IT'S ABOUT TIME

In September, 2011, SAG-AFTRA launched a campaign calling for a contract providing for safety, fair pay, and other benefits for professional performers.  They are unhappy with the response they have gotten, and feel that conditions are worse now than before they began the campaign.  Check out their latest video, called "The Time Is Now".

 

 

What do you think about the campaign?

Comments

[Alice Raver]

I absolutely support this! The time IS now!!! :)

[Mike Parker]

There is always going to be strong opinions anytime you get into discussions of union vs. right to work. Personally, I've never been big on anyone telling me whether or not I can work for whoever I want, as long as I am willing and able to do the job.
On the other hand, I understand the challenges of those who are subjected to rotten work conditions.

[Mike Harris]

I've appeared in dozens of music videos. Maybe I'm luckier than most, but I've always been treated with respect, had timely meal breaks, cold water - even pizza carried in when a shoot runs long. Maybe it's not the same way in other cities. Although it's an admirable undertaking [particularly when it refers to safety and fair pay] I think SAG/AFTRA will have a hard time enforcing this concept in Nashville, which is 'Right To Work' and where music video work is much scarcer than it was a few years ago. Additionally, many music videos now are really 'shoestring' productions being made for just a few thousand [or even a few hundred] dollars, made for YouTube more than CMT or GAC. SAG-AFTRA need to negotiate on behalf of their members rather than expecting individual actors, models or dancers to make demands of a producer, such as insisting on a written contract. Once those agreements are in place, all talent will benefit, but I don't really think that threatening individual talent with 'disciplinary action' if they fail to demand specific concessions from producers is fair or practical. Let's keep trying to get an industry-wide agreement in place.