Member Alerts
To all members represented by an ATA/NATR agency that have chosen to sign a General Services Agreement (or “GSA”) with their agent:
Read MoreAttention All Members - please read the following important notice regarding Bee Audio in Ashland, Ore.
SAG-AFTRA has been actively engaged in organizing in the area of audiobooks for the last several years. In fact, the union has organized 18 audiobook producers and publishers since 2008, including Audible.com and many of its subcontractors.
Millions of our friends and neighbors in the Tri-State region are suffering because of Superstorm Sandy. The Actors Fund is working hard to respond quickly to requests for emergency financial assistance and to help ensure the safety of our community.
Please note that our website, email and New York Office phone number have been experiencing periodic outages. Currently, our systems are fully operational, and we remain open and our staff is here and at remote locations, helping during this very difficult time.
In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, millions have been left without power, lives have been upended, billions of dollars of damage has occurred and, most distressing of all, lives have been lost. We are saddened by the devastation caused by this record-setting storm, and the impact it has had on the lives of so many people. Our hearts go out to our fellow members and fellow citizens in the affected areas and we send our best wishes for their safety and care during this unfortunate time.
We want your membership to count!
Late Wednesday night, as Halloween comes to an end, something important will occur that affects how you and your fellow members will be represented in union governance matters for the next two years.
Read MoreSAG-AFTRA statement regarding the recent meeting of the union trustees of the SAG-Producers Pension and Health Plans and the AFTRA H&R Funds:
Read MoreSAG-AFTRA is pleased to announce the beginning of the Wages & Working Conditions (W&W) process in preparation for negotiation of the Commercials Contracts that expires March 31, 2013. It is only through the involvement of members that proposals for this vital negotiation are developed.
Cimarron Productions, Inc. also known as The Cimarron Group is in default of its respective SAG and AFTRA Agreements for failure to make payments of compensation due to many performers as well as pension and health contributions due under the SAG Agreement and Health and Retirement contributions due under the AFTRA Agreement.
SAG-AFTRA MEMBERS MAY NOT PROVIDE SERVICES TO THIS COMPANY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
As part of its ongoing commitment to diversity, NBCUniversal will hold auditions for actors wishing to be considered for the NBC Diversity Scene Showcase this coming June in Los Angeles. The showcase will feature actors, writers and directors of diverse backgrounds, including LGBT actors and Performers with Disabilities.
Selected participants perform for NBC Entertainment executives and casting directors, talent agents, managers, as well as other industry professionals.
Dear Member,
This weekend, the SAG and AFTRA National Boards took a decisive step to strengthen our future by overwhelmingly endorsing a plan to merge Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. If members approve the merger, the new union will be called SAG-AFTRA.
1303 PRODUCTIONS INC., the production company for the motion picture “APT. 1303 – 3D” has been declared as an UNFAIR PRODUCER by the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (“ACTRA”) for default in the payment of payroll and contributions for ACTRA and SAG members. Screen Actors Guild members may not provide services on this production until further notice.
DRGN PRODUCTIONS INC., the production company for the motion pictures “WINGS OF THE DRAGON 1 & 2” has been declared as an UNFAIR PRODUCER by the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (“ACTRA”) for default in the payment of payroll and contributions for ACTRA and SAG members. Screen Actors Guild members may not provide services on this production until further notice.
As part of an ongoing effort to expand job opportunities for all SAG members, including performers of color, people with disabilities, women, LGBT performers and seniors, CBS is now accepting submissions for its talent showcase for diverse sketch comedians. The showcase will be held in Los Angeles in January 2012 and once again executive producer and writer Rick Najera (“Mad TV,” “In Living Color”) will direct.
Read MoreDear SAG Young Performer, Parents and Guardians,
Yesterday, Governor Cuomo signed a bill into law that will extend the validity of child performer work permits from six months to one year. A7630/S3965, entitled “Validity of Child Performer Work Permits”, was introduced at the request of the Department of Labor by Assembly members WRIGHT, WEINSTEIN and ABBATE.
As part of its ongoing effort to discover and develop culturally and ethnically diverse talent and actors with disabilities, the Disney ABC Television Group's Casting Project will hold auditions for consideration for the ABC Talent Showcase—this opportunity also affords the majority of participants the chance to audition for a variety of ABC (and other network) pilots and ongoing programming.
Read MoreAlert: FAME THE MUSICAL/Macao International Music Festival, Macao, China - UPDATE
Producers: Keith Marrapodi, Barkley Kalpak Associates
Director: Jeff Kalpak
Casting Director: Bess Fifer CSA
Please note that although this production is stating in some notices that it is "non-jurisdictional", the work falls directly in AEA's jurisdiction.
TO: Signatories to the Screen Actors Guild (“SAG”) Commercials Contract, the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (“AFTRA”) Television Recorded Commercials Contract, and the AFTRA Radio Recorded Commercials Contract
Members of SAG and Members of AFTRA
Dear Screen Actors Guild Member,
You may have seen or heard news reports about the large rallies in support of union workers taking place in Madison, Wisconsin over the last week. You may have asked yourself why tens of thousands of working people are protesting, or why you should care.
Read MoreDear Screen Actors Guild member,
In national voting completed today, members of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and Screen Actors Guild voted overwhelmingly to approve a new, three-year contract covering theatrical and television production under the Producer-Screen Actors Guild Basic Agreement and Television Agreement, Exhibit A to the AFTRA Network Television Code and the CW Supplement, which applies to both unions.
As many of you know, for the first time, several films with SAG Award nominations are being offered to members via a free iTunes download rental. Though we are happy with the positive response from most of our members, the SAG Awards production staff has been overwhelmed with questions. As with any new program, there are bound to be unforeseen issues. Please know we are working diligently to answer those questions as quickly as possible. We are also discussing the free iTunes rental download possibility with other studios.
Read MoreProducer: Paul Walden & Derek Nicol for Flying Music - Mark Strange, Manager, Adrian Grant for Key Concerts
AEA, AFTRA, AGMA, AGVA and SAG members are advised that Actors' Equity Association does NOT have a contract for this production, and does not have an Exchange Agreement for the West End production.
AEA, AFTRA, AGMA, AGVA and SAG members may NOT accept employment in this production without an Equity contract or an Exchange Agreement.
The Screen Actors Guild has been receiving inquiries from members with respect to the signatory status of a motion picture entitled UnPhaZed. Please be advised that no one had become signatory to a Guild collective bargaining agreement with respect to this motion picture as of January 4, 2011. Please remember your membership obligation under Rule 1 of the Guild By-Laws to refrain from working for any producer who has not executed a basic minimum agreement with the Guild which is in full force and effect.
Read MoreDear Fellow SAG Member:
Right now, more than 140,000 American troops are deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq, spending the holidays far away from home. Connecting with their loved ones by phone will make all the difference at this special time, and I'm asking you to join me in helping them do just that.
On November 3, 2010, MGM filed a voluntary bankruptcy petition with the United States Bankruptcy Court. Due to technical issues relating to the bankruptcy process, MGM bank accounts were briefly frozen for a period spanning November 3 and November 4, 2010. During this period, MGM checks were not honored upon deposit and therefore may have bounced. The company intends to honor all past and future obligations arising under Guild collective bargaining agreements, and is already taking steps to do so, even while in bankruptcy.
Read MoreToday, our sister union, New Zealand Actors Equity (NZ Equity) recommended that all international performers’ unions withdraw their advisories prohibiting members from accepting engagements on the feature film production The Hobbit.
In light of this recommendation, Screen Actors Guild is notifying you that SAG members may now accept engagements, under Screen Actors Guild contract terms and conditions, on The Hobbit.
Los Angeles (October 20, 2010) - Screen Actors Guild today released the following statement regarding the feature film production The Hobbit:
Important Notice to SAG Members Who Voice Theatrical Trailers
Read MoreWHAT: “Get Your ACT Together” SAG Diversity Career Fair and Expo 2010 is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for actors and entertainment industry professionals to network and learn from each other under one roof.
Read MoreProducer: Executive Producers LLC
Writer/Director: JD Lawrence
AEA, AFTRA, AGMA, AGVA and SAG members are advised that Actors' Equity Association does NOT have a contract for this production.
AEA, AFTRA, AGMA, AGVA and SAG members may NOT accept employment in this production without an Equity contract.
Equity Franchised Agents are reminded that it is a violation of the Agency Regulations to submit Equity members for non-Equity work.
Producer: The Ride NY, Jonathan P. Danforth, Director and President/CEO
AEA, AFTRA, AGMA, AGVA and SAG members are advised that Actors' Equity Association does NOT have a contract for this production.
AEA, AFTRA, AGMA, AGVA and SAG members may NOT accept employment in this production without an Equity contract.
Equity Franchised Agents are reminded that it is a violation of the Agency Regulations to submit Equity members for non-Equity work.
Screen Actors Guild mourns the loss of former National Board member and New York Division President Larry Keith, a star of television and stage.
Submission Deadline is Tuesday, June 8 at 3 p.m.(ET)
AFTRA-SAG Federal Credit Union has learned that someone fraudulently established an 800 (toll free) telephone number and P.O. Box numbers in Dallas, Texas pretending to be AFTRA-SAG Federal Credit Union. There has been no report of fraud at this time but the credit union has contacted law enforcement.
Read MoreWhat: As part of its ongoing effort to discover and develop culturally and ethnically diverse talent and actors with disabilities, the Disney ABC Television Group's Casting Project will hold auditions for consideration for the ABC Talent Showcase. This opportunity also affords the majority of participants the chance to audition for a variety of ABC (and other networks') pilots and ongoing programming.
Read MoreScreen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists are pleased to announce the beginning of the Joint Wages & Working Conditions (W&W) process in preparation for negotiation of the SAG TV/Theatrical and AFTRA Exhibit A Contract. This contract will expire on June 30, 2011, and early negotiations are scheduled to commence in September or October 2010.
Proposals for this important negotiation are developed through the involvement of members like you.
Producer: Sprint Production USA, David King, producer.
AEA, AFTRA, AGMA, AGVA and SAG members are advised that there is NOT a union contract in place for this show. Members of Actors' Equity as well as other entertainment Unions may NOT accept employment in this production without an appropriate union contract.
Equity Franchised Agents are reminded that it is a violation of the Agency Regulations to submit Equity members for non-union work.
Producer: Cirque du Soleil, MSG Entertainment and BASE Entertainment
AEA, AFTRA, AGMA, AGVA and SAG members are advised that there is NOT a union contract in place for these productions, except for BANANA SHPEEL. Members of Actors' Equity as well as other entertainment Unions may NOT accept employment in these productions without an appropriate union contract.
Equity Franchised Agents are reminded that it is a violation of the Agency Regulations to submit Equity members for non-union work.
Screen Actors Guild is committed to attaining full inclusion and equal employment for all members who represent the wide diversity of the American Scene.
In order to best serve you, we must identify the demographics of our diverse membership. Take less than a minute to fill out the SAG Diversity Census 2010.
Just log-in and follow the link to the survey – in order to best serve you, we need to hear from you!
Lucky Hayes, a long time Arizona Branch President and current Vice President Northern Arizona, passed away on April 9, 2010. Known and loved by hundreds all over the country, Lucky served in leadership roles in the Guild since 1992, first as Arizona Secretary/Treasurer and then as Vice President Northern Arizona, before being elected Arizona Branch President in 1995, a position she occupied until September 2009. She carried her SAG card proudly since joining in 1974.
March 31, 2010
Dear President Obama:
On behalf of the 300,000 members of our Guild and unions that work in the film, television and music industries, we thank you for your remarks on the importance of protecting intellectual property made before the Export-Import Bank Annual Conference.
Payment of DUES ONLINE will be temporarily unavailable starting Thursday, April 8 at 5 p.m. and will be available again Friday, April 16 after 5 p.m.
Thank you.
Music, Movie, and Television Creators Embrace New Business Models, but Cite Growing Threat to Jobs from Copyright Theft
Washington, DC (March 24, 2010) – A wide coalition representing American movie, television and music industry and labor groups today urged the Federal Government to bolster its efforts to protect intellectual property and protect the jobs and wages lost because of content theft.
Read MoreProducer: Anndee Productions, Sonia Blangiardo, Teresa Anne Cicala, Dina Manzo, Dolores Naso, Donna Dicrescento, Frank Levinson
AEA, AFTRA, AGMA, AGVA and SAG members are advised that Actors' Equity Association DOES have a contract for this production.
AEA, AFTRA, AGMA, AGVA and SAG members may accept employment in this production.
If you need further information about employment on this show, please contact Business Representative Maria Cameron at (212) 869-8530, ext. 350.
Combating the destructive practice of online theft of copyrighted motion pictures and TV shows is a top priority for Screen Actors Guild.
Illegally downloading or streaming stolen content and/or purchasing illegally made or copied CDs and DVDs poses a considerable threat to the livelihoods and futures of the tens of thousands of actors and others employed by the entertainment industry.
Special SAG Foundation Event Streamed Online on Wednesday, Feb. 24
Master Class with Vocal Coach Roger Love -No other vocal coach in history has been more commercially successful in both the speaking and singing fields.
When: 7 p.m. (PT), Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Read MoreImportant Notice to AFTRA Members and AFTRA Franchised Agents
No Contract, No Work Rule in Effect for “Tacky House”
Produced by Lynchpin Productions for Style Network
It has come to the Guild’s attention that castings have been taking place in Los Angeles and in Puerto Rico for bilingual actors to work on six (6) English and Spanish language Miller Lite commercials to be filmed in Mexico on February 11, 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17.
Read MoreMaximize the power of your contribution by visiting UnionPlus.org/Haiti and Union Plus will automatically double your contribution to the Solidarity Center. That means your $10 becomes $20, your $25 becomes $50 and your $100 becomes $200.
Union Plus has committed $100,000 through this dollar-for-dollar donation match to help Haitian earthquake relief efforts.
Screen Actors Guild Foundation and Screen Actors Guild are delighted to offer “business of acting” LifeRaft Live Stream events to Guild members across the nation at no charge, via live video stream on the Internet!
LifeRaft provides innovative knowledge to actors by way of panel discussions with seasoned industry professionals. Now, through the innovative Live Stream program, you can participate online every Tuesday, 6-8 p.m. (PT), January 12 through April 27, 2010.
Read MoreTHE ELECTRIC COMPANY LIVE NATIONAL TOUR
Producer: Karen Fowler & Glenn Orsher
AEA, AFTRA, AGMA, AGVA and SAG members are advised that Actors' Equity Association does NOT have a contract for this production.
AEA, AFTRA, AGMA, AGVA and SAG members may NOT accept employment in this production without an Equity contract.
Equity Franchised Agents are reminded that it is a violation of the Agency Regulations to submit Equity members for non-Equity work.
In secret ballot ratification votes held in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and San Francisco on October 26 and 27, the tentative 2009 Interactive Media Agreement was defeated by a member vote of 42-73 (36.52% - 63.48%). The Screen Actors Guild will be pursuing further negotiations with the Industry to address the concerns raised by members regarding the tentative agreement.
During the course of the past three weeks. and pursuant to the Joint Bargaining Agreement between AFTRA and SAG prohibiting disparagement of either union by officers or representatives of the other, AFTRA filed claims against SAG and SAG filed a claim against AFTRA as a result of statements made by elected officers of one union about the other. In accordance with, and guided by, a prior ruling of the neutral umpire, the unions hereby issue the following joint statement:
Screen Actors Guild will host an Informational meeting for the purpose of providing a report to members on the Tentative Agreement reached for the 2009 Interactive Media Agreement. The meeting will be held in Los Angeles.
Read MoreScreen Actors Guild is writing to ask you to support California Assembly Bill 1319 (Krekorian D – Burbank). AB 1319 more strictly regulates abusive and misleading practices by talent counseling services, talent listing services and talent training services, many of which demand advance fees from performers. As we know, the promise to secure employment is too often empty and the fees for the purported service can be astounding.
Read MoreIn accordance with National Board-approved policy and the AFTRA-SAG Joint Bargaining Agreement as recently interpreted by the Umpire, Screen Actors Guild reiterates that it will not seek to represent performers currently represented by AFTRA or any other AFL-CIO affiliate. Accordingly, neither the Guild nor any of its Divisions will consider or take any action in violation of that policy, nor should any action already taken be construed as seeking to represent such performers, particularly the actor members of AFTRA.
Read MorePlease be advised that the theatrical motion picture entitled "Christmas in Beverly Hills" will be shooting the Los Angeles area starting Monday, August 31, 2009. The producers of this motion picture are not intending to sign an agreement with Screen Actors Guild covering the terms and conditions for performers and background actors employed on the picture.
David Alter, former Screen Actors Guild senior advisor and legal counsel, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 26 at age 85.
AEA, AFTRA, AGMA, AGVA and SAG members are advised that Actors' Equity Association does NOT have a contract for the world tour production of "Thriller Live", from Flying Music (producers Paul Walden and Derek Nicolin) in association with Adrian Grant.
AEA, AFTRA, AGMA, AGVA and SAG members may NOT accept employment in this production without an Equity contract.
Equity Franchised Agents are reminded that it is a violation of the Agency Regulations to submit Equity members for non-Equity work.
The producer of the theatrical motion picture “This Is It” (also known as “Michael Jackson’s This Is It”) is not yet signed to an agreement with Screen Actors Guild covering the terms and conditions for performers and background actors employed on the picture.
Guild members are reminded of their obligation not to accept employment on any non-signatory project, as well as their obligation to confirm with the Guild that a project is signatory. Employment on any non-signatory project within the Guild's jurisdiction may subject a member to a Rule One violation.
August 7, 2009
Dear Screen Actors Guild member,
Ballots for the tentative agreement recently reached on a Basic Cable Live Action successor contract were mailed on Wednesday, August 5, to all eligible members.
As you may know, on July 25, 2009, the Screen Actors Guild National Board of Directors voted 95% to 5% to recommend this contract for your approval.
As of Friday, August 7, 2009, Australian actors are on strike and will not work on offshore TV commercials until an agreement protecting their employment conditions is reached with the Screen Producers’ Association of Australia (SPAA). Screen Actors Guild has sent the below letter of support to Australia’s Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) expressing our full solidarity.
August 7, 2009
Mr. Simon Whipp
National Executive Director
Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance, Equity Section
245 Chalmers St.
Redfern, NSW 2012
Los Angeles (July 17, 2009) - SAG President Alan Rosenberg issued the following statement on July 17, 2009:
As we all know, the current path of American health care is unsustainable. Health care costs are out of control for even those with insurance, and most workers without coverage can’t afford the skyrocketing rates for even the barest minimal coverage.
Dear Members,
As we head into the long holiday weekend, I wanted to write to you today to acknowledge the tremendous loss and sadness our community has experienced in recent weeks with the passing of so many cultural icons in such a short amount of time.
Los Angeles, (June 9, 2009) – Screen Actors Guild announced today that members have voted overwhelmingly to approve its TV/Theatrical contracts by a vote of 78 percent to 22 percent.
The two-year successor agreement covers film and digital television programs, motion pictures and new media productions. The pact becomes effective at 12:01 a.m. June 10, 2009 and expires June 30, 2011.
The contracts provide more than $105 million in wages, increased pension contributions, and other gains and establishes a template for SAG coverage of new media formats.
Every Vote Counts: Please Make Sure Your Vote is Counted!
The deadline for ballots for the proposed TV/Theatrical Contract is Tuesday, June 9. Ballots must be received by 5 P. M. (PDT) on the 9th at the post office box in Everett, Washington.
If you haven't mailed your ballot already, please take a moment right now to cast your vote and drop your ballot in the mail. There is still time for it to be received before the deadline.
Higher pay, increased numbers, and more work opportunities.
Right now, when you need them.
That’s what the proposed SAG TV/Theatrical contract gives to Background Actors. You were sent a ballot last week, and have just five more days to mail it.
Here’s why you should VOTE YES:
HIGHER PAY
Read MoreDear Screen Actors Guild Member,
By now you should have received your ballot for SAG's tentative TV/Theatrical agreements. Don't forget to visit the contract center at SAG.org to read the tentative agreement and ballot materials so that you can cast an informed vote. Also, take a moment to sign our new contract statement of support online.
Los Angeles (May 21, 2009) —In nationwide voting completed today, members of the Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists have overwhelmingly approved new three-year successor agreements to the 2006 Screen Actors Guild Television Commercials Contract and the2006 AFTRA Television and Radio Commercials Contracts .
Dear SAG Member:
Today ballots for the tentative agreement reached for television, motion pictures and new media will be mailed to all eligible members around the country. As you know, our National Board of Directors has voted to recommend this contract for your approval. For a number of important reasons, I believe they were right to recommend this deal to you.
As you will hear over the coming weeks, the two-year successor agreement contain real financial gains for you and your families, including:
May 19, 2009
Dear SAG Member:
Today ballots for the tentative agreement reached for television, motion pictures and new media will be mailed to all eligible members around the country. As you know, our National Board of Directors has voted to recommend this contract for your approval. For a number of important reasons, I believe they were right to recommend this deal to you.
As you will hear over the coming weeks, the two-year successor agreement contain real financial gains for you and your families, including:
May 17, 2009
Dear Screen Actors Guild member,
After more than a year of negotiations, ballots for the tentative agreement reached between SAG and the AMPTP for television programs, motion pictures and new media formats will be mailed on Tuesday, May 19.
We urge you to carefully read the materials and to cast your vote. The SAG National Board of Directors and negotiating team are recommending that you VOTE YES on this tentative agreement.
May 15, 2009
47 Artists for the Employee Free Choice Act
While many people associate actors with fame and glory, the truth is, a union contract is the only reason many performers can support their families. That’s why Screen Actors Guild supports the Employee Free Choice Act. All workers, regardless of their field, deserve the freedom to bargain for a contract for a better life.
Dear Member:
As the co-chairs of the Joint SAG/AFTRA Commercials Contracts Negotiating Committee, we are proud to recommend that you vote YES to ratify the SAG and AFTRA Commercials Contracts successor agreements.
The contracts represent approximately $90 million in increased wages for actors—$36 million in the first year alone.
May 11, 2009 -- We want to restate unequivocally that any Screen Actors Guild member who paid their November 1, 2008 dues bill by April 30, 2009 is eligible to vote on the TV/Theatrical contract referendum.
Those dues were payable November 1, 2008, and the Guild also provided for a 45-day grace period allowing our members to pay their November 1, 2008 dues as late as December 15 and still be considered current.
Read MoreMay 11, 2009
AXIUM ALERT
Dear Screen Actors Guild member,
As you know, the Screen Actors Guild National Board of Directors voted April 19, 2009, to approve and recommend to members, new, two-year successor agreements to the 2005 Producer-Screen Actors Guild Codified Basic Agreement and 2005 Screen Actors Guild Television Agreement.
Read MoreMay 1, 2009
Joint SAG/AFTRA Commercials Contracts Ballot and Member Informational Meetings Notice
Dear Member:
As you know, your Joint SAG/AFTRA National Board of Directors and Joint SAG/AFTRA Commercials Negotiating Committee voted unanimously to approve and recommend your YES vote, on the terms of new three-year successor agreements to the 2006 SAG Television Commercials Contract and the 2006 AFTRA Television and Radio Commercials Contracts.
May 1, 2009
Dear Member:
As you know, your Joint SAG/AFTRA National Board of Directors and Joint SAG/AFTRA Commercials Negotiating Committee voted unanimously to approve and recommend your YES vote, on the terms of new three-year successor agreements to the 2006 SAG Television Commercials Contract and the 2006 AFTRA Television and Radio Commercials Contracts.
Read MoreSAG/AFTRA COMMERICALS CONTRACTS MEMBER INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS:
Currently paid-up members of SAG and/or AFTRA may attend informational meetings held in these cities prior to the voting deadline. You must present a paid-up SAG or AFTRA membership card for admission. Plan to attend the informational meeting in your area. Please call your SAG Branch or AFTRA Local office for more information if they do not have a meeting listed below.
Atlanta
Monday, May 11
7:00 p.m.
AFTRA/SAG
SCREEN ACTORS GUILD / AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TELEVISION AND RADIO ARTISTS
Read MoreDear Screen Actors Guild member:
We are pleased to inform you that the National Board of Directors today voted to approve the tentative TV/Theatrical deal and recommend it to the members.
Please see the following announcement.
SCREEN ACTORS GUILD NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPROVES TENTATIVE TELEVISION AND MOTION PICTURE CONTRACTS AND RECOMMENDS RATIFICATION
April 1, 2009
Dear Screen Actors Guild Members,
Dear Screen Actors Guild Member,
I am very pleased to inform you that early this morning, the SAG/AFTRA Joint Commercials Negotiating Committee, under the capable leadership of John McGuire, Mathis Dunn and Ray Rodriguez, reached a proposed deal on the commercials contracts. The committee voted unanimously to recommend this agreement to the SAG/AFTRA Joint National Board for approval and membership referendum.
SUPPORT THE EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT
STAND UP FOR WORKERS’ RIGHTS AND PROTECT THE AMERICAN MIDDLE CLASS!
Dear Screen Actors Guild member,
Staff Now Based in Louisiana, New Mexico, Philadelphia, Nevada
In response to a growing number of production areas outside of Los Angeles and New York, we have added professional staff on the ground in Louisiana, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Nevada. We serve Branch members, and the many SAG actors who are working in these states from other areas.
CALIFORNIA PRODUCTION INCENTIVE
On February 20, 2009, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation creating tax credits for film and television productions as part of an economic stimulus provision in the new state budget. Over the next several weeks, the California Film Commission will be developing program guidelines and application procedures. Applications will not be accepted prior to July 1, 2009. The following summarizes the key points of the California Production Incentive:
Tax Implications of Working Abroad
Are you a resident of the United States hired to perform in a production being shot in a foreign country and you are uncertain as to the tax implications of this type of work? If so, you are not alone.
Dear Screen Actors Guild member,
On February 17 & 18, 2009, the SAG TV/Theatrical Negotiating Task Force and your staff negotiating team will meet with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) regarding our TV/Theatrical contract. We will engage in serious discussions in an effort to reach a fair, equitable agreement on your behalf.
To remain competitive in the global economy, America needs to reinvigorate the kind of creativity and innovation that has made this country great. To do so, we must create an environment that fosters art as essential to the health and vitality of our communities, both economically and socially.
Congress is currently considering the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan, which includes funding for the arts and culture to help revitalize American’s economy.
Dear Screen Actors Guild member,
As you know, the Guild was scheduled to resume negotiations today regarding the expired TV/Theatrical contract. However, that meeting had to be postponed due to a legal matter that has been brought against the Guild, which is now before a state court in Los Angeles. I am writing to present you with information about this development.
My Fellow Screen Actors Guild Members,
Yesterday, on January 26th, a slim majority of our National Board voted to fire our National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator, Doug Allen. This was not accomplished in a face-to-face Board meeting, where the significant minority would have had an opportunity to voice its opinion and where Mr. Allen would have had a chance to face his accusers and address their concerns. Instead, this drastic action was accomplished by "written assent", the most undemocratic provision allowed by our Constitution.
Dear Screen Actors Guild member,
As I enter my first full day today as your new Interim National Executive Director, I have reflected on a Los Angeles Examiner story from 1937 that once hung on the wall of my Screen Actors Guild office when I served as General Counsel.
Friday, January 16 - TCM salutes SAG's Life Achievement recipients: Audrey Hepburn, James Garner, Kirk Douglas, and Elizabeth Taylor.
Friday, January 23 - TCM salutes SAG's Life Achievement recipients: Ricardo Montalban and James Earl Jones.
Go to http://www.tcm.com/index.jsp for more information
The following message is the second in a series of responses to members questions at recent Town Hall meetings and sent to us via email. Please watch for additional messages over the coming weeks.
Know the Facts!
The following message is the first in a series of responses to members’ questions at recent Town Hall meetings and sent to us via email. Please watch for additional messages over the coming weeks.
Dear Screen Actors Guild Member,
During this holiday season, and into the new year of 2009, please be reminded that you are free to audition, accept employment and work under all of the Guild's contracts. These include the following:
Basic Cable Animation Agreement
Basic Cable Live Action Agreement
Commercials Contract
Industrial/Educational Agreement
Interactive Media/Video Game Agreement
Dear Screen Actors Guild Member,
As 2008 winds down I am hopeful that 2009 will bring us a fair contract and labor peace. I truly believe that if we move forward in unity with the collective strength of 122,000 professional actors behind us, we will achieve our goals. I implore you to learn as much as you can about the issues at stake, and stand with us and grant the board a strike authorization.
SAG National Headquarters and most SAG offices will be open until 12:30 p.m. Christmas Eve and New Years Eve. (Please check with your Branch office)
All SAG offices throughout the country will be closed December 25 & 26, and January 1 & 2.
The Screen Actors Guild Officers, National Board of Directors and Staff, Wish you a Healthy and Happy Holiday.
Dear Screen Actors Guild Member,
Thank you for your dedication and unity.
More than 1,500 rank and file and highly recognizable SAG members have signed on to the Guild’s “Statement of Support” in just the last three days. We are working hard to get all of the names uploaded to our online list. You can view the first 1,000 names by clicking this link http://www.sag.org/solidarity-list.
Dear Screen Actors Guild Member,
Screen Actors Guild today released the following statement in response to the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producer's (AMPTPs) ad scheduled for tomorrow.
“There they go again. The AMPTP’s ad is great fiction, with convoluted bullet points and confused messages -- and, it’s completely wrong.
Here’s the truth:
Dear Screen Actors Guild Member,
October 9, 2008
Dear Screen Actors Guild Member,
On Wednesday, October 1, the SAG National TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee passed an advisory motion to the national board of directors that will be discussed at the board's upcoming plenary meeting in Los Angeles on October18 and19.
LOS ANGELES, DECEMBER 10, 2008 -- Screen Actors Guild today announced that strike authorization ballots will be mailed to paid-up SAG members on Friday January 2, 2009, and will be tabulated on Friday, January 23. A yes vote by 75% of members voting is required to pass the measure, which would authorize SAG's national board of directors to call a strike, if and when the board determines it is necessary.
Dear Screen Actors Guild Member,
In an “open letter” full-page ad published today in the Los Angeles Times, eight entertainment industry CEO’s whose annual salaries and bonuses exceed the amount needed to achieve labor peace for our industry asked why SAG wants a better deal than the other Hollywood guilds.
Click here to download pdf version of Questions and Answers Regarding Negotiations
Read MoreNovember 26, 2008
Dear Screen Actors Guild Member,
As your president, I want to take this opportunity to communicate directly with you about recent developments regarding our television and motion picture contract negotiations.
All paid-up SAG members who work the Television Contract are invited to an important caucus Tuesday, November 18, 2008 to discuss the New Media streaming of TV series made prior to July 1974.
A very special invitation to members who worked on shows produced in the 1950s (such as Maverick), 60s (such as Bewitched) and the 70s (such as The Brady Bunch).
Come early and bring your membership card.
Participation is limited only by the fire rules.
IMPORTANT SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE
COMMERCIALS CONTRACT 2008
SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AND THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TELEVISION AND RADIO ARTISTS, ALONG WITH THE JOINT POLICY COMMITTEE (JPC) ANNOUNCE EDUCATIONAL MEETINGS IN NEW YORK AND LOS ANGELES REGARDING THE BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON STUDY ON THE COMMERCIALS CONTRACTS TO BE HELD IN ADVANCE OF THE START OF COMMERCIALS NEGOTIATIONS PREPARATION
Joint Screen Actors Guild/American Federation of Television and Radio Artists Wages & Working Conditions meetings have been scheduled in preparation for negotiation of the Commercials Contracts that were extended from October 29, 2008 to March 31, 2009. All members who work the Commercials Contracts are invited to attend and participate. All W&W Committee meetings are open to all paid-up members of both Unions; participation is limited only by fire department regulations.
Joint Screen Actors Guild/American Federation of Television and Radio Artists Wages & Working Conditions meetings have been scheduled in preparation for negotiation of the Commercials Contracts that were extended from October 29, 2008 to March 31, 2009. All members who work the Commercials Contracts are invited to attend and participate. All W&W Committee meetings are open to all paid-up members of both Unions; participation is limited only by fire department regulations.
Joint SAG/AFTRA Commercials Contracts Caucuses to be held in Los Angeles and New York
All Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists members who work the Commercials Contracts are invited to attend these caucuses. The Commercials Contracts were extended from October 29, 2008 to March 31, 2009. Please join your fellow members to discuss issues you’d like to see addressed in the upcoming Commercials Contracts negotiations. Participation will be limited only by fire rules. Come early and bring your membership card.
Joint Screen Actors Guild/American Federation of Television and Radio Artists Wages & Working Conditions meetings have been scheduled in preparation for negotiation of the Commercials Contracts that were extended from October 31, 2008 to March 31, 2009. All members who work the Commercials Contracts are invited to attend and participate. All W&W Committee meetings are open to all paid-up members of both Unions; participation is limited only by fire department regulations. If you are not located in L.A. but will be visiting from out of town, please feel free to attend.
Read MoreJoint Screen Actors Guild/American Federation of Television and Radio Artists Wages & Working Conditions meetings have been scheduled in preparation for negotiation of the Commercials Contracts that were extended from October 29, 2008 to March 31, 2009. All members who work the Commercials Contracts are invited to attend and participate. All W&W Committee meetings are open to all paid-up members of both Unions; participation is limited only by fire department regulations.
ATTENTION ALL SAG and AFTRA MEMBERS
Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists are pleased to announce the beginning of the Joint Wages & Working Conditions (W&W) process in preparation for negotiation of the Commercials Contracts that were extended from October 31, 2008 to March 31, 2009. It is only through the involvement of members that proposals for this vital negotiation are developed.
Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists are pleased to announce the beginning of the Joint Wages & Working Conditions (W&W) process in preparation for negotiation of the Commercials Contracts that were extended from October 31, 2008 to March 31, 2009. It is only through the involvement of members that proposals for this vital negotiation are developed. There are four ways to make your voice heard:
Read MoreOctober 19, 2008
SCREEN ACTORS GUILD NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS VOTES TO REQUEST FEDERAL MEDIATOR AND
SEND STRIKE AUTHORIZATION REFERENDUM TO MEMBERS, IF NECESSARY
The Screen Actors Guild National Board of Directors today passed the following resolution at its quarterly plenary in Los Angeles:
“In hopes of moving the Theatrical and TV negotiations forward, the National Board hereby takes the following actions:
SAG will formally request a federal mediator be brought into the negotiations.
The Facts About the Special Bulletin and Response Card:
Read MoreOctober 9, 2008
Dear Screen Actors Guild Member,
On Wednesday, October 1, the SAG National TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee passed an advisory motion to the national board of directors that will be discussed at the board’s upcoming plenary meeting in Los Angeles on October18 and19.
Read MoreLos Angeles, CA (October 1, 2008) – The National TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee of Screen Actors Guild today passed the following advisory motion to the National Board:
“Whereas, Screen Actors Guild has been and remains willing and able to continue formal and continuous negotiations with the AMPTP and the employers, with the intention of reaching a mutually-acceptable deal; and
Los Angeles, (Sept. 30, 2008) -- Screen Actors Guild released the following statement from SAG National executive director and chief negotiator Doug Allen in response to the AMPTP’s Sept. 29, 2008 statement:
“We are disappointed to to hear that the employers and their AMPTP representatives are refusing to engage in the process necessary to complete a deal.
The following ad appeared in Daily Variety on September 30, 2008.
Click here to view ad.
September 29, 2008
J. Nicholas Counter III
President
Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers
Peter Chernin
President
Fox Group
Robert Iger
President and CEO
The Walt Disney Company
Dear Gentlemen:
September 18, 2008 Dear Screen Actors Guild member, The following announcement was released yesterday.
Read MoreYour negotiators are working every day to successfully conclude negotiations for a successor agreement to our TV/Theatrical contract. We have not yet closed the gap with the employers’ negotiators, but National President Alan Rosenberg, the National Negotiating Committee co-chairs from the Regional Branch Division, New York and Hollywood and I remain focused on this effort.
Read More
The Guild has received checks for the following members which were either dishonored by the bank or which were never deposited due to the filing of bankruptcy by Axium. As a result, all members on this list (click here to view list) should file a Proof of Claim by following the instructions provided in the member alert section of this website. Even if a member name does not appear on this list, they should still read the Axium information in the member alerts section to determine if they should file a Proof of Claim.
Read MoreDear Screen Actors Guild Member:
SAG TALK IS HERE!
We’ve launched a new zone on the SAG website -- It’s called SAG Talk and it’s where you will find interesting and topical news and information for SAG members.
Please take a moment and visit SAG Talk at http://www.sag.org/sag-talk to read the following posts:
1. Our response to the AMPTP’s recent statement. Our response is up first, but if you want to read the AMPTP’s statement just scroll down a bit.
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SAG and AFTRA Announce Member Caucuses
The 2005-2008 Screen Actors Guild Codified Industrial and Educational Contract and the AFTRA 2005 – 2008 National Code of Fair Practice for Non-Broadcast Industrial/Educational Recorded Material expire on April 30, 2008.
All SAG and AFTRA members who work under these Contracts are invited to attend these caucuses. Open to all paid-up members and participation will be limited due to fire rules. Come early and bring your membership card.
Postponed — Member Town Hall Meetings — Postponed
Town Hall Meetings scheduled for April 29 in Los Angeles and April 30 in New York City are postponed.
Dear Members,
Screen Actors Guild and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television
Producers agreed to extend their bargaining session for one week. Your
Guild negotiators will continue negotiations with the AMPTP through May
2.
July 28, 2008
Dear Screen Actors Guild Member,
The Screen Actors Guild National Board of Directors met Saturday and passed a resolution reaffirming its support for the National Negotiating Committee.
The resolution passed unanimously with a vote of 68 – 0 and states:
It is a core principle of Screen Actors Guild --
That no non-union work shall be authorized to be done under any Screen Actors Guild agreement and;
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Dear Screen Actors Guild Member,
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) posted a message to their member companies today on the AMPTP website. We felt it was important that we directly communicate our continued dedication to the negotiations process.
Screen Actors Guild remains committed to reaching a fair agreement with the AMPTP. To that end, we are prepared to bargain continuously, for as long as it takes.
Read MoreDear Screen Actors Guild Member,
On Tuesday, April 15 we begin negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (“AMPTP”) for our Television and Theatrical contracts. These agreements represent over 1 billion dollars in annual earnings and cover all SAG television and theatrical motion pictures.
Read MoreThe 2005-2008 Screen Actors Guild Codified Industrial and Educational Contract and the AFTRA 2005 – 2008 National Code of Fair Practice for Non-Broadcast Industrial/Educational Recorded Material expire on April 30, 2008.
All SAG and AFTRA members who work under these Contracts are invited to attend these caucuses. Open to all paid-up members and participation will be limited due to fire rules. Come early and bring your membership card.
Read MoreDear Screen Actors Guild members,
Writers Guild of America, West President Patric Verrone asked that I forward you the following letter.
In solidarity,
Alan Rosenberg
To the Members of the Screen Actors Guild,
As you undoubtedly know, our 100 day strike is over and the WGA has a contract that covers new media. On behalf of the 12,000 members of the WGA West and East, I want to thank the Screen Actors Guild leadership, membership, and staff for your tremendous involvement and support.
Read MoreDear SAG Member:
Everyone hopes the WGA strike will end with a fair deal for the writers. There has been much speculation about the impact on the WGA strike of the tentative agreement between the Directors Guild of America (DGA) and the employers' representative, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). Some have rushed to anoint their deal as the “solution” for the entertainment industry. We believe that assessment is premature.
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Dear Screen Actors Guild Member:
It has come to Screen Actors Guild's attention that as recently as today some individuals have successfully cashed payroll checks issued by Axium or one of its 43 subsidiary companies. We are bringing this to your attention to assist you in assessing whether to take the time to attempt to cash such checks in person.
Read MoreDear Screen Actors Guild Member:
As you may have heard, Axium International, a major entertainment industry payroll house unexpectedly ceased operations yesterday and filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection. Your legal and contracts staff and our outside counsel immediately took steps to investigate the situation and to protect your interests to the maximum degree possible.
This situation is very fluid and we are still gathering critical information. Nonetheless, we wanted to immediately advise you of the following:
Read MoreLos Angeles (September 20, 2007) --- Screen Actors Guild members are hereby advised that American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) does NOT have a contract for TMZ, a broadcast syndication “infotainment” TV series produced by TMZ Productions, Inc., A.K.A. Harvey Levin Productions, Inc. and hosted by Harvey Levin.
Read MoreOn September 4, 2007, Screen Actors Guild joined film industry unions, small businesses and the Film & Television Action Committee (FTAC) to file a petition under Section 301(a) of the Trade Act of 1974 with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. The petition argues that Canadian film subsidies violate trade law, and that American entertainment industry workers have been significantly harmed by incentives designed to lure media production from the United States to Canada.
Read More