This is Day 129 of the WGA strike and Day 56 of the SAG-AFTRA strike.
Striking writers and actors rallied on Thursday outside Amazon Studios in Culver City to show their support for a bill pending in the California legislature that would provide unemployment insurance to striking workers. Strikers in New York and New Jersey are entitled to collect unemployment benefits after two weeks on the picket line, but striking workers in California aren’t eligible because they’re considered to have left their jobs “voluntarily.”
Senate Bill 799 would change that if makes it through the state legislature and is signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom. It passed the Assembly Insurance Committee last week and the Legislature has until September 14 to send it to the governor’s desk for signature. A similar bill passed the Assembly in 2019 but failed in the Senate by two votes.
WGA West President Meredith Stiehm, who...
Striking writers and actors rallied on Thursday outside Amazon Studios in Culver City to show their support for a bill pending in the California legislature that would provide unemployment insurance to striking workers. Strikers in New York and New Jersey are entitled to collect unemployment benefits after two weeks on the picket line, but striking workers in California aren’t eligible because they’re considered to have left their jobs “voluntarily.”
Senate Bill 799 would change that if makes it through the state legislature and is signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom. It passed the Assembly Insurance Committee last week and the Legislature has until September 14 to send it to the governor’s desk for signature. A similar bill passed the Assembly in 2019 but failed in the Senate by two votes.
WGA West President Meredith Stiehm, who...
- 9/7/2023
- by David Robb, Lynette Rice and Sean Piccoli
- Deadline Film + TV
The Writers Guild and SAG-AFTRA will rally on Thursday at Amazon Studio in Culver City to highlight their push a bill that would provide unemployment insurance to striking workers in California. Striking writers and actors in New York and New Jersey are already eligible to receive unemployment benefits after 14 days on the picket line, but not in California.
Senate Bill 799, if it makes it through the Legislature and is signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, would change that. It passed through the Assembly Insurance Committee last week and the Legislature has until September 14 to send it to the governor’s desk for signature.
WGA West President Meredith Stiehm and SAG-AFTRA Secretary-Treasurer Joely Fisher, who spoke before the Insurance Committee last week in Sacramento in support of the bill, will be among the speakers at tomorrow’s picket and rally, which will get underway at 11 am.
“Writers have had to rely on strike loans from our union,...
Senate Bill 799, if it makes it through the Legislature and is signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, would change that. It passed through the Assembly Insurance Committee last week and the Legislature has until September 14 to send it to the governor’s desk for signature.
WGA West President Meredith Stiehm and SAG-AFTRA Secretary-Treasurer Joely Fisher, who spoke before the Insurance Committee last week in Sacramento in support of the bill, will be among the speakers at tomorrow’s picket and rally, which will get underway at 11 am.
“Writers have had to rely on strike loans from our union,...
- 9/7/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Yvonne Wheeler, a veteran labor leader and civil rights activist, has been elected president of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO – the first Black woman to hold the post. She succeeds Ron Herrera, who resigned last month after being caught up in the leaked tape scandal that roiled City Hall. IATSE 2nd Vice President Thom Davis had been serving as interim president. The Federation represents 300 affiliated labor organizations representing more than 800,000 members.
Wheeler, who had been vice president of the Federation, is a national representative for the American Federation of Government Employees (Afge). A labor organizer and leader for over 30 years, she’s a former president of the California State A. Philip Randolph Institute, an Afl-cio-sponsored group. She has also worked as an AFL-CIO senior field representative covering all of Southern California and as the California director of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (Afscme...
Wheeler, who had been vice president of the Federation, is a national representative for the American Federation of Government Employees (Afge). A labor organizer and leader for over 30 years, she’s a former president of the California State A. Philip Randolph Institute, an Afl-cio-sponsored group. She has also worked as an AFL-CIO senior field representative covering all of Southern California and as the California director of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (Afscme...
- 11/22/2022
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
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A leaked recording of crude, racist comments that resulted in the president of the Los Angeles City Council resigning from the post also provided an unvarnished look into City Hall’s racial rivalries and the sometimes-hidden fight to seize and hold political power in a changing city.
Former Council president Nury Martinez, a Democrat, stepped down from the job and apologized Monday, saying she was ashamed of her racially offensive language in the year-old recording.
Martinez, however, did not resign her council seat. She announced Tuesday that “I need to take a leave of absence and take some time to have an honest and heartfelt conversation with my family, my constituents and community leaders.”
Her recorded remarks, which included mocking the Black son of a white councilman, came during a closed-door discussion with other Latino Council members and a Latino labor leader about...
A leaked recording of crude, racist comments that resulted in the president of the Los Angeles City Council resigning from the post also provided an unvarnished look into City Hall’s racial rivalries and the sometimes-hidden fight to seize and hold political power in a changing city.
Former Council president Nury Martinez, a Democrat, stepped down from the job and apologized Monday, saying she was ashamed of her racially offensive language in the year-old recording.
Martinez, however, did not resign her council seat. She announced Tuesday that “I need to take a leave of absence and take some time to have an honest and heartfelt conversation with my family, my constituents and community leaders.”
Her recorded remarks, which included mocking the Black son of a white councilman, came during a closed-door discussion with other Latino Council members and a Latino labor leader about...
- 10/11/2022
- by the Associated Press
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Five months ago, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees was bitterly divided over a new contract, which was ratified by a historically narrow margin.
Half of the membership defied their leaders and voted “no,” as opponents blamed International President Matthew Loeb for settling for too little and for not capitalizing on the threat of an industrywide strike.
But while some of that anger remains, there is little evidence that the issue has carried over into local leadership elections this spring. Even where local unions have thrown out their leaders, turnout has been low, and the issues seem to turn more on personalities than on the contract.
One of the hotbeds of resistance to the deal was IATSE Local 80, the union that represents 3,800 grips, crafts service workers and set medics. Nearly 70 of the union voted “no” on ratification, and the union’s longtime leader, business manager Thom Davis, resigned in December rather than seek re-election,...
Half of the membership defied their leaders and voted “no,” as opponents blamed International President Matthew Loeb for settling for too little and for not capitalizing on the threat of an industrywide strike.
But while some of that anger remains, there is little evidence that the issue has carried over into local leadership elections this spring. Even where local unions have thrown out their leaders, turnout has been low, and the issues seem to turn more on personalities than on the contract.
One of the hotbeds of resistance to the deal was IATSE Local 80, the union that represents 3,800 grips, crafts service workers and set medics. Nearly 70 of the union voted “no” on ratification, and the union’s longtime leader, business manager Thom Davis, resigned in December rather than seek re-election,...
- 4/25/2022
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
The union publicists who worked on behalf of the publicity campaigns for Sony’s Spider-Man: No Way Home and Apple’s Ted Lasso took home top honors today at the 59th annual International Cinematographers Guild’s Publicists Awards. See the full winners list below.
The Les Mason Award, the highest honor the Publicists can bestow on one of its own members, resulted in a tie between unit publicist Sheryl Main and David Waldman, EVP Domestic Publicity at Paramount Pictures.
The awards luncheon, held at the Beverly Hilton, also saw legendary director Frances Ford Coppola accept the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Greeted by a prolonged standing ovation, the five-time Oscar winner devoted his entire acceptance speech to a call on Russia President Vladimir Putin to stop the war in Ukraine.
“My heart is so filled with love of Ukrainian Americans,” he said, “and it breaks my heart what’s happening in the...
The Les Mason Award, the highest honor the Publicists can bestow on one of its own members, resulted in a tie between unit publicist Sheryl Main and David Waldman, EVP Domestic Publicity at Paramount Pictures.
The awards luncheon, held at the Beverly Hilton, also saw legendary director Frances Ford Coppola accept the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Greeted by a prolonged standing ovation, the five-time Oscar winner devoted his entire acceptance speech to a call on Russia President Vladimir Putin to stop the war in Ukraine.
“My heart is so filled with love of Ukrainian Americans,” he said, “and it breaks my heart what’s happening in the...
- 3/25/2022
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Dejon Ellis Jr. has been elected interim business manager of IATSE Grips Local 80 by the slim margin of only 10 votes. Ellis, who was an assistant business agent at the local, defeated Joel Galarza, the local’s vice president, by a vote of 178 to 168 during a virtual membership meeting on Sunday.
Ellis will fill out the unexpired term of former business manager Thom Davis, who retired last month after serving in the job since 1998. Ellis and Galarza are expected to square off again next month when the local elects officers to full three-year terms.
The election was as close as the ratification vote last year on IATSE’s new film and TV contract, which also passed by the narrowest of margins, and only then because of IATSE’s antiquated electoral college-style voting system – even though the majority of votes was against it. Members of five of the 13 West Coast locals covered...
Ellis will fill out the unexpired term of former business manager Thom Davis, who retired last month after serving in the job since 1998. Ellis and Galarza are expected to square off again next month when the local elects officers to full three-year terms.
The election was as close as the ratification vote last year on IATSE’s new film and TV contract, which also passed by the narrowest of margins, and only then because of IATSE’s antiquated electoral college-style voting system – even though the majority of votes was against it. Members of five of the 13 West Coast locals covered...
- 2/7/2022
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Dejon Ellis, Jr., won a close vote on Sunday to take over as interim leader of IATSE Local 80, in an election marked by lingering hard feelings over last year’s contract negotiations.
Local 80 represents about 3,800 grips, as well as craft service workers and set medics. In November, the local voted resoundingly against the new IATSE contract, which covers 13 locals on the West Coast, and which was narrowly ratified. Many within the local argued that the lead IATSE negotiators had not taken a hard enough line, failing to win sufficient concessions on pay and working hours.
Thom Davis, a top-ranking IATSE official who had led the local since 1998, was a strong supporter of the agreement. He was up for re-election in March and would likely have faced stiff competition. He announced in December that he would retire at the end of the year.
The union met via Zoom on Sunday to elect an interim business manager.
Local 80 represents about 3,800 grips, as well as craft service workers and set medics. In November, the local voted resoundingly against the new IATSE contract, which covers 13 locals on the West Coast, and which was narrowly ratified. Many within the local argued that the lead IATSE negotiators had not taken a hard enough line, failing to win sufficient concessions on pay and working hours.
Thom Davis, a top-ranking IATSE official who had led the local since 1998, was a strong supporter of the agreement. He was up for re-election in March and would likely have faced stiff competition. He announced in December that he would retire at the end of the year.
The union met via Zoom on Sunday to elect an interim business manager.
- 2/6/2022
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: A sensational wrongful-termination lawsuit filed last year by Michael Mendez against IATSE Grips Local 80 has been settled. Mendez, the local’s former assistant business representative, claimed he was fired last February in retaliation for complaining about “lewd sexual misconduct” and “sexual harassment” that he allegedly witnessed at the local’s offices in Burbank.
A notice filed in Los Angeles Superior Court notes that “This entire case has been settled” and that “the settlement is unconditional.” No details of the settlement have been disclosed, and attorneys for both sides did not return calls for comment.
Mendez, who was hired at the local four years ago, claimed in the lawsuit filed in June 2021 and amended in late November that on the afternoon of June 19, 2020, he saw Tommy Valentin, the local’s secretary-treasurer, and an assistant business rep identified in court filings as “Mary Mg Dow,” “both completely naked in the office kitchen having sex.
A notice filed in Los Angeles Superior Court notes that “This entire case has been settled” and that “the settlement is unconditional.” No details of the settlement have been disclosed, and attorneys for both sides did not return calls for comment.
Mendez, who was hired at the local four years ago, claimed in the lawsuit filed in June 2021 and amended in late November that on the afternoon of June 19, 2020, he saw Tommy Valentin, the local’s secretary-treasurer, and an assistant business rep identified in court filings as “Mary Mg Dow,” “both completely naked in the office kitchen having sex.
- 1/11/2022
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Thom Davis, who soon will be stepping down as the longtime business manager of IATSE Grips Local 80, has been accused of covering up “lewd sexual misconduct” inside the local’s Burbank offices.
The allegation is contained in a sensational wrongful-termination lawsuit filed by Michael Mendez, the local’s former assistant business representative, who claims he was fired while in February, while on Covid sick leave, in retaliation for complaining about the sexual harassment he allegedly witnessed. Mendez, however, remains an elected member of Local 80’s executive board.
Davis, Local 80 and Tommy Valentin, the local’s secretary-treasurer, are named as defendants in the lawsuit. Brady Majors, the local’s president, was removed as a defendant last week. Attorneys for the accused, who in court filings have called the harassment claims “baseless” and “frivolous,” maintain that even if true, they don’t amount to actionable claims under the law. In seeking...
The allegation is contained in a sensational wrongful-termination lawsuit filed by Michael Mendez, the local’s former assistant business representative, who claims he was fired while in February, while on Covid sick leave, in retaliation for complaining about the sexual harassment he allegedly witnessed. Mendez, however, remains an elected member of Local 80’s executive board.
Davis, Local 80 and Tommy Valentin, the local’s secretary-treasurer, are named as defendants in the lawsuit. Brady Majors, the local’s president, was removed as a defendant last week. Attorneys for the accused, who in court filings have called the harassment claims “baseless” and “frivolous,” maintain that even if true, they don’t amount to actionable claims under the law. In seeking...
- 12/14/2021
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Thom Davis, the longtime business manager of IATSE Local 80, said he will step down from his position at the end of the year.
Davis, who has been business manager for Local 80 since 1998, also has served as second international vp for IATSE since 2001. He announced the news at a membership meeting on Sunday.
Davis is said to have strongly supported IATSE’s new three-year Basic Agreement with the studios and streaming services, which was ratified last month. The divisive deal just squeaked by thanks to a delegate voting system, even as 50.4 percent of the popular vote rejected the ...
Davis, who has been business manager for Local 80 since 1998, also has served as second international vp for IATSE since 2001. He announced the news at a membership meeting on Sunday.
Davis is said to have strongly supported IATSE’s new three-year Basic Agreement with the studios and streaming services, which was ratified last month. The divisive deal just squeaked by thanks to a delegate voting system, even as 50.4 percent of the popular vote rejected the ...
- 12/6/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Thom Davis, the longtime business manager of IATSE Local 80, said he will step down from his position at the end of the year.
Davis, who has been business manager for Local 80 since 1998, also has served as second international vp for IATSE since 2001. He announced the news at a membership meeting on Sunday.
Davis is said to have strongly supported IATSE’s new three-year Basic Agreement with the studios and streaming services, which was ratified last month. The divisive deal just squeaked by thanks to a delegate voting system, even as 50.4 percent of the popular vote rejected the ...
Davis, who has been business manager for Local 80 since 1998, also has served as second international vp for IATSE since 2001. He announced the news at a membership meeting on Sunday.
Davis is said to have strongly supported IATSE’s new three-year Basic Agreement with the studios and streaming services, which was ratified last month. The divisive deal just squeaked by thanks to a delegate voting system, even as 50.4 percent of the popular vote rejected the ...
- 12/6/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Thom Davis, the longtime head of IATSE Local 80, announced on Sunday that he will be stepping down at the end of the year, a local official told Variety.
Davis, who has served as business manager since 1998, was a strong supporter of the new IATSE Basic Agreement, which was narrowly approved by the 13 West Coast IATSE locals in an unusually contentious vote last month. The membership of Local 80 was heavily opposed to the agreement, with 70% of the membership voting “no.”
Davis would have been up for re-election for another three-year term next March, along with the rest of the Local 80 leadership team. Instead, he will step aside effective Dec. 31. He will continue to serve as 2nd vice president of the International union, where he is a key part of international president Matthew Loeb’s leadership team.
Davis also chairs the California Film Commission and is active in representing IATSE in Sacramento.
Davis, who has served as business manager since 1998, was a strong supporter of the new IATSE Basic Agreement, which was narrowly approved by the 13 West Coast IATSE locals in an unusually contentious vote last month. The membership of Local 80 was heavily opposed to the agreement, with 70% of the membership voting “no.”
Davis would have been up for re-election for another three-year term next March, along with the rest of the Local 80 leadership team. Instead, he will step aside effective Dec. 31. He will continue to serve as 2nd vice president of the International union, where he is a key part of international president Matthew Loeb’s leadership team.
Davis also chairs the California Film Commission and is active in representing IATSE in Sacramento.
- 12/5/2021
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Thom Davis, one of IATSE’s longest-serving leaders in Hollywood, announced on Sunday that he will resign effective Dec. 31, as business manager of Grips Local 80—a job he’s held since 1998.
He made the announcement at the 3,900-member local’s general membership meeting. Davis also serves as IATSE’s 2nd international vice president – the parent union’s fourth-ranking officer.
An IATSE member since 1977, Davis became a member of Local 80’s executive board in 1984, serving as its vice president from 1992-98. During that time, he was also hired as an organizer for the local, and in 1998 was elected business manager – the local’s highest-ranking officer. Last year in that post he earned $152,048, according to financial statements filed with the Dept. of Labor.
Davis, who was facing multiple impeachment charges filed by members relating to his performance in office, had become increasingly unpopular with his members leading up to last month’s...
He made the announcement at the 3,900-member local’s general membership meeting. Davis also serves as IATSE’s 2nd international vice president – the parent union’s fourth-ranking officer.
An IATSE member since 1977, Davis became a member of Local 80’s executive board in 1984, serving as its vice president from 1992-98. During that time, he was also hired as an organizer for the local, and in 1998 was elected business manager – the local’s highest-ranking officer. Last year in that post he earned $152,048, according to financial statements filed with the Dept. of Labor.
Davis, who was facing multiple impeachment charges filed by members relating to his performance in office, had become increasingly unpopular with his members leading up to last month’s...
- 12/5/2021
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees approved its Basic Agreement on Monday, ending the most protracted and contentious bargaining process in the recent history of the TV and film production union.
But the ratification — which passed even though a bare majority of members voted against it — leaves a lot of hard feelings toward the union’s leadership.
Many have directed their anger at Matthew Loeb, IATSE’s international president. Loeb is based in New York, and many in Los Angeles say he did not grasp the members’ hunger for more wholesale change in production schedules.
“He is out of touch with the membership,” said Amy Duddleston, editor of “Mare of Easttown” and a board member of the Motion Picture Editors Guild. “I have never seen him at an IATSE town hall.”
But Loeb, who has served as president for 13 years, was just re-elected without opposition at the union’s convention in July.
But the ratification — which passed even though a bare majority of members voted against it — leaves a lot of hard feelings toward the union’s leadership.
Many have directed their anger at Matthew Loeb, IATSE’s international president. Loeb is based in New York, and many in Los Angeles say he did not grasp the members’ hunger for more wholesale change in production schedules.
“He is out of touch with the membership,” said Amy Duddleston, editor of “Mare of Easttown” and a board member of the Motion Picture Editors Guild. “I have never seen him at an IATSE town hall.”
But Loeb, who has served as president for 13 years, was just re-elected without opposition at the union’s convention in July.
- 11/17/2021
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Contract negotiations leading up to the tentative agreement that IATSE members will be voting on this weekend were unlike any that had come before. Conducted after the film and TV industry roared back to life from the darkest days of the pandemic, the giant media conglomerates came to the bargaining table demanding a wide range of rollbacks in pay and benefits, which the union successfully thwarted after members, for the first time ever, voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike.
“The tone and tenor of negotiations this time was much different from what we’ve experienced in previous years,” wrote Thom Davis, business manager of Grips Local 80 and IATSE’s 2nd international vice president, in a recent message to his members. “Not only was it more difficult because it was conducted via Zoom, but there was a very corporate feel to it. And I should add, there was a good amount...
“The tone and tenor of negotiations this time was much different from what we’ve experienced in previous years,” wrote Thom Davis, business manager of Grips Local 80 and IATSE’s 2nd international vice president, in a recent message to his members. “Not only was it more difficult because it was conducted via Zoom, but there was a very corporate feel to it. And I should add, there was a good amount...
- 11/9/2021
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
IATSE leaders are urging their members to “stay united” and vote “yes” to ratify the tentative agreement for a new film and TV contract. In the latest message to their members, IATSE president Matthew Loeb and the leaders of Hollywood’s 13 locals covered by the agreement acknowledged that there is opposition to the proposed new deal but said it was “the best agreement possible.” The ratification vote is expected to be held next month.
“When we reached a tentative agreement on the evening of Saturday, October 16th, the entire bargaining committee, consisting of over 50 representatives from all of the 13 Hollywood locals, committed to recommending ratification, because we were, and we remain, proud of what we had achieved,” they wrote.
“We continue to believe that not only did we reach the best agreement possible after these many months of negotiations culminating in a resounding strike authorization vote that was the turning...
“When we reached a tentative agreement on the evening of Saturday, October 16th, the entire bargaining committee, consisting of over 50 representatives from all of the 13 Hollywood locals, committed to recommending ratification, because we were, and we remain, proud of what we had achieved,” they wrote.
“We continue to believe that not only did we reach the best agreement possible after these many months of negotiations culminating in a resounding strike authorization vote that was the turning...
- 10/29/2021
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Saying that “a strike would effectively shut down California state film and television production,” IATSE has told California lawmakers that “it is both outrageous and immoral that the studios oppose basic worker rights, an opposition that may lead to a highly successful industry’s shutdown.”
The union sent a nearly identical letter on Friday to legislators in New York, saying that “a strike would effectively shut down a majority of New York state’s film and television production industry.”
In a letter to state legislators, the California IATSE Council said that the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers “is refusing union proposals to provide safe working conditions, including meal and rest periods for our members. Given their position, IATSE is compelled to call for strike authorization vote.”
“Given your longstanding support for the California Film & Television Tax Credit Program, for which we are deeply appreciative, and which has had...
The union sent a nearly identical letter on Friday to legislators in New York, saying that “a strike would effectively shut down a majority of New York state’s film and television production industry.”
In a letter to state legislators, the California IATSE Council said that the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers “is refusing union proposals to provide safe working conditions, including meal and rest periods for our members. Given their position, IATSE is compelled to call for strike authorization vote.”
“Given your longstanding support for the California Film & Television Tax Credit Program, for which we are deeply appreciative, and which has had...
- 9/24/2021
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
IATSE president Matthew Loeb said Wednesday that ongoing contract negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers have reached a “critical juncture,” and that “if the mega-corporations that make up the AMPTP remain unwilling to address our core priorities and treat workers with human dignity, it is going to take the combined solidarity of all of us to change their minds.”
“We are united in demanding more humane working conditions across the industry, including reasonable rest during and between workdays and on the weekend, equitable pay on streaming productions, and a livable wage floor,” Loeb said in a statement today.
An industry source, meanwhile, countered by saying that the union’s members “have it pretty good” and made the case why that is so, noting that the average full-time worker is making more than $100,000 a year, with health benefits that the union itself often refers to as a “Cadillac” health plan.
“We are united in demanding more humane working conditions across the industry, including reasonable rest during and between workdays and on the weekend, equitable pay on streaming productions, and a livable wage floor,” Loeb said in a statement today.
An industry source, meanwhile, countered by saying that the union’s members “have it pretty good” and made the case why that is so, noting that the average full-time worker is making more than $100,000 a year, with health benefits that the union itself often refers to as a “Cadillac” health plan.
- 9/16/2021
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
A 38-year-old grip on the Netflix feature “Me Time” was severely injured in a “long fall” at Sunset Gower Studios on Tuesday morning, authorities said.
The man fell from a high platform, apparently through an opening, said Lafd spokesman Brian Humphrey. The officials on scene estimated that the fall was from a height of 60-80 feet, though that was not confirmed.
The man suffered severe trauma, and was initially listed in “grave” condition. The on-set EMTs were able to restore a pulse, and firefighters transported the man to a regional trauma center. The man was upgraded to “critical” condition, Humphrey said.
“He has a fighting chance of survival thanks to the EMTs and the paramedics,” Humphrey said.
The worker’s name has not been released. Thom Davis, business manager of IATSE Local 80, said that the worker’s family was with him at the hospital.
“It’s just horrific,” Davis said.
The man fell from a high platform, apparently through an opening, said Lafd spokesman Brian Humphrey. The officials on scene estimated that the fall was from a height of 60-80 feet, though that was not confirmed.
The man suffered severe trauma, and was initially listed in “grave” condition. The on-set EMTs were able to restore a pulse, and firefighters transported the man to a regional trauma center. The man was upgraded to “critical” condition, Humphrey said.
“He has a fighting chance of survival thanks to the EMTs and the paramedics,” Humphrey said.
The worker’s name has not been released. Thom Davis, business manager of IATSE Local 80, said that the worker’s family was with him at the hospital.
“It’s just horrific,” Davis said.
- 9/14/2021
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
That escalated quickly.
In May, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced an extra $30 million for the state’s film and TV tax credit program. Not to be outdone, the Legislature offered $180 million over two years.
Now the two sides have reached a compromise: $330 million.
That includes the $180 million, plus a brand-new $150 million tax incentive to spur construction of new soundstages in the state.
“I’m very excited,” said Sen. Anthony Portantino, who represents Glendale and Burbank, and who pushed for the construction incentive. “If we build more capacity, that leads to more productions and more jobs.”
The new money is on top of the $330 million in tax credits the state already provides to Hollywood each year. The windfall comes as the state is spending a record-breaking $75 billion budget surplus, including billions for homelessness, social services and education.
The tax credit bill was unveiled on Sunday night, and is expected to pass both...
In May, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced an extra $30 million for the state’s film and TV tax credit program. Not to be outdone, the Legislature offered $180 million over two years.
Now the two sides have reached a compromise: $330 million.
That includes the $180 million, plus a brand-new $150 million tax incentive to spur construction of new soundstages in the state.
“I’m very excited,” said Sen. Anthony Portantino, who represents Glendale and Burbank, and who pushed for the construction incentive. “If we build more capacity, that leads to more productions and more jobs.”
The new money is on top of the $330 million in tax credits the state already provides to Hollywood each year. The windfall comes as the state is spending a record-breaking $75 billion budget surplus, including billions for homelessness, social services and education.
The tax credit bill was unveiled on Sunday night, and is expected to pass both...
- 7/13/2021
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Leaders of IATSE’s 13 production locals in Hollywood are showing a united front in their negotiations for a new film and TV contract with management’s Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers. In a joint statement, they said that their locals “stand together in our fight for sustainable pension and health benefits, reasonable rest, improved working conditions, and livable wages. These basic worker rights are the cornerstone of the labor movement, and we all are committed to fighting for them in order to create a more humane and equitable workplace.”
Bargaining for a new Basic Agreement broke off Friday after four weeks of negotiations and are set to resume on July 6. The current contract expires July 31, so there’s still plenty of time to reach an agreement, though union leaders have said that the talks had made “very little progress” so far and that the two sides “remain far...
Bargaining for a new Basic Agreement broke off Friday after four weeks of negotiations and are set to resume on July 6. The current contract expires July 31, so there’s still plenty of time to reach an agreement, though union leaders have said that the talks had made “very little progress” so far and that the two sides “remain far...
- 6/16/2021
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
The major companies and Hollywood’s unions are close to finalizing terms for restarting film and TV production. “Return-to-work discussions are ongoing with the studios and the other unions and guilds,” Teamsters Local 399 said in the latest message to its members. “At this time we are still trying to finalize some of the remaining issues, however we are getting closer and hope to conclude soon.”
The local didn’t say what the outstanding issues are, but last week, IATSE Grips Local 80 business manager Thom Davis told his members that the talks “have centered on items such as the amount of pay we are to receive when we are sent out for testing; how often is a person to be tested and exactly who is to be tested; how many sick days a person will receive if they become sick or are required to stay home due to some Covid-related event,...
The local didn’t say what the outstanding issues are, but last week, IATSE Grips Local 80 business manager Thom Davis told his members that the talks “have centered on items such as the amount of pay we are to receive when we are sent out for testing; how often is a person to be tested and exactly who is to be tested; how many sick days a person will receive if they become sick or are required to stay home due to some Covid-related event,...
- 8/17/2020
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Film and television production “is finally getting ready to start back up,” IATSE Grips Local 80 business manager Thom Davis said in his latest update on the industry’s efforts for a safe return to work.
“The major lots have brought back people to get the departments ready for production,” he said, “and some of the Independents and Commercials have commenced with production.”
Davis, who also is IATSE’s 2nd international vice president, noted that Hollywood’s unions – IATSE, SAG-AFTRA, the DGA, the Teamsters and the Basic Crafts – still are in negotiations with management’s Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers over conditions for a return to work. “Those negotiations,” he said, “have centered on items such as the amount of pay we are to receive when we are sent out for testing; how often is a person to be tested and exactly who is to be tested; how many sick...
“The major lots have brought back people to get the departments ready for production,” he said, “and some of the Independents and Commercials have commenced with production.”
Davis, who also is IATSE’s 2nd international vice president, noted that Hollywood’s unions – IATSE, SAG-AFTRA, the DGA, the Teamsters and the Basic Crafts – still are in negotiations with management’s Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers over conditions for a return to work. “Those negotiations,” he said, “have centered on items such as the amount of pay we are to receive when we are sent out for testing; how often is a person to be tested and exactly who is to be tested; how many sick...
- 8/10/2020
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
As the film and TV industry prepares to reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic, Thom Davis, business manager of Iatse Local 80, told his members that “We must recognize that we cannot eliminate 100% of the risk, but we are working toward the goal of providing for the safest workplace possible. There is a deep understanding of the perils if we don’t get it right.”
Davis, who is also Iatse’s 2nd international vice president, said in his latest message to his local’s members that “We are working on guidelines looking forward to getting our members back to work. This is taking place on several fronts.” Guidelines being developed by the Industry-Wide Labor-Management Safety Committee, he said, “are meant to act as the framework for the industry to allow for the safe re-entry of the workforce once the restrictions have been relaxed.” The Safety Committee’s task is expected to issue...
Davis, who is also Iatse’s 2nd international vice president, said in his latest message to his local’s members that “We are working on guidelines looking forward to getting our members back to work. This is taking place on several fronts.” Guidelines being developed by the Industry-Wide Labor-Management Safety Committee, he said, “are meant to act as the framework for the industry to allow for the safe re-entry of the workforce once the restrictions have been relaxed.” The Safety Committee’s task is expected to issue...
- 5/26/2020
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
As Hollywood works with the unions and guilds to safely resume television and film production business, there is much discussion over the desire to lessen crew density on sets versus the desire of the guilds to protect the jobs of members heading into a post-pandemic future. There is one area that will become a boom market: medics, temperature takers, coronavirus test takers, and sanitizers to make sure sets are as safe as possible places to work.
Every producer we’ve spoken with who’s planning to resume or start new projects says they expect to pay for a least a dozen or more people who will play a key role in the area of safety. And all of those health workers come under the auspices of IATSE.
Thom Davis, business manager of Iatse Local 80, says his local’s 260 certified set medics are ready to answer the call.
“The training our...
Every producer we’ve spoken with who’s planning to resume or start new projects says they expect to pay for a least a dozen or more people who will play a key role in the area of safety. And all of those health workers come under the auspices of IATSE.
Thom Davis, business manager of Iatse Local 80, says his local’s 260 certified set medics are ready to answer the call.
“The training our...
- 5/25/2020
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
California state officials are busy drafting guidelines that will allow film and TV production to restart amid the pandemic, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday. They’ll be issued Monday and, like guidance around restaurants reopening, will be tied to metrics on a county-by-county basis — so don’t expect production to resume in coronavirus epicenter Los Angeles just yet.
“The biggest hurdle that we have is this regional problem we have in regard to Los Angeles,” said Ann O’Leary, Newsom’s chief of staff. “We have increasing cases in the LA area, so because of that we are going to have some delays in the Los Angeles region. I just want to be honest about that. We are working really hard with LA County … I don’t want to say it’s going to be a ‘switch on’ as quickly as it will be in other areas.”
When it comes to reopening the economy,...
“The biggest hurdle that we have is this regional problem we have in regard to Los Angeles,” said Ann O’Leary, Newsom’s chief of staff. “We have increasing cases in the LA area, so because of that we are going to have some delays in the Los Angeles region. I just want to be honest about that. We are working really hard with LA County … I don’t want to say it’s going to be a ‘switch on’ as quickly as it will be in other areas.”
When it comes to reopening the economy,...
- 5/20/2020
- by Chris Lindahl
- Thompson on Hollywood
California state officials are busy drafting guidelines that will allow film and TV production to restart amid the pandemic, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday. They’ll be issued Monday and, like guidance around restaurants reopening, will be tied to metrics on a county-by-county basis — so don’t expect production to resume in coronavirus epicenter Los Angeles just yet.
“The biggest hurdle that we have is this regional problem we have in regard to Los Angeles,” said Ann O’Leary, Newsom’s chief of staff. “We have increasing cases in the LA area, so because of that we are going to have some delays in the Los Angeles region. I just want to be honest about that. We are working really hard with LA County … I don’t want to say it’s going to be a ‘switch on’ as quickly as it will be in other areas.”
When it comes to reopening the economy,...
“The biggest hurdle that we have is this regional problem we have in regard to Los Angeles,” said Ann O’Leary, Newsom’s chief of staff. “We have increasing cases in the LA area, so because of that we are going to have some delays in the Los Angeles region. I just want to be honest about that. We are working really hard with LA County … I don’t want to say it’s going to be a ‘switch on’ as quickly as it will be in other areas.”
When it comes to reopening the economy,...
- 5/20/2020
- by Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
Iatse president Matt Loeb and the leaders of 11 of the union’s 13 Hollywood locals have signed a letter urging their members to ratify the union’s new film and TV contract, saying that it will pump an additional $153 million in employer contributions to the union’s health plan. The agreement also will create “a new funding mechanism” for theatrical-length streaming content that they say will result in “additional monies for our pension plan.”
Cathy Repola, executive director of Editors Guild Local 700, didn’t sign the letter because she has broken ranks and is urging her members to reject the contract, calling it “a totally unnecessary” and “unacceptable agreement.” One other signature is noticeably absent from the Loeb letter as well – that of Leslie Simon, business rep of Script Supervisors Local 871 — though she too is recommending that her members ratify the new contract. Simon did not return calls for comment.
“When...
Cathy Repola, executive director of Editors Guild Local 700, didn’t sign the letter because she has broken ranks and is urging her members to reject the contract, calling it “a totally unnecessary” and “unacceptable agreement.” One other signature is noticeably absent from the Loeb letter as well – that of Leslie Simon, business rep of Script Supervisors Local 871 — though she too is recommending that her members ratify the new contract. Simon did not return calls for comment.
“When...
- 8/1/2018
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The Editors Guild’s board of directors voted unanimously today to recommend that members vote “No” on the ratification of a new Iatse film and TV contract. The move comes just two days after Iatse reached a tentative agreement with management’s AMPTP on terms for a new three-year contract — a deal that Iatse president Matt Loeb called “a huge victory” for the union’s members.
Leaders of the Editors Guild Local 700 are at odds not only with Loeb but with leaders of Iatse’s 12 other Hollywood locals, including two other national locals – Cinematographers Guild Local 600 and Art Directors Guild Local 800 – whose leaders say they will be urging their members to vote “Yes” on the new contract.
Cathy Repola, the executive director of the Editors Guild, has called the new deal “a totally unnecessary” and “unacceptable agreement.” In a communique to her members last week, she said the new...
Leaders of the Editors Guild Local 700 are at odds not only with Loeb but with leaders of Iatse’s 12 other Hollywood locals, including two other national locals – Cinematographers Guild Local 600 and Art Directors Guild Local 800 – whose leaders say they will be urging their members to vote “Yes” on the new contract.
Cathy Repola, the executive director of the Editors Guild, has called the new deal “a totally unnecessary” and “unacceptable agreement.” In a communique to her members last week, she said the new...
- 7/28/2018
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
3rd Update with deal terms and Iatse president statement, 9:20 Pm: Iatse president Matt Loeb called today’s tentative deal with the AMPTP “a huge victory for the skilled professionals who bring motion pictures to life.” Also, Leaders of 12 of the union’s 13 Hollywood locals say they will recommend ratifcation of the deal. Only the Editors Guild remains opposed.
Read terms of the deal below.
Previous Update, 2:55 Pm: The executive director of Iatse Editors Guild Local 700 is not happy with the tentative contract deal that Iatse struck with producers today. In a communique to her members, Cathy Repola said that the local’s president will be calling a special meeting of the guild’s board of directors, where she will be recommending “non-ratification of this deal to the board.”
“Early this morning,” she wrote, “a totally unnecessary, unacceptable agreement was reached concluding the current Basic Agreement negotiations.
The news...
Read terms of the deal below.
Previous Update, 2:55 Pm: The executive director of Iatse Editors Guild Local 700 is not happy with the tentative contract deal that Iatse struck with producers today. In a communique to her members, Cathy Repola said that the local’s president will be calling a special meeting of the guild’s board of directors, where she will be recommending “non-ratification of this deal to the board.”
“Early this morning,” she wrote, “a totally unnecessary, unacceptable agreement was reached concluding the current Basic Agreement negotiations.
The news...
- 7/27/2018
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
The Jewish Labor Committee will honor Thom Davis, IATSE Local 80 Business Agent and IATSE International vp; Serena Kay Williams, retiring secretary-treasurer of Musicians Local 47; and Michele Lee, member of the DGA, SAG, AFTRA and Actors Equity. The trio, to be feted SundayJuly 15 at a Century Plaza Hotel luncheon, are being recognized for "community service and support of civil and workers rights." JLC programs support labor causes and fight anti-Semitism and bigotry.
- 7/11/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IATSE president Thomas Short was re-elected to a fourth term Thursday in balloting that saw nearly all of the elected leadership retaining their seats. The occasion marked the fourth time Short has run unopposed as leader of the union representing the bulk of Hollywood's below-the-line talent. All members of the general executive board also ran unopposed in the election, which took place at the union's 65th annual Quadrennial Convention in Honolulu. Re-elected to their posts were general secretary-treasurer James Wood and IATSE vps Rudy Napoleone, Timothy Magee, Michael Barnes, J. Walter Cahill, Thom Davis, Matthew Loeb, Anthony DePaulo, Mimi Wolch, Damian Petti, Brian Lawlor, Michael Miller, John Beckman and Daniel DiTolla.
- 7/22/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IATSE president Thomas Short was re-elected to a fourth term Thursday in balloting that saw nearly all of the elected leadership retaining their seats. The occasion marked the fourth time Short has run unopposed as leader of the union representing the bulk of Hollywood's below-the-line talent. All members of the general executive board also ran unopposed in the election, which took place at the union's 65th annual Quadrennial Convention in Honolulu. Re-elected to their posts were general secretary-treasurer James Wood and IATSE vps Rudy Napoleone, Timothy Magee, Michael Barnes, J. Walter Cahill, Thom Davis, Matthew Loeb, Anthony DePaulo, Mimi Wolch, Damian Petti, Brian Lawlor, Michael Miller, John Beckman and Daniel DiTolla.
- 7/22/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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