Vote YES on the TV/Theatrical Contracts; Member Meeting Monday

Dear New York Guild Members,

You probably have had your TV/Theatrical ballot for about a week now. I hope you have had the opportunity to read the information that was included in the package. There is both a majority and a minority report. I remain confident as part of the Board majority and as someone who was on the negotiating committee and the negotiating task force that a YES vote is the right vote.

We have come to expect vigorous public debate on Guild issues when we are asked for our votes. This contract is no different. I am concerned, however, that in all the rhetoric, facts are lost and issues are inflamed and distorted. 

One issue that has been misrepresented, I think, is the potential for non-union work in low budget made for new media projects. The fact is that this proposed contract provides a definition of a “covered performer” that would make any of these projects union if it is done with a performer with minimal professional experience. In addition, any new media project above this low budget threshold is automatically a union project.

Our residuals in traditional media, where we make the vast majority of our residuals, will increase because of this contract. It is also in traditional media that networks and producers make the vast majority of their profits.

They will not jeopardize those profits by rushing to the internet which has yet to be proven profitable. Most significant, this contract establishes the principle of residuals in new media now and into the future.

There is an informational meeting on Monday, June 1, 2009 in New York City at the DGA Theatre, 110 W 57th Street from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. You can ask questions there or for more information call the National TV/Theatrical Contracts Hotline (323) 549-6665 or email contract2009@sag.org. But I will continue to recommend a YES vote. It is time for the Guild to move on.

Sam Freed
New York Division President
2nd National Vice President

P.S. Please join myself and many other members, including George Clooney, Tom Hanks, Sally Field and Alec Baldwin, who have signed SAG’s online statement of support here.