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Independent Productions

All articles tagged with #independent productions

film-industry2 years ago

Fall Film Festivals Navigate Strikes and Indie Film Sales Amidst SAG Waivers and Loopholes

The interim agreement issued by SAG-AFTRA, allowing union members to promote their films at Venice, Toronto, and Telluride, has sparked controversy in the indie industry. While some see the waivers as crucial support for non-AMPTP projects, others argue that the conditions imposed by the union create difficulties for producers and sales companies in making deals with distributors. One condition of the waiver is that distributors must comply with SAG-AFTRA demands, including on subscription revenue and residuals, which major studios and global platforms have rejected. As a result, waivered projects are being overlooked by these entities, limiting revenue options for independent productions. The impact of the SAG waivers will be tested at the Venice Film Festival, where films like Michael Mann's "Ferrari" and Luc Besson's "Dogman" arrived with interim agreements in place.

entertainment2 years ago

SAG-AFTRA Excludes WGA-Covered U.S. Projects from Interim Agreement

SAG-AFTRA has modified its interim agreement policy to exclude any projects shot in the U.S. that are covered by the Writers Guild (WGA). This decision was made in solidarity with the WGA and to support their strike strategy. Going forward, SAG-AFTRA will only grant interim agreements for non-WGA-covered projects produced in the USA, ensuring that true independent productions are included. The modification is seen as a win-win change that protects the interests of SAG-AFTRA members while supporting the WGA's fight for a fair contract.

entertainment2 years ago

SAG-AFTRA Defends Interim Agreements Amid Strike Criticism

SAG-AFTRA defends its interim agreements, stating that they are a crucial part of their strike strategy. These agreements allow independent projects to film during the strike as long as they adhere to the terms of the eventual deal reached with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. The guild's negotiating committee clarifies that the agreements do not prolong the strike but instead create leverage and pressure on the AMPTP. They also emphasize that the terms of the agreements make it unfeasible for the projects to be distributed through AMPTP platforms until an industrywide agreement is reached. The committee assures members that the vetting process ensures that the projects are separate from the AMPTP and entirely independent. The interim agreements aim to protect the interests of SAG-AFTRA members, demonstrate the viability of proposed residuals formulas, and encourage production budgets to support union-covered projects.

entertainment2 years ago

Actors' Strike Fails to Halt Production of Indie Films and TV Shows

Despite the ongoing actors' strike led by SAG-AFTRA, some independent productions have been granted interim agreements, allowing them to continue filming. These productions, which are not affiliated with major studios or streamers, can apply for the agreement and proceed with their projects. The list of approved productions includes "The Chosen," "Mother Mary," and "Bride Hard." The interim agreement is reviewed by SAG-AFTRA to ensure the independence of the production. Meanwhile, faith series "The Chosen" has resumed shooting its fourth season after agreeing to the actors' union requests and interim agreement. Other work that does not require an agreement includes commercials, video games, audiobooks, podcasts, short films, and student films.

entertainment2 years ago

SAG-AFTRA Grants Waivers for Independent Films Amidst Strike

SAG-AFTRA has granted waivers to 39 independent productions, including two from A24, allowing them to shoot during the actors strike as long as they are not affiliated with AMPTP companies and agree to be bound retroactively to the eventual contract terms with AMPTP. The approved projects include films such as "Mother Mary" and "Death of a Unicorn," as well as series like "The Chosen" and "Rivals of Amziah King." Shooting may not commence immediately for all projects, as some are still in development.