SAG-AFTRA Responds To Those Questioning Interim Agreements Amid Strike

justjared.com:

SAG-AFTRA has released a statement projects that are allowed to film during the strike. The union has given over 70 projects an “interim agreement”, which was previously referred to as a waiver, to allow them to continue to film despite the strike and contract negotiations with the AMPTP.

Now, the union sent a letter to all of its’ members explaining how the interim agreements are strategic. Keep reading to find out more… “Make no mistake, we are striking the AMPTP companies only, not independent productions that abide by the terms of our Interim Agreement.

It behooves us to make this strategic move,” the letter, posted in part by The Wrap, started out. The statement to members also says that the interim agreements “give many of our journeyman performers and crews the opportunity to pay their rent and feed their families.” “Working with these independent producers proves that the wage increases and other terms, which the AMPTP has so far rejected, are in fact reasonable and appropriate,” it goes on. “Prior to a ratified deal with the AMPTP stemming from our negotiations, the agreement will demonstrate that our proposed residuals formulas, including the streaming revenue-sharing, are economically viable within our industry.” SAG-AFTRA’s letter also states that the agreements are “vital” in negotiating with the AMPTP. “If the AMPTP continues to refuse to bargain, our strategy denies them the ability to freely make their own original productions, allowing everyone other than the AMPTP to produce content with our members.” Sarah Silverman was one of the many who had voiced concerns, but after a talk with SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher, had said that she’s “less pissed off” about it. “I feel extremely comfortable