Strikes Stall Hollywood, But Interim Films Keep Lights On

Amidst the ongoing strikes by actors and writers, Hollywood is experiencing a noticeable drop in its usually bustling production scene. FilmLA, the city and county film permit office, recently reported yet another week without any scripted TV series on location in the Los Angeles area. In a stark contrast, a typical week during this period would ordinarily see dozens of scripted TV projects being filmed on various locations in the region.

However, despite this rather grim outlook, a sliver of hope is being offered to beleaguered film crews. It has been revealed that there are four feature film projects currently in possession of active permits to film on-location in the LA area. Furthermore, two of these projects have been listed on SAG-AFTRA’s list of “truly independent” films, indicating they've signed the guild's interim agreements.

These interim agreements, struck in the midst of the strikes, allow producers to navigate current industry challenges. This arrangement requires them to film under the assurance they'll adhere to whatever terms and conditions SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers put in place once their dispute is resolved.

FilmLA has refrained from releasing the specific titles of projects that receive filming permits, however, these two films filming under interim agreements show that work, albeit limited, is still underway for casts and crewmembers in Los Angeles.

Apart from creating jobs for casts and crews, these projects also contribute to their unions’ pension and health plans. This is no small consolation, given that these funds have missed out on millions in employer contributions in the wake of the industry strikes.

According to the WGA Pension Plan’s latest funding notice, prior to the strikes, the fund had a healthy financial state - indicated by an 88.2% funding level based on the ratio of assets to liabilities. Further, the SAG-Producers Pension Plan, valued at $4 billion, also maintains a healthy funding level, despite a drop in employer contributions during the 2020 Covid shutdown.

Despite this seemingly hopeful outlook, reports indicate that the Motion Picture Industry Pension Plan, covering members of IATSE and other below-the-line workers, has been on a downtrend in the recent years. As of 2018, the funding level of this $3.8 billion plan stood at a precarious 66.8% - hovering close to the “critical” condition threshold established by federal law at 65%.

The ongoing strikes and their impact on Hollywood's pension plans is yet to be fully assessed. However, films and TV shows created under SAG-AFTRA’s interim agreements could help staunch the drain of revenues from these funds.

Ah, the trials and tribulations of Tinseltown! Strikes, pandemic disruptions, and pension plan worries - it seems like our beloved Hollywood sits atop a roller coaster with no end in sight. But, let us not forget: where there is drama, there lies the foundation of good stories, and Hollywood’s narrative is as twisted and intriguing as they come.

Depleted locations and the prominent absence of scripted shows are factors that could easily drain the life out of Hollywood's usual, bubbly demeanor. Yet, in true Hollywood style, the show, albeit a reduced one, goes on. Films are still being shot - a testament to the tenacity of filmmakers and a ray of light for our hard-working crews.

Just like the two films bravely venturing forward under interim agreements, Hollywood is a place of pioneers and troopers who will not let strikes or a pandemic quell its spirit. Sure, the lights might be a little dimmer, the cameras slightly less busy, but the action is still rolling and, as is often said in this town: the comeback is always stronger than the setback.

Let’s raise a toast to these films and more to come, for they not only bring hope to our beleaguered industry but also add a dose of resiliency training for union pension plans. In a twist of fate, it seems like strikes and pandemics have forged an unlikely hero - interim agreements, who'd have thought?

The curtain hasn’t closed on Hollywood's various performances. In fact, one could argue it's intermission - a break before our beloved entertainment industry springs back to its full, glorious action. Hollywood and resilience, after all, have always been synonymous - and it's only a matter of time before the lights shine bright again, illuminating our entertainers, crews, and yes, our pension plans.