SAG-AFTRA Greenlights 39 Indy Productions Amid Strike: A24 Snags Two Waivers
SAG-AFTRA, the American labor union representing approximately 160,000 film and television actors, radio personalities, and other media professionals, has green-lighted 39 independent productions to resume shooting amidst an ongoing actor's strike. These projects have been carefully vetted for connections with AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers) companies. Among these approved productions are two projects by critically-acclaimed independent studio A24, namely Mother Mary and Death of a Unicorn. This information was initially surfaced by Deadline on Monday, with the faith-based television series The Chosen also highlighted as a likely candidate for approval.
Out of the total count, A24 successfully secured waivers for two of its projects. However, insiders caution that granted waivers will not necessarily immediately trigger the start of production, especially in the case of Death of a Unicorn, a project that is reportedly still entrenched in the development phase. On the other hand, it is predicted that shooting will resume shortly for Mother Mary.
The approved list of projects also features Rivals of Amziah King, the forthcoming vehicle for Academy Award Winner Matthew McConaughey; Dust Bunny, a feature starring sci-fi veteran Sigourney Weaver and Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen; and Bride Hard, a comedy presumably led by Australian actress Rebel Wilson.
The waivers have strictly been reserved for 'truly independent producers', defining them as entities devoid of affiliations with the AMPTP. These producers are further required to consent to align with any contract terms retroactively once they are finalized with the AMPTP, upon settlement of the strike.
---
Now, let's step back from the antiseptic glare of the headlines and channel our inner Charlie Chaplin, shall we?
Apparently, SAG-AFTRA has become the Hollywood equivalent of the Soup Nazi from Seinfeld: "No shooting for you!". Unless, of course, you're one of the chosen 39, who've managed to skilfully bob and weave around the AMPTP blockade like a heavyweight boxer. Kudos to them! A24 must be beaming all the way to their un-unionized, indie film set.
But let's not let the excitement blind us. Receiving a waiver, in this case, may be about as equally jubilant as getting an IOU note from the mafia. Sure, it's an approval for now, but these waivers amount to little more than a promissory note that whatever terms are agreed upon when the dust settles, will apply to these projects retrospectively.
And a special shoutout to Death of a Unicorn, whose name seems eerily symbolic of the industry's climate. Trapped between the sword of the strike and the deep pit of development hell. It’s like a Hollywood version of 'Schrodinger's Project': simultaneously alive with a waiver, and dead in the infinite abyss of pre-production.
Meanwhile, Rebel Wilson is likely warming up her comedy chops for an I-do rom-com with a survivalist twist in Bride Hard. It'd be interesting to see if the strike narratives make their way into the screenplay, maybe even a cross picket lines for love sub-plot? You heard it here first folks!
Until the curtain finally closes on this spectacle we’re left in suspense, constantly refreshing the news feed in anticipation of the final act. Here’s to hoping the Hollywood finale is worth the wait!
