As a seasoned film enthusiast with decades of experience, I must say that the recent efforts by the Producers Guild of America to tighten producer credit practices is not just refreshing, but long overdue. The issue of undeserving individuals receiving producer credits has been a running joke in Hollywood for far too long, and it’s heartening to see an organization like the PGA taking a firm stance against this practice.
Last month, I, a gamer, found myself echoing the sentiments of Stephanie Allain, President of the Producers Guild of America. She called out the rampant issue of undeserved producer credits being handed out like they’re treats for a dog-walker. This problem, as she put it at her organization’s annual conference, has gotten completely out of control.
It’s no secret that stars, managers, and financiers sometimes get producer credits without actually doing much producing. Last month, the Producers Guild of America (PGA) announced new measures to combat this issue, which they firmly disagree with. The PGA, with over 8,400 members, has updated its Code of Credits – a document that explains what producing involves and sets out the criteria for a Producer’s Mark, or p.g.a., certification on feature films.
As a gamer, I can relate when creators yearn for control and clarity in their craft. Michelle Byrd, PGA associate national executive director, puts it perfectly: “It was like producers were fueled by an energy, eager to steer the wheel and clearly express their roles.” The reason? “We kept hearing from our fellow game developers, ‘People just don’t get what we do, we’re always having to justify our achievements.’
The efforts signify a recent move by the PGA to counteract a persistent issue known as credit bloat. Over the years, the organization has consistently adjusted its PGA mark, initially introduced in 2012 on films such as Lawless and Silver Linings Playbook, to differentiate true contributors from others. This year, over 70 individuals participated in revising the guidelines. According to PGA CEO Susan Sprung, it’s an ongoing process that requires regular updates: “It’s a living document,” she says. Notably, in 2022, a total of 384 films sought certification, while in 2023, this number rose to 402.
The Credit Code, initially set up in 2004 with the aim of “giving credit where it’s due,” as the PGA declared in a print ad for the initiative that year, has seen less frequent updates, with its most significant change happening in 2019. Following the input from a group of over 70 producers during its latest revision process, which spanned more than a year, the PGA now intends to assess and potentially modify this document on an annual basis going forward.
The updated Code of Credits now incorporates formats that were absent earlier, such as animated films, documentaries, special television events, immersive media, and more. The fresh Producer’s Mark guidelines also provide clarity on how individuals with dual roles like writer-producers or director-producers can be eligible for the mark, and they modify the criteria for how multiple producers can jointly acquire the p.g.a. certification.
In the tough competitive landscape of the entertainment industry, working producers are particularly vulnerable due to potential financial losses on projects with multiple titleholders. The ongoing contraction in Hollywood, exacerbated by the bursting of the streaming bubble and low-interest rates, has had a similar impact on various roles, including producers. As per data from Otis College of Art and Design’s Creative Economy Dashboard, employment in LA’s film, television, and sound sector has decreased by approximately 34% since the start of 2022.
The ongoing pressure from above has sparked an increase in community activism among film producers. Last year, a team of fiction film producers spearheaded by Rebecca Green, producer of “It Follows”, launched a unionization effort due to low payment rates, the termination of studio contracts for producers, and other concerns; this group remains active as per current co-president Laura Lewis. Recently, another coalition dubbed “Producers United” emerged, with members like Jason Blum, Dede Gardner, Brad Simpson, Nina Jacobson, and Lorenzo di Bonaventura. This collective is advocating for improved healthcare and wage advancements by engaging directly with studios and streaming platforms. (The Producers Guild of America is making strides on health insurance, an issue that has historically eluded producers: As of this year, the guild has secured commitments from several production companies, including MACRO and Bad Robot Productions, to fund these benefits.)
Sprung asserts that the PGA’s recent credit actions weren’t prompted by the latest activities; instead, it’s part of our routine operations. “All this work has been ongoing, with each project predating these groups,” she explains. She further notes, “We appreciate people’s efforts to influence matters positively, and we think that’s commendable.
Absolutely, it’s important to establish rules (the guardrails), but enforcing them is a different challenge. The PGA doesn’t have employment contracts with studios or streaming platforms like unions do. However, they do hold some influence through awards consideration. The PGA makes suggestions about which producers should be considered for the Academy Award for Best Picture. A film produced under the PGA’s supervision (with the ‘p.g.a.’ mark) becomes eligible for the annual Producers Guild of America Awards, which are often seen as a strong indicator of the Oscar race contenders.
According to Sprung’s perspective, there are additional advantages to continually redefining the role of a producer. The Code of Conduct and Producer’s Mark criteria can function as a useful resource for members during their one-on-one discussions with companies. Furthermore, she emphasizes the importance of widespread education about producers’ roles, particularly in today’s context. Sprung states, “Given the industry’s contraction and the lack of basic protections that producers typically have, it is now more crucial than ever for us to intensify our advocacy efforts.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-10-10 21:55