Press Releases 2008

Screen Actors Guild – AMPTP Mediation Fails

SAG Seeks Strike Authorization

Los Angeles (Nov. 22, 2008) -- Screen Actors Guild today issued the following statement in response to the failure of federal mediation:

Screen Actors Guild Announces the Howard Keel Award Selectees

Los Angeles, CA (November 10, 2008) - The Regional Branch Division (RBD) of Screen Actors Guild (SAG) established the Howard Keel Award to honor RBD members who have made significant contributions to the welfare and benefit of professional actors in their Branch and reaffirmed the status of the SAG RBD as part of a national union.

Los Angeles, CA (October 31, 2008) – The Screen Actors Guild National Negotiating Committee will meet with the mediator assigned by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service on November 5.

About SAG

Los Angeles, (October 28, 2008) - Screen Actors Guild National LGBT and Hollywood Legislative committees voted to oppose California ballot Proposition 8.  Committee members took the action supporting the constitutional rights of same-sex couples to wed in the state of California as part of the Guild’s ongoing anti-discrimination efforts.

Los Angeles, (October 24, 2008) -- Screen Actors Guild President Alan Rosenberg, National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Doug Allen and Deputy National Executive Director for Contracts Ray Rodriguez met with Juan Carlos Gonzalez this afternoon at SAG headquarters in Los Angeles to discuss Screen Actors Guild’s  request for mediation and the possibilities regarding the resumption of negotiations.  It is our understanding that Mr. Gonzalez is going to meet with AMPTP representatives next Thursday.

Los Angeles (October 20, 2008)—The Screen Actors Guild National Board of Directors meeting in Los Angeles Saturday, October 18, approved a proposed agreement outlining conditions to permit joint bargaining with AFTRA for the Commercials Contracts under the terms of the Phase 1 agreement.

Los Angeles (October 19, 2008) – 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.

Los Angeles (October, 17, 2008) - Screen Actors Guild announced the results of the division elections for the union's three national vice presidents. At meetings held on October 6, the Hollywood Division Board elected Anne-Marie Johnson as 1st national vice-president; and the New York Division Board re-elected New York Division President Sam Freed, as 2nd national vice president. At its meeting today, the Regional Branch Division Board elected David Hartley-Margolin as 3rd national vice president.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SAG, AFTRA and AEA Announce the I AM PWD Campaign

Inclusion in the Arts Media of People with Disabilities

Announcement Recognizes National Disability Employment Awareness Month

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Los Angeles, CA (Oct. 3, 2008) -- Screen Actors Guild today released the following statement regarding the passage of the federal incentive package:

“Screen Actors Guild applauds the passage of this important jobs incentive.  We believe there is no better time than now to support American workers and American jobs.”

Pamm Fair, Deputy National Executive Director, Screen Actors Guild

Contact:
Pamela Greenwalt
Screen Actors Guild
(323) 440-2892

XXX
 
 

Simultaneous 3-city news conference to announce the I AM PWD campaign — a global effort of Screen Actors Guild, AFTRA and Actors’ Equity Association to promote media access, inclusion and equal employment opportunities for actors, broadcasters and sound recording artists with disabilities. Working with allies in the non-profit civil rights and advocacy community and the labor movement, the I AM PWD campaign will educate the public, encourage the industry and inspire and advocate for universal media access for people with disabilities.

45th Annual Accolade to be Presented During the 15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® Simulcast on TNT and TBS on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2009

SAG NATIONAL TV/THEATRICAL NEGOTIATING COMMITTEE PASSES ADVISORY MOTION TO NATIONAL BOARD

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

Screen Actors Guild President Alan Rosenberg released the following statement on the passing of Paul Newman:

“Paul Newman was a vibrant and dynamic person -- an actor of extraordinary talent and a philanthropist of intense commitment. His passing is a tremendous loss to the entertainment industry, his fans around the world and to the art of acting.

Click here to view ACTRA press release

All paid-up SCREEN ACTORS GUILD and AFTRA members in good standing with their Unions are urged to attend these important Membership Educational Meetings.

Tabulation Results

• 2008 SAG Boston Election Results
• 2008 SAG Chicago Election Results
• 2008 Dallas/Ft. Worth Election Results
• 2008 SAG Hollywood Election Results
Read More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Los Angeles, September 17, 2008 - The Screen Actors Guild National Negotiating Committee met today and was given the results of the SAG mail-in poll by National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator, Doug Allen.

87.27% of the10,298 SAG members who responded to the poll said the union should continue bargaining in an effort to achieve a fair contract. 12.73% of those who responded said they would accept the terms presented in the AMPTP’s June 30th offer to SAG.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Los Angeles (September 17, 2008) ---

Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) released the following statement of support for the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) in its bargaining with representatives from the Institute of Communications Agencies (ICA) and the Association of Canadian Advertisers (ACA):

Alan Rosenberg Statement on the Passing of Don LaFontaine

Los Angeles, Sept. 2, 2008 — Screen Actors Guild today released the following statement from President Alan Rosenberg on the passing of Don LaFontaine:

“Don was a phenomenal actor and a prodigious and amazing voice talent who could, like the best voice artists, make any material uniquely his own. His contributions on and off “mic” enriched the profession and Screen Actors Guild. He will be greatly missed by all of us. Our thoughts go out to his loved ones at this difficult time.”

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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Performers’ Unions and Advertising Industry Agree to Extend

Commercials Contracts for Six Months, through March 31, 2009

New York and Los Angeles (August 27, 2008) – Screen Actors Guild (SAG), the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) and the advertising industry’s ANA/AAAA Joint Policy Committee on Broadcast Talent Union Relations (JPC) today jointly announced an agreement to extend, through March 31, 2009, the terms of their Commercials Contracts.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Los Angeles, August 21, 2008 — The following statement by Screen Actors Guild National Executive Director Doug Allen on the passing of the legendary Gene Upshaw was posted today. Allen was a close personal friend and associate of Upshaw’s working as Assistant Executive Director with the NFL Players Association for more than 2 decades.

August 15, 2008

CONTRACT 2008 UPDATE

Discussions Continue

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Los Angeles (August 5, 2008) -- Screen Actors Guild today released the official list of candidates for its upcoming national board elections. Ballots for all eligible SAG members in Hollywood and New York will be mailed on August 19. The ballots will be tabulated on September 18 and the election results are expected to be announced that evening. Approximately 1/3 of the total 69 national board seats are open for election this year.

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.

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.

Hollywood Reporter
By: Paul Bond

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/

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;

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SAG National Board Resolution Reaffirms Importance of Jurisdiction Over All New Media Productions and
Residuals for All Made-For-New Media Programs

July 26, 2008

Los Angeles, July 26, 2008 -- The National Board of Directors of Screen Actors Guild passed the following resolution at its meeting today:

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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Los Angeles, July 16, 2008 – Small contingents of the negotiating committees for Screen Actors Guild and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers met for two hours today at AMPTP headquarters in Sherman Oaks. Both parties agreed to keep the contents of today’s meeting confidential.

We have no further comment.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Los Angeles, July 11, 2008 — The Screen Actors Guild national negotiating committee met behind closed doors throughout the day today discussing bargaining strategies. The negotiations team remains committed to continuing to bargain for a fair contract.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Los Angeles (July 10, 2008) - Screen Actors Guild negotiating committee members presented the AMPTP with their response to the producers’ proposal made June 30.

SAG committee members will meet Friday to discuss the AMPTP’s response. We will provide further guidance following that meeting.

About SAG

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Screen Actors Guild will present its response to the AMPTP’s June 30, 2008 proposal at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 10, 2008 at AMPTP headquarters in Sherman Oaks, CA.

The Screen Actors Guild national negotiating committee remains dedicated to achieving a fair TV/Theatrical contract for SAG members as soon as possible. The SAG national negotiating committee anticipates an equal effort and commitment by the employers and their representatives to achieve this goal.

About SAG

Screen Actors Guild Meets with AMPTP
Presents a Series of Questions on AMPTP Offer

Los Angeles, July 2, 2008 – The Screen Actors Guild national negotiating committee met with AMPTP negotiators today to present a series of substantive questions on the employers’ proposed package. Guild negotiators and staff will further analyze and review the AMPTP’s responses over the next several days in order to prepare a response to management’s proposal.

Dear Screen Actors Guild Member:

Your national negotiating committee and the industry bargained throughout the weekend and are continuing bargaining today. Nonetheless, the Screen Actors Guild Codified Basic and Television Agreements which cover television programs and motion pictures expire tonight at midnight. All members should continue to report to work and to audition for new work past the expiration date until further notice from the Guild. Such work will be covered under the terms of the expired television and theatrical agreements.

The following motion was passed by the Screen Actors Guild National Negotiating Committee June 30, 2008

Motion:
The Screen Actors Guild positions taken at the negotiating table have been as a result of the Hollywood, New York and Regional Branch Divisions. All representatives of the Screen Actors Guild National Negotiating Committee remain united and committed to obtaining the best deal possible for all actors.

Dear Screen Actors Guild Member:

Your national negotiating committee and the industry bargained throughout the weekend and are continuing bargaining today. Nonetheless, the Screen Actors Guild Codified Basic and Television Agreements which cover television programs and motion pictures expire tonight at midnight. All members should continue to report to work and to audition for new work past the expiration date until further notice from the Guild. Such work will be covered under the terms of the expired television and theatrical agreements.

Los Angeles, June 27, 2008 — Screen Actors Guild national negotiating committee met with the employers at the AMPTP headquarters in Sherman Oaks today. We have concluded for the day and will resume at 10 a.m. on Saturday.

We have no further comment.

Los Angeles, June 26, 2008 — Screen Actors Guild national negotiating committee met with the employers at the AMPTP headquarters in Sherman Oaks today. We have concluded for the day and will resume at 10 a.m. on Friday.

We have no further comment.

Los Angeles, June 24, 2008 — Screen Actors Guild national negotiating committee met with the employers at the AMPTP headquarters in Sherman Oaks today. We have concluded for the day and will resume at 10 a.m. On Wednesday.

We have no further comment.

On June 13, 2008, the Screen Actors Guild National TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee, representing all three divisions of the Guild's membership, unanimously adopted the following statement:

Los Angeles, June 12, 2008 -- Screen Actors Guild released the following statement:

“The Screen Actors Guild negotiating committee, representing all Screen Actors Guild members across the United States, is working hard to secure a fair deal for actors. We continue to believe that it is possible to complete negotiations and secure a fair deal before the expiration of the current agreement.

Los Angeles, June 11, 2008 - The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers and Screen Actors Guild have adjourned for the day and will reconvene Thursday, June 12 at 10:45 a.m.

We have no further comment.

Contact:

Pamela Greenwalt, SAG
(323) 440-2892

Jesse Hiestand, AMPTP
(818) 935-5941

Los Angeles, June 9, 2008 - The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers and Screen Actors Guild resumed negotiations today. The parties have recessed and will reconvene tomorrow at 10:00 a.m.

We have no further comment.

Contact:

Pamela Greenwalt, SAG
(323) 549-6872

Jesse Hiestand, AMPTP
(818) 935-5941

Los Angeles, June 9, 2008 - The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers and Screen Actors Guild resumed negotiations today. The parties have recessed and will reconvene tomorrow at 10:00 a.m.

We have no further comment.

Contact:

Pamela Greenwalt, SAG
(323) 549-6872

Jesse Hiestand, AMPTP
(818) 935-5941

Los Angeles, June 5, 2008 - The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers and Screen Actors Guild met today and have concluded their session. The parties will reconvene Monday, June 9.

We have no further comment.

Contact:

Pamela Greenwalt, SAG
(323) 549-6872

Jesse Hiestand, AMPTP
(818) 935-5941

Los Angeles, June 4, 2008 - The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers and Screen Actors Guild met today and have concluded their session. We will reconvene tomorrow at 10:00 a.m.

We have no further comment.

Contact:

Pamela Greenwalt, SAG
(323) 549-6872

Jesse Hiestand, AMPTP
(818) 935-5941

Dear Members,

As I’m sure you have heard, AFTRA reached a tentative agreement early Tuesday morning with the AMPTP for its Prime Time Exhibit A Contract, and we resumed our negotiations with the AMPTP for our TV/Theatrical Contract at 10 a.m. the same day.

Los Angeles, May 6, 2008 - The AMPTP suspended negotiations with Screen Actors Guild today over the objections of SAG's negotiating committee. The committee had urged that the AMPTP continue discussion and had offered to negotiate around the clock if necessary in order to secure an agreement.

The AMPTP declined to continue negotiations with SAG claiming that it was necessary to turn their attention to negotiating with American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA).

Los Angeles, May 5, 2008 - The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers and Screen Actors Guild met today and have concluded their session. The parties will resume negotiations at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday.

We have no further comment.

Contact:

Pamela Greenwalt, SAG

(323) 440-2892

Jesse Hiestand, AMPTP

(818) 935-5941

Los Angeles, May 3, 2008 - Screen Actors Guild and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television
Producers met today and have concluded their session. The parties will resume negotiations at 10:00 a.m. Monday.

We have no further comment.

Contact:

Jesse Hiestand, AMPTP
(818) 935-5941

Pamela Greenwalt, SAG
(323) 440-2892

iActor Puts Station 12 Cast Clearance & Exclusive SAG Talent Pool Right at the Industry’s Fingertips