FOX shifts from SAG to AFTRA
As a dreaded US actors strike still seems possible, FOX exerts a little pressure, favouring the smaller actors' union, AFTRA.
- Published by David Knox
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As US contract negotiations between Screen Actors Guild and the (producers’ body) AMPTP continue to stall, FOX Television said it may bypass SAG and produce new shows for the next season under an agreement with the smaller actors’ union, AFTRA.
FOX is considering shooting its spring pilots under a contract with the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. For existing shows, “we are exploring every option,” including shifting shows to AFTRA from the Actors Guild, FOX said.
Uncertainty surrounding stalled talks between the guild and Hollywood studios prompted the shift, FOX said. The Screen Actors are seeking strike authorisation and will mail out ballots to members in January.
FOX has about 20 shows in production and most are with SAG, said a spokesman for FOX’s television studio. “We are shooting pilots with AFTRA whenever possible,” Chris Alexander said. “We are exploring options in regard to existing and older shows. We want to leave that door open.”
SAG has about 120,000 members, while 70,000 belong to AFTRA. About 40,000 actors belong to both unions. Typically, SAG contracts cover film and prime-time television production, while AFTRA shows run on daytime TV and cable.
Source: Bloomberg
2 Responses
I guess you can’t really blame them. A strike would be another devastating result for the industry.
I just want to see Dollhouse in the new year, I hope they work things out as the last strike cost billions and now the country in in recession and they can’t afford to repeat that again!