In The News

Unionized film production workers have narrowly agreed to new contracts, removing the threat of a strike that could have brought production to a halt nationwide.

The deals cover technicians, artisans and craftspeople who perform a wide variety of non-acting and non-directing jobs for feature films, television shows and streaming programs. Had the 63,000 union members covered by the contracts gone on strike, it would have been the largest private-sector work stoppage since 2007.

The pair of contracts fulfilled many of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees’ (IATSE) negotiating demands — but there was enough opposition that the deals were nearly rejected. The narrow vote is another indication of the current discontent among many workers, both organized and non-union, over the state of their jobs.

As studios debate how to handle COVID-19 vaccine resistance, the Biden administration is moving forward with its own mandates that are pushing Hollywood to toe the line. Though a federal court recently halted vaccine and testing requirements for private businesses with 100 or more employees pending review, the White House said Nov. 8 that the private sector “should not wait.”

We’re really only considering those who are vaccinated,” one prolific producer tells The Hollywood Reporter about COVID requirements for features they’re working on. Another producer, gearing up for a big studio production, concurs: “We will not engage with anyone who is not vaccinated.” But enforcement will be key as studios ensure that workers, from talent to crew, show proof.

The Television Academy said Tuesday that it has updated eligibility requirements for its Producers Peer Group, moves that includes adding a Location Managers Subgroup. It means that for the first time, qualifying location managers and assistant location managers will be eligible for either active or associate membership.

The Producers Peer Group tweaks also include redefining eligibility requirements “to align with the industry’s more contemporary production titles and credits,” the Academy said. As a result, executives in charge of production, segment producers, field producers and transmedia producers are now eligible for active voting membership.

Ahead of the United Nation’s Climate Summit, which begins in the U.K. this weekend, the Producers Guild of America and its PGA Green division are calling for Hollywood to clean up its energy footprint with an open letter released Thursday.

According to the group, productions emit an average of 391 to 3,370 metric tons of carbon dioxide, producing millions of metric tons of CO2 per year. As a result, PGA is setting a goal of reducing entertainment industry emissions by 50 percent by 2030.

The links below include “existing solutions that we can implement and work on now to start moving towards this goal.”

Audio Engineer, Waterville Opera House

The audio engineer serves as a valuable member of the Waterville Creates team and provides critical support to the Waterville Opera House to design and mix sound for community theatre productions, concerts, venue rentals, and special events.  The audio engineer assists with the load in/out for events, runs projections, and performs equipment maintenance.  The audio engineer reports to the Production Manager of the Waterville Opera House.

Please send cover letter, resume, and three references to careers@watervillecreates.org. Include “Audio Engineer Position” in the subject.

Application deadline is 11/26/2021