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The consensus of most studio heads is that there won't be an SAG strike. However, that isn't stopping actors and studios from preparing for the worst case scenario. Variety says that if top stars want to keep working after June 30 they'll have to sign onto one of the 300 waiver deals that the SAG has been negotiating with studio producers. "These deals will allow features to continue shooting after June 30 if there's a strike by agreeing in advance to adhere to whatever deal SAG negotiates."

Late summer shoots are already planned for blockbusters such as Transformers 2, Terminator Salvation, and Angels and Demons on the presumption there will be no strike. Even if there isn't one, it will take a while for major studios to fill in production slots so it will be the indie films that will predominantely be shooting in late summer/early fall. Some of the features that have already obtained waivers include Oliver Stone's W, Werner Herzog's Bad Lieutenant, and Joe Carnahan's Killing Pablo. "SAG won't disclose the number of pacts or who signed them. The guaranteed completion contracts are available only to independent feature productions that have neither financing nor distribution deals with any AMPTP-repped company."

Without the waivers, no one can start a film that wouldn't finish by the end of the month. The uncertainty over an SAG strike has prompted a cramped feature and TV shooting schedule in hopes to get as much content produced in time in case a strike wipes out production similar to last year's WGA strike. Shows like Heroes, 24, House, and CSI are currently in production at a time when casts and crews are on their second month of summer hiatus.

The SAG still has not set a strike authorization vote.