw a wrench in the cinematic works - AFTRA membership is growing steadily, but most of its influence is in daytime and reality television.

The negotiations that take place during next few weeks may effect movie-viewing for months to come, if the SAG rejects the AFTRA contract and the industry refuses to meet the actors’ demands. For everyone who’s sick of reality TV, hope for a solution soon, or there may be nothing else to watch.

Photo by AP from CBS 2.

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