#dga strong

[thefirsthogokage]

Looks like Steven DeKnight (Daredevil, Buffy, Angel) also agrees they should be asking for more. (DGA version)

Stand strong, DGA, and vote No!

[fans4wga]

SAG-AFTRA, Teamsters, IATSE, Writers Guild Issue Joint Statement in Solidarity with Directors Guild of America

May 31, 2023

Los Angeles, CA — As the Directors Guild of America’s negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) enter their final scheduled week, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), the Teamsters, Hollywood Basic Crafts (Teamsters Local 399, IBEW Local 40, LiUNA! Local 724, OPCMIA Local 755 and UA Local 78), the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE), the Writers Guild of America West (WGAW), and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) stand alongside our sisters, brothers, and kin in the DGA in their pursuit of a fair contract.

We believe in a Hollywood where every worker is valued and their contributions recognized, whether their labor is on or off screen. A fair contract for directors does not benefit just a select few; it uplifts every worker in the film and television industry and acknowledges the interconnected nature of our work. We call on the AMPTP to immediately negotiate a fair agreement that addresses the Directors Guild of America’s unique priorities in good faith.

As eyes around the world again turn towards the negotiation table, we send a clear message to the AMPTP: Our solidarity is not to be underestimated. The Hollywood guilds and unions stand united, and we stand strong.

In solidarity,

Matthew D. Loeb International President, IATSE

Lindsay Dougherty Motion Picture Division Director & Western Region Vice President, Teamsters Hollywood Basic Crafts, Chairperson

Duncan Crabtree-Ireland National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator, SAG-AFTRA

Michael Winship President, Writers Guild of America, East

Meredith Stiehm President, Writers Guild of America West

[dduane]

Via @JoeRussoTweets at Twitter:

“Together, We’re about to reshape the industry. The actors, the writers and the direc—

Wait. I mean the actors and the writers.

The directors, well, they got their “historic” deal while we’re about to go make REAL Hollywood history happen.”

ETA: also please see the post here on why the DGA didn’t vote to strike.)

[detectivechen]

[writergeekrhw]

MY 2c ON THE DGA DEAL*

So, the DGA cut a deal with the AMPTP. There are definitely some writers who are upset about this, but TBH I'm not one of them. Because...

DGA gonna DGA. I always knew they'd use our strike as leverage to cut a deal. The question was if the WGA can use that deal to establish pattern bargaining for what we needed, and they actually seem to have addressed 3 of our big issues so good on them. 2 more than I thought!

For all intents and purposes, the DGA is structurally incapable of striking, so they were always going to play good cop to us "crazy writers" to maximize their gets. They got foreign streaming residuals, AI, and some gains in comedy and variety.

In all likelihood, the WGA can get all of the above now with pattern bargaining (once SAG is either done or on strike). They also got some gains against free work, which is promising. That leaves only a few things we need on the table, which is good for us.

In a lot of ways, this is the best-case scenario, even though it probably stings for some who hoped they'd go out with us. That was never going to happen. Because, like I said... DGA gonna DGA.

And at this point in my life and career, there are some mistakes I think I know better than to make.

*Arguably not even worth 2c.

[iww-gnv]

The New York Film and Television Union Coalition is praising a pair of identical bills pending in New York State that would “prohibit applicants to the Empire State film production credit from using artificial intelligence that would displace any natural person in their productions.” The coalition is made up of SAG-AGTRA, the WGA East, the Directors Guild of America, the Cinematographers Guild (IATSE Local 600), the Editors Guild (IATSE Local 700), United Scenic Artists (IATSE Local 829), IATSE Local 52, and Teamsters Local 817. The use of artificial intelligence in the production of film and TV shows is a key strike issue for both the Writers Guild and SAG-AFTRA, which have been on strike since May 2 and July 14, respectively. The DGA’s new contract, which was ratified in June, contains guardrails on its use, and IATSE, which will begin contract negotiations next year, has said that artificial intelligence “threatens to fundamentally alter employers’ business models and disrupt IATSE members’ livelihoods.” 

[Read the rest]

[witchern]

OHOHOHO

[enchi-elm]

For anyone interested in the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike going on right now, this podcast takes you right to the picket line outside Universal Studios! The incomparable Alie Ward (the podcast host) talks about unions, the world behind the scenes of your favourite TV scenes, and talks to a lot of writers standing on the streets in the California heat to make sure writing stays an AI-free career -- and a career at all -- for us and future creatives!

Go listen! It's funny, it's smart, it gives you all the information you need to understand what's going on right now and why this moment in time is so critical. Remember, this is basically the first real counter-challenge we've had as creatives against AI-generated content. Unions are supporting unions. Everyone in the entertainment industry is watching to see how this pans out!

If you are able, here's how you can help: - if you're in the area, the picketers will always need more of the following: water, ice, and sunscreen! - the Entertainment Community Fund supports creatives of all kinds in the industry with a wide range of services, including health care counselling, career counselling, senior care, and emergency financial aid -- the latter of which will be especially important as these kick-ass writers are determined to strike as long as it takes to ensure AI-free writing and fair wages! - spread the word! the more people who understand what's at stake the better!

(@neil-gaiman any chance for a signal boost?)

[montanabohemian]

ohmygod sag sending a strike authorization vote to all its members

SHUT THIS WHOLE INDUSTRY DOWN

[sluttysuperheroes]

Can’t believe the dga ratified this shit ass deal 🚬😑 they are basically scabs for this. and also stupid

[thefirsthogokage]

Fuck HBO/MAX

[fans4wga]

WGA, Saying “Era Of Divide & Conquer Is Over,” Accuses AMPTP Of “Gaslighting” Union Members & Telling A “Lie” About The Breakdown Of Contract Talks

June 1, 2023

[ID] → also in ALT directly on images...

During the last writers’ strike back in 2008, the DGA made a deal with the AMPTP on the 73rd day of the strike. The main issue was residuals from what is now known as streaming. A few weeks later, the WGA agreed to similar terms, ending its 100-day walkout. This time around, the DGA began negotiations for its own contract nine-days into the WGA strike, but the WGA says the companies’ “divide and conquer strategy won’t work this time.

The AMPTP set a strategy in motion designed to be a repeat of 2007/08. Divide and conquer. Hold off a deal with the DGA until after the WGA contract expiration date so that in the event of a writers’ strike the AMPTP could force a DGA pattern on the WGA. Even better if they could also sew up a deal with SAG-AFTRA. They would then claim that the writers were being unreasonable.

“That strategy, however, depends on divided unions. This year is different. Every union in town came out in support of the WGA, both during negotiations and after the start of the strike. The DGA has been clear that it is facing a tough and critical negotiation to address its members’ needs. Yesterday, we joined a statement along with SAG-AFTRA, IATSE and Teamsters 399 in solidarity with the DGA in their negotiations. SAG-AFTRA is taking a strike authorization vote as they enter negotiations to address the existential issues its members are facing. Teamsters, IATSE, and other entertainment union members have been honoring WGA picket lines across the country.

“Still, the AMPTP remains committed to its strategy. They pretended they couldn’t negotiate with the WGA in May because of negotiations with the DGA. That’s a lie. It’s a choice they made in hope of breathing life into the divide and conquer strategy. The essence of the strategy is to make deals with some unions and tell the rest that’s all there is. It’s gaslighting, and it only works if unions are divided.

“Our position is clear: to resolve the strike, the companies will have to negotiate with the WGA on our full agenda.

“The AMPTP should have made a fair deal with writers by May 1st. But they didn’t, as they are seemingly intent on continuing their efforts to destroy the profession of writing. For the last month, writers have followed in the footsteps of many generations before who went on strike to secure their collective future in this business. We will continue to march until the companies negotiate fairly with us. We do it now with the support of our sister guilds and unions, and we will support them whenever it’s their turn. The era of divide and conquer is over.” [/ID]

[detectivechen]

It's halfway through Week 8 of the WGA strike. Let's recap.

The WGA has been on strike since May 2 (51 days).

The DGA is holding a ratification vote for its new three-year agreement with the AMPTP. Ballots are due this Friday, June 23.

SAG-AFTRA’s master contract expires next Friday, June 30. They've been in talks with the AMPTP since June 7th.

The SAG-AFTRA board has the power to call a strike starting on July 1 if no agreement is reached. That would immediately shut down all film and TV production that has not already been halted by the writers strike.

The guild announced that 98% of the voting members backed the authorization, in a show of unity.

But if progress is being made at the negotiating table, it’s possible that negotiators could tack on a few extra days of talks, with the understanding that an agreement could be backdated to July 1.

Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA’s national executive director and chief negotiator, has appeared at strike events with WGA leaders. At one of them, he predicted a “hot labor summer.”

[writergeekrhw]

Since SAG-AFTRA is asking its members to vote for strike authorization, and there have also been rumors of DGA considering doing the same, I was wondering: what's at stake for actors and directors in comparison to writers in terms of the issues the strike is focusing on like residuals and AI? Do you think it's likely those groups will strike too? (Sorry if you're not the person to ask about this)

Well, the problem with slowly working my way through a long queue is that this question is now well out of date. The DGA took a deal, like they always do (no surprise). SAG-AFTRA has a strike authorization. As to what's at stake:

FOR DIRECTORS: AI can potentially create shooting schedules, shot lists, call sheets, all straight from a script, taking away work from ADs and UPMs. The DGA says they've gotten protection from this. I'm a little skeptical. I'm not sure their language is bulletproof, but we'll see. Of course, if the actors, sets, and scripts all end up being generated by algorithms, there won't be anything for directors or other DGA members to do. Studios will be able to automate the entire content process. As to residuals, the DGA used our strike as leverage to get some gains. Less than I think they could have gotten if they'd walked, but DGA gonna DGA.

FOR ACTORS: So-called AI is already coming for actors. Voice actors are looking at a doomsday scenario where computer generated voices could take away their voice acting jobs completely, and very very soon. If a CG character doesn't need an actor to voice it and give a reference performance, that's the end of hiring actors for animation. And once CG becomes completely photo-realistic, that'll be the end of acting. Actors will be replaced by either completely computer generated "characters" or digital recreations of today's stars will end up acting in everything going forward forever, which means no new jobs for anyone else. That's an existential crisis for them, so if they can't get protections from CG "actors," I predict they'll strike.

At least that's how I see it.

Singularity coming.

Unless we stop it. It's now or never.

[911bts]

Re: your anon asking if possible that the show will air earlier if strike demands are met, I agree highly unlikely but just for added context:

AMPTP isn’t even in negotiations with WGA right now because they’re in negations for DGA (directors guild) and next month they’ll be in negotiations for SAG (actors) so they won’t even go back to the table with WGA until at least July.

For added context, 911 usually opens its writers room in early May to start shooting by end of summer. LS opens in mid/late May for a January premiere. So…assuming end of summer for strike (tho most industry news outlets like variety or Hollywood reporter are predicting at least September) that would already cutting it extremely close for a Jan premiere. IMO I broadly think the fandom should premiere for a delayed mid season premiere or a short order season.

(reminder not to blame writers for this!! this is the studios holding the industry hostage with an unfair contract. union strong ✊)

Yes, all of this!

[denimbex1986]

'The cast of "Oppenheimer" made good on their promise that they would walk out of the film's premiere in London if SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) officially called to strike following the AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers)'s failure to offer an equitable deal. While on the red carpet, "Oppenheimer" star Emily Blunt told Deadline, "I think right now we are just sorting of ... I hope everyone makes a fair deal and we are here to celebrate this movie." She continued, "And if they call it, we'll be leaving together as cast in unity with everyone ... We are gonna have to. We are gonna have to. We will see what happens. Right now it's the joy to be together."

Matt Damon echoed Blunt's sentiments. His company has already shut down the production of one film in solidarity with the ongoing Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike but recognized that this strike is not about celebrities consistently pulling in huge paychecks. "If our leadership is saying that the deal isn't fair, then we gotta hold strong until we get a deal that's fair for working actors," he said. "It's the difference between having healthcare and not for a lot of actors, and we gotta do what's right by them."

Well, the cast proved not to be all talk, as Blunt, Damon, Florence Pugh, Cillian Murphy, and many others in attendance walked out of the "Oppenheimer" premiere. This is standard practice for a SAG-AFTRA strike, which does not permit actors to do any promotional work, including press junkets, film premieres, and fan events like conventions.

Now I am become strike, the destroyer of studio greed

The entertainment industry is now in the midst of a double strike, which hasn't happened in over 60 years. The Director's Guild of America elected to ratify their deal with the AMPTP in June, avoiding a strike but certainly making them look clownish as they no longer have scripts or performers to direct until both strikes come to an end. Hope that "truly historic deal" was worth it and that you're excited to call "action" to AI holograms speaking lines written by ChatGPT, y'all! To be clear, my barbs are pointed at the leadership who buckled into accepting a deal, not the DGA as a whole, many of whom are in solidarity with both the WGA and SAG-AFTRA.

"Oppenheimer" is just the first of many film premieres that will be impacted by the strike. Just before the screening of the film in London, director Christopher Nolan addressed the crowd by acknowledging the hard work of the actors and respecting their choice not to attend the rest of the premiere. "They're off to go and write their picket signs," Nolan explained to the audience, who all cheered in solidarity with the actors' decision to leave.

Shortly after their exit, SAG-AFTRA held a press conference to announce the strike, which goes into effect one minute past midnight. I hope the studios are ready. If they thought the WGA picketers were disruptive, they're in for a rude awakening when thousands of former theater kids are unleashed outside their gates.'