Screen Actors Guild...issues warning to members, as Writers' Guild talks strike out!

With a strike looming on the horizon for the Writers Guild of America, the Screen Actors Guild zipped off a warning to the Guild membership this past weekend.

In a nutshell, SAG noted that the Board of Directors for the Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) and the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) voted to call a strike against the film studios and television networks that make up the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) on Monday, November 5.

Yup, they're on the picket line today, folks!

Unfortunately, the key issues could not be resolved, so the writers were forced to take dramatic action.

The top dogs at Screen Actors Guild capped the notice with a reminder that SAG remains steadfast in its support of WGA writers and their desire to reach an equitable contract, and that,

"...we fully support their efforts to bargain for payments for new media formats and fair compensation for DVDs."

SAG President, Alan Rosenberg - recently re-elected by the SAG Membership for another term of office - attended the WGA membership meeting Thursday night to pledge the Guild’s support for, "...its brothers and sisters at the WGA."

For those confused about the turn of the events, the Executive clarified for the record that any actor contracted to work on a television series or motion picture that continues to produce while the WGA is on strike, is obligated by a personal service agreement and the “No Strike” clause in the collective bargaining agreements, to go to work.

SAG further noted that members could continue to audition for work, if they so chose.

However, there was one stern warning,

"Screen Actors Guild members should not perform any duties covered by WGA contracts. Simply stated, SAG Members should refrain from writing any material normally crafted by striking WGA writers."

In closing, SAG encouraged members to walk the picket line on their own time to show solidarity.

Indeed, were it not for the written word on the page, actors would be at a loss to enable their skills - except in the area of Reality TV - where free-flowing dialogue often springs spontaneously from the tongues of regular folks, working for prize money, and instant, notorious fame.

Yeah, SAG and WGA have similar issues to worry about.

For the most part, both Unions are struggling to make headway with producers over intense negotiations pertaining to new "media", residuals, and the jurisdiction over - and pay-scales for - reality shows.

And, there is the contentious issue of run-away production.

Bottom line...the producers are greedily gobbling up large portions of the pie - and, almost as an afterthought - tossing a few crumbs to the talent - in front of the camera, and off.

Of course, it makes sense to stand together; however, producers have an advantage.

The bargaining agreements are spread out all over the calendar; so, both the studios and the filmmaking heavies, are fortunate in that they are graced with the option to deal piece-meal with each Union.

What is the phrase that applies here?

Divide and conquer?