Tag: SAG

  • California’s Governor Gavin Newsom offers to help negotiate Hollywood strike

    By Associated Press

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Governor Gavin Newsom has contacted all sides of the strikes that have hobbled Hollywood, his office said Wednesday, offering to help broker a deal to restart an industry that is crucial to keeping the state’s economy humming amid signs of weakness.

    So far, neither studio executives nor actors and writers have shown formal interest in bringing Newsom to the negotiating table, said Anthony York, Newsom’s senior adviser for communications. But York said both Newsom and senior members of his administration have been in touch with all sides as the two strikes stretch deeper into the summer blockbuster season.

    “It’s clear that the sides are still far apart, but he is deeply concerned about the impact a prolonged strike can have on the regional and state economy,” York said. He further noted “thousands of jobs depend directly or indirectly on Hollywood getting back to work,” including crew, staff and catering.

    The last time the writers went on strike more than a decade ago, the 100-day work stoppage cost the state’s economy an estimated $2 billion. The economic hit could be even bigger this time around now that actors have joined the picket lines.

    The strikes come after Newsom signed a state budget that included a more than $31 billion deficit in part because of a slowdown in the tech sector, another one of the state’s key industries.

    The writers have been on strike since May, and the actors joined them earlier this month. Both unions have concerns about how they will be paid in an age where fewer people are paying to go to the movies or watch cable TV in favour of streaming services.

    And they are worried about how the rise of artificial intelligence will affect the creative process of how movies and TV shows are made and who is paid to make them.

    SAG-AFTRA member walks on a picket line outside Netflix studios on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, in Los Angeles. (Photo)

    The Democratic governor first offered to help mediate a deal in May, shortly after the writers’ strike began, saying he was sympathetic to their concerns about streaming and artificial intelligence. Now in his final term in office, Newsom has worked hard to boost his national profile as he sets his sights on life after the governor’s office.

    He is widely considered a future presidential contender, though he has said he has no plans to run. Any role for Newsom to help end strikes halting one of the country’s most recognizable industries could bolster his status on the national stage.

    Labour actions have lit up California this summer, and it has become common for politicians and their allies to step into broker deals. New Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, for example, helped negotiate an end to a strike by Los Angeles school staff. Acting Biden administration Labor Secretary Julie Su, a former California labour leader, helped reach an end to a contract dispute at Southern California ports.

    Asked about Newsom’s involvement, Bass spokesman Zach Seidl said in a statement that “this is a historic inflexion point for our city. … We continue to engage with labour leaders, studio heads, elected leaders and other impacted parties to arrive at a fair and equitable solution.”

    York declined to say who Newsom has spoken with, either on the unions’ side or the studios. Representatives for the Screen Actors Guild – the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers declined to comment.

    Hollywood isn’t just a major economic driver in California — it’s also a fundraising powerhouse for mostly Democratic candidates, including Newsom. In 2021, when Newsom was facing a recall election that could have removed him from office, Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings donated $3 million to help defeat it. He has received smaller contributions from executives at Disney, Sony and Lionsgate. Prominent directors and producers like Stephen Spielberg and Chuck Lorre have also donated to his campaigns.

    Newsom’s relationships with some of Hollywood’s most powerful executives could potentially help him in any negotiations over the strikes as he continues to advocate for the causes of the workers. Newsom also has a connection to Hollywood through his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, who used to be an actor and is now a documentary director.

    Also this year, Newsom signed a law to extend tax credits for movie and television productions. The big change is that those tax credits will be refundable, meaning if a movie studio has credits that are worth more than what it owes in taxes, the state will pay the studio the difference in cash.

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Governor Gavin Newsom has contacted all sides of the strikes that have hobbled Hollywood, his office said Wednesday, offering to help broker a deal to restart an industry that is crucial to keeping the state’s economy humming amid signs of weakness.

    So far, neither studio executives nor actors and writers have shown formal interest in bringing Newsom to the negotiating table, said Anthony York, Newsom’s senior adviser for communications. But York said both Newsom and senior members of his administration have been in touch with all sides as the two strikes stretch deeper into the summer blockbuster season.

    “It’s clear that the sides are still far apart, but he is deeply concerned about the impact a prolonged strike can have on the regional and state economy,” York said. He further noted “thousands of jobs depend directly or indirectly on Hollywood getting back to work,” including crew, staff and catering.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2′); });

    The last time the writers went on strike more than a decade ago, the 100-day work stoppage cost the state’s economy an estimated $2 billion. The economic hit could be even bigger this time around now that actors have joined the picket lines.

    The strikes come after Newsom signed a state budget that included a more than $31 billion deficit in part because of a slowdown in the tech sector, another one of the state’s key industries.

    The writers have been on strike since May, and the actors joined them earlier this month. Both unions have concerns about how they will be paid in an age where fewer people are paying to go to the movies or watch cable TV in favour of streaming services.

    And they are worried about how the rise of artificial intelligence will affect the creative process of how movies and TV shows are made and who is paid to make them.

    SAG-AFTRA member walks on a picket line outside Netflix studios on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, in Los Angeles. (Photo)

    The Democratic governor first offered to help mediate a deal in May, shortly after the writers’ strike began, saying he was sympathetic to their concerns about streaming and artificial intelligence. Now in his final term in office, Newsom has worked hard to boost his national profile as he sets his sights on life after the governor’s office.

    He is widely considered a future presidential contender, though he has said he has no plans to run. Any role for Newsom to help end strikes halting one of the country’s most recognizable industries could bolster his status on the national stage.

    Labour actions have lit up California this summer, and it has become common for politicians and their allies to step into broker deals. New Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, for example, helped negotiate an end to a strike by Los Angeles school staff. Acting Biden administration Labor Secretary Julie Su, a former California labour leader, helped reach an end to a contract dispute at Southern California ports.

    Asked about Newsom’s involvement, Bass spokesman Zach Seidl said in a statement that “this is a historic inflexion point for our city. … We continue to engage with labour leaders, studio heads, elected leaders and other impacted parties to arrive at a fair and equitable solution.”

    York declined to say who Newsom has spoken with, either on the unions’ side or the studios. Representatives for the Screen Actors Guild – the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers declined to comment.

    Hollywood isn’t just a major economic driver in California — it’s also a fundraising powerhouse for mostly Democratic candidates, including Newsom. In 2021, when Newsom was facing a recall election that could have removed him from office, Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings donated $3 million to help defeat it. He has received smaller contributions from executives at Disney, Sony and Lionsgate. Prominent directors and producers like Stephen Spielberg and Chuck Lorre have also donated to his campaigns.

    Newsom’s relationships with some of Hollywood’s most powerful executives could potentially help him in any negotiations over the strikes as he continues to advocate for the causes of the workers. Newsom also has a connection to Hollywood through his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, who used to be an actor and is now a documentary director.

    Also this year, Newsom signed a law to extend tax credits for movie and television productions. The big change is that those tax credits will be refundable, meaning if a movie studio has credits that are worth more than what it owes in taxes, the state will pay the studio the difference in cash.

  • SAG Awards 2022: Ariana DeBose wins maiden award for supporting role

    LOS ANGELES: Hollywood actress Ariana DeBose took home the award for outstanding performance by a female actor in a supporting role for “West Side Story” at the 2022 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards on Sunday.She was nominated alongside Caitriona Balfe, Cate Blanchett, Kirsten Dunst and Ruth Negga. The award marked DeBose’s first nomination and win.In “West Side Story”, DeBose portrays Anita, a San Juan Hill seamstress and the older sister to the movie’s female lead Maria.The film reimagines the classic story of forbidden love between star-crossed lovers Maria (Zegler) and Tony (Ansel Elgort) and the rivalry between teen gangs, the Jets and Sharks, set in the backdrop of mid-1950s New York.”It’s taken a long time for me to feel comfortable calling myself an actor. My roots come from the dance world and the Broadway stage,” she said.

    ALSO READ | SAG Awards 2022: Lee Jung Jae, Jung Ho Yeon win top honours for ‘Squid Game’Talking about the film, she said: “The Anita that we see on the screen, took every bit of me, but she took 10 years to make and I’m extremely proud of her and of our film. And I really do believe that when you recognise one of us, you recognise all of us in a way.”She later thanked director Steven Spielberg for “believing in the possibility of not only my talent but of that of my colleagues” and her cast and crew which represented a “labour of love” and “beautiful cinematic experience”.She finished her speech by thanking all those in attendance at the SAG Awards: “I have watched so many of you for a very long time. You inspire me and you continue to do so and I am just thrilled to be among you.”DeBose’s win comes amid the actress receiving her first Oscar nomination for best supporting actress, reports hollywoodreporter.com.She has already won a Golden Globe for the role.

  • SAG Awards 2022: Lee Jung Jae, Jung Ho Yeon win top honours for ‘Squid Game’

    LOS ANGELES: Popular Korean survival show “Squid Game” stars Jung Ho Yeon and Lee Jung were feted with the top honours at the Screen Actors Guild Awards 2022.

    Ho Yeon won the Best Actress Award for a performance in a Drama Series and Jung Jae took home Best Actor in a Drama Series for “Squid Game”.On receiving the award, she said: “First and foremost thank you so much I have sat many a time watching you on the big screen dreaming of one day becoming an actor. I just want to say thank you so much.”Ho Yeon got emotional as she was seen in tears when giving her speech on accepting the honour.

    ALSO READ | Will Smith bags his first SAG Award for Best Actor

    “Thank you.. For making me dream and opening the door for me.”The Netflix show “Squid Game” has bagged some of the biggest honours. Jung Jae beat fellow nominees such as “Succession” stars Brian Cox, Kieran Culkin, Jeremy Strong and also “The Morning Show” Billy Crudup to bag the major award.On receiving the award, Jung Jae said: “Oh my! Thank you so much. This is truly huge that has happened to me. I did write something but I don’t think I will get to reading it. Thank you so so much SAG Awards. And thank you to the global audience for all the love for “Squid Game” and thank you “Squid Game” team.”

  • Michael B. Jordan shares heartfelt post for Chadwick Boseman’s record SAG nominations

    By ANI
    WASHINGTON: American actor Michael B. Jordan, who shared screen space with late star Chadwick Boseman in the insanely popular Marvel film ‘Black Panther’, posted a heartwarming tribute for the late actor.

    Jordan honoured Boseman after the late star received a record number of Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award nominations this week.

    Boseman, who died in August 2020 at the age of 43 after a four-year battle with colon cancer, made history on Thursday when he became the first person to receive four nominations for the Screen Actors Guild Awards in the same year.

    The actor clinched four nominations posthumously for his roles in ‘Da 5 Bloods’ and ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’.

    Jordan shared an Instagram post on Saturday with photos of the late actor starring in the two films he was nominated for. The 33-year-old actor captioned the post, “4. Still setting the bar higher. Miss you big homie.”

    In ‘Black Panther’, Jordan played the role of Erik Killmonger, the film’s main villain who wanted to dethrone Boseman’s character T’Challa.

    Boseman was nominated for outstanding performance by a male actor in a leading role for ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’, and for outstanding performance by a male actor in a supporting role for ‘Da 5 Bloods’, reported Entertainment Weekly.

    In addition to the individual nods, Boseman received an additional two nominations for both movies which were nominated for outstanding performance by a cast in a motion picture. The day prior, he also earned a posthumous nomination for the 2021 Golden Globe Awards for his performance in ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’.

    Boseman was also widely known for playing Jackie Robinson in ’42’, an American soldier called Norman in ‘Da 5 Bloods’, Thurgood Marshall in ‘Marshall’, James Brown in ‘Get on Up’, and so on.

    In a November interview with People magazine, Jordan discussed the impact that Boseman has had on him, as well as the late Kobe Bryant, who died almost exactly seven months before Boseman.

    “Looking at two people in particular that had a real impact on me, in Kobe and Chadwick. You always look at your own mortality after something like that. The impact they’ve had on people in this world is truly incredible,” he had said.

    “I’ve always wanted to leave behind something that would last longer than my physical body would. Inspiring is so vague,” Jordan added.

    Jordan, who first crossed paths with Boseman when they played the same role in ‘All My Children’, had also honoured him in a heartfelt tribute after the actor’s death, writing on Instagram, “I wish we had more time.”

    “One of the last times we spoke, you said we were forever linked, and now the truth of that means more to me than ever,” Jordan wrote at that time.

    Jordan added, “Since nearly the beginning of my career, starting with All My Children when I was 16 years old you paved the way for me. You showed me how to be better, honor purpose, and create legacy. And whether you’ve known it or not…I’ve been watching, learning and constantly motivated by your greatness.”