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For the first time in 63 years there will be an industry-wide shut down in Hollywood with thousands of film and television actors to strike.
The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has joined Hollywood writers in going on strike, forcing productions to come to a halt.
So, what does that mean for your favourite TV show or upcoming blockbuster? Here's what we know about how it will affect production.
Which films and television shows will be hit?
The walkout by actors will stop all production of film and scripted television shows in the United States that are covered by labour contracts with unions.
This means independent productions that are not covered by labour contracts with unions will not be impacted.
Work on dramas and comedies has already ground to a halt in Los Angeles, according to FilmLA, which issues film permits.
It says production on Stranger Things, The Handmaid's Tale and other shows have shut down.
The flow of films to theatres is protected from an immediate hit because movies take two to three years to produce.
But future releases, such as Marvel's Blade and Thunderbolts, have been delayed and more are expected to be put on hold.
Promotional events for forthcoming movies still to be released will be cancelled.
Australian actress Margot Robbie told Sky News she "absolutely" supported the decision and would be prepared to strike.
"I am very much in support of all the unions and I am a part of SAG, so I would absolutely stand by that," she said, at the London premiere of the Barbie movie.
What about streaming services?
The actors are striking after negotiations broke down with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) which is the entity that represents major studios and streamers.
This includes Amazon, Apple, Disney, Netflix and Paramount.
Streaming services can continue to supply local-language shows made in places such as Korea and India.
But their Hollywood productions will be paused.
Will Australian productions be impacted?
The Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) says a small number of Australian productions currently underway may be impacted.
“MEAA representatives are in dialogue with the producers of those productions and will advise crew and performer members of their rights if work is interrupted by the strikes," MEAA chief executive Erin Madeley said.
Ms Madeley says the MEAA stands in solidarity with SAG-AFTRA and fully supports the actors and screenwriters who are going on strike.
"Their struggle is our struggle and a win in Hollywood will set the standard for improvements for screen performers around the world," she said.
"We call on the major Hollywood studios to negotiate in good faith to resolve the issues and meanwhile will be urging MEAA members to publicly show their support for their performer and writer colleagues in the US.
The strike is set to have repercussions around the world as many Hollywood productions being filmed overseas still have contracts with the SAG.
In the 2021 financial year international feature film productions spent more in Australia than the local productions did.
According to Screen Australia, foreign productions spent $510 million whereas local productions spent $500 million.
Last month's cancellation of TV series Metropolis shows Australian productions are not immune from strikes.
Universal Studios announced the cancellation of the eight-part season in June citing fallout from the US writers' strike.
Production was expected to start at Melbourne's Dockland Studios this year, employing a cast and crew of around 700 people.
What will TV look like in the US this year?
Broadcast networks including Fox and Walt Disney Co's ABC in the US have announced its line-ups will be heavy with reality shows.
This is because reality shows such as Big Brother and The Bachelor will not be impacted by the strikes.
ABC in the US will air re-runs of hit comedy Abbott Elementary and Fox will feature an animated comedy that has already been completed.
Fresh seasons of comedies and dramas that typically start in September will likely be delayed.
News programs will continue as normal because their writers are covered by a different union.
No production, promoting while striking
The strike, which is the first for film and television actors since 1980, casts a shadow over the upcoming 75th Emmy Awards.
Union rules prevent actors from doing any interviews or promotions around the awards, and they may not appear at the ceremony.
The strike rules also prevent actors from making personal appearances or promoting their work on podcasts or at premieres.
Members are also barred from doing any production work including auditions, readings, rehearsals or voiceovers along with actual shooting.
AP/Reuters/ABC