Author: Osofsky, Howard R. and Schneiderman, Jan R.

Publication Year: 1981

Media Type: Report

Summary:

On July 16, 1980, the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and its negotiating partner, The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists officially authorized a possible strike against the major television networks and motion picture industry. Areas of dispute include union proposals for 12 percent of the gross on home video markets (pay-TV, cable-TV, videocassettes, and videodiscs), a 40 percent across the board increase in minimum wages and SAG assistance on laying down parameters of profit participation. Other critical areas comprised reruns, theatrical films to TV, and major working conditions.

Abstract:

On July 16, 1980, the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and its negotiating partner, The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists officially authorized a possible strike against the major television networks and motion picture industry. Areas of dispute include union proposals for 12 percent of the gross on home video markets (pay-TV, cable-TV, videocassettes, and videodiscs), a 40 percent across the board increase in minimum wages and SAG assistance on laying down parameters of profit participation. Other critical areas comprised reruns, theatrical films to TV, and major working conditions.

SAG Chief Negotiator, Chester migden, called the union/management chasm deep and fundamental and charged that management's revised offers and latest proposals rendered compensation for the actor illusory. Industry analysts echoed Migden's gloomy forecast of a long and protracted strike.

The SAG/AFTRA showdown affected all films whether or not exhibited in the theatrical, television or home video markets produced either (1) in the using SAG members or produced by SAG signatories or (2) abroad by SAG signatories, using SAG members pursuant to contracts entered into in the . Although early agreements were reached on affirmative action and child actors' working conditions, the emotionally loaded issue of SAG's demand for a percentage of gross on revenue from the burgeoning home video markets surfaced at the critical bargaining obstacle. The issue of home video markets dominated negotiations and remained unresolved until September 25 when a controversial settlement was finally reached.

CONTENTS
The nature of television broadcasting.
Divide and conquer.
A piece of the action.
The Guild as big brother.
Pretty Babies.
Their face is their fortune.
Ordinary People.
Planning Ahead.
Home video markets.

Arts & Intersections:

Categories: Artists-Resources for