Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1325752
SAG-AFTRA and AEA Reach Agreement on Pandemic Waiver Waiver Provides Much-Needed Assistance to AEA Members while Codifying SAG-AFTRA's Exclusive Jurisdiction over Live Theater Recorded or Streamed for Exhibition to a Remote Audience S AG-AFTRA and Actors' Equity Association reached an agreement affirming work done for recorded or broadcast/livestreamed media, including the transmission of live theater performance outside the theater itself, falls within SAG-AFTRA's exclusive jurisdiction. Recognizing the challenges for theater during the pandemic and that the only way for live theater companies to reach audiences is by recording and/ or streaming productions to a remote audience, SAG-AFTRA has agreed to waive its jurisdiction and permit AEA to cover certain projects during the pandemic period with a term concluding Dec. 31, 2021, subject to limitations including distribution on platforms like Netflix, Amazon, Hulu and other streaming platforms. SAG-AFTRA-covered productions have included shows from Broadway, such as Diana: A True Musical Story, Hamilton and Peter Pan as well as regional productions of The Ballad of Emmett Till and A Christmas Carol. Equity also agreed that it will not rely on, argue, or cite the fact that it is performing certain work during the pandemic period as evidence of Equity's jurisdiction, nor will it accept work from an Equity or other theater that violates the agreement without the express consent of SAG-AFTRA. The tentative agreement was reached on Nov. 19 and was approved unanimously by the SAG-AFTRA National Board and Actors' Equity Association National Council. Representatives for SAG-AFTRA and Equity praised the collaborative process that allowed the parties to come to the table and reach a solution that serves the best interests of both of their memberships. Left, the SAG-AFTRA leadership team meets to discuss the tentative waiver agreement prior to the final negotiation session with Equity. SAG-AFTRA covers staged productions from Broadway to regional theater that can be enjoyed at home on your television, mobile devices and radio. sagaftra.org | Winter 2021 | SAG-AFTRA 17 DISNEY+ Hamilton DAREN SCOTT San Diego Repertory Theatre's JQA DAVID COTTER/NBC Dr. Seuss' The Grinch Musical! "We are pleased that we are able to help create work opportunities for AEA members, while protecting SAG-AFTRA jurisdiction in the theater space now and into the future." – Joint member message from SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris and National Executive Director David White