I worked on this film as a stand-in back in June. I actually worked the first couple of days of filming. I was never paid. When I called payroll they said that the production wasn't approving payment. The crew got paid for the first few weeks of shooting and then they stopped being paid. The production shut down and had been looking for completion funding. ...I filed with the labor board and SAG has a blanket claim. One of the producers, Scott Alvarez, said at the labor board meeting(on Oct. 3rd)that we would be paid in two weeks. They did get new financing in place and claimed that they would be paying people. When they got their first installment of funds, they paid some of the crew. Alvarez claims that they were obligated to pay the crew first. He also told SAG that they are going to pay the SAG background the amount owed plus the late penalty. That was weeks ago...still not paid.
I am non-union but was provided a sag voucher on this film back in August. Too bad the SAG Voucher is useless unless I actually get paid. Still waiting...
SAG hasn't done much, but now it's moved on to the SAG legal department. At this point they use the deposit that the production had to put up to be bonded/insured. It takes a long time to disperse the funds (possibly 2 years) and who knows if its enough to cover the amount owed to SAG members.
Sorry to hear that, oneworldunderme. Same here. Wow, it's been over a year since I last posted and we still have not been paid! I haven't heard a peep about it since the hearing at the Labor Board was abruptly 'postponed' on June 17th of last year.
...........Hate is the essence of weakness in the human mind...........
Please allow the production to clarify since there is much confusion among the posters here, and understandably so. Those who have called either the production or SAG have consistently been given the accurate status of the project, which I will post below as well.
SAG and the production have come to an agreement authorizing the release of the bond, which will be divided up equally among all of the background performers who hold a SAG voucher, whether or not they are SAG members, and the principal performers, again whether or not they are SAG members.
The exact percentage SAG and the production are calculating now but the production's calculations show that the bond should cover about 50% of what is due the performers. The payroll processing is underway and should be wrapped up soon.
Got to love it when someone who owes you money calls YOU confused, don't you?
Keep us posted, ndatmo. Because I'm not spending a dime on this film until I find out you've been paid. I'll spread the word to as many people as I can.
Thank you, RobSac - I appreciate the solidarity. I have heard that POR VIDA/DOWN FOR LIFE has been making the film festival circuit (?). Hopefully it's good and it will be well received...then they will need to honor their commitments before proceeding.
I'll send you a little PM with some semi-current details...Several of us did eventually attend a hearing this year.
...........Hate is the essence of weakness in the human mind...........