Industry & Labor

The Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) and Time's Up have released their first TV and film production diversity report. Titled, "A Study of AFCI Member and Partner Diversity Initiatives," the 2020 report provides a snapshot of the diversity initiatives currently employed by film commissions around the globe. In particular, it draws attention to the efforts led by film commissions to address safety on sets, equity among the workforce and diversity and inclusion in leadership.

Local 600 and ICG Magazine are launching "Deep Dive," a virtual panel series where we chat with the creative teams of union television and film productions.

Hollywood’s unions released their detailed protocols today for the safe reopening of the film and TV industry – a joint effort by the DGA, SAG-AFTRA, IATSE and the Teamsters. The 36-page report implements the more general guidelines set forth in a White Paper on reopening that was issued by the Industry-Wide Labor-Management Safety Committee Task Force on June 1. The release of the unions’ report comes just as Los Angeles County has allowed production to resume, starting today.

After more than 40 years as an actor, Sheri Mann Stewart had finally taken the plunge to launch her own production company. A week after she wrapped shooting her first film for Mann Woman Productions, Atlanta went on pandemic lockdown.

The board of governors at the American Society of Cinematographers on Tuesday elected Stephen Lighthill as its new president. It is the second term in the top spot for Lighthill, who takes over from outgoing ASC president Kees van Oostrum, who had served the maximum four terms.

California will allow film and television shoots to resume as soon as June 12, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office said Friday, marking a major step toward reviving the entertainment business after the coronavirus outbreak crippled it nearly three months ago.

KPIX-5 reporter Katie Nielsen was detained by the Oakland Police Department while doing her job reporting on demonstrations in Oakland on Monday 1 June.

Sony had a decision to make. Due to COVID-19, it was unclear when “Greyhound,” a World War II epic starring Tom Hanks, would ride into theaters. Widespread closures had upended the release schedule for films that were due to debut in cinemas for the next few months, and pushed “Greyhound” from its planned June 2020 date...

Last time Los Angeles was engulfed in the kind of turmoil we’ve seen this week was the 1992 LA Riots, and the lifelong Angeleno assisted in the cleanup effort. At 73, he continues to self- quarantine, which he has done since early March. But he has watched this drama unfold like the rest of us. He shares his thoughts on what’s unfolded, and taps his own frustrations and experiences to advise how to turn Hollywood’s overtures into a tipping point that might mean not only an increase in inclusive film and TV projects, but installing more decision making executives of color.

We share in the heartbreak, frustration and anger surrounding the tragic murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police. We stand in solidarity with the African-American community as together we grieve yet another lawless, racist killing in our country.

Good unions have a social justice heartbeat, and don't allow silence as an option. Inaction is surrendering to bigotry, division and a hopeless future.

The presidents of SAG-AFTRA, the DGA and IATSE released a joint statement today saying that no agreement has been reached yet on a White Paper that will provide guidelines for the safe resumption of film and television production.