Filming of the upcoming Formula 1-based Hollywood movie starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris has been halted just one week after shooting commenced at the British Grand Prix.
The film crew were seen working across the British Grand Prix weekend filming in its own decorated garage and even took up a slot on the grid in the moments leading up to the race.
The duo also drove specifically modified Formula 2 machinery around the Silverstone circuit as part of filming for the currently untitled project.
Filming for the movie has now been suspended as members of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) union voted to strike for the first time since 1980; Pitt himself is a member of the union.
“All filming is shut down for now,” a source told NBC News. “Brad had really enjoyed himself, but he is definitely a very loyal member of the union,” they added.
The film crew had been expected to be present at several further grands prix, but it is not yet known whether those plans have now been put into doubt as a result of the strike action.
Filming will now be unable to continue until SAG-AFTRA can settle the pay dispute with union members.
The strike was called in solidarity with the Writers Guild of America union, which has been striking since early May.
The WGA overwhelmingly voted to strike after failing to reach an agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. Despite the growing success and prominence of the sector including streaming services, members feel they are yet to see the benefits of the booming industry.
SAG-AFTRA represents over 100,000 actors, recording artists and other performers whose work is broadcast. It has cited concerns over reduced income, royalties from streaming services and the exploitation of Artificial Intelligence as some of the leading factors behind the collective action.
