Part 3/15:
This form of protest underscores the frustration within the industry—artists, writers, and performers feel burned by a system that profits massively but often leaves the creative workforce undervalued. NBCUniversal’s petty retaliation—fining them for trimming protest-shielding trees—illustrates the extent to which these institutions are willing to go to maintain control. Experts predict that upcoming blockbusters will face delays, and the dominance of AI and animation will become even more pronounced as studios lean into these cheaper, controllable alternatives.