Coordinator Corner: WGA x SAG-AFTRA Strikes
Today's dual WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes are not only historical, but they're also testing the limits of countless performers and coordinators across the country. Unless you're one of the lucky few whose bank account allows you to be on FUNemployment, be sure you're using this time wisely. Since there's no end in sight for these strikes, it's important to make sure you're mentally, physically and fiscally ok. That means either finding a new day job, training your current skills or learning some new ones (or all the above!).
We asked coordinators what their thoughts are about the current situation. Here's what they said:
Chris Colombo:
What do you think performers should be doing during this time?
Stunt Performers should be making the most of their down time. Hustle and do side work to pay the bills and make ends meet. Stay positive and don’t buy into any negative thinking.Reorganize your personal stunt gear. Clean up the resume and try to use this time to get it current. Take a class and set yourself up for success with consistent training. Train, Train, Train.
Commit to personal improvement…The list is endless:
Martial Arts
Boxing
Gymnastics
Tumbling
Tricking
Weapons
Tactical Classes
Fight Choreo
Build that latest greatest stunt reel
Develop your Skills
Boating / Rafting
Scuba
Whitewater
Swimming
Horseback Riding
Motorcycling
Skating
Stunt Driving
Get out of town and clear your mind
What do you think about the strike pertaining to stunts?
Stunts always seems to be told we have to give something away to bargain for something better. It’s time to bargain for OUR best interests. We should demand better residuals across the board in all media...
Stunt Riggers puppeteer live people to create action scenes and DESERVE Residuals…this should not be a bargaining chip. (Puppeteers get residuals for manipulating inanimate objects. Stunt riggers manipulate live people in some very dangerous stunt sequences, sometimes at very dangerous heights. There’s no comparison between puppets and humans. Stunt Riggers DESERVE Residuals.
Larry Rosenthal:
What do you think performers should be doing during this time?
The big thing is first and foremost, take care of yourself and your family. Easier said then done but at some point in our lives, we have had to do what we could to earn a living and support our family. Once you're doing that, you can support SAG/AFTRA by hitting the strike lines and call a fellow stunt performer or two and check in on them to see if they need any help, even if it is just talking with them. You know how people can get going through rough times but we don't think about it, so make a call and let's support our stunt community.
What do you think about the strike pertaining to stunts?
We have had several battles throughout the years with one of them being Stunt Coordinators have been recognized as a separate entity, versus before they were just lumped in with stunt performers and got residuals. We have been trying to get stunt coordinators equal residuals like all of the other performers. Also stunt riggers was a topic as well, and I'm sure Cort will talk about that this Thursday, Aug. 9th on the zoom.
What are your thoughts about the strike now that SAG-AFTRA has joined?
On the grander scale, the respect and responsibility of streaming residuals. In my opinion, within the next 5-7 years(if not less), probably 80-90% of people who are watching TV are going to be streaming and TV networking as we know today, will be a thing of the past. The Producers are standing firm and we are fighting for the real residuals for streaming along with not allowing any type of AI to replace anyone in front of the camera, plain and simple. This is the first time that the entire negotiating committee has stood in unison with all of the submitted proposals. Let's see what happens, but stand strong.
Erik Solky:
What do you think performers should be doing during this time?
It's tough because we have no idea how long this is going to last and I have a feeling this is going to last a while. The main thing is for some, the younger group, to just keep your heads up. Keep training when you can, get out there with other people and keep yourselves motivated. It's going to be a tough time for the next few months.
Mikal Kartvedt:
What are your thoughts about the strike now that SAG-AFTRA has joined?
We'll strike through the summer at least. The absence of a scripted fall schedule is really gonna start to pinch the producers, I think. The writer's strike is one thing. There is so much content in the pipeline already that they could have continued to produce for months, but when we joined the strike, even stuff that was in the pipeline grinds to a halt. The only content that can still be released is what was already in the can. Complete the post-production and you're ready for release, minus your actors doing any press or premiers. So there's still gonna be new films to see, but unless you're a reality show fan, the fall TV schedule is screwed. Get ready for the second great coming of reality TV."
What do you think about the strike pertaining to stunts?
In regards to the stunt department, we are the brightest light in the negotiations so far. Damn near the only proposal, the union and the AMPTP have agreed to thus far, is addressing the grotesque practice of paintdowns and wiggings. I serve on a national SAG-AFTRA task force whose focus is to eliminate their use when safety is just a disguise for discriminatory hiring practices. We wrote the language changes reflected in that proposal and, save for some fine-tuning by the legal department, those changes will take effect regardless of the rest of the negotiations. Credit where credit is due. Our proposal did not go through the national stunt committee to plenary and then on to the negotiating committee. Too many in our power structure look the other way or profit directly from paintdowns and wiggings. The proposal actually made its way into the CBA through the national diversity committee which is chaired by actor Jason George.
What do you think performers should be doing during this time?
While we're on strike there are three things you should be doing. Walking the picket line, training, and picking up that side hustle work to keep the lights on. In whatever order best suits your needs.
Kyle Woods:
What do you think performers should be doing during this time?
When we all get busy, we seem to put this industry in front of everything in our lives, including family and friends. The fear of saying NO to a job can eat away at us and end up effecting the people we care about in ways that we don’t realize. This is a great time to spend real quality time and reconnect with those who you might have pushed aside for this business.
Right now is also a great time to train. However, there's ways to be smart about this and save money. For example, if you have a special skill, you could barter training and teach someone what you're good at, in return for instruction in their specialty. Also, instead of hustling coordinators you don't know at the current moment, try reconnecting with the ones you do know. They're going through the same things you are at the exact same time.
What do you think about the strike pertaining to stunts?
The strike is hard on all of us and with all the new changing contracts it's hard to keep track of what we're gaining and what we're losing, along with the fear of AI replacing our work also looming. At one time there was fear that all of stunts would be replaced by visual effects, but we found that there was a wave, and then it went back to normal and was nothing to be afraid of. By the way, this entire interview has been written by artificial intelligence… Just kidding.
What are your thoughts about the strike now that SAG-AFTRA has joined?
Unfortunately, I don’t have much confidence in our union, but I can only speak for my own experience. My feeling is that they’re very quick to threaten you with what you can’t do and what will happen if you do, but they’re very slow to actually come through for you when you need them.
At the moment I’m writing this, the news is speaking of UPS going into strike. Keep an eye on that and watch how fast that gets resolved. The Teamsters are a strong union, and when you look at it from the rest of the world’s perspective, they actually physically get things done and keep the world moving on a daily basis. Us on the other hand, we play pretend similar to kids in a sandbox at 4 years old. Only difference is cameras are rolling. Just my opinion.
All that being said, there's still a chance coordinators may get an interim agreement production, or another one of the approved production contracts. Be sure to update your StuntListing.com profile with any new skills you've learned or improved upon...you don't want to miss an opportunity before it even gets to you!
