Fran Drescher: Union boss who turned the tables on Hollywood suits

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I have faced some of the most powerful executives in Hollywood before, and they didn’t intimidate me because I have been through so much in my life. But I was surprised by a lot. Tactics that might have worked in the past, such as resistance and attempts to intimidate, lack of respect, and countless diminishing remarks didn’t work this time around.

Fran Drescher, who was famously known as “The Nanny” in a past life, now holds a significant position as the president of SAG-AFTRA. In this role, she has effectively reversed the power dynamics between Hollywood’s elite and the actors’ union.

Last year, Drescher surprised many by taking on the role of a tenacious labor leader and advocate for the underdog. She gained fame in the 1990s for her quirky sitcom character with a thick Queens, New York accent. However, behind the scenes, Drescher amassed significant power in Los Angeles by standing strong against criticism and pressure. This unyielding stance ultimately led to a historic victory for her union of 160,000 members, securing them one of the most lucrative contracts in decades. The new agreement is estimated to bring members approximately $1 billion in benefits over a three-year period.

In an industry historically dominated by bold and aggressive male leaders, Drescher stood out with her unique and undeniably feminine approach. She introduced philosophical insights and even brought a Jellycat plush toy as a prop to the bargaining table, placing it next to her during talks with CEOs like Bob Iger of Disney. This served as a subtle reminder that compassion and heartfelt leadership were valuable traits for any executive to possess.

“I always give my all in everything I do,” Drescher, 66, shared with The Times. “I add my unique perspective, my Buddhist teachings, and plenty of boldness.”

As a devoted cinephile looking back on last year’s industry developments, I initially assumed the labor tensions would unfold in a familiar way: The Writers Guild of America, representing screenwriters, would call for a strike. However, I anticipated that this action would falter and splinter from within, ultimately forcing union leaders to accept a subpar deal due to internal strife.

‘I am shocked by the way the people that we have been in business with are treating us.’

— Fran Drescher

Studio heads underestimated the influence of Drescher and Crabtree-Ireland, the SAG-AFTRA negotiator. In mid-July, they rallied guild members to picket lines, aligning with the Writers Guild (WGA). The ensuing actors’ strike amplified the studios’ distress and boosted the morale of the writers, who had been out of work for nearly three months. Consequently, Hollywood movie and TV production came to a standstill. Stars shunned promoting their projects, causing some films to underperform at the box office. The studios were compelled to address two fronts in this conflict.

Drescher shifted the perspective of the conflict from a simple contract disagreement between studios and actors, to a larger battle for working class rights in America. Addressing a crowd of cameras and reporters at SAG-AFTRA’s Wilshire Boulevard headquarters on July 13, the TV celebrity criticized Hollywood executives for prioritizing Wall Street’s values over their lower-level employees.

“That day, Drescher expressed his disbelief in a firm tone, ‘I’m appalled by how we’ve been dealt with by our business partners.’ They claim financial hardship while shelling out massive sums to their CEOs. It’s disgraceful.”

Fran Drescher, photographed in Malibu on Nov. 30.

Drescher’s electric and impromptu speeches during the picket lines ignited passion and emotion, leading to widespread acclaim for the strike. These heartfelt words brought together Hollywood’s labor unions, even amidst the loss of jobs and economic hardships. Union members rallied behind a common cause, believing they were fighting for their professions’ very existence.

During her notable speech, Drescher drew comparisons to Sally Field’s iconic Oscar-winning role as the fearless North Carolina textile mill worker who became a union organizer in “Norma Rae.” However, some studio executives reportedly rolled their eyes at Drescher’s methods and perceived her actions as an overdramatized show.

Drescher effectively turned into the main point of friction for members of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, representing Disney, Netflix, and other studios. However, the alliance eventually yielded to her requests for actors’ bonuses on successful streaming series and safeguards against AI threats. Through her persistence, she managed to unite the notoriously divided and contentious SAG-AFTRA union during the strike and contract approval process. In December, an impressive majority of members approved the agreement, albeit with some reservations regarding the adequacy of the AI safeguards.

In late November, The Times had a sit-down conversation with Drescher. She shared her pivotal experience, her role in leading the strike, and the hurdles faced by females in positions of authority. This discussion has been condensed for brevity and clarity.

What role did your personal strengths play in what you accomplished last year?

In simpler terms,

What were your expectations and what took you by surprise when you contested for the presidency of SAG-AFTRA in the year 2021?

I recognized that the union was deeply divided and made it my mission to bring about unity. A significant concern existed regarding IMDb’s display of actors’ ages, which some found objectionable, and I was committed to finding a solution. I aspired to lead impartially and strengthen our presence in Washington D.C., raising our profile not just as the largest entertainment union but as the most influential.

During the negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the studio alliance prior to any potential strikes, there appeared to be some headway. Can you share at which stage you came to the conclusion that a strike was unavoidable?

I recognized that we were making progress, yet we hadn’t tackled the major issues preventing a successful resolution in our streaming negotiations. The contract, which has been evolving since the 1960s, appeared outdated compared to today’s business model shifts. Despite our persistence in addressing this critical issue, they kept insisting that it was impossible to secure a new revenue stream. We granted an extended negotiation period of twelve days to exhaust all possibilities, but with limited results. The large studios utilized this time to intensify their promotion of summer blockbusters. Ultimately, I couldn’t help feeling deceived, yet we knew that once the strike began, there was no going back.

What did you want to accomplish in your speech on July 13, the day the strike was called?

In my own words, I spoke honestly from the heart during the negotiation. It went flawlessly and echoed throughout the world. I shared with my committee that our role is significant in the labor movement’s larger context. We hold this position because of our unique attributes, so let us take it seriously as we stand at a pivotal moment.

Passing laws that control a woman’s body can be seen as an attempt to keep women in traditional roles, as their advancement and success can make some feel threatened.

— Fran Drescher

Have you ever found yourself in the unfamiliar territory of negotiating a contract with the AMPTP for the very first time, feeling a tad overwhelmed by the presence of some of the most influential executives in Hollywood?

I’ve faced many challenges in my past, so their attempts at intimidation didn’t faze me. However, I was taken aback by some unexpected tactics. Strategies that used to work against me, like trying to resist or retaliate, or not being respected, no longer had an effect. Instead, these approaches only solidified my resolve and determination to move forward.

Did the studio chiefs underestimate you and SAG-AFTRA?

Without a doubt, this recently agreed-upon deal surpasses our previous achievements by a factor of three. Such an accomplishment is unprecedented – no one has ever closed a billion-dollar agreement before. To secure additional income, we had to explore innovative approaches since their earlier tactics failed to yield results and wear us down. Eventually, it became evident that their strategy was not effective as they underestimated our determination.

How did the atmosphere in the room change once the studio heads returned during the negotiations in October?

As a cinematic enthusiast, I’d describe it this way: The atmosphere was agreeable and courteous. Occasionally, we steered clear of discussing business matters. Other moments brought us great joy as we shared hearty laughs. Throughout it all, there was an underlying sense of friendliness and warmth.

In response to your question, I’d like to clarify that when I spoke with The Times, I shared my efforts to infuse empathy and human connection into the negotiations. This included bringing along my plush toy heart as a symbol of compassion. So, it was not just me as the leader, but an intentional approach to foster a more humane dynamic in our discussions.

Fran, our head, is quite unique, a fact we must all come to terms with. I did ensure that human values and the impact of our decisions on workers and our industry’s future were considered. The men, specifically not Donna Langley, grew agitated at times. But I requested they tone down their aggression as it was unnecessary and inappropriately directed.

In Hollywood and beyond, why are there so few women at the top?

I have spent my entire adult life advocating for women’s rights and gender equality. And let me tell you, the fight to secure these fundamental human rights has not been an easy one. I have seen firsthand how deeply ingrained cultural norms and biases can be when it comes to women’s bodies and autonomy. It seems that with every step forward we take, there are those who seek to pull us back.

What do you see as your biggest accomplishment last year?

The contract is significant with far-reaching implications beyond just financial aspects and protective clauses. It has boosted the morale and influence of our union, giving us a stronger voice and role in the industry. We are no longer mere employees; we have become valuable partners and essential contributors to the business as a whole.

Based on my own experiences and observations, I would encourage women and others who have found their voices diminished in the workplace or in life to remember their worth and value. It can be disheartening when our opinions and ideas are not taken seriously, but it’s important to keep speaking up and advocating for ourselves.

Every presentation brings about potential advantages. They attempted to tarnish my reputation. Instead of discussing Duncan’s role in the negotiations, they focused solely on me. The details were distorted, making it seem as if I was being careless. Let’s hope they understood that such tactics towards women are outdated and no longer effective. This woman wasn’t going to be swayed by their methods.

As a dedicated cinephile and advocate for gender equality, I felt strongly about portraying powerful female leadership on the big screen. If some men find this unsettling and choose to belittle me for being authentic, they’ll have to face the consequences. In time, their narrow-mindedness will be exposed, leaving them looking outdated. Women don’t need to mimic masculine energy; instead, we can lead with grace, wisdom, and compassion. We have the freedom to embrace our true selves while rocking a bold red lip.

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2024-07-18 22:38