SAG-AFTRA members updated language regarding cellphone confiscation of background actors
To: Stephanie Perry, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland and Fran Drescher
We as SAG-AFTRA background artists and supporters are extremely concerned about the rising trend of cellphones being confiscated or taken away from background actors while we work on set. By nature of being members of SAG-AFTRA we have demonstrated our professional commitment to the industry and are courteous in our job. We understand that there are copyright issues in film and television production and leaks. However we are responsible and agree to NDAs and all of the legal consequences of releasing such information. Most of us are booked by the day and thus in our line of work it is increasingly necessary for us to be in constant communication with casting directors. We need to respond usually within 3 minutes of a text or email or we risk losing a day of work. Additionally many of us are responsible for others such as children, sick spouses or elderly parents and need to be able to communicate immediately. We strongly recommend language in the next contract which bans this practice unless ALL of the crew is required to turn in their cell phones.
Sincerely,
SAG-AFTRA members who do background work and their suppo
Updates
March 5, 2023
The consistent growth of this petition shows that our concerns regarding set protocols are shared by many across the industry. This momentum highlights a clear need for updated language that respects the professional requirements of background actors.
16 Comments
I agree with the petition. As long as we are not violating the NDA and we secure our phone in a professional manner no one should be able to confiscate it. In addition to losing work, we also have to use it through out the day to fill in vouchers, confirm booking info, etc.
I find the confiscation outrageous. I have been on too many productions where a SAG/AFTRA representative did not stop by and there was hazardous conditions on set which needed immediate attention. Especially in lieu of productions like RUST or even THE JOKER, our safety and livelihoods depend on cast and crew to be able to advocate for their own well being. Not to mention - crew routinely does not take the safety of our belongings to most crew and cast satisfaction.
This is an unexceptable practice.
I have a fiancé with stage 3 COPD and I like to check in with him throughout the day. I also need access to my email and text messages for job opportunities.
Background is already treated like cattle, confiscating phones is immoral.
I THINK ITS WRONG THAT THEY NOT ALLOW US TO HAVE OUR CELLPHONE.
I agree
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SAG-AFTRA members updated language regarding cellphone confiscation of background actors
To: Stephanie Perry, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland and Fran Drescher
We as SAG-AFTRA background artists and supporters are extremely concerned about the rising trend of cellphones being confiscated or taken away from background actors while we work on set. By nature of being members of SAG-AFTRA we have demonstrated our professional commitment to the industry and are courteous in our job. We understand that there are copyright issues in film and television production and leaks. However we are responsible and agree to NDAs and all of the legal consequences of releasing such information. Most of us are booked by the day and thus in our line of work it is increasingly necessary for us to be in constant communication with casting directors. We need to respond usually within 3 minutes of a text or email or we risk losing a day of work. Additionally many of us are responsible for others such as children, sick spouses or elderly parents and need to be able to communicate immediately. We strongly recommend language in the next contract which bans this practice unless ALL of the crew is required to turn in their cell phones.
Sincerely,
SAG-AFTRA members who do background work and their suppo
Updates
March 5, 2023
The consistent growth of this petition shows that our concerns regarding set protocols are shared by many across the industry. This momentum highlights a clear need for updated language that respects the professional requirements of background actors.
16 Comments
An AD (let me know if you want more info like his name) grabbed my cell phone on a set and put his number in it and called himself to get my number then handed my phone back to me and started texting and calling me to solicit sex (Sexual Harassment). Some sets ask to take your cell phone but neglect to tell you at the beginning of the job no cell phones on set. I am not handing my cell phone over for two reasons - That's my personal property and it's expensive and I've been sexually harassed!
I agree with the petition. As long as we are not violating the NDA and we secure our phone in a professional manner no one should be able to confiscate it. In addition to losing work, we also have to use it through out the day to fill in vouchers, confirm booking info, etc.
I find the confiscation outrageous. I have been on too many productions where a SAG/AFTRA representative did not stop by and there was hazardous conditions on set which needed immediate attention. Especially in lieu of productions like RUST or even THE JOKER, our safety and livelihoods depend on cast and crew to be able to advocate for their own well being. Not to mention - crew routinely does not take the safety of our belongings to most crew and cast satisfaction.
This is an unexceptable practice.
I have a fiancé with stage 3 COPD and I like to check in with him throughout the day. I also need access to my email and text messages for job opportunities.
Background is already treated like cattle, confiscating phones is immoral.
I THINK ITS WRONG THAT THEY NOT ALLOW US TO HAVE OUR CELLPHONE.
I agree
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An AD (let me know if you want more info like his name) grabbed my cell phone on a set and put his number in it and called himself to get my number then handed my phone back to me and started texting and calling me to solicit sex (Sexual Harassment). Some sets ask to take your cell phone but neglect to tell you at the beginning of the job no cell phones on set. I am not handing my cell phone over for two reasons - That's my personal property and it's expensive and I've been sexually harassed!