Music Supervisors Move to Unionize After Alliance of Motion Picture and TV Producers Refuses to Grant Equal Rights

variety.com:

Jazz Tangcay Artisans EditorMusic supervisors have proven to be an indispensable part of visual media, soundtracking movies, television series, video games and all manner of content.

Yet the thousands-strong community has no representation as a collective beyond the 12-year-old Guild of Music Supervisors (GMS), and are seeking to unionize in an effort to see fair treatment for the craft.

The move comes after the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) refused music supervisors’ ask to grant equal rights, including such staples as overtime pay and other basic labor protections and benefits.Over 75% of Film and Television Music Supervisors signed union cards agreeing to have IATSE, on their behalf, petition the AMPTP for voluntary recognition of their union.

Music Supervisors have wanted union representation for a long time and with the support of IATSE, that time has come. Speaking up has always been a challenge and fear of retribution has been one of the factors.Says Madonna Wade-Reed, vice president of the Guild of Music Supervisors, “The scope and responsibilities of the role having grown exponentially and our role makes us an important part of the creative process.