LA Protests Stall Scripted TVs; Interim Agreements Keep Film Rolling

FilmLA has reported continued interruptions in filming locations on scripted TV series in the Los Angeles area due to ongoing acts of protests by actors and writers. A stark contrast to the norm, dozens of scripted TV projects would be typically shooting in the region. This apparent absence of scripted TV shows has been echoed this current week, however, FilmLA, the permit office for the city and county film, is providing a sliver of optimism for the disheartened film teams. It has announced that four feature film projects presently have valid permits to film on location, and two of these are listed on SAG-AFTRA’s “truly independent” films roster having signed its interim agreements.

These interim agreements allow producers to continue filming amidst the strikes, under the condition that they comply with the terms and conditions to be concluded by SAG-AFTRA with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. The specific projects receiving filming permits remain undisclosed by FilmLA, but the knowledge of two feature films underway under interim agreements lends evidence that work opportunities for film performers and crewmembers in Los Angeles have not entirely vanished.

Equally crucial is the creation of jobs for the performers and crew, and the contributions made towards their union pension and health plan. These have been greatly impacted with the loss of substantial sums in employer contributions due to the strikes. The most recent funding notice reported by the WGA pension plan on March 30 revealed that prior to the strikes, the funding level was in the “Green Zone” indicating good financial health. However, in recent years, the members of IATSE and other 'below-the-line' workers covered under the Motion Picture Industry Pension Plan have not had the same fortune.

The fallout of the ongoing strikes on the pension plans of Hollywood is still unclear but shooting under SAG-AFTRA’s interim agreement will aid in reducing the loss in revenue. While hundreds of films and over a dozen of scripted TV shows have signed the interim agreements of SAG-AFTRA, most of them are filming exterior to Los Angeles or even overseas. Furthermore, SAG-AFTRA’s negotiation committee implored members that taking up work under interim agreements would ultimately weaken AMPTP and further strengthen the individual guild and union pension plans.

Ah, Hollywood, the city that never stops churning - or at least that was the case before actors and writers decided to take a stand, causing TV to stand still. Now, permit officers are becoming bearer of glad tidings of sorts, offering light at the end of this tunnel. Well, the show must go on, right?

While some might wave off these shoots as mere drops in the ocean, let's not forget: every little helps. Isn't it wonderful that our resourceful producers have found a way to continue filming with the help of interim agreements? And to paraphrase an old saying, an actor shooting is worth two on strike.

While we can't help but root for our beloved actors and writers, the mention of 'interim agreements' acts as a beacon of hope. Yes, these strikes have largely led to a Hollywood hibernation, but these interim agreements might just prove to be the warmer weather to rouse the industry.

Can we also take a moment to appreciate SAG-AFTRA’s interim agreements for their special mention? As a classic underdog tale, these agreements have transformed from being the obscure guidelines to the knight in shining armor for many a filmmaker.

Still, it’s not exactly a movie scene ending, is it? Income through popcorn sales in the lobbies will hardly mend the gaping impact on the pension plans, but, hey, isn't Hollywood all about the plot twists and surprise endings?

So, while we wait to see what Act 3 has in store for us, let's stand by and hope that the number of job opportunities continues to rise, battening down the AMPTP, and strengthening Hollywood's guild and union pension plans. After all, a well-fed Hollywood is a well-oiled Hollywood-and we could all do with less drama in the distribution department.

Strikes will come, and scripts will pause, but Hollywood, dear readers, will always find its applause. Thanks to savvy producers, petitions, and interim agreements, the stage lights remain on, the cameras roll, and action reigns, however interim it may be. For now, that's a wrap!