UNION POWER - WGA Strike Shuts Down A Location Shoot

Some Crew Members may not be aware that the majority of their IATSE Pension and Health Fund is funded by residuals. If the Producers had their way, residuals would be decimated and all Industry-related unions would suffer.

Interesting note: It was a pretty tense morning and my camera was bringing out a lot of hostility. Or so I thought. There was a lot of commotion (and emotion) when I shot what became the last shot of this video. I was pretty sure I'd shot a crew member flipping me off. Later, when I looked at the footage on my computer, I was stunned (and quite pleased) to find that the gentleman I had taped wasn't flipping me off -- he was tipping his hat.

What I have found at location shoot pickets is that while there are often some very vocal and frustrated Crew Members, the majority are sympathetic to the WGA's struggle.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• WGA
• strike
• IATSE
• location
• shoot
• Disney
• ABC
• October
• Road
• union
• power
• producers
• AMPTP

[mpandmolly]

- And finally, because the DGA negotiations went so smoothly and quickly, do you still feel confident in your leadership and their strategy to shut down the town.

[jh0009]

The anger of the crew members is totally justified. The AMPTP could've made the same DGA offer to the WGA 43 days ago. Instead, the CEOs unnecessarily extended the pain caused by the strike by refusing to negotiate.

[gripjohnny]

why picket scripts that are BOUGHT & PAID FOR, your clowns made thier money, let us make ours... GO BACK TO WORK !

[jh0009]

grip, when the WGA pickets a location, crews make MORE money. The shoot will either move to a sound stage or it will be re-shoot later at another location. That means the crew gets paid again at the expense of the company we're picketing. If you're really angry about this strike, call the CEOs and demand that they return to the bargaining table.

[jh0009]

pjohnson52 posted a vulgar, inarticulate, and uninformed video in response to the Union Power video. He then disabled comments. I believe this site should be a place of free and open expression. That's why I haven't removed his offensive video.

[guellow23]

alfredo barrios wrote a pilot in 2003. he's the one leading this strike? and out of work writer? people...don't you have to be a working union in order to strike? this is ridiculous. go back to work. stop screwing the people who are working to support themselves and their families.

[jh0009]

Guellow, the AMPTP's first offer to the WGA was zero for anything to do with the Internet. The corporations hate paying for health and pension. Do you believe that union members have the right to strike in order to protect their health benefits? If so, then your anger should be directed at the AMPTP.  Call the CEOs and demand that they return to the table.

[perladeloceano]

How is a strike that puts the working people out of work good for them?

[ArtModeldvds]

iatse 891...dished senority , So that lesbians with no senority and or film-experience can take senior members show-call opertunities and work with there older mommy-girlfriend.... =butting into the food line = no senority.

[cinepie]

WHERE DID OUR IATSE 891-UNION SENORITY GO ?

Vancouver Members ask.

how is work dispatched at other iatse union locals...preferentialy ? or by senority ?

[gripjohnny]

I heard form a producer friend the directors got what they wanted, which is similar to what the writers want because they were childish about it, they went in and stated what they wanted and they told the producers to meet them in the middle and come to an agreement, they did. so whats the problem writers.. were starting to see the silly side of the writers now

[thepolishassassin007]

Strange how your evidence dries up when challenged...

[perladeloceano]

How many writers count on working 45-50 weeks a year to pay their mortgages and support their families?

Of the WGA membership, a signifigant majority has not worked in the last 48 months.

How does that make you the saviors to the crews that you try to paint?

[perladeloceano]

Actually, we moved to a sound stage that day and completed the work without overtime. I agree with what you are fighting for, but your methods and PR campaign are ridiculous. I hate to say it, but the Producers look like the organized and level-headed players in this squabble.

Quit patting yourselves on the back as champions of the crew members.

[mpandmolly]

So you're saying that now the DGA contract is on the table, the WGA will sign it and get back to work? I'm hopeful but I doubt it.

[perladeloceano]

Got to love your PR department. Would you mind showing the unedited final clip of your piece without slow motion?

Don't worry. I won't be surprised when you decline to comment.