Comments on: URGENT! Jake & Jessica Sidelined Again: IATSE Shuts Down David O. Russell Film

By: zippy

zippy — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:08:45 +0000

Sorry filmfans, but don’t credit the unions on this one. The IA SHOULD NEVER have allowed this film to proceed. They worked 5-weeks without a payroll company, still not bonded and IA ONLY got involved after all this publicity. IA’s original response to its members: “DO WHATEVER YOU WANT.” They stayed out of this until the problems became so public. Most of the crew has been very discouraged by IA’s lack of involvement.

By: chuck

chuck — Sat, 17 May 2008 06:29:24 +0000

What do actors/Actresses do when they get sidelined by thier union when a film production shuts down?

By: Hate, hate, hate!

Hate, hate, hate! — Fri, 16 May 2008 19:52:53 +0000

Ah, gotta love that DHD-Comment-Board spinwork.

Let the overzealousness begin! Thank god for unions, AMPTP members would never pay us if not for our unquestionably holy unions! Never mind that this production has hit the skids because of its independent financing! Screw the Weinsteins, who made their deal with the WGA during the strike… they were okay then, but who needs hindsight?!?! Keep in mind, too, this story has nothing to do with the AMPTP! Who cares?!?! Hate, hate, hate!

Oh, and for good measure, screw George Clooney. Why? Just ’cause. He understandably felt slighted by the WGA, but screw him for his talent and success! Hate, hate, hate!

By the way, where’s the story regarding SAG/AMPTP talks resuming on May 28th? Anyone? Anyone? Hmm, I guess anyone who cares is busy working. Why don’t the rest of us sit around and stew and point fingers at IATSE for being ineffective (funny how so many of the individuals truly hate-filled toward IATSE aren’t actually members. Heh).

I’ve been on these boards since I lost my job during the strike, and I hate to keep parroting: Unions are good. But moderation is better. Let’s keep this in mind.

By: This Business of Show

This Business of Show — Fri, 16 May 2008 17:14:49 +0000

IA stepping up for its members. That’s got to be a first.

By: M's

M's — Fri, 16 May 2008 14:52:02 +0000

Peggy Lane O’Rourke above is right.

That’s exactly what came to mind re: TWC not paying residuals [and other studios/companies.]

Without unions, artists wouldn’t get residuals either. Even with unions, it can be tough.

“Artists” like George Clooney and his smug contempt for unions come to mind. Bet he relied on his union to get him paid back in the day of Facts of Life, Roseanne, etc.

By: Brian

Brian — Fri, 16 May 2008 02:30:30 +0000

Is this a problem because it is an Independent production without a major studios financial backing. If so then all the “pre-strike” completion deals SAG signed with the Independents won’t be worth the paper they are written on. The money will not be there at some point in the production as no major banks or lenders will be willing to take a chance on them.

By: Peggy Lane O'Rourke

Peggy Lane O'Rourke — Thu, 15 May 2008 18:53:35 +0000

This only goes to prove how ESSENTIAL it is to have union protection. We’d all be told “the check is in the mail” without it. Something to keep in mind in the upcoming SAG negotiations.

And for all the IATSE members so stuck in the middle of all this union stuff that doesn’t involve them, please remember that SAG needs to protect us the way that IATSE is protecting you on this production. While it seems to be a different situation, in theory it’s not all that different. We all just want to make sure we don’t get screwed over.

Multiply this production by EVERY production and you’ll see what this business could be like without unions. And no one wants that. Please let SAG protect their own like every other union has. Without our unions, we are all screwed.

Peggy Lane O’Rourke