Currently recovering from the dire effects of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike which terminated in mid-February, Hollywood is now concerned about whether the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) might also strike. This is despite the fact that formal negotiations between SAG and the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers (AMPTP) have not yet commenced. The SAG contract expires on 30 June.
The Los Angeles Times reports that SAG has assured independent filmmakers that certain productions would be allowed to continue shooting in the event of a strike. However, this only applies to producers who do not have financing or distribution with a studio or company represented by the AMPTP. SAG will give qualifying producers an interim contract.
Meanwhile, indie producers who are required to purchase completion bonds have been told by insurance companies that they will only do business with them if their films are finished by 15 June.
