Things look a little bit in the air, coming into 2009, with no deal made between the producers union and the actors union. SAG members are split on whether or no ballots should be cast regarding a potention back break strike. Many sag members oppose a strike and feel that the producers and studios have offered a deal worth a listen. However, SAG president Alan Rosenberg would like the authorrity to strike, as a last measure (sound familiar?).
For now, the ballot process has been further delayed until the middle of Jan. This feels oddly like ww2 when the germans and us forces celebrated christmas together.
For more information on the strike, its delay, and the unions--check out this article:
http://movies.msn.com/movies/article.aspx?news=345156>1=28101
I think its really important for anyone involved in the entertainment industry to pay close attention to what the unions are doing, because DIY or NOT, it will effect you either directly or indirectly. A strike would put a lot of jobs on hold which means that everyone (union or not) runs the risk of losing a lot of work. Its also important to focus on what deals are being made regarding new media. I think everyone has a lot to lose if SAG strikes, not just the actors. No Projects, means NO Jobs and NO JOBS means forelonged recession. The entertainment industry has been reasonabbly stable during these tough times but lets not forget the effects of the far reaching writer union strike and stagehand union strike. Those jobs would be at risk AGAIN if SAG strikes. I think that the union negotiators needs to approach the new agreements with the recession in mind. Good deals are important but thry are worthless if no one has a job. Each time a union strikes, we lose valuable members of the creative world to corporate structures and poverty. I'm trying to remain neutral until a few aspects of the deal are clear, but I think it's very important to pay attention and to further ones understanding of the unions inner workings.
Turn on and Tune in.
Happy Holidays!
No comments:
Post a Comment