#screenactorsguild

(hour 4 - latenight): Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO), Common Side Effects ([adultswim])

In the week we learn there will be new seasons of The Mandalorian and Ahsoka, the stunt teams from both shows are nominated by the Screen Actors Guild for their stellar work on the two hit shows, bringing even more award nominations to the galaxy far, far away. They're nominated in the Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a television Series category and to both teams, huge congratulations. https://www.instagram.com/p/C17YFWuv_AO/ https://www.instagram.com/p/C17YMy1vam4/ [amazon box="B0C7P7X635"]

As the actors strike hits the 50 day mark, news arrives that the SAG-AFTRA National Board have unanimously voted to authorize a vote that would potentially see performers in video games join the strikes. The companies affected would be significant: Activision Productions Inc., Blindlight LLC, Disney Character Voices Inc., Electronic Arts Productions Inc., Epic Games, Inc., Formosa Interactive LLC, Insomniac Games Inc., Take 2 Productions Inc., VoiceWorks Productions Inc., WB Games Inc. It has been nearly a year since SAG-AFTRA’s video game contract, the Interactive Media Agreement, was extended beyond the original expiration date as we negotiated with the companies for critical terms SAG-AFTRA members need. Unfortunately, throughout the negotiations, the companies have failed to address those needs. For this reason, the negotiating committee and National Board unanimously agreed that the union should have a member-approved strike authorization in hand when bargaining resumes on Sept. 26. Although key issues like wages that keep up with inflation and protections against unrestrained use of artificial intelligence are common sticking points in negotiations, the Interactive Media (Video Game) Agreement is a separate contract from the TV, theatrical and streaming contracts against which SAG-AFTRA members are currently striking. Work under the Interactive Media Agreement also includes a great deal of “performance capture,” where trained professionals, many of whom are stunt performers, provide digitally captured performances used to give expressive movement to video game characters. Unregulated use of AI poses an enormous threat to these artists’ professions. In addition to AI protections, SAG-AFTRA is seeking the same wage increases for video game performers as for those who work under the film and television contracts: 11% retroactive to expiration and 4% increases in the second and third years of the agreement — necessary for members’ wages to keep up with inflation. The union is also asking for on-camera performers to have the same five-minutes-per-hour rest period that off-camera performers are entitled to. Also needed: a set medic present when stunts or hazardous work is performed, just like on a film or television set; prohibitions against stunts on self-taped auditions; and vocal stress protections. A successful strike authorization vote doesn’t initiate a strike. Instead, the strike authorization permits the National Board to declare a strike if the video game companies fail to negotiate fairly with SAG-AFTRA for the benefit of its members. The union is fighting for protective language in the contract that will require informed consent and appropriate payment for the creation and use of digital replicas and for training AI systems with our members’ performances. [amazon box="0593318609"]

Not only has the Writers Strike reached the 100 day point, but there's no end in site to the SAG-AFTRA action, and speaking yesterday Bob Iger made it clear that a mutually satisfactory agreement was necessary, and the sooner the better. “Nothing is more important to this company than its relationships with the creative community. That includes actors, writers, animators, directors and producers. I have deep respect and appreciation to how vital they are to the extraordinary creative enginge that drives this company and our industry. It is my fervent hope that we can quickly find solutions to the issues that have kept us apart these past few months. And I am personally committed to working toward this result.” What effect these ongoing actions will have on the saga over the coming years is unclear, but whatever the outcome the continued evolution of Disney Plus and future development of the parks certainly bodes for interesting times ahead. [amazon box="0744084687"]

With completion of principal photography just a few weeks from being done, filming on the second and final season of Andor looks set to just miss completion due to the SAG-AFTRA, despite many of the performers being filmed not being part of the American actors union. Amid speculation in the UK that the series has shut down, Deadline understands that Andor remains in production at Pinewood Studios without its SAG-AFTRA cast members and will continue shooting for as long as it can with actors who fall under agreements with Equity, the British acting union. Equity performers have been told that they risk being sued for breach of contract if they walk off set in solidarity with American colleagues. It is not clear when Andor will be able to complete the remainder of its shoot with the actors who are currently striking. There is currently no end in sight for the SAG-AFTRA — as well as the Writers Guild of America — walkouts. As we explained earlier this week, Equity members could be in breach of contract if they don't continue to work, but blackballed from future SAG membership if they do, arguably putting them in a worse situation than their American counterparts. [amazon box="0593597915"]

With the SAG-AFTRA actors strike looking certain to significantly disrupt future film and TV releases unless a deal is struck, the UK actors union Equity have released a statement regarding the legal ramifications of the ongoing strike on the other side of the Atlantic, clearly stating its solidarity but pointing out the legal differences. “SAG-AFTRA, like Equity, is also bravely facing head-on existential questions on issues like Artificial Intelligence, and the rise in virtual auditions and self-tapes. Securing fairness in pay, terms, and conditions is critical whether they be with traditional producers, or new global streamers, and with new modes of making and distributing work to a global audience.” “Consequently, a performer joining the strike (or refusing to cross a picket line) in the UK will have no protection against being dismissed or sued for breach of contract by the producer or the engager. Likewise, if Equity encourages anyone to join the strike or not cross a picket line, Equity itself will be acting unlawfully and hence liable for damages or an injunction. “We say clearly to the AMPTP and their members that they need to move significantly and swiftly to meet the reasonable aspirations of SAG-AFTRA’s members. The members of our unions, and all entertainment unions across the globe, create the vast wealth within our industry – it is right and just that they have decent, modern pay and conditions.” It's worth noting that SAG-AFTRA have a firm stance on actors hoping to join SAG, as defined by their Global Rule One: A tricky situation; refusal to work here in the UK could potentially lead to disciplinary action, but continuing to work would mean SAG-AFTRA refusing to allow actors into their union. Meanwhile, Equity are planning rallies in London and Manchester on Friday 21st July at noon in Leicester Square and Media City respectively. What long-term effect this could have on the Star Wars and Marvel productions filming in the UK is uncertain, but whatever the outcome we'll discuss it here on the site and on Making Tracks, where we broached the topic on this weeks show. [amazon box="B0C8ZJXBV2"]

In what is set to be the largest union action since 1980, the Screen Actors Guild have voted to go on strike, beginning at midnight Pacific time (8.00am UK time). Unions are lobbying for an equitable share of profits and better working conditions, and in reply the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers said "a strike is certainly not the outcome we hoped for as studios cannot operate without the performers that bring our TV shows and films to life. The union has regrettably chosen a path that will lead to financial hardship for countless thousands of people who depend on the industry." The negotiating committee voted unanimously to recommend strike action, and so most US film and TV productions will be brought to a halt. No reshoots or promotional work will take place, meaning ongoing productions - even those close to completion - will be adversely affected. Stars Cillian Murphy and Emily Blunt left the Oppenheimer premiere as the strike began, according to director Christopher Nolan. The SAG strike will begin at midnight Los Angeles time (08:00 BST). Picketing will begin an hour later outside the California headquarters of Netflix, before moving on to Paramount, Warner Bros and Disney. The union is also asking for a guarantee that artificial intelligence and computer-generated faces and voices will not be used to replace actors. According to a strike order published online by SAG, the walkout applies to those employed acting, singing or dancing, as well as stunt performers and those involved in puppeteering or motion capture work. The work stoppage also applies to a variety of background and promotional tasks. On Wednesday, the union - officially known as the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, or SAG-AFTRA - announced that it was unable to come to an agreement with major studios. Speaking to CNBC from the Sun Valley Conference in Idaho earlier today Disney CEO Bob Iger had this to say. “It’s very disturbing to me. We’ve talked about disruptive forces on this business and all the challenges we’re facing, the recovery from COVID which is ongoing, it’s not completely back. This is the worst time in the world to add to that disruption,” Iger said. “I understand any labor organization’s desire to work on behalf of its members to get the most compensation and be compensated fairly based on the value that they deliver. We managed, as an industry, to negotiate a very good deal with the directors guild that reflects the value that the directors contribute to this great business. We wanted to do the same thing with the writers, and we’d like to do the same thing with the actors. There’s a level of expectation that they have, that is just not realistic. And they are adding to the set of the challenges that this business is already facing that is, quite frankly, very disruptive.” The Directors Guild of America negotiated a contract in June and therefore won't participate in this action, but regardless of that there are certain to be significant disruptions to major projects over the coming years, in the wider entertainment industry and certainly within the Star Wars galaxy. [amazon box="B0C5YWBSHR"]

Congratulations 🎊 to Michelle Yeoh on winning the best actress award at the Screen Actors Guild Awards! 🎦 #michelleyeoh #michelleyeohfans #screenactorsguildawards #screenactorsguild #sagawards #everythingeverywhereallatonce #movie (at Starstills.com) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpK8FQ1odC0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=