New Mexico Background Actor's Union
Target:
To Provide Protection For New Mexico Background Actors
Sponsored by:
Dear Sir
Are background actors or "movie extras" the new peons of the New Mexico Film Industry? In the dictionary, "peons" are described as "a menial worker, a drudge", and that's the way many New Mexico men and women who work as background actors in the booming New Mexico movie industry view the treatment they receive at the hands of the movie companies.
Two major components in making a film are the crew and the cast. Background actors are considered "cast" by most, but do not receive equal consideration in food, shelter, transportation, and salary. The following is just a few examples:
Unionized workers are provided with basic shelter; with air-conditioning in the summer and heat in the winter. Background actors sometimes are not; On some sets, food that is prepared for main actors and crews is of better quality than that fed the background actors, and even the leftovers are destroyed rather than be shared with the background actors. They may eat steaks while the background actors get sandwiches. Unionized workers are provided transportation and housing while the movie is in production: Background actors are not.
Consider the current gas prices, and what it must cost the average background actor to drive an hour or more to the set?
While there is a minimum wage established in Santa Fe and in New Mexico as a whole, many production companies do not follow these laws. Background actors are sometimes asked to work twelve hours with no transportation, housing, or adequate food, and paid only $50. The movie companies seem to be able to take advantage of those people who are intrigued "being in a movie" and even ask that the background actors work for free. Amazingly, some do, and this causes further harm to the future of the background artists in New Mexico.
The true hard facts are that New Mexico men and women who want to work in the film industry here are not being given the same considerations as those who work in Los Angeles, New York, Canada, and other major film production areas. Background actors are being asked to perform union jobs, such as running through fires, precision driving etc. and being paid background artist wages for such roles. A typical day in one of the more established markets would go like this: The first eight hours background actors would be paid straight time; from eight hours to twelve hours it is time and a half; and after that wages are doubled. Some productions that are receiving state incentives are not following these guidelines, or even coming close. Some productions are not abiding by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Some productions are requiring background actors to supply their own multiple wardrobes, without compensation. With all our state incentives, why aren't background actors in New Mexico protected by a union?
As stated above, quality food, shelter, housing, and transportation reimbursements, and compensation are not always being given to the background actors, who are mostly hard working citizens of New Mexico, and do not wish to be the "new peons", menial workers, drudges, in the booming film industry in this state.
Fellow Concerned New Mexican Voter and Citizen
If you agree to the letter above please sign the Petition
Thank you
Are background actors or "movie extras" the new peons of the New Mexico Film Industry? In the dictionary, "peons" are described as "a menial worker, a drudge", and that's the way many New Mexico men and women who work as background actors in the booming New Mexico movie industry view the treatment they receive at the hands of the movie companies.
Two major components in making a film are the crew and the cast. Background actors are considered "cast" by most, but do not receive equal consideration in food, shelter, transportation, and salary. The following is just a few examples:
Unionized workers are provided with basic shelter; with air-conditioning in the summer and heat in the winter. Background actors sometimes are not; On some sets, food that is prepared for main actors and crews is of better quality than that fed the background actors, and even the leftovers are destroyed rather than be shared with the background actors. They may eat steaks while the background actors get sandwiches. Unionized workers are provided transportation and housing while the movie is in production: Background actors are not.
Consider the current gas prices, and what it must cost the average background actor to drive an hour or more to the set?
While there is a minimum wage established in Santa Fe and in New Mexico as a whole, many production companies do not follow these laws. Background actors are sometimes asked to work twelve hours with no transportation, housing, or adequate food, and paid only $50. The movie companies seem to be able to take advantage of those people who are intrigued "being in a movie" and even ask that the background actors work for free. Amazingly, some do, and this causes further harm to the future of the background artists in New Mexico.
The true hard facts are that New Mexico men and women who want to work in the film industry here are not being given the same considerations as those who work in Los Angeles, New York, Canada, and other major film production areas. Background actors are being asked to perform union jobs, such as running through fires, precision driving etc. and being paid background artist wages for such roles. A typical day in one of the more established markets would go like this: The first eight hours background actors would be paid straight time; from eight hours to twelve hours it is time and a half; and after that wages are doubled. Some productions that are receiving state incentives are not following these guidelines, or even coming close. Some productions are not abiding by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Some productions are requiring background actors to supply their own multiple wardrobes, without compensation. With all our state incentives, why aren't background actors in New Mexico protected by a union?
As stated above, quality food, shelter, housing, and transportation reimbursements, and compensation are not always being given to the background actors, who are mostly hard working citizens of New Mexico, and do not wish to be the "new peons", menial workers, drudges, in the booming film industry in this state.
Fellow Concerned New Mexican Voter and Citizen
If you agree to the letter above please sign the Petition
Thank you
Dear Sir
Are background actors or "movie extras" the new peons of the New Mexico Film Industry? In the dictionary, "peons" are described as "a menial worker, a drudge", and that's the way many New Mexico men and women who work as background actors in the booming New Mexico movie industry view the treatment they receive at the hands of the movie companies.
Two major components in making a film are the crew and the cast. Background actors are considered "cast" by most, but do not receive equal consideration in food, shelter, transportation, and salary. The following is just a few examples:
Unionized workers are provided with basic shelter; with air-conditioning in the summer and heat in the winter. Background actors sometimes are not; On some sets, food that is prepared for main actors and crews is of better quality than that fed the background actors, and even the leftovers are destroyed rather than be shared with the background actors. They may eat steaks while the background actors get sandwiches. Unionized workers are provided transportation and housing while the movie is in production: Background actors are not.
Consider the current gas prices, and what it must cost the average background actor to drive an hour or more to the set?
While there is a minimum wage established in Santa Fe and in New Mexico as a whole, many production companies do not follow these laws. Background actors are sometimes asked to work twelve hours with no transportation, housing, or adequate food, and paid only $50. The movie companies seem to be able to take advantage of those people who are intrigued "being in a movie" and even ask that the background actors work for free. Amazingly, some do, and this causes further harm to the future of the background artists in New Mexico.
The true hard facts are that New Mexico men and women who want to work in the film industry here are not being given the same considerations as those who work in Los Angeles, New York, Canada, and other major film production areas. Background actors are being asked to perform union jobs, such as running through fires, precision driving etc. and being paid background artist wages for such roles. A typical day in one of the more established markets would go like this: The first eight hours background actors would be paid straight time; from eight hours to twelve hours it is time and a half; and after that wages are doubled. Some productions that are receiving state incentives are not following these guidelines, or even coming close. Some productions are not abiding by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Some productions are requiring background actors to supply their own multiple wardrobes, without compensation. With all our state incentives, why aren't background actors in New Mexico protected by a union?
As stated above, quality food, shelter, housing, and transportation reimbursements, and compensation are not always being given to the background actors, who are mostly hard working citizens of New Mexico, and do not wish to be the "new peons", menial workers, drudges, in the booming film industry in this state.
Fellow Concerned New Mexican Voter and Citizen
If you agree to the letter above please sign the Petition
Thank you
Are background actors or "movie extras" the new peons of the New Mexico Film Industry? In the dictionary, "peons" are described as "a menial worker, a drudge", and that's the way many New Mexico men and women who work as background actors in the booming New Mexico movie industry view the treatment they receive at the hands of the movie companies.
Two major components in making a film are the crew and the cast. Background actors are considered "cast" by most, but do not receive equal consideration in food, shelter, transportation, and salary. The following is just a few examples:
Unionized workers are provided with basic shelter; with air-conditioning in the summer and heat in the winter. Background actors sometimes are not; On some sets, food that is prepared for main actors and crews is of better quality than that fed the background actors, and even the leftovers are destroyed rather than be shared with the background actors. They may eat steaks while the background actors get sandwiches. Unionized workers are provided transportation and housing while the movie is in production: Background actors are not.
Consider the current gas prices, and what it must cost the average background actor to drive an hour or more to the set?
While there is a minimum wage established in Santa Fe and in New Mexico as a whole, many production companies do not follow these laws. Background actors are sometimes asked to work twelve hours with no transportation, housing, or adequate food, and paid only $50. The movie companies seem to be able to take advantage of those people who are intrigued "being in a movie" and even ask that the background actors work for free. Amazingly, some do, and this causes further harm to the future of the background artists in New Mexico.
The true hard facts are that New Mexico men and women who want to work in the film industry here are not being given the same considerations as those who work in Los Angeles, New York, Canada, and other major film production areas. Background actors are being asked to perform union jobs, such as running through fires, precision driving etc. and being paid background artist wages for such roles. A typical day in one of the more established markets would go like this: The first eight hours background actors would be paid straight time; from eight hours to twelve hours it is time and a half; and after that wages are doubled. Some productions that are receiving state incentives are not following these guidelines, or even coming close. Some productions are not abiding by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Some productions are requiring background actors to supply their own multiple wardrobes, without compensation. With all our state incentives, why aren't background actors in New Mexico protected by a union?
As stated above, quality food, shelter, housing, and transportation reimbursements, and compensation are not always being given to the background actors, who are mostly hard working citizens of New Mexico, and do not wish to be the "new peons", menial workers, drudges, in the booming film industry in this state.
Fellow Concerned New Mexican Voter and Citizen
If you agree to the letter above please sign the Petition
Thank you
We signed the "New Mexico Background Actor's Union" petition!
# 181:
10:18 am PDT, Aug 27,
Tina Ard, Illinois
# 180:
2:34 pm PDT, Aug 25,
Frank Lapore III, Wisconsin
# 179:
12:01 am PDT, Aug 22,
Jesse James Oliva, New Mexico
# 178:
5:14 pm PDT, Aug 5,
Jonathon Romero, New Mexico
# 177:
3:07 pm PDT, Aug 4,
Name not displayed, South Africa
I am an American actor and stuntman who at the moment is living in South Africa with plans to move my family to NM to go after work. The conditions stated are appaling. Non union shows I've worked have taken better care of their people as far as food and housing go. From the top to the bottom everyone need to be treated with respect on the set because we are all working toward the same goal. Creating entertainment.
I am an American actor and stuntman who at the moment is living in South Africa with plans to move my family to NM to go after work. The conditions stated are appaling. Non union shows I've worked have taken better care of their people as far as food and housing go. From the top to the bottom everyone need to be treated with respect on the set because we are all working toward the same goal. Creating entertainment.
# 176:
10:09 am PDT, Jul 25,
Bill Moore, New Mexico
# 175:
9:15 pm PDT, Jul 5,
Jorge Romero, California
I had the experience to work with a 2nd AD in L.A., she worked in New Mexico for several years. I am a SAG and AFTRA member. This woman kept us all for three ours standing around at Base Camp and on set with no chairs available. Till I call the SAG rep, she came running with a tent and chairs for all of us. I understand your concern about the abusive behavior of the production companies towards the none union background actors. I will sign your petition in support of your great effort to change, the animalistic views of those few production assistants in sets.
I had the experience to work with a 2nd AD in L.A., she worked in New Mexico for several years. I am a SAG and AFTRA member. This woman kept us all for three ours standing around at Base Camp and on set with no chairs available. Till I call the SAG rep, she came running with a tent and chairs for all of us. I understand your concern about the abusive behavior of the production companies towards the none union background actors. I will sign your petition in support of your great effort to change, the animalistic views of those few production assistants in sets.
# 174:
12:54 am PDT, May 20,
David Moore, Australia
# 173:
2:01 pm PST, Feb 12,
Name not displayed, New Mexico
# 172:
6:10 pm PST, Jan 29,
WH Lindemann, Canada
Most INTELLIGENT producers know that a happy taken care of crew actually saves money and since movie making is an expensive collaborative effort with all involved, the more mindful and professional, the better for everybody. Unfortunately we need petitions for the idiots that don't recognize the values of respectful and aware work relationships. You get what you pay for when you also pay in respect and kindness
Most INTELLIGENT producers know that a happy taken care of crew actually saves money and since movie making is an expensive collaborative effort with all involved, the more mindful and professional, the better for everybody. Unfortunately we need petitions for the idiots that don't recognize the values of respectful and aware work relationships. You get what you pay for when you also pay in respect and kindness
# 171:
4:14 pm PST, Jan 9,
Name not displayed, New Mexico
For more impact, add a personal comment here
For more impact, add a personal comment here
# 170:
8:36 am PST, Jan 9,
Frederick Brink, New Mexico
Just provided background extra service on filming in Albuquerque. The setting of the movie was San Fransisco Spring/Summer so we were required to dress lightly, however, the temperature in Albuquerque during the day was right around freezing. Although the cast, crew and directors were great to us, this extreme weather condition was much too harsh on us in summer clothing.
Just provided background extra service on filming in Albuquerque. The setting of the movie was San Fransisco Spring/Summer so we were required to dress lightly, however, the temperature in Albuquerque during the day was right around freezing. Although the cast, crew and directors were great to us, this extreme weather condition was much too harsh on us in summer clothing.
# 169:
3:59 pm PST, Jan 6,
Frank Maes, New Mexico
New Mexico native
New Mexico native
# 168:
8:03 am PST, Jan 2,
Jennifer Gardner, Florida
# 167:
5:07 am PDT, Sep 23,
DYAN LUNA, New Mexico
# 166:
7:19 am PDT, Sep 18,
Richard Williams, New Mexico
# 165:
1:25 pm PDT, Sep 9,
Vegas Actor, Nevada
I just wanted to say that I just found out NM did not cover SAG BG actors. I was actually thinking of going to NM to work but not anymore. WOW I feel for you guys...I can tell you in Las Vegas when a production decides to shoot outside the jurisdiction zone we all band together and refuse to work on the production.....and roughly 50% of the time they cave in and agree to recognize we are SAG and pay our scale....and after years of solidarity, many productions pay according to the BG contract right off the bat regardless of where they are shooting in NV....though some still don't....and then they get flakes with no experience and then go back to LA with a bad impression...Well hey they should have hired SAG BG. You get what you pay for....What I'm trying to say here is if a production films in NM and doesnt pay SAG scale to BG and follow the contract then DONT WORK! Band together!!! I know you need to earn money but as long as you work for non-SAG rates well thats all you'll ever get...Unite...picket the productions...it's unbelievable to me that NM being one of the TOP PLACES TO FILM doesnt recognize SAG BG actors.....You have to unite in Solidarity and fight!!!
I just wanted to say that I just found out NM did not cover SAG BG actors. I was actually thinking of going to NM to work but not anymore. WOW I feel for you guys...I can tell you in Las Vegas when a production decides to shoot outside the jurisdiction zone we all band together and refuse to work on the production.....and roughly 50% of the time they cave in and agree to recognize we are SAG and pay our scale....and after years of solidarity, many productions pay according to the BG contract right off the bat regardless of where they are shooting in NV....though some still don't....and then they get flakes with no experience and then go back to LA with a bad impression...Well hey they should have hired SAG BG. You get what you pay for....What I'm trying to say here is if a production films in NM and doesnt pay SAG scale to BG and follow the contract then DONT WORK! Band together!!! I know you need to earn money but as long as you work for non-SAG rates well thats all you'll ever get...Unite...picket the productions...it's unbelievable to me that NM being one of the TOP PLACES TO FILM doesnt recognize SAG BG actors.....You have to unite in Solidarity and fight!!!
# 164:
1:36 pm PDT, Sep 6,
Eric Martinez, New Mexico
# 163:
8:13 pm PDT, Sep 5,
Michael Santistevan, New Mexico
I have been an extra in five major motion pictures filmed in New Mexico, and have been a propmaker for one motion picture and one television series filmed at ABQ Studios. The New Mexico Film Commission as well as the local 480 paints a pretty picture but fails to deliver for New Mexicans. If you are not from California or are not in the good old boy network or even one of the Crow brothers you are totally out of work and the first to be laid off.
I have been an extra in five major motion pictures filmed in New Mexico, and have been a propmaker for one motion picture and one television series filmed at ABQ Studios. The New Mexico Film Commission as well as the local 480 paints a pretty picture but fails to deliver for New Mexicans. If you are not from California or are not in the good old boy network or even one of the Crow brothers you are totally out of work and the first to be laid off.
# 162:
9:34 am PDT, Aug 15,
Kristy Viera, New Mexico
I just finished working on a TV show and was left standing out in the rain while everyone around me was dodging for cover. I was never invited by any of the PA's inside to a trailer. I was ignored. We also did not have access to snacks until we complained. It seemed as if no once was taking care of us or even cared.
I just finished working on a TV show and was left standing out in the rain while everyone around me was dodging for cover. I was never invited by any of the PA's inside to a trailer. I was ignored. We also did not have access to snacks until we complained. It seemed as if no once was taking care of us or even cared.
# 161:
4:15 pm PDT, Jul 27,
Selene Dominguez, New Mexico
# 160:
9:43 am PDT, Jul 25,
Name not displayed, New Mexico
# 159:
6:54 am PDT, Jul 25,
Jeff Johnson, New Mexico
# 158:
11:54 pm PDT, Jul 24,
Name not displayed, New Mexico
Actors' compensation, foods, recognition, shelters, and transportation provides in New Mexico should be equal as to lead actors based on their talents not their roles in the movies. These people contribution to the movies as a whole not just for their own and they do expect to receive the equality as One. Although New Mexico not as large as LA, or NY; however, there are still new faces, new talents that awaiting to be recognized by popular and famous directors to even lay an eye on them. The film industry is spread so widely right now that everyone can take a chance to act, to be someone different than their own, to make the industry even wider. Directors should be more considerate in the talents, the looks, what they can do, rather than popular places like LA or NY and left New Mexico or other cities out because you assumed there won't be any extraodinary happen here since it is a small city.
Actors' compensation, foods, recognition, shelters, and transportation provides in New Mexico should be equal as to lead actors based on their talents not their roles in the movies. These people contribution to the movies as a whole not just for their own and they do expect to receive the equality as One. Although New Mexico not as large as LA, or NY; however, there are still new faces, new talents that awaiting to be recognized by popular and famous directors to even lay an eye on them. The film industry is spread so widely right now that everyone can take a chance to act, to be someone different than their own, to make the industry even wider. Directors should be more considerate in the talents, the looks, what they can do, rather than popular places like LA or NY and left New Mexico or other cities out because you assumed there won't be any extraodinary happen here since it is a small city.
# 157:
3:52 pm PDT, Jul 24,
Hannah Cartwright, New Mexico
# 156:
12:53 pm PDT, Jul 24,
Stew Cosentino, New Mexico
Why does NM treat us like chopped liver. They make the money and we get the scraps. Hollywood come here and brings their own actors, so where does that leave us. I could tell you but you might not like it.
Why does NM treat us like chopped liver. They make the money and we get the scraps. Hollywood come here and brings their own actors, so where does that leave us. I could tell you but you might not like it.
# 155:
10:59 am PDT, Jul 24,
Melvin Houston, New Mexico
CHRIST IS ON HIS WAY BACK
CHRIST IS ON HIS WAY BACK
# 154:
10:49 am PDT, Jul 24,
Vanessa LaFortune, New Mexico
# 153:
10:36 am PDT, Jul 24,
Lissette Carter, New Mexico
# 152:
9:17 am PDT, Jun 21,
Jamai Haquani, New Mexico
The treatment of Casting Agencies towards Background actors in not up to standard either. They could raise standards a bit....
The treatment of Casting Agencies towards Background actors in not up to standard either. They could raise standards a bit....
# 151:
12:08 pm PDT, Jun 19,
Floyd Freeney, Nebraska
