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Two Hollywood Unions Start New Contract Talks With Studios
Crew members move a set piece at Beachwood Services in Santa Clarita, Calif.
(
Tracy Nguyen for NPR
)
Topline:
The International Association of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) and Hollywood Basic Crafts have started talks with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) to negotiate two contracts expiring July 31.
Why it matters: The unions represent more than 60,000 film and TV workers. They are initially seeking an agreement on pension and health benefits. Then IATSE will negotiate additional issues with AMPTP. After last year’s WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes put crew members out of work for six months, the stakes are high for avoiding another work stoppage.
What IATSE wants: The union is seeking increased compensation and worker protections, from safety on set to mandated rest periods to rules governing AI uses. Mike Miller, an IATSE vice president, said: “We have to put our members in a position to feel like they have some job security...that they're not going to be replaced with machines or robots.”
The studios’ likely counter: One studio executive told The Ankler that they’re worried about the higher production costs that would stem from accepting IATSE’s demands. “Where do you save that money? Shoot less days? With simpler scripts?” the executive said.
For more... read the full story on The Ankler.
This story is published in partnership with The Ankler, a paid subscription publication about the entertainment industry.
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