The Complications of Interim Agreements and PR
Hopes were high last week as the WGA and AMPTP got together for what was expected to be a productive meeting and, people hoped, an end to the writers’ strike, which would then of course lead to a rapid end to the actor’s strike. The AMPTP was especially optimistic, trumpeting that it was bringing its big guns to the table after the company’s CEOs had met to discuss the best way to end both actions. Alas, those hopes were dashed when the WGA negotiators said that the AMPTP’s offer was “not nothing, but not nearly enough.”
And so, people remained on the picket lines, though not without some other news to discuss as they paced back and forth and got as creative as they could with their signs.
The first was the shifting ground under the granting of interim agreements. Working in solidarity with the WGA, SAG-AFTRA is now no longer granting interim agreements to projects with WGA scripts. On the surface, this makes perfect sense, as these scripts were created under the previous WGA deal and so are subject to that governing board. But dig deeper, and it’s a bit more complicated.
One indie producer, who wished to remain anonymous because he did not want to run afoul of either union, pointed out that his indie production could not move forward because it had a WGA script, even though that script was paid for in 2018, and the project has been in development ever since.
“I respect both strikes and have no interest in crossing any lines, but there is context to this kind of thing,” said the producer, who has over 60 credits to his name.
“I have employed literally hundreds of actors over the years, and dozens of writers, and I am not part of the AMPTP, and I sort of think guys like me should get the benefit of the doubt. A script that we’ve been developing for more than five years, that had a minimum WGA payout back then, and which will be produced independently can’t qualify for a waiver, but Adam Driver can go to Venice to do PR for his Ferrari movie? Sorry, but that doesn’t add up for me. I feel like indie producers should get a little more benefit of the doubt.”
The producer’s point about Driver is relevant, as it has to do with the next wave of permissions being granted to projects. After numerous complaints from actors who were not allowed to promote their new projects — most notably Zachary Levi and Stephen Amell — the SAG-AFTRA leadership has decided to allow the promotion of specific productions. In the case of Driver and Ferrari, directed by Michael Mann, the film is being released domestically by Neon, which is not an AMPTP member.
With the fall film festival season about to start, and many actors concerned about being able to attend these festivals and promote their work at them, the guild released a statement reassuring its members that they would have the union’s support. “From picket lines to film festivals,” the guild said, “SAG-AFTRA members are strengthening the union’s bargaining position and demonstrating solidarity by supporting and promoting their approved Interim Agreement productions at fall festivals, including the Venice International Film Festival, Telluride Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival.”
SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland added, “This is what solidarity looks like. We are proud of our members who demonstrate the various ways to bolster the strike effort. Whether it’s walking a picket line, working on approved Interim Agreement productions, or maintaining employment on one of our other permissible, non-struck contracts, our members’ support for their union is empowering and inspiring.
“The Interim Agreement is a vital part of our strategic approach and was created for several reasons, all of which are aimed at protecting the interests of our members,” he continued. “The Agreement demonstrates to the AMPTP and the struck companies that independent producers at all budget levels are eager, keen and able to work with our members under these terms.”
Not all independent producers, obviously, but the solidarity remains intact, even as negotiations appear to be stalled. As we approach Labor Day weekend, ironically, no labor deal is in sight.
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