Member Alerts

THE 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.

Screen 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.

In 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.

HOLLYWOOD DIVISION MEMBERS

Please 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

Dear 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.

May 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.

May 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.

SAG/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

Dear 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. 

Dear Member,

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.

Notice of Special National Board Meeting

Dear Screen Actors Guild Member,

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,

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

November 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.

November 22, 2008

Dear Screen Actors Guild Member

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.

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.

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:

October 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:

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, 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:
 

Click here to view letter.

Click here to view release

For Immediate Release
September 26, 2008

ACTRA AND ADVERTISING AGENCIES UNABLE TO COME TO AGREEMENT
Union refuses to accept reduced earnings for performers

September 18, 2008 Dear Screen Actors Guild member, The following announcement was released yesterday.

All paid-up SAG members who work under the Interactive Media Agreements and the TV Animation Agreements are urged to attend this important contract caucus. This could be the last meeting before negotiations begin on the Interactive and Animation Contracts and it is vital that you attend.

August 29, 2008

Dear Screen Actors Guild Member:

As Labor Day approaches, please take a moment to consider the extraordinary contributions of the founders of our Guild who, 75 years ago, put courage and conviction to the test in creating this union. Standing up to studios has never been easy. For our founders in 1933, it was really tough, but strength, unity and commitment to the goal won out and Screen Actors Guild was incorporated June 30, 1933.

Dear Screen Actors Guild Member,

Your 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.

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.

Dear 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.

This list is comprised of Guild-signatory producers who have either 1) been found by a neutral arbitrator or court to have violated one or more of the Guild contracts; or 2) have defaulted on payments to performers during production and have had production halted pending full payment.

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;

In June, a casting call for James Dean and Marilyn Monroe look-alikes went out for a Mercedes, Japan, commercial. During this process, the casting director was actively searching for a signatory to represent this foreign advertiser and enable this production to utilize professional performers under a SAG contract.

If you received payroll checks through Axium that were not honored when Axium filed for Bankruptcy in January, 2008, and if you have not otherwise been paid in full for any such amounts owed by your signatory producer that used Axium as its payroll house, then you should file a Proof of Claim with the Bankruptcy Court. All such Proofs of Claim must be received by August 15, 2008; failure to file a timely proof of claim will prevent you from recovering any money from the bankruptcy process.

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.

A Message to Screen Actors Guild Members Regarding TV/Theatrical Contract Negotiations

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.

Dear 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.

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.

This list is comprised of Guild-signatory producers who have either 1) been found by a neutral arbitrator or court to have violated one or more of the Guild contracts; or 2) have defaulted on payments to performers during production and have had production halted pending full payment.

The Screen Actors Guild National Board of Directors releases the following document in the interest of greater transparency. The information included in "The Current State and Outlook of the Advertising Business" was a valuable resource for the Commercials Negotiating Committee in 2006.

The Screen Actors Guild National Board of Directors releases the following document in the interest of greater transparency. The information included in "The Current State and Outlook of the Advertising Business" was a valuable resource for the Commercials Negotiating Committee in 2006.

Click here to download the payroll contact list to request your W-2 or 1099 form.

Dear 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.

Dear 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.

A telephone number is now available for those with W-2 issues related to the bankruptcy filing by payroll house Axium. The number is (213) 626-2311 to reach trustees who are handling the case.

A telephone number is now available for those with W-2 issues related to the bankruptcy filing by payroll house Axium. The number is (213) 626-2311 to reach trustees who are handling the case.

January 29, 2008

Dear 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.

January 29, 2008

Dear 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.

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.

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.

Dear 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:

Dear 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:

Los 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.

The producer of TMZ has, to date, refused to sign a union agreement. In addition, AFTRA recently learned that promotional announcements for this program, which were originally produced under an AFTRA agreement, are now being produced non-union.

On 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.

Los 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.

On 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.