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Marion McKeone: No sign of credits rolling on Hollywood strike as studios turn up the heat

Morale remains high on the picket lines despite the scorching Los Angeles heatwave

The Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists workers and their supporters march on July 20 in Chicago, Illinois. Union members are striking to demand better pay and to prevent AI from replacing workers. Picture: Getty

In 2006, Alan Smyth went to Hollywood. The Irish actor, whose credits included productions in the Gate and Abbey theatres, Ballykissangel, The Clinic and a five-year stint on Fair City, was cast in a 2002 Showtime movie that was filmed in Ireland.

The producers and director were so impressed by the actor that they urged him to move Stateside and sponsored his visa application. The move played out like Smyth’s very own Hollywood movie – ...