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!
# 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
# 150:
10:36 am PDT, Jun 19,
Name not displayed, United States Minor Outlying Islands
# 149:
2:05 pm PDT, Jun 16,
Lisa Junco, Illinois
# 148:
7:39 am PDT, May 21,
Rebecca Stover, New Mexico
Most of what I have read here is a gross exageration of what I have seen on set. I agree that conditions should always be safe and humane. As far as comparing the background conditions to the crew, I just dont see the grips and electrics sitting in an airconditioned tent playing cards all night and asking to go home early because they have a real job to go to in the morning. And as a crew member I have never had transportation provided. I have been back ground,union crew, and nonunion crew. I have taken care of thousands of background people. They are very important to the film making process. With out them the film would be empty and cold. I love the folks I have worked with. Some are like my own family but... It is not as bad as this web site makes it sound. I do believe in organizing, I am allways here to fight for your rights and for the respect you deserve. Remember you will be paying to get into the union and paying dues even it you are not working. We in the #480 do. Be real and good luck.
Most of what I have read here is a gross exageration of what I have seen on set. I agree that conditions should always be safe and humane. As far as comparing the background conditions to the crew, I just dont see the grips and electrics sitting in an airconditioned tent playing cards all night and asking to go home early because they have a real job to go to in the morning. And as a crew member I have never had transportation provided. I have been back ground,union crew, and nonunion crew. I have taken care of thousands of background people. They are very important to the film making process. With out them the film would be empty and cold. I love the folks I have worked with. Some are like my own family but... It is not as bad as this web site makes it sound. I do believe in organizing, I am allways here to fight for your rights and for the respect you deserve. Remember you will be paying to get into the union and paying dues even it you are not working. We in the #480 do. Be real and good luck.
# 147:
9:55 pm PDT, May 19,
Richard Bannister, New Mexico
# 146:
6:56 pm PDT, May 19,
John Grace, New Mexico
Background extras are the backbone of many scenes. It's long overdue that they be treated with the respect they deserve.
Background extras are the backbone of many scenes. It's long overdue that they be treated with the respect they deserve.
# 145:
12:16 pm PDT, May 19,
Erik Torrez, New Mexico
Best of luck!
Best of luck!
# 144:
7:07 am PDT, May 19,
Rudy Napoleone, New Mexico
# 143:
6:24 am PDT, May 19,
Mike Kitts, New Mexico
I am the Secretary-Treasurer of IATSE Local 423, the Local Stagehand's Union. I have worked in non-union positions on movie sites, both as an extra, and as security. UNLESS YOU ARE A MEMBER OF A RECOGINZED TRADE UNION, YOU WILL NOT, I REPEAT, YOU WILL NOT BE RESPECTED FOR YOUR WORK, OR YOUR CRAFT, AND YOU WILL BE TREATED LIKE SCUM OF THE EARTH. ORGANIZE, PEOPLE, ORGANIZE, AND SHOW THE PRODUCERS OF THESE MOVIES THAT YOU DON'T HAVE TO EAT THEIR DIRT!
I am the Secretary-Treasurer of IATSE Local 423, the Local Stagehand's Union. I have worked in non-union positions on movie sites, both as an extra, and as security. UNLESS YOU ARE A MEMBER OF A RECOGINZED TRADE UNION, YOU WILL NOT, I REPEAT, YOU WILL NOT BE RESPECTED FOR YOUR WORK, OR YOUR CRAFT, AND YOU WILL BE TREATED LIKE SCUM OF THE EARTH. ORGANIZE, PEOPLE, ORGANIZE, AND SHOW THE PRODUCERS OF THESE MOVIES THAT YOU DON'T HAVE TO EAT THEIR DIRT!
# 142:
1:20 pm PDT, May 6,
Emily Carvey, New Mexico
I have worked on films in LA and I've done one here. There is no reason at all to do background work in this state. I will never do background work here ever agian unless the union gets involved. You would think they would have to at least follow basic labor laws, but no one seems to enforce even that. There is a serious problem when you are feed at 8:30 am and are not given another meal until 8:00 pm. Union or not that is illegal but it is what is happening on film sets in this state.
I have worked on films in LA and I've done one here. There is no reason at all to do background work in this state. I will never do background work here ever agian unless the union gets involved. You would think they would have to at least follow basic labor laws, but no one seems to enforce even that. There is a serious problem when you are feed at 8:30 am and are not given another meal until 8:00 pm. Union or not that is illegal but it is what is happening on film sets in this state.
# 141:
11:44 am PDT, May 4,
Charles Landreth, New Mexico
I am incredibly weary of this industry now after some experience working as a background extra and this is due primarily to the unfair treatment received by casting directors and crew. Let's rise up and take what's rightfully ours!
I am incredibly weary of this industry now after some experience working as a background extra and this is due primarily to the unfair treatment received by casting directors and crew. Let's rise up and take what's rightfully ours!
# 140:
7:42 am PDT, May 2,
Michael Lente, New Mexico
So far, there is one background casting director who I believe looks out for her background actors and I respect and will work for her without question. But there are others who seem not to do much when they sign background. I believe this union would help the overall standing of background actors in this state and maybe improve some working conditions.
So far, there is one background casting director who I believe looks out for her background actors and I respect and will work for her without question. But there are others who seem not to do much when they sign background. I believe this union would help the overall standing of background actors in this state and maybe improve some working conditions.
# 139:
8:55 pm PDT, May 1,
Beau Daniel Sanchez, New Mexico
# 138:
1:41 pm PDT, Mar 13,
Name not displayed, New Mexico
# 137:
2:00 pm PST, Mar 6,
Kimberley Binns, New Mexico
I have been in several movies and agree with this petition, C`Mon everyone lets get some signatures!!
I have been in several movies and agree with this petition, C`Mon everyone lets get some signatures!!
# 136:
9:02 am PST, Mar 6,
Michael F. Moffatt, New Mexico
# 135:
11:30 am PST, Mar 1,
Edward Wallace, New Mexico
The movie industry is taking advantage of us. We need to unite and get the same benefits as extras do in California.
The movie industry is taking advantage of us. We need to unite and get the same benefits as extras do in California.
# 134:
11:30 am PST, Mar 1,
Edward Wallace, New Mexico
The movie industry is taking advantage of us. We need to unite and get the same benefits as extras do in California.
The movie industry is taking advantage of us. We need to unite and get the same benefits as extras do in California.
# 133:
3:57 pm PST, Feb 24,
Debra Carruthers, New Mexico
Let's Be Fair
Let's Be Fair
# 132:
1:52 am PST, Jan 30,
Name not displayed, Greece
# 131:
|
11:30 pm PST, Jan 18,
"Joe Forbrich"Actor / Victoria Mary Stong, New York
I understand your plight as once my brother was a struggling Actor in Chicago and now working successfully in New York with much financial help from my "mother". I wish you all you're asking for as you deserve MUCH respect for all your hard work. Shame on the industry for not taking care of you as you take care of them. I sign this petition especially in recognizing my Actor brother, Joseph Raymond Stong's(whose stage name is "Joe Forbrich"),accomplishments because of great people like you and because January 18th is his Birthday. HAPPY 43rd BIRTHDAY TO MY BROTHER JOSEPH RAYMOND FORBRICH! /*This is his picture holding my sister Ruth's son Jack. |
# 130:
6:04 pm PST, Dec 4,
Alan Blazek, New Mexico
# 129:
7:21 am PST, Dec 2,
Ryan Pace, New Mexico
If the film industry wants a permanent home here it had better be ready to play by the golden rule.
If the film industry wants a permanent home here it had better be ready to play by the golden rule.
# 128:
7:14 pm PST, Dec 1,
Dock Harris, New Mexico
# 127:
8:53 pm PST, Nov 28,
Stephen Bentley, New Mexico
# 126:
10:48 am PST, Nov 27,
Matt Tessler, New Mexico
# 125:
8:42 am PST, Nov 26,
Name not displayed, New Mexico
On a major production I worked 13.5 hrs. one day 14 on another. When I recieved my pay, I was shorted .5 hours on each day. Overtime was not enabled until after 12 hours. I was led to believe that overtime engaged after 8 hours. This was distressing when i received my pay. It is no wonder that your pay comes 2 weeks after you work. There is no way of disputing the hours and times in that one has worked.
On a major production I worked 13.5 hrs. one day 14 on another. When I recieved my pay, I was shorted .5 hours on each day. Overtime was not enabled until after 12 hours. I was led to believe that overtime engaged after 8 hours. This was distressing when i received my pay. It is no wonder that your pay comes 2 weeks after you work. There is no way of disputing the hours and times in that one has worked.
# 124:
2:54 pm PST, Nov 14,
Frank Cangialosi, New Mexico
# 123:
2:08 am PST, Nov 10,
Steve Klein, Virginia
# 122:
11:11 pm PST, Nov 9,
Joshua Lucero, New Mexico
# 121:
11:10 pm PST, Nov 9,
Fran Brenner, New Mexico
# 120:
11:08 pm PST, Nov 9,
JoAnn Greenhill, New Mexico
# 119:
11:05 pm PST, Nov 9,
Adam Ball, New Mexico
# 118:
10:52 pm PST, Nov 9,
Dominic Martinez, New Mexico
# 117:
10:50 pm PST, Nov 9,
Michael Aguilera, New Mexico
# 116:
10:48 pm PST, Nov 9,
Lupe Vargas, New Mexico
# 115:
10:44 pm PST, Nov 9,
Ray Attkinson, New Mexico
# 114:
6:54 am PST, Nov 9,
New Mexico Actor, New Mexico
In regards to the last signee #113 Here in New Mexico, SAG doesn't cover their own much less non-union Background the rules are very different than LA, Texas, UT, HI, FL, and I guess NJ and to join SAG here it takes $780 but as far as I know full benefits are not given.
In regards to the last signee #113 Here in New Mexico, SAG doesn't cover their own much less non-union Background the rules are very different than LA, Texas, UT, HI, FL, and I guess NJ and to join SAG here it takes $780 but as far as I know full benefits are not given.
# 113:
7:15 pm PST, Nov 6,
R T, New Jersey
Hello Folks...Sorry to interupt, but there is already a union that covers background work. I t is the same union that covers actors with speaking roles--SAG (Screen Actors Guild) You have to qualify to become a member and pay over $2000 bucks for the initiation fee-THEN you will get the treatment you want. The industry can be pretty tricky, but it is a business. Film and Television productions are required to hire a certain percentage of union background first, then they can hire as many non-union folks as they want at ridiculously low wages and terrible working conditions. This petition, although very heartfelt and well meaning will NOT change that. Go to www.sag.org for info on becoming a member, if you are serious about it, but just realize that all those union actors and union background actors have earned their place in the food chain. Educate yourselves on how the industry works. Then you can suceed in this business. Best of luck to all of you. R-(union actor)
Hello Folks...Sorry to interupt, but there is already a union that covers background work. I t is the same union that covers actors with speaking roles--SAG (Screen Actors Guild) You have to qualify to become a member and pay over $2000 bucks for the initiation fee-THEN you will get the treatment you want. The industry can be pretty tricky, but it is a business. Film and Television productions are required to hire a certain percentage of union background first, then they can hire as many non-union folks as they want at ridiculously low wages and terrible working conditions. This petition, although very heartfelt and well meaning will NOT change that. Go to www.sag.org for info on becoming a member, if you are serious about it, but just realize that all those union actors and union background actors have earned their place in the food chain. Educate yourselves on how the industry works. Then you can suceed in this business. Best of luck to all of you. R-(union actor)
# 112:
10:33 pm PST, Nov 5,
Sean Halvorson, New Mexico
It sucks what we have a go through being back groung and only getting payed 6.25 7 or even 10 dollars at most.... We really need this
It sucks what we have a go through being back groung and only getting payed 6.25 7 or even 10 dollars at most.... We really need this
# 111:
12:21 pm PST, Nov 5,
Michael Handler, New Mexico
# 110:
12:19 pm PST, Nov 5,
Svetlana Britt, New Mexico
# 109:
12:17 pm PST, Nov 5,
Joseph Mane, New Mexico
# 107:
12:48 am PST, Nov 5,
Victoria Warner, New Mexico
# 106:
6:49 pm PDT, Oct 29,
Name not displayed, New Mexico
# 105:
2:50 pm PDT, Oct 27,
Jamie Richards, Massachusetts
# 104:
11:54 am PDT, Oct 26,
Donald Wilson, New Mexico
I have been in the industry a short time, but the stories I have heard from the profesional background actors has movied me to sign this petition. Also my experiance with pay leads me to believe the average background actor makes LESS than a "burger flipper". This is not right.
I have been in the industry a short time, but the stories I have heard from the profesional background actors has movied me to sign this petition. Also my experiance with pay leads me to believe the average background actor makes LESS than a "burger flipper". This is not right.
# 103:
6:07 pm PDT, Oct 25,
John H. Euber, New Mexico
# 102:
11:50 am PDT, Oct 25,
Name not displayed, New Mexico
For too many years we have worked under conditions that would be unacceptible to employees in other fields. We need a union now to protect us from further exploitation.
For too many years we have worked under conditions that would be unacceptible to employees in other fields. We need a union now to protect us from further exploitation.
# 101:
7:35 pm PDT, Oct 23,
Jonathan Sanchez, New Mexico
Thanks & good luck...se ya on the set.
Thanks & good luck...se ya on the set.
