Sag

[michaelbay]

Oh my god. SAG wants more than Directors and Writers? That's a smart tactic I guess. When are people going to understand, most importantly actors - we are at war - we are facing a major recession - our country is in dire need of being fixed - our country also has no money because we have given trillions to the Iraq war and we have NOT even started to pay for it - it is just paid right now by printing more money on presses - China owns our ass in every way. Why not strike on a business in a down fall. Just like the writer's they made pennies on the four extra months striking - when you do the real math and they are paying the price for it still - so many writer's out of work still!!! I want this business to thrive - I know the studio heads and they will punish those that defy them. Okay, be an idealist - but you will never get a better deal then the writer's or directors - only the same - the studio's will never allow it, don't kid yourself. The working actors don't want a strike - they have said so. Too many non working actors have a say which is crazy - maybe there are just too many actors?? Gosh I'm even a member of SAG, but I don't feel I've earned the right to vote in this guild.

One hunch, the leaders of these guilds seem to like the limelight they get in the press, it becomes more about the ego in the room rather than something smart. Striking is not smart. Through the history in America, strikes in businesses have only gained the union worker 6% at the max - so take the emotion out of it and go for the 6%. A path to strike is not smart for the the hundreds of thousands of people in this business. Sanity needs to prevail here - talk real and talk the same talk as your union brothers - not more!

[Jarek Zabczynski]

Greed is horrible thing...

These strikes only lead to lowered standards. It's because of all this crap that the entertainment world has been overcome by shitty (cheap) "reality television." Screw that.

[Mobe1969]

I don't know the details of their demands, but I have a lot of respect for the amount of hours a lot of actors have to do. I'm not talking big budget movie stars that just work occasionally. But take for example an hour long TV series like say the XFiles, 22+ 1 hour episodes a year, mostly night shoots, and lead actors in pretty well every shot in every episode. That is just gruelling. The amount of hours an actor like that would do would put me to shame. People at the low end of the acting barrel do have to work for a living, and I've no idea what they get paid. But I expect there are a lot of people that just want to act that don't make much.

[sora]

Now SAG? Haven't they learnt from arduous strikes in the past months?

[nelson]

I think one of the very smart thing the DGA did was go out and research how much of a deal they can get.

It appears that the presidents and negotiators just want to go into negotiations -- if thats what they're doing -- and basically start a pissing contest.

[Bumblebee1983]

But hey, this strike will give directors a chance to find new talent.

*hides under desk*

But yeah, the demands are outstanding.

[bliss81]

so an SAG strike is inevitable? awe crap. i hope those who are dependent on this industry to get food in their homes will be able to survive....

[Bumblebee1983]

so an SAG strike is inevitable? awe crap. i hope those who are dependent on this industry to get food in their homes will be able to survive....

Yup. therefore, all the movies in pre-production or currently in production will again come a screeching halt.

Hollywood and California does not need this, especially so soon after the writer's strike.

*sigh*

[elemental fantasy]

I was against the writers strike, and am against this, greedy mother fuckers on all ends, shit, be happy ya'll have jobs in the field in which so many fail. Greedy shits!!!

lol, funny, Mike was saying about how our country is basically about to fall apart, (we really are goin down!) and proceeds to talk about something that is totally useless in comparison to the fact the U.S. will fall within 5 years,.... I was lost a bit on that transition. But agree with the man.

[jwebb1970]

Oh my god. SAG wants more than Directors and Writers? That's a smart tactic I guess. When are people going to understand, most importantly actors - we are at war - we are facing a major recession - our country is in dire need of being fixed - our country also has no money because we have given trillions to the Iraq war and we have NOT even started to pay for it - it is just paid right now by printing more money on presses - China owns our ass in every way. Why not strike on a business in a down fall. Just like the writer's they made pennies on the four extra months striking - when you do the real math and they are paying the price for it still - so many writer's out of work still!!! I want this business to thrive - I know the studio heads and they will punish those that defy them. Okay, be an idealist - but you will never get a better deal then the writer's or directors - only the same - the studio's will never allow it, don't kid yourself. The working actors don't want a strike - they have said so. Too many non working actors have a say which is crazy - maybe there are just too many actors?? Gosh I'm even a member of SAG, but I don't feel I've earned the right to vote in this guild.

One hunch, the leaders of these guilds seem to like the limelight they get in the press, it becomes more about the ego in the room rather than something smart. Striking is not smart. Through the history in America, strikes in businesses have only gained the union worker 6% at the max - so take the emotion out of it and go for the 6%. A path to strike is not smart for the the hundreds of thousands of people in this business. Sanity needs to prevail here - talk real and talk the same talk as your union brothers - not more!

Mr Bay....that may have been the smartest, most cogent arguement you have ever posted here that I have read (I visit occasionally, but rarely if ever post). Bravo, sir!!!


I agree that actors (albeit not the vast majority of those with gigs) striking over a few more cents on DVD sales or download/streaming, what with the situation here & abroad right now.....it reeks of greed & narcissism.

The WGA strike not only put a lot of folks out of work, it also led to an overal decline in TV viewing even after the strike ended. Whatever bitter taste that situation left in the avg viewer...well, ACTORS doing similar will likely be viewed as an even worse situation.

Besides, if viewship goes down, whos to say that the $$ you strike over will ever materialize if you got your way? Fewer people watching your show in primetime or on DVR could very well mean fewer buying DVDs or watching it on the Web. Those "extra points" still end up in a loss of $$ if no "new profit" is generated.

And obviously when I use "you" I mean SAG or whatever other union that was involved in strikes agaisnt studios/producers....not Mr Bay.

Last thing I need is you sir, tracking me down & tearing my head off with that on set bullhorn of yours!

But it's good to see a "Hollywood insider" such as yourself speaking out on the idiocy that is this proposed strike.

[Bumblebee1983]

Well....if the actors are going to strike and throw a fit and keep it up until they get their way (like three year olds..., no, wait, I've seen some three year olds act better than this), they might as well be productive in other areas, like, oh say, help with the recovery and aid over in Myamar, and realize how great they have it here in the good ol' US of A.

Greedy motherf'ers is right.

And good God that was a long friggin' sentence....

[Beej]

That's one point of view, Bee. It is all too easy to point the finger at one place and blame them.

http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.co...ance-with-wga/

http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.co...riters-strike/

[Bumblebee1983]

That's one point of view, Bee. It is all too easy to point the finger at one place and blame them.

http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.co...ance-with-wga/

http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.co...riters-strike/

Well, either way it all comes down to the moolah.

[nelson]

That's one point of view, Bee. It is all too easy to point the finger at one place and blame them.

http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.co...ance-with-wga/

http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.co...riters-strike/

Well, if the DGA (Directors Guild of America) could secure a new contract, why can't they?

[Bumblebee1983]

Well, if the DGA (Directors Guild of America) could secure a new contract, why can't they?

*shrug*

You got me there.

[Beej]

Well, if the DGA (Directors Guild of America) could secure a new contract, why can't they?

You ask if one child can do it why can't the other children... but they are not the same, so you can't treat them as if they were.

It takes two to tango and a sour relationship comes from both sides, but yeah, these folks sure could use a pinch hitter.

SAG has every right to negotiate for the best deal they can get. Having to negotiate your rights and work product in the public eye isn't an easy thing to do, but that is part of the arsenal at the disposal of the AMPTP, that and public opinion, the economic situation, etc.

Can't see a strike happening for all the reasons in MB's post, but it's not SAG is bad or the leadership is bad -- on either side. It's a negotiation. Happens all the time, and as humans, we really suck at it.

[uraydo]

I'm studing to get into comics so I am never happy to here about strikes about money.

[STEPhon IT]

The strike will only hurt the struggling actor and they will have leave their real jobs to run the dirty picketing duties while the up the noses actors will stay clear from the cameras. Feh.

I think if these cowards had any balls they should show themselves and talk on camera and say what this is all about. GREED.

[STEPhon IT]

Well, if the DGA (Directors Guild of America) could secure a new contract, why can't they?

Because they don't want to. This is a way to show that the unions run the show not the studios and they will hurt many peoples jobs to do it. I agree with Michael, there are so many ways to handle this w/o striking, but it's an ego trip. I am so pulling for a straight up studio system and banish SAG and the workers unions for good. Why does studios need to tolerate this? THEY ARE THE BOSS!

[Smokescreen_5]

I'm curious to know who exactly is all on this FAG list (lol.. sorry.. but I thought it was funny when they used that on South Park for Flim Actors Guild) or SAG list or DGA list or whatever list is out there with all of these actors that are wanting more money. I have an idea who some of them are such as Tom Cruise.. but I'm curious as to if some of the other actors such as Will Ferrell, Nicolas Cage, Adam Sandler, Will Smith, or Denzel Washington is on it. Will Smith always seemed to be down to earth and doesn't seem to be that type of person but I could be wrong. Denzel seems to actually care for the military. I remember him visiting various military bases.. not for movie purposes but just to interact with the soldiers and drop in to say hi and show his support as well as donating money to them.. or something along those lines. I guess I don't see him wanting more money.. he seems to be comfortable with his living standards. I really don't know why they want more money anyways... Most of them already have 2 or 3 mansions, about a dozen cars, and go out partying all the time.. or.. maybe thats why they want more money.. to party more..? I sure hope they don't get too greedy because this will only mean ticket prices at the theatres will go up which will give more reason for someone to say .. "This film is making more money then this other film.. " Well duh.. they raised the prices.. and then DVD's and BR's will be more.. and yeah... us working middle class barely make money as it is just to survive.. with increases like that.. we'll all be living on the streets... or rather.. not be able to see movies anymore.

[Mobe1969]

I'm curious to know who exactly is all on this FAG list (lol.. sorry.. but I thought it was funny when they used that on South Park for Flim Actors Guild) or SAG list or DGA list or whatever list is out there with all of these actors that are wanting more money. I have an idea who some of them are such as Tom Cruise.. but I'm curious as to if some of the other actors such as Will Ferrell, Nicolas Cage, Adam Sandler, Will Smith, or Denzel Washington is on it. Will Smith always seemed to be down to earth and doesn't seem to be that type of person but I could be wrong. Denzel seems to actually care for the military. I remember him visiting various military bases.. not for movie purposes but just to interact with the soldiers and drop in to say hi and show his support as well as donating money to them.. or something along those lines. I guess I don't see him wanting more money.. he seems to be comfortable with his living standards. I really don't know why they want more money anyways... Most of them already have 2 or 3 mansions, about a dozen cars, and go out partying all the time.. or.. maybe thats why they want more money.. to party more..? I sure hope they don't get too greedy because this will only mean ticket prices at the theatres will go up which will give more reason for someone to say .. "This film is making more money then this other film.. " Well duh.. they raised the prices.. and then DVD's and BR's will be more.. and yeah... us working middle class barely make money as it is just to survive.. with increases like that.. we'll all be living on the streets... or rather.. not be able to see movies anymore.

FAG was from Team America. A classic joke. Maybe someone will start up FAG now as an alternative to SAG.

But as I pointed out in my initial post, the average actor / SAG member isn't a multi millionaire big budget film actor. You are just talking about the top of the heap here. And I don't know what they are fighting for. but if they are after extra royalties, and characters like the Lone Gunmen in X-Files (that barely have had any work since XFiles) end up getting royalties from DVD sales, great I say. But if it is just rich arrogant fucksticks at the top of the pile getting even more money, well fuck them.

[Swift]

...WHY GOD WHY!?
ehem sorry 'bout that. Anyways the point is, why is everybody acting so nuts these days? That currently is a question that won't be answered any time soon... I live in Canada, so I've never experienced anything major like this. And it is a total shame that certain groups of people have to ruin things that other people enjoy. *sigh* Can only hope for the best...

[Trailbreaker]

No more strikes, we have movies and TV shows needing to be made and the masses wanting to see them!

[Bumblebee1983]

No more strikes, we have movies and TV shows needing to be made and the masses wanting to see them!

That's what we get for them being in a union...and trust me, the union idea has crossed my mind to get corporate in line, but it won't work.

[BeetleJuice]

Oh my god. SAG wants more than Directors and Writers? That's a smart tactic I guess. When are people going to understand, most importantly actors - we are at war - we are facing a major recession - our country is in dire need of being fixed - our country also has no money because we have given trillions to the Iraq war and we have NOT even started to pay for it - it is just paid right now by printing more money on presses - China owns our ass in every way. Why not strike on a business in a down fall. Just like the writer's they made pennies on the four extra months striking - when you do the real math and they are paying the price for it still - so many writer's out of work still!!! I want this business to thrive - I know the studio heads and they will punish those that defy them. Okay, be an idealist - but you will never get a better deal then the writer's or directors - only the same - the studio's will never allow it, don't kid yourself. The working actors don't want a strike - they have said so. Too many non working actors have a say which is crazy - maybe there are just too many actors?? Gosh I'm even a member of SAG, but I don't feel I've earned the right to vote in this guild.

One hunch, the leaders of these guilds seem to like the limelight they get in the press, it becomes more about the ego in the room rather than something smart. Striking is not smart. Through the history in America, strikes in businesses have only gained the union worker 6% at the max - so take the emotion out of it and go for the 6%. A path to strike is not smart for the the hundreds of thousands of people in this business. Sanity needs to prevail here - talk real and talk the same talk as your union brothers - not more!

Interesting post from a Hollywood insider, and major filmmaker.
It is a known fact that the film industry leans politically to the far left. They make no secret of their views.
Liberal lunatics such as Alan Rosenberg have no concept of reality. Defender of the poor artists against the evil studios, typical socialist ideology. Funny, he's a rich man himself. In England they are called champagne socialists. Hypocrites.
The Iraq war could be won tomorrow, the current political landscape doesn't allow the military to do its job properly. Liberal politics are costing America dear, and how China must be laughing! The US is trying to fight with one arm tied behind its back, much too mindful of criticism, at home and abroad. The longer it takes, the more it costs, in lives and money. Just like Vietnam. World War Two was not won this way.
If you want to talk about a disaster, what about the uncontrolled immigration into the US, and its catastrophic effects on culture, lifestyle and standard of living?
Anyway, what do SAG care about other than themselves, and their bank accounts? Selfish.