As a gamer who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of Hollywood and its intricate labor dynamics, I can’t help but feel a sense of empathy for these casting professionals. They’ve been fighting for fair wages and benefits for nearly two decades, only to find themselves in a similar struggle now. It’s like they’re stuck in an endless loop of negotiations, much like the one where you keep pressing ‘retry’ in a particularly challenging video game level.
Despite numerous key professions in Hollywood having belonged to labor unions for generations upon generations, spanning over a century, it was only 19 years ago that casting directors decided to unionize. In 2005, they voted to join two Teamsters Locals, marking a significant milestone for the talent scouts who identify promising film and television stars and pair them with suitable projects. The following year, in their inaugural union contract, casting directors gained benefits such as union-backed health and pension plans, paid time off, and dispute resolution mechanisms like grievance and arbitration processes.
However, an essential element often included in Hollywood union contracts was absent from the initial agreement, leading to current repercussions for the group, as some members claim: a minimum wage. Instead, these freelancers determined their own rates during the subsequent years, just as they had done before becoming union-represented. Now, at a time when Hollywood is experiencing high tension and stringent cost-cutting measures, this system is not working in favor of most, assert several members of the casting union’s negotiating team.
Sherry Thomas, a casting director from Teamsters Local 399 and part of the negotiating committee, points out that there’s been a significant decrease in the salaries of casting directors compared to the late eighties and early nineties when adjusted for inflation. She claims this reduction has occurred despite the passage of time.
18 years ago, we were overjoyed to secure a contract, which we had been eagerly seeking for quite some time. However, looking back, it seems we lacked sufficient knowledge about the situation at that time, as expressed by Bernie Telsey, a member of Teamsters Local 817’s casting director and negotiating committee, who was involved in the organizing drive during the 2000s.
On Monday, casting professionals will reconvene at the negotiation spot to tackle key issues such as compensation, with a specific focus on this matter, along with other significant concerns for their union members. The leadership of Teamsters Locals 817 and 399, who represent approximately 700 casting professionals in New York City and Los Angeles, have two more days left for negotiations (before Sept. 30) with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, the organization that represents major studios and streaming platforms.
Union leaders are working to enhance the wages for associate casting directors, create contract language for casting assistants who recently joined the Teamsters, and propose protective measures for casting directors. This includes setting annual wage increases, health benefits, and pension plans for the union members. Additionally, they aim to establish a minimum duration of employment for casting directors to prevent sudden termination by companies. While casting directors may negotiate time-related salary structures independently, this proposal is intended to provide a standard across the industry.
Introducing casting assistants into the union could potentially provide a strategic edge. By creating an additional entry-level role within the unionized team, labor leaders aim to substantially boost the pay of associate casting directors. This move is intended to transform this group into a more intermediate level within the union hierarchy. As per a Teamsters representative, associates (whose minimum wage on TV currently stands at $26/hr) often find it difficult to negotiate above the standard wage.
By including casting assistants in the union, they are creating a more stable career path within the field. This could lead to increased diversity and opportunities within an industry that will soon have its own Oscar category starting from 2026. According to casting director Rachel Tenner (who has worked on shows like Fargo, Severance, and Wolfs), this was previously not a viable option for many people due to its unsustainable nature. With these recent changes, the goal is to make it a legitimate career choice.
To date, as per the group’s account, the negotiations have instilled optimism. During the first week of discussions, from August 26th to August 30th, significant strides were made towards consensus on matters concerning casting assistants. Telsey comments, “It seems that the AMPTP negotiators are beginning to recognize the crucial role of assistants and their entitlement to benefits such as healthcare, a pension, and a seat at the table.” (It’s important to note that employers’ proposals aren’t definitive until a preliminary agreement is reached.) The group declined to disclose specific areas where they still differ, instead repeatedly emphasizing their objective of ensuring fair compensation for casting professionals and educating employers about their obligations.
As the deadline for renewing their contract approaches within a week, leaders are under immense pressure to reach an agreement that will be proposed for approval by the committees of the Teamsters union. Similar to many skilled workers in Hollywood facing economic downturn, some casting directors feel the squeeze on their earnings, according to negotiators. “It’s tough out there,” remarks Telsey.
When queried about their actions should an accord not materialize by September 30th, the group hesitated, explaining that they’re approaching the discussions one step at a time. Moreover, Thomas stated, “We clearly understand where our limits lie, and I believe we are all prepared to uphold those boundaries. We know our value.
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2024-09-23 23:24