SAG-AFTRA negotiators have approved a tentative agreement that will end the longest actors strike against the film and TV studios in Hollywood history.
In an announcement Wednesday, the union said the 118-day strike would officially end at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday.
The union’s negotiating committee approved the deal on a unanimous vote. The agreement next goes to the SAG-AFTRA national board for approval on Friday.
The two sides spent the last several days putting the finishing touches on the deal, which will see the first-ever protections for actors against artificial intelligence and a historic pay increase. The deal will see most minimums increase by 7% — two percent above the increases received by the Writers Guild of America and the Directors Guild of America.
The deal also includes a “streaming participation bonus,” according to an email sent to SAG-AFTRA members, as well as increases in pension and health contributions. The...
In an announcement Wednesday, the union said the 118-day strike would officially end at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday.
The union’s negotiating committee approved the deal on a unanimous vote. The agreement next goes to the SAG-AFTRA national board for approval on Friday.
The two sides spent the last several days putting the finishing touches on the deal, which will see the first-ever protections for actors against artificial intelligence and a historic pay increase. The deal will see most minimums increase by 7% — two percent above the increases received by the Writers Guild of America and the Directors Guild of America.
The deal also includes a “streaming participation bonus,” according to an email sent to SAG-AFTRA members, as well as increases in pension and health contributions. The...
- 11/9/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
SAG-AFTRA may soon have another strike on its hands.
On Monday, union members voted 98.32 percent in favor of a strike authorization against the video game industry, with 34,687 members casting ballots and representing a percentage of 27.47 percent of eligible voters. While the results do not guarantee a work stoppage will occur, it gives union negotiators the ability to call a strike during ongoing negotiations for a new Interactive Media Agreement if they deem one necessary.
“It’s time for the video game companies to stop playing games and get serious about reaching an agreement on this contract,” said SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher. “The result of this vote shows our membership understands the existential nature of these negotiations, and that the time is now for these companies — which are making billions of dollars and paying their CEOs lavishly — to give our performers an agreement that keeps performing in video games as a viable career.
On Monday, union members voted 98.32 percent in favor of a strike authorization against the video game industry, with 34,687 members casting ballots and representing a percentage of 27.47 percent of eligible voters. While the results do not guarantee a work stoppage will occur, it gives union negotiators the ability to call a strike during ongoing negotiations for a new Interactive Media Agreement if they deem one necessary.
“It’s time for the video game companies to stop playing games and get serious about reaching an agreement on this contract,” said SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher. “The result of this vote shows our membership understands the existential nature of these negotiations, and that the time is now for these companies — which are making billions of dollars and paying their CEOs lavishly — to give our performers an agreement that keeps performing in video games as a viable career.
- 9/26/2023
- by Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
With the actors’ strike now in its 63rd day, SAG-AFTRA leaders are ramping up their rhetoric against the studio heads, accusing them in the latest issue of the SAG-AFTRA Magazine of “behaving like petty tyrants,” “would-be feudal lords” and “land barons in feudal times.”
Contract talks broke off July 13 after more than four weeks of bargaining, and the strike began the next day. Since then, the two sides haven’t met despite repeated calls by SAG-AFTRA leaders for a resumption of negotiations that have gone unheeded by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.
“Right now, the AMPTP is refusing to negotiate with us,” SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher writes in the magazine. “They are punishing us for exercising our legal right to strike…They are not land barons in feudal times, and we are not their serfs. How dare they think we are less than an enemy camp...
Contract talks broke off July 13 after more than four weeks of bargaining, and the strike began the next day. Since then, the two sides haven’t met despite repeated calls by SAG-AFTRA leaders for a resumption of negotiations that have gone unheeded by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.
“Right now, the AMPTP is refusing to negotiate with us,” SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher writes in the magazine. “They are punishing us for exercising our legal right to strike…They are not land barons in feudal times, and we are not their serfs. How dare they think we are less than an enemy camp...
- 9/14/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Tim Burton is sharing his thoughts on AI getting inspired by his work for new creations. Earlier this year, BuzzFeed shared a piece where it prompted AI to “Tim Burton-Ize Disney Movies.”
The piece shared what Disney movies like Frozen, The Little Mermaid, The Princess and the Frog and others would look like if Burton had created them.
“They had AI do my versions of Disney characters!” the director said in an interview with The Independent. “I can’t describe the feeling it gives you. It reminded me of when other cultures say, ‘Don’t take my picture because it is taking away your soul.'”
He continued: “What it does is it sucks something from you. It takes something from your soul or psyche; that is very disturbing, especially if it has to do with you. It’s like a robot taking your humanity, your soul.”
One of the...
The piece shared what Disney movies like Frozen, The Little Mermaid, The Princess and the Frog and others would look like if Burton had created them.
“They had AI do my versions of Disney characters!” the director said in an interview with The Independent. “I can’t describe the feeling it gives you. It reminded me of when other cultures say, ‘Don’t take my picture because it is taking away your soul.'”
He continued: “What it does is it sucks something from you. It takes something from your soul or psyche; that is very disturbing, especially if it has to do with you. It’s like a robot taking your humanity, your soul.”
One of the...
- 9/11/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Fran Drescher has been elected to a second term as president of SAG-AFTRA, as the union’s first studio strike in 43 years nears the two-month mark.
Drescher was elected with 81.4% of the vote, defeating Maya Gilbert-Dunbar, who took 18.6%.
Joely Fisher took 70.3% in her race for a second term as secretary-treasurer. Her opponent, Peter Antico, got 29.7%.
Drescher has become the public face of the strike, calling out corporate greed and demanding an overhaul of the actors’ basic contract. In her campaign, she said she intends to lead the union toward a “seminal” agreement.
“These are dynamic times and as one member body, we will weather the storms, stand on our principles and make sure our major contributions to this collaborative art form shall never again be diminished but rather be exalted,” Drescher said in a statement Friday night.
Drescher was first elected in 2021, and has worked to unify the warring factions within the union.
Drescher was elected with 81.4% of the vote, defeating Maya Gilbert-Dunbar, who took 18.6%.
Joely Fisher took 70.3% in her race for a second term as secretary-treasurer. Her opponent, Peter Antico, got 29.7%.
Drescher has become the public face of the strike, calling out corporate greed and demanding an overhaul of the actors’ basic contract. In her campaign, she said she intends to lead the union toward a “seminal” agreement.
“These are dynamic times and as one member body, we will weather the storms, stand on our principles and make sure our major contributions to this collaborative art form shall never again be diminished but rather be exalted,” Drescher said in a statement Friday night.
Drescher was first elected in 2021, and has worked to unify the warring factions within the union.
- 9/9/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
This is Day 129 of the WGA strike and Day 56 of the SAG-AFTRA strike.
Striking writers and actors rallied on Thursday outside Amazon Studios in Culver City to show their support for a bill pending in the California legislature that would provide unemployment insurance to striking workers. Strikers in New York and New Jersey are entitled to collect unemployment benefits after two weeks on the picket line, but striking workers in California aren’t eligible because they’re considered to have left their jobs “voluntarily.”
Senate Bill 799 would change that if makes it through the state legislature and is signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom. It passed the Assembly Insurance Committee last week and the Legislature has until September 14 to send it to the governor’s desk for signature. A similar bill passed the Assembly in 2019 but failed in the Senate by two votes.
WGA West President Meredith Stiehm, who...
Striking writers and actors rallied on Thursday outside Amazon Studios in Culver City to show their support for a bill pending in the California legislature that would provide unemployment insurance to striking workers. Strikers in New York and New Jersey are entitled to collect unemployment benefits after two weeks on the picket line, but striking workers in California aren’t eligible because they’re considered to have left their jobs “voluntarily.”
Senate Bill 799 would change that if makes it through the state legislature and is signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom. It passed the Assembly Insurance Committee last week and the Legislature has until September 14 to send it to the governor’s desk for signature. A similar bill passed the Assembly in 2019 but failed in the Senate by two votes.
WGA West President Meredith Stiehm, who...
- 9/7/2023
- by David Robb, Lynette Rice and Sean Piccoli
- Deadline Film + TV
The Writers Guild and SAG-AFTRA will rally on Thursday at Amazon Studio in Culver City to highlight their push a bill that would provide unemployment insurance to striking workers in California. Striking writers and actors in New York and New Jersey are already eligible to receive unemployment benefits after 14 days on the picket line, but not in California.
Senate Bill 799, if it makes it through the Legislature and is signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, would change that. It passed through the Assembly Insurance Committee last week and the Legislature has until September 14 to send it to the governor’s desk for signature.
WGA West President Meredith Stiehm and SAG-AFTRA Secretary-Treasurer Joely Fisher, who spoke before the Insurance Committee last week in Sacramento in support of the bill, will be among the speakers at tomorrow’s picket and rally, which will get underway at 11 am.
“Writers have had to rely on strike loans from our union,...
Senate Bill 799, if it makes it through the Legislature and is signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, would change that. It passed through the Assembly Insurance Committee last week and the Legislature has until September 14 to send it to the governor’s desk for signature.
WGA West President Meredith Stiehm and SAG-AFTRA Secretary-Treasurer Joely Fisher, who spoke before the Insurance Committee last week in Sacramento in support of the bill, will be among the speakers at tomorrow’s picket and rally, which will get underway at 11 am.
“Writers have had to rely on strike loans from our union,...
- 9/7/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated with latest expected attendees: SAG-AFTRA’s Los Angeles Local and the Writers Guild of America will hold a “National Day of Solidarity” rally Tuesday outside Disney Studios.
“SAG-AFTRA and WGA will join forces with the AFL-CIO and its affiliates from across the nation and across industries for a National Day of Solidarity,” SAG-AFTRA said in a statement. “In this ‘Summer of Strikes,’ working Americans everywhere are fighting for fair contracts, better compensation, safe working conditions and protections from encroaching technology. Together, we are showing corporate America that when we fight, we win!”
SAG-AFTRA has been on strike since July 14, and the Writers Guild since May 2. The rally will start Tuesday at 10 am Pt.
Among those scheduled to speak at the rally include SAG-AFTRA Secretary-Treasurer Joely Fisher, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, and Los Angeles County Federation of Labor President Yvonne Wheeler.
Others scheduled to attend...
“SAG-AFTRA and WGA will join forces with the AFL-CIO and its affiliates from across the nation and across industries for a National Day of Solidarity,” SAG-AFTRA said in a statement. “In this ‘Summer of Strikes,’ working Americans everywhere are fighting for fair contracts, better compensation, safe working conditions and protections from encroaching technology. Together, we are showing corporate America that when we fight, we win!”
SAG-AFTRA has been on strike since July 14, and the Writers Guild since May 2. The rally will start Tuesday at 10 am Pt.
Among those scheduled to speak at the rally include SAG-AFTRA Secretary-Treasurer Joely Fisher, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, and Los Angeles County Federation of Labor President Yvonne Wheeler.
Others scheduled to attend...
- 8/22/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Hollywood’s potential misuse of artificial intelligence is a “deadly cocktail” and a “poison” that needs to be strictly regulated, SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher said in the guild’s latest strike podcast.
Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gai) – which can write scripts and digitally duplicate the images of actors, stunt performers, and background players – has now become a strike issue for both SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild.
Many of Drescher’s members have also been the Gai victims of “deep fakes,” in which their faces and voices have been computer generated to appear on someone else’s body – often pornographically.
“When you have a combination of Wall Street, greed, technology, and whizz kids that I am not seeing exemplify a great deal of empathy – it’s a deadly cocktail, in my opinion. And I don’t want us to have to drink that poison anymore,” she said in conversation with Duncan Crabtree-Ireland,...
Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gai) – which can write scripts and digitally duplicate the images of actors, stunt performers, and background players – has now become a strike issue for both SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild.
Many of Drescher’s members have also been the Gai victims of “deep fakes,” in which their faces and voices have been computer generated to appear on someone else’s body – often pornographically.
“When you have a combination of Wall Street, greed, technology, and whizz kids that I am not seeing exemplify a great deal of empathy – it’s a deadly cocktail, in my opinion. And I don’t want us to have to drink that poison anymore,” she said in conversation with Duncan Crabtree-Ireland,...
- 8/4/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
The beginning of what may be a more militant era in Hollywood studio-labor relations has been ushered in, with actors joining writers on the picket lines in a major stand against film and TV producers that will effectively shut down the industry during the impasse.
On July 13, SAG-AFTRA, led by president Fran Drescher, called the union’s first strike against film and television companies in 43 years. Combined with Hollywood writers ongoing strike, the work stoppage — applying to 160,000 members, from actors to singers to dancers — marks the first simultaneous strike by the two unions since 1960, in a sign of an industry in tumult.
“We are the victims here. We are being victimized by a very greedy entity,” Drescher said at a press conference July 13. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which reps the studios, countered with a talking points memo it circulated that included an “AI proposal which protects performers’ digital likenesses.
On July 13, SAG-AFTRA, led by president Fran Drescher, called the union’s first strike against film and television companies in 43 years. Combined with Hollywood writers ongoing strike, the work stoppage — applying to 160,000 members, from actors to singers to dancers — marks the first simultaneous strike by the two unions since 1960, in a sign of an industry in tumult.
“We are the victims here. We are being victimized by a very greedy entity,” Drescher said at a press conference July 13. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which reps the studios, countered with a talking points memo it circulated that included an “AI proposal which protects performers’ digital likenesses.
- 7/14/2023
- by Katie Kilkenny and Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher joined members of her guild marching in solidarity with Writers Guild of America members Monday on the picket lines in front of the entrance to Paramount Pictures’ backlot.
Amid this display of solidarity, Drescher is preparing with SAG-AFTRA to begin talks on their own new contract, and she is signaling that actors need major change in Hollywood just as much as writers.
“We can’t keep building on a contract that was developed in the 1980s,” Drescher told TheWrap. “I’m hoping that we go in with a new perspective, a different portal to enter the conversation just as we did with other talks that we were successful in resolving.
Drescher was joined on the picket line by SAG-AFTRA EVP Ben Whitehair and WGA West president Meredith Stiehm. While the star of “The Nanny” says she’s not surprised by the turnout from her members, given...
Amid this display of solidarity, Drescher is preparing with SAG-AFTRA to begin talks on their own new contract, and she is signaling that actors need major change in Hollywood just as much as writers.
“We can’t keep building on a contract that was developed in the 1980s,” Drescher told TheWrap. “I’m hoping that we go in with a new perspective, a different portal to enter the conversation just as we did with other talks that we were successful in resolving.
Drescher was joined on the picket line by SAG-AFTRA EVP Ben Whitehair and WGA West president Meredith Stiehm. While the star of “The Nanny” says she’s not surprised by the turnout from her members, given...
- 5/9/2023
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
On the seventh day of the Writers Guild of America’s strike against Hollywood studios, guild leaders from both the WGA and SAG-AFTRA, including actors union president Fran Drescher, hit the picket lines at Paramount Pictures in Los Angeles.
Wgaw president Meredith Stiehm, speaking in front of the studio’s Melrose Avenue gates, said the guild has not heard from the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers since contract talks broke apart the evening of May 1 — and she doesn’t expect to hear from them for a while.
“We’ll be here whenever they are available to talk about the real issues,” she said. “We didn’t feel like we had a real conversation last time around, so when they’re ready to actually get serious, we’ll be there.”
SAG-AFTRA’s Drescher and EVP Ben Whitehair joined writers in front of Paramount’s gates, where Drescher spoke about...
Wgaw president Meredith Stiehm, speaking in front of the studio’s Melrose Avenue gates, said the guild has not heard from the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers since contract talks broke apart the evening of May 1 — and she doesn’t expect to hear from them for a while.
“We’ll be here whenever they are available to talk about the real issues,” she said. “We didn’t feel like we had a real conversation last time around, so when they’re ready to actually get serious, we’ll be there.”
SAG-AFTRA’s Drescher and EVP Ben Whitehair joined writers in front of Paramount’s gates, where Drescher spoke about...
- 5/9/2023
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
SAG-AFTRA has bought an office building in the San Fernando Valley for $46.6 million that will serve as its new national headquarters. Located at 12020 Chandler Blvd. in North Hollywood, the property features more than 118,000 square feet of commercial office space and includes the building on 1.22 acres and a nearby 0.71-acre vacant lot.
Up until now, SAG-AFTRA has been the only major Hollywood union that didn’t own its own headquarters. The old Screen Actors Guild – and now SAG-AFTRA – hadn’t owned their own national offices for 37 years and have been leasing at two different locations since 1986.
SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher said that “As National President, I began to investigate ways to diversify our investment portfolio and was surprised to learn we were the only entertainment industry union to not own our own headquarters versus paying large rents. After multiple sessions with my Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland and CFO Arianna Ozzanto, it...
Up until now, SAG-AFTRA has been the only major Hollywood union that didn’t own its own headquarters. The old Screen Actors Guild – and now SAG-AFTRA – hadn’t owned their own national offices for 37 years and have been leasing at two different locations since 1986.
SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher said that “As National President, I began to investigate ways to diversify our investment portfolio and was surprised to learn we were the only entertainment industry union to not own our own headquarters versus paying large rents. After multiple sessions with my Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland and CFO Arianna Ozzanto, it...
- 4/11/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
January Jones is joining the debate over self-tape audition practices in Hollywood.
The “Mad Men” alum took to her Instagram Stories to call out fees to audition and the issue of sending in self-tapes as opposed to in-person readings. “Note to Hollywood: It’s time for casting directors to come back into the office like everyone else. To audition actors in person,” Jones wrote on Instagram (via Variety). “And if anyone asks for a Fee to audition please know that this is criminal and Pathetic.”
She continued, “I personally have had to self tape several times since the pandemic began and there is zero benefit to it for anyone involved. It’s time consuming, expensive, and a drag to whomever you have to drag in to read with you (sorry Mom), and is often done with zero direction/notes. I can’t imagine how difficult it must be for an...
The “Mad Men” alum took to her Instagram Stories to call out fees to audition and the issue of sending in self-tapes as opposed to in-person readings. “Note to Hollywood: It’s time for casting directors to come back into the office like everyone else. To audition actors in person,” Jones wrote on Instagram (via Variety). “And if anyone asks for a Fee to audition please know that this is criminal and Pathetic.”
She continued, “I personally have had to self tape several times since the pandemic began and there is zero benefit to it for anyone involved. It’s time consuming, expensive, and a drag to whomever you have to drag in to read with you (sorry Mom), and is often done with zero direction/notes. I can’t imagine how difficult it must be for an...
- 3/7/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
As Sundance comes roaring back to life with its first in-person festival since 2020, IndieWire once again honored the indie film world’s top actors, artisans, and filmmakers at its annual chili party on Thursday night.
In her opening remarks, IndieWire editor-in-chief Dana Harris-Bridson recalled the humble beginnings of IndieWire’s annual gathering for filmmakers, and expressed delight to see the party continuing to thrive as a more formal endeavor.
“We were the last house party standing in Park City. Everyone was smarter than we were — they stopped much sooner,” Harris-Bridson said. “We had about this many people in your average, ordinary Park City condo with no insurance and no bouncer and I made all the chili. And it was awesome, but it got to be too much and we had to take a hiatus. And I am so thrilled to have the chili party back.”
This year’s party, held...
In her opening remarks, IndieWire editor-in-chief Dana Harris-Bridson recalled the humble beginnings of IndieWire’s annual gathering for filmmakers, and expressed delight to see the party continuing to thrive as a more formal endeavor.
“We were the last house party standing in Park City. Everyone was smarter than we were — they stopped much sooner,” Harris-Bridson said. “We had about this many people in your average, ordinary Park City condo with no insurance and no bouncer and I made all the chili. And it was awesome, but it got to be too much and we had to take a hiatus. And I am so thrilled to have the chili party back.”
This year’s party, held...
- 1/21/2023
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
SAG-AFTRA is celebrating the upcoming Labor Day weekend with a podcast featuring Liz Shuler, president of the 12.5 million-member AFL-CIO, which represents 57 affiliated unions, including SAG-AFTRA, and workers in every Zip code in the country.
According to Shuler, the future of organized labor is bright.
“We are stronger together,” Shuler said on the podcast. “By being an affiliate union of the AFL-CIO, it brings the full breadth and scope and power of 12.5 million working people to each other’s fights. And SAG-AFTRA is on the front lines of so much. A lot of people think, ‘Oh, well, SAG-AFTRA, are they really workers?’ Well, of course, because you work in an industry like Hollywood, or you are someone in broadcast, you absolutely have the same issues that working people in other professions have: safety and health concerns, discrimination and harassment concerns, and making sure you’re being paid equitably for your work.
According to Shuler, the future of organized labor is bright.
“We are stronger together,” Shuler said on the podcast. “By being an affiliate union of the AFL-CIO, it brings the full breadth and scope and power of 12.5 million working people to each other’s fights. And SAG-AFTRA is on the front lines of so much. A lot of people think, ‘Oh, well, SAG-AFTRA, are they really workers?’ Well, of course, because you work in an industry like Hollywood, or you are someone in broadcast, you absolutely have the same issues that working people in other professions have: safety and health concerns, discrimination and harassment concerns, and making sure you’re being paid equitably for your work.
- 9/3/2022
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
A confluence of hard bargaining and legislative lobbying helped secure significant gains in two new agreements SAG-AFTRA reached earlier this month covering exclusivity, which are standard provisions in TV contracts that can hold TV series regulars off the market and unable to work for unreasonably long periods of time, guild leaders said in a podcast released on Thursday.
Earlier this week, the union reached an agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers on new exclusivity provisions, and SAG-AFTRA’s national board will meet on Saturday to approve it. The guild also reached a tentative agreement with Netflix earlier this month that includes new exclusivity terms, and members are now voting to ratify it.
SAG-AFTRA leaders, however, say their lobbying for a bill that’s nearing the finish line in the California legislature is what that finally got the companies to move on the issue. That guild-sponsored bill – Ab...
Earlier this week, the union reached an agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers on new exclusivity provisions, and SAG-AFTRA’s national board will meet on Saturday to approve it. The guild also reached a tentative agreement with Netflix earlier this month that includes new exclusivity terms, and members are now voting to ratify it.
SAG-AFTRA leaders, however, say their lobbying for a bill that’s nearing the finish line in the California legislature is what that finally got the companies to move on the issue. That guild-sponsored bill – Ab...
- 8/19/2022
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Vengeance Review — Vengeance (2022) Film Review, a movie written and directed by B.J. Novak, starring B.J. Novak, Ashton Kutcher, Boyd Holbrook, Issa Rae, Ivan Hernandez, Ryan Hammond, Dove Cameron, Eli Bickel, Grayson Berry, John Mayer, Isabella Amara, J. Smith-Cameron, Lio Tipton, Zach Villa and Ben Whitehair. The new comic thriller, Vengeance, is almost to [...]
Continue reading: Film Review: Vengeance (2022): Deep, Philosophical Comic Thriller Ranks at the Top of the Summer’s Must-See List...
Continue reading: Film Review: Vengeance (2022): Deep, Philosophical Comic Thriller Ranks at the Top of the Summer’s Must-See List...
- 7/30/2022
- by Thomas Duffy
- Film-Book
Negotiations for a new SAG-AFTRA film and TV contract won’t get underway until 2023, but the union’s newly elected leaders already are vowing to take a tough stand at the bargaining table.
“I intend to build up the perception of SAG-AFTRA as one of power and strength to the envy of our industry peers and reservation of our employers,” SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher told members in the latest issue of the union’s magazine. “Only if we take a stand and commit to the things that matter, do we have influence both in D.C. and at the negotiating table.”
Drescher, who plans “to propose a PSA Pandemic Exit Strategy education program” in conjunction with the White House, said that greater bargaining power can be achieved by engaging star power and a united membership on a broad range of fronts, including environmental, legislative and technological, as well as closer,...
“I intend to build up the perception of SAG-AFTRA as one of power and strength to the envy of our industry peers and reservation of our employers,” SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher told members in the latest issue of the union’s magazine. “Only if we take a stand and commit to the things that matter, do we have influence both in D.C. and at the negotiating table.”
Drescher, who plans “to propose a PSA Pandemic Exit Strategy education program” in conjunction with the White House, said that greater bargaining power can be achieved by engaging star power and a united membership on a broad range of fronts, including environmental, legislative and technological, as well as closer,...
- 12/9/2021
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Ben Whitehair, a staunch supporter of SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher, has been elected executive vice president of the union at its fifth biennial convention. He succeeds Rebecca Damon in the post, which is the union’s second-highest elected position.
Whitehair, whose credits include Better Call Saul and Z Nation, was one of the leaders of the union’s “Unite for Strength” ruling party that helped get Drescher elected president.
Drescher supporters from Unite for Strength and its Usan and UnionStrong affiliates swept the seven other vice presidential elections, assuring that the ruling party will remain in power for another two years, even though in the national elections last August, members voted for a split ticket, electing Drescher president, and Joely Fisher, a leader of the MembershipFirst opposition party, as national secretary-treasurer.
In today’s VP races, Michelle Hurd was elected to represent Los Angeles; Ezra Knight was elected to represent...
Whitehair, whose credits include Better Call Saul and Z Nation, was one of the leaders of the union’s “Unite for Strength” ruling party that helped get Drescher elected president.
Drescher supporters from Unite for Strength and its Usan and UnionStrong affiliates swept the seven other vice presidential elections, assuring that the ruling party will remain in power for another two years, even though in the national elections last August, members voted for a split ticket, electing Drescher president, and Joely Fisher, a leader of the MembershipFirst opposition party, as national secretary-treasurer.
In today’s VP races, Michelle Hurd was elected to represent Los Angeles; Ezra Knight was elected to represent...
- 10/16/2021
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Fran Drescher claimed victory in her race for president of SAG-AFTRA on Thursday night, and vowed to lock arms with her fellow union members and “rise up out of the melee.”
Easier said than done.
Drescher takes charge of a union that is famously fractious, and more divided than it has been in recent years.
Even as the star of “The Nanny” defeated Matthew Modine by a narrow margin, Modine’s dissident faction — Membership First — gained seats on the national board, took overwhelming control of the Los Angeles local, and won the election for national secretary-treasurer, the third-ranking post in the union.
Drescher’s party — Unite for Strength — will still command a majority on the national board, observers say. And as president, Drescher will decide who serves on which committee — including the committee that will negotiate the union’s next TV/Theatrical contract in 2023.
But the gains made by Membership...
Easier said than done.
Drescher takes charge of a union that is famously fractious, and more divided than it has been in recent years.
Even as the star of “The Nanny” defeated Matthew Modine by a narrow margin, Modine’s dissident faction — Membership First — gained seats on the national board, took overwhelming control of the Los Angeles local, and won the election for national secretary-treasurer, the third-ranking post in the union.
Drescher’s party — Unite for Strength — will still command a majority on the national board, observers say. And as president, Drescher will decide who serves on which committee — including the committee that will negotiate the union’s next TV/Theatrical contract in 2023.
But the gains made by Membership...
- 9/4/2021
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
The battle for control of SAG-AFTRA has turned ugly, with allegations and threats of lawsuits flying between the feuding factions. Unite for Strength, the union’s ruling party, is calling on Matthew Modine and his MembershipFirst opposition party to publicly denounce the “rhetoric of hate” allegedly espoused by unnamed supporters of his who sit on the union’s boards of directors. MembershipFirst, in turn, is threatening legal action.
In a tweet on Sunday, Unite for Strength said: “We challenge Matthew Modine and Membership First to publicly renounce and discontinue harboring the Mf (MembershipFirst) Board members who denied George Floyd’s murder, amplified death threats, joined up with the Nxivm cult, threatened to shoot supporters of vaccination requirements, called the January 6th insurrection a ‘set up’ by ‘paid operators,’ falsely spread that Black Lives Matter is a hate group funded by George Soros, and voted against a task force to increase diversity in the stunt community.
In a tweet on Sunday, Unite for Strength said: “We challenge Matthew Modine and Membership First to publicly renounce and discontinue harboring the Mf (MembershipFirst) Board members who denied George Floyd’s murder, amplified death threats, joined up with the Nxivm cult, threatened to shoot supporters of vaccination requirements, called the January 6th insurrection a ‘set up’ by ‘paid operators,’ falsely spread that Black Lives Matter is a hate group funded by George Soros, and voted against a task force to increase diversity in the stunt community.
- 8/16/2021
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
SAG-AFTRA’s upcoming election is taking shape, with the union’s ruling party – headed by presidential candidate Fran Drescher – today unveiling its full slate of candidates.
Yvette Nicole Brown is running for president of the Los Angeles local, and Ezra Knight is running for president of the union’s New York local – each as part of the ruling parties’ Unite for Strength and Usan slate. Brown, a national board member, is nominated for an Emmy for A Black Lady Sketch Show, and Knight, who co-starred for many years on Law & Order, is the New York local’s vice president and a national board member.
“I believe nothing in our union works unless we are all working together,” Brown said. “As L.A. president I will advocate for each and every member and lead with kindness and respect. It’s been a tough time for us as work here in...
Yvette Nicole Brown is running for president of the Los Angeles local, and Ezra Knight is running for president of the union’s New York local – each as part of the ruling parties’ Unite for Strength and Usan slate. Brown, a national board member, is nominated for an Emmy for A Black Lady Sketch Show, and Knight, who co-starred for many years on Law & Order, is the New York local’s vice president and a national board member.
“I believe nothing in our union works unless we are all working together,” Brown said. “As L.A. president I will advocate for each and every member and lead with kindness and respect. It’s been a tough time for us as work here in...
- 7/16/2021
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
SAG-AFTRA and the AFL-CIO will host their third annual Labor Innovation & Technology Summit on Friday – a full-day virtual program bringing together union, technology, entertainment and media leaders to discuss the future of work.
This year’s Summit will include discussions with key industry leaders & influencers on:
• The rise of streaming services
• The changing business model for content distribution
• Emerging uses for volumetric video
• Combatting deepfakes
• Gaming and voiceover trends
• How innovation and Covid-19 are impacting essential workers
SAG-AFTRA president Gabrielle Carteris will open the event, which will include keynote speeches by Liz Shuler, secretary-treasurer of the AFL-CIO, and Tristan Harris, co-founder and president of the Center for Humane Technology.
David White, SAG-AFTRA’s national executive director, will discuss the HBO-Warner Bros. deal that shattered conventional film distribution models and its potential impact on the industry.
Click here to register for the program, which is free and open to the public.
This year’s Summit will include discussions with key industry leaders & influencers on:
• The rise of streaming services
• The changing business model for content distribution
• Emerging uses for volumetric video
• Combatting deepfakes
• Gaming and voiceover trends
• How innovation and Covid-19 are impacting essential workers
SAG-AFTRA president Gabrielle Carteris will open the event, which will include keynote speeches by Liz Shuler, secretary-treasurer of the AFL-CIO, and Tristan Harris, co-founder and president of the Center for Humane Technology.
David White, SAG-AFTRA’s national executive director, will discuss the HBO-Warner Bros. deal that shattered conventional film distribution models and its potential impact on the industry.
Click here to register for the program, which is free and open to the public.
- 2/18/2021
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Unite for Strength, the ruling party of SAG-AFTRA, announced its slate of candidates today in the union’s upcoming elections.
Michelle Hurd, currently serving on the national board, will be running for president of the Los Angeles local; Clyde Kusatsu and Ellen Crawford will be running for vice president slots. Kusatsu is currently the national vice president from La, and Crawford is a national board member. As previously reported, Camryn Manheim will be running for national secretary-treasurer as president Gabrielle Carteris’ running mate.
Two candidates are challenging Carteris for president: Jane Austin, currently the guild’s national secretary-treasurer who’s running for president as an independent, and Matthew Modine, who is running at the top of the ticket for Membership First. His slate has yet to be announced.
In New York, Rebecca Damon, national executive vice president and New York president, is running for re-election as New York president.
Michelle Hurd, currently serving on the national board, will be running for president of the Los Angeles local; Clyde Kusatsu and Ellen Crawford will be running for vice president slots. Kusatsu is currently the national vice president from La, and Crawford is a national board member. As previously reported, Camryn Manheim will be running for national secretary-treasurer as president Gabrielle Carteris’ running mate.
Two candidates are challenging Carteris for president: Jane Austin, currently the guild’s national secretary-treasurer who’s running for president as an independent, and Matthew Modine, who is running at the top of the ticket for Membership First. His slate has yet to be announced.
In New York, Rebecca Damon, national executive vice president and New York president, is running for re-election as New York president.
- 7/12/2019
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
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