Two film industry unions have agreed to a proposed contract from Hollywood movie and television studios in a tentative deal that would eliminate the threat of an actors’ strike for at least three years.
The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) and the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) reached the agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) after more than two months of negotiations.
The agreement announced early Sunday would increase benefit contributions to health and retirement funds by 10 percent, bringing the total contribution rate to 16.5. Wages would increase by six percent over the three-year span of the contract.
“We met our goal of increasing contributions to our retirement and pension plans,” AFTRA National President Roberta Reardon said in a statement. AFTRA represents 70,000 professional performers, broadcasters and recording artists.
SAG President Ken Howard added that strengthening the pension and health plans was a top priority in negotiations. SAG represents 125,000 actors.
The contract also promises expanded union coverage over new media productions.
The deal would become effective in July after current contracts expire. It must first be approved by a joint board for the unions. After that, the contract would be sent out to the unions’ memberships for a vote.
Matthew Forrest Launches Commercial/Branded Content Production Company Cloud Forest
Producer Matthew Forrest has officially launched Cloud Forest, a Los Angeles-based video production company specializing in commercials and branded content, with additional capabilities in emerging formats like AI and VR.
With the mantra “Where your vision meets our production precision,” Cloud Forest aims to serve brands, agencies and networks with a blend of creativity and operational efficiency.
Forrest brings over 20 years of experience to Cloud Forest. His portfolio includes producing commercial content for Square, Aveeno, and Lyft, branded content series for KitchenAid, Pizza Hut, and Verizon, and projects like Mariah Carey’s “Keys of Christmas.” Forrest’s career highlight came at Endemol Shine, where he earned a Sports Emmy in 2018 for producing Life VR’s “Capturing Everest.”
“Leveraging my varied experiences in both traditional and digital formats, I’m excited to create content across a wide array of platforms with the partners I admire,” said Forrest. “Our focus is on delivering excellence in commercials and branded content, while also offering cutting-edge solutions in AI and VR when appropriate for our clients’ needs.”
Cloud Forest’s talent roster currently features long-time Forrest collaborators such as commercial directors Ben Pluimer, Michael Belcher, Clyde Bessey, Christopher Louie and Kevin K. Shah; director/photographer Shawn Corrigan; photographers Gabriela Oltean and Will Deleon; and creative directors Natalie Perry and Drew Grossman. The studio’s strength lies in curating the right team and accurately defining the necessary resources--budget, roles, and technology--allowing every project to meet its creative and business goals.
This approach has earned praise from industry... Read More