MPSE Waives Dues to Ease Industry Shutdown Impact

In an unprecedented move, the Motion Picture Sound Editors (MPSE) have decided to waive their dues for members for the present year in response to the ongoing strikes initiated by SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild. The organization’s board, approving the measure unanimously, made this decision in an effort to alleviate some of the financial burden currently faced by its members impacted by the industry shutdown.

Despite not being a union itself, MPSE serves as a nonprofit collective for professional sound and music editors within the film, TV, and gaming industries. In a statement addressing the decision, MPSE lays bare the impact of the strike on its members: “Sound editors, like other below-the-line talent, have been profoundly impacted by the stoppage of film and television production. The board is making this gesture to support its members, many of whom are currently out of work.”

Expressing their concern for their members, MPSE President Mark A. Lanza expressed the desire for members to remain actively engaged with the organization, with the expectation that they will be prepared for work as soon as strikes are resolved. The waiver includes both those who are yet to pay their 2023-24 dues and those who already have, whose fee will be credited to the following year.

Although not taking an official stand on the strikes, MPSE have cited their desire for a quick and peaceful resolution, where everyone can return to their beloved work. Regarding the strikes, Writers Guild members should note that bargaining is slated to continue as of this coming Friday. Strike actions have been ongoing since May 2 for the Writers Guild, and since July 14 for SAG-AFTRA.

Now, to pivot from the wire to the waggish, several things are clear. First, the MPSE have snatched sound editing’s very own "Robin Hood" status, adjusting their leotards and muscling their merry way through the forest of the strikes. Their gesture, small to the collective but significant to the individual, demonstrates a dedication to their members that’s as clear as a perfectly mixed Dolby Atmos track.

Next, let's mull over President Lanza’s mission statement. A gallant purpose, indeed, to ensure the continuous honing and promoting of the members' skills. However, the lingering question is, how does one practice the craft of sound editing in a stripped-down, strike-driven industry? Perhaps it's time to expand the portfolio a little - Foley work for YouTube cat videos, anyone?

Lastly, while I do salute MPSE's neutrality on the subject of the strikes, their hope for a "quick and amicable resolution" might also double as a well-disguised plea. It's a touch of realism seeping into their optimistic outlook, or what I like to call the "Hurry-up Heroes of Hollywood" subplot in our dramatic industry saga.

So, as the WGA heads back to the bargaining table with a bagful of unresolved matters, I hope they channel a little MPSE. Keep your members in mind, remember the communal mission and remember, Hollywood is always listening - literally and figuratively. After all, it’s not just a sound bite. It’s the entire soundtrack.