But how wonderful it is for me that my favourite actor happens to be a remarkable person. Bravissimo, Bertie. 👏🏼

I'm sharing this in case there are questions about why this or that actor seems to continue to work during the strike. We don't know their contract and if it's Equity instead of SAG, they're not scabbing. It's not their fault, it's the fault of the studios in the US and the government in the UK.

Hi Brian

I dug this out from an old pile of papers from 2020, your post about CB sitting on the Nicholl Fellowships Committee reminded me of her involvement in Equity’s 90th birthday photoshoot (along with another familiar face). 

I agree with anon, she strikes me as someone who will know exactly how to network and apply herself behind the scenes. I will be surprised if she doesn’t have big things ahead of her. 

Hi @swanlakebird. Thanks for the message. 😃

I think you’re referring to Anon from the 3rd of October who said, “Looks like Cait is on an interesting path in HW not just as member of The Academy of Motion Pictures and actress but also making things work in this industry from BTS.”

Agreed! Thanks, too, for including this image:

Insert/Member Information from Equity UK, the “Trade Union representing performers & creative practitioners,” Summer 2020

1st Row: Crystal Yu, Jamael Westman, Julie Walters, Richard Rankin, Michelle Terry

2nd Row: O-T Fagbenle, Shobna Gulati, James Norton, Susan Wokoma, Ian McKellen

3rd Row: Sarah Gordy, Matt Lucas, Caitríona Balfe, Gwylym Lee, Annie Wallace

Interestingly, his Equity card relates to Richard’s changing his name.

Rankin auditioned for Langside College with his brother Colin Harris. Both graduated and went on to a career in acting, but when Rankin, who was then known by his birth name of Richard Harris, applied for his Equity card he began using his mother's maiden name (Rankin) to prevent confusion with Irish actor Richard Harris. — Glasgow World

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News of her involvement in the Academy’s Nicholl Screenwriting Fellowships came right out of left field. I think we can be confident Caitríona has irons in a few interesting fires.

I'm assuming it's because it's not a SAG-AFTRA production. SAG-AFTRA is for US productions. That's not to say that if a US based production company is working overseas that the strike doesn't apply to them. It does still apply. It is US based, athough, it does cover some international productions. BUT, The Couple Next Door is produced by a UK production company and a Belgian production company. 👇

So, I'm assuming that's why Sam is able to participate in the BAFTA (UK based) preview The Couple Next Door and Q and A in London on Nov. 1.

And the SAG-AFTRA rules also cite some exceptions to the strike, including Equity UK members being allowed to work. Even if they are supporting and are in solidarity with SAG-AFTRA, Equity UK members can still work. 👇

The season of giving

Have some words from Peter in 2020 to end the year.

equityuk on IG, Facebook and Twitter:

@EquityUK: Thanks to @twhiddleston  for supporting our My Card My Union campaign. If you’re not a member, why not join today? Head over to http://www.equity.org.uk/how-to-join and see what it’s all about #MyCardMyUnion #ProudtobeEquity

Equity: This year is Equity's 90th anniversary. Throughout the day we will be releasing portraits of some of our high profile members on social media demonstrating their solidarity with the union and we are asking all members to get involved. Please post your own selfie to Twitter, Instagram or Facebook with your membership card (remember to obscure your membership number though!) and include the hashtags #MyCardMyUnion and #ProudtobeEquity

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