SAG-AFTRA has released a list of an initial batch of independent film projects that have signed on to the guild’s tentative agreement, which will allow those films to continue shooting or begin filming imminently even if actors continue to strike against the studios.
Among the titles to obtain the waivers are “Mother Mary”, a project of A24 and Topic Studios by David Lowery with Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel, and “The Rivals of Amziah King”, a thriller starring Matthew McConaughey. ‘Death of a Unicorn’, another A24 title starring Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega, has also signed the tentative deal. A24 is not an AMPTP member.
Some others of note: “Flight Risk” directed by Mel Gibson and starring Mark Wahlberg, “Dust Bunny” with Mads Mikkelsen and Sigourney Weaver, the musical biopic “The Yellow Tie” with John Malkovich and “Anniversary” with Diane Lane and Phoebe Dynevor. Others that have been reported previously include the Rebel Wilson comedy “Bride Hard” and the fourth season of “The Chosen,” Angel Studios’ biblical project.
Related stories
Devon Sawa Claims He Wasn’t Paid ‘A Penny’ For His ‘Final Destination 5’ Cameo
Universal says the pruning of trees along the pickets was not intended to displace the protesters
“The strike order extends to productions produced under the Basic and Television Codified Agreements as well as related contracts such as the Low Budget Theater Agreement, Low Budget Moderate Project Agreement, Project Agreement ultra-low-budget and special new media deals. However, producers who otherwise fall within the scope of the strike order may apply for an interim settlement,” the guild wrote on its website. “Once such applications are reviewed and, if approved by SAG-AFTRA, the union offers a tentative deal, and the producer accepts it by returning a signed copy.Once the process is complete, artists can perform services on that specific production without violating the strike order.
The full list can be found Here.
Hundreds of film titles have already requested a waiver from the guild, according to a comment yesterday by SAG-AFTRA lead negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, but the guild is looking for “truly independent” projects that have no ties to the AMPTP.
Whether actors who are on strike will continue to work on these projects while their peers are on strike remains to be seen, even with waivers in hand.
While there are currently only 39 titles on the list, the list will be updated daily and the guild is prioritizing titles that have already been filmed, are in the process of filming, and have already been chosen.
As IndieWire reported yesterday, confirmation letters had already been sent to selected projects informing them that they would be approved to continue filming, even though the tentative deal itself hadn’t been finalized.
Under the terms of the interim deal, the independent producers have agreed to offer the cast an 11% raise over the minimum salary negotiated in the previous 2020 deal. It also comes with the expectation that the producers will agree to whatever the new terms are. of the contract whenever the strike between the studios and SAG-AFTRA will end.
