Art Directors Guild To Hold Membership Town Halls Thursday To Discuss IATSE Strike Preparations

It is ironic since Fraturdays were a focal point in IATSE’s contract demands that it took a Fraturday to thwart a potentially devastating Hollywood strike. The virtual negotiations between the union representing roughly 60,000 members covered by the locals, and AMPTP, the trade association representing the major Hollywood studios, had a marathon bargaining session last Friday that spilled well into the night.

Jazz Tangcay Artisans EditorHeather Fink has spent her working life on film and TV sets. But years of frustration with the long hours and stagnant pay had made her reach her tipping point.

Leaders of the Art Directors Guild, IATSE Local 800, are praising the deal reached Saturday with the AMPTP that averted the union’s first-ever nationwide strike. “Hands down this is the strongest contract we have achieved in our history,” they said, and gave credit to the solidarity of IATSE’s members for making it possible.

Juliette Lewis is showing her support for Hollywood industry workers.

Refresh for updates…Hollywood reactions began flooding in on Saturday evening, following news that an IATSE strike had been averted, which we brought you first.

While there are encouraging signs that an IATSE strike could be avoided with a last-minute deal made before the midnight on Sunday deadline, preparation for a potential work stoppage continues in all areas involving IATSE members, including writers rooms.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterNetworks and streaming services are bracing for headaches and disappointed viewers as Monday’s deadline for IATSE and the major studios to reach a deal and avoid a strike draws ever closer.According to insiders across multiple networks who spoke with Variety, the feeling is that a deal will be reached that satisfies both sides before the deadline hits at 12:01 a.m. PT Monday or shortly thereafter.

TheWrap-Up,” hosts Sharon Waxman and Lawrence Yee talk about the looming IATSE strike deadline that may bring Hollywood productions to a standstill.TheWrap’s film reporter Jeremy Fuster joins the discussion to talk about which productions would be affected by a strike, and which would be exempt.Then, a discussion about the internal fallout Netflix has faced over Dave Chappelle’s latest Netflix special, “The Closer.” CEO Ted Sarandos has defended the special, but trans employees and their allies

Gene Maddaus Senior Media WriterThe International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees is threatening to go on strike on Monday morning if it cannot reach a new contract.

1. Who is IATSE?IATSE represents below-the-line workers such as costume and set designers, makeup artists, script coordinators, camera operators and many more of the on-set workers that are not the actors, directors or writers (each those have their own separate labor unions).

Art Metrano (1936–2021), actor known for “Police Academy” moviesSarah Dash (1945–2021), singer who co-founded LabelleRoberto Roena (1940–2021), legendary salsa percussionistDavid Patten (1974–2021), Patriots wide receiver who won three Super BowlsMick Tingelhoff (1940–2021), Minnesota Vikings Hall of FameBen Best (1974–2021), “Eastbound & Down” co-creator and starDaffney Unger (1975–2021), pro wrestling’s “Scream Queen”Al Harrington (1935–2021), actor known for “Hawaii Five-O”Anthony “A.J.”

A 12-year-old boy died after having an allergic reaction to his Christmas dinner, an inquest heard.

Local 871 member Olga Lexell, who spoke with TheWrap last week about her efforts to raise money to cover dues payments for IATSE members who have fallen behind due to the pandemic. Lexell and her partners are still raising funds to allow members to pay their dues and be able to vote on whether to ratify a contract whenever IATSE and AMPTP reach a deal.

Cynthia Littleton Business EditorWhen the industry came together last fall on a hard-fought agreement among multiple unions and the major studios on COVID safety protocols for production, some executives were wary of the precedent set by new limits on working hours.Turns out, they were right to fret.

Paralympic gold medallist Libby Clegg has revealed when she fell pregnant, her guide dog went on strike.

Claudia Eller Co-Editor-in-ChiefIt will be a downright fiasco if the leadership of Hollywood’s studios, networks and streamers doesn’t do everything in its collective bargaining power to prevent the labor union representing camera operators, editors, production designers, grips and other workers from going out on strike.Such a self-inflicted action — after what was a devastating year for the entire industry as it involuntarily navigated its way through an unforeseen pandemic — would be, well …

Jazz Tangcay Artisans EditorAfter the historic vote to authorize the first IATSE strike ever, members of several below-the-line guilds said they were impressed with the nearly-unanimous response from their fellow craftspeople in the entertainment industry.

It was announced this morning that IATSE members had voted by an overwhelming margin — 98% — to authorize their leadership to call a nationwide strike against film and TV productions. Reaction online was swift and nearly unanimously in support of the vote.