David H. Lawrence XVII :: Vote YES on the SAG TV Contract

[jamjes1]

Non Union Production in New Media under a SAG Contract? Dayplayer loses $2000.00 average(P+H@14.8%=$296.00)

and gains on the Net $22.77(P+H=$3.70)

Why are we being asked to give away protections(Force Majeure, Clip Consent) we've had for years, only to fight or strike to get them back in two years? This is nonsense. When you ask me to give away protections which were hard fought for, and give away the residuals of those who fought for them, I have to VOTE NO!

[therealbabyxerxes]

I gave you a thumbs up on this because you commented in a productive fashion, instead of just shouting "FICORE! LIAR!" over and over again.

[smitro1947]

I have a suggestion for 'phatompanther'.....just keep listening to David Lawrence, his voice is one of reason backed up by fact. I appreciate David for his time, his mind and his thick skin.. We're not politicians-we're actors.the AMPTP is the enemy and our employer; hm,,,.does anyone see them having this open forum of vitriolic democracy? SAG leadership played their hand and lost miserably now it's time to shuffle up, shut up and deal while we wait for the next good hand in two years UNITED!

[phantompanther]

Heh, indeed. David Lawrence does sound like he knows what he's talking about. *nods* That's another reason why I am leaning towards that side, although I don't know if I really have a say at this point, as I am currently on the "outside". Still trying to get in the door, you know? However, when I look at the two sides of this issue, we have David who is speaking rationally and explaining why he doesn't think it will work and a bunch of angry people who are spamming everything. Hmmm.

[phantompanther]

...Well at this point, if I had to pick a "side", I'm going to lean towards yours, simply due to the fact that apparently a group(?) of people are spamming this video's comments with thumbs down if the comment doesn't disagree with you. It's not even if they agree with you that will get you thumbs down, as I didn't even give a say and I got thumbs down. *blink* I just asked questions. Geez, people.

[OroloroSM]

Ver ysound advice and a reasonable take on a difficult decision. Vote Yes puts us back to work at higher rates, increase P&H contributions and gains jurisdiction. Then we can reform, better plan, and make improvements starting in just 18 months. Three recent independent reports (including Neilsens and Hlw Reporter) clearly show new media a money loser now...

[warbad1]

I love the fact that the No voters say we can't trust what the CEO's say when it comes to the 'Sunset Clause' and 'Transparency', but their word is gospel when it comes to profit predictions in New Media.

[ClownLogicFilms]

David, I always appreciate your rational and well-reasoned analysis. I am voting Yes, and encouraging other SAG members to research the issues and do the same.

[hollywoodphony]

What about the argument that we're locking in a precedent for how the residuals will be payed out in the future? The way the DVD rate was settled a long time ago and considered "off the table" for consideration of renegotiation? And if I get like 20 cats, will you make a video where you try and herd them? You have to dress up like a cowboy.

[hollywoodphony]

"payed out"? Duh.

[davidhlawrence]

I decline to herd actual cats, cowboy outfit or not.

As to the idea that we're locking in a precedent, I urge you to read the actual contract, and to review the work done by AFTRA's team to address how to handle new media. I don't read the language in the contract that *any* precedent is being set, that in fact we are putting off the precedent setting to a more appropriate time - like 2 years from now when what the Internet is capable of in terms of real profit is more evident.

[ChaoticSupernova]

I have absolutly no idea what you're talking about. I'm only watching because you're the puppetmaster.

[phantompanther]

Sorry about all of the questions... I am just not sure what it's about and I can see where it's beneficial, but I can see where it might cause issues in other areas. As I said, I tried to look it up, but I'm not sure where the best sources are and the SAG site posted up PDFs... PDFs and my computer do not get along, sadly... Do you have any suggestions as to where I can get this information that is safe, reliable, and is on a page, not a PDF? ^^;

[phantompanther]

I've tried looking up the topic, because I really had no idea what you've been talking about... From what I understand so far, it's basically a contract that will give actors money when projects they work on make money online...? What else does it do? Will it really affect people who create stories and are trying to get into the business ( Hi. *shy wave* )? How does it affect directors, producers, companies, and so on? -TBC-

[davidhlawrence]

The SAG Theatrical Contract is a very important contract that governs the entire relationship between producers like NBC, Columbia Pictures, and also smaller independent producers that want to use SAG actors in their productions. It's not just about new media, but that became a very important issue to a faction within the union, and, in my opinion, they blew it so out of proportion that our whole negotiation schedule was delayed by over a year. Now, it has been overwhelmingly approved.