77-441: The Asylum is an American independent film company and distributor that focuses on producing low-budget, direct-to-video films. The company has produced titles that capitalize on productions by major studios, often using film titles and scripts very similar to those of current blockbusters in order to lure customers. These titles have been dubbed " mockbusters " by the press. Lost Flight 93 The Asylum The Asylum
154-558: A cease and desist letter against The Asylum for the similarities between The Day the Earth Stopped and The Day the Earth Stood Still , although nothing came of the letter. Film titles are usually not protected under United States trademark law , which allows The Asylum to produce films with similar titles so long as they can argue that they did not try to deceive consumers. With the rise of video on demand (VOD) services in
231-526: A waterspout that lifts sharks out of the ocean and drops them over Los Angeles . The over-the-top premise went viral , with over 387,000 mentions on social media. Today co-hosts held a dramatic reading of some of the film's lines, and the mayor of Los Angeles Eric Garcetti joked about it on Twitter . Sharknado spawned five sequels, and when combined with merchandising and licensing sales, nearly quadrupled The Asylum's revenue from three years earlier. According to Bales, "Up until that point, even with
308-417: A zombie television series called Z Nation , which ran for five seasons. Many of the company's films can now be found on Tubi . The Asylum was founded in 1997 by David Latt, David Rimawi, and Sherri Strain. Rimawi and Strain had been fired by Village Roadshow Pictures , and Latt was working for an education software company called Chimera Multimedia. Latt and Rimawi had previously worked together on
385-512: A Financial Core member of the SAG, and Financial Core members were not permitted to "represent themselves as Screen Actors Guild members". Additionally, the Screen Actors Guild said "Fi-Core/FPNM are viewed as scabs ... by SAG members, directors, and writers—most of whom also belong to entertainment unions". This statement was met with skepticism by some. Former SAG President Charlton Heston
462-516: A SAG production, background actor (originally the "three voucher rule"), and one-year member of an affiliated union (with a principal role). The basic categories were: Members joining the Los Angeles, New York, or Miami SAG locals were assessed an initial fee to join the Guild of $ 3,000. At the time of initiation, the first minimum semi-annual membership dues payment of $ 58 must have also been paid, bringing
539-713: A basic minimum agreement with the Guild which is in full force and effect", and this became known as Rule One of the organization. Every SAG performer, as a condition of membership, agreed to abide by this and all other SAG rules; thus SAG members could not perform in any non-union project that was within SAG's jurisdiction. Beginning in 2002 the Guild pursued a policy of worldwide enforcement of Rule One, and renamed it Global Rule One . Like other organizations that represent actors, SAG rules stipulated that no two members could have identical working names; many actors were thus prevented from registering under their own names and had to make changes. Some maintained their usual name but added
616-399: A budget of $ 250,000 to $ 500,000, and earn $ 150,000 to $ 250,000 in profit. Since The Asylum produces dozens of films every year, this model generates millions of dollars. From October 2011 to October 2012, The Asylum's revenue totaled $ 12,000,000 for a 15 percent profit margin . This model is so successful, that Rimawi claims that they have never lost money on a film. Rimawi stated, "One of
693-553: A climate of fear, enhanced by the threat of detention under the provisions of the McCarran Internal Security Act , permeated the film industry. On November 17, 1947, the Screen Actors Guild voted to force its officers to take a "non-communist" pledge. On November 25 (the day after the full House approved the ten citations for contempt) in what has become known as the Waldorf Statement , Eric Johnston , president of
770-674: A day. Due to the demanding work schedule, The Asylum often hires filmmakers with several years of experience. Around $ 150,000 of a film's budget is allocated to hiring lesser known actors that would appeal to specific audiences. For example, Rimawi notes that former Baywatch actors like David Chokachi are popular among European audiences. In an interview with Grantland , Latt stated, "We know not to go after Johnny Depp . But we'll go after Johnny Depp's cousin. That's fair game." Rimawi further added, "I'm guessing that many of our main actors do this because they have bills to pay, and they want to be in and out as inconspicuously as possible. But
847-470: A drunken digression." Amy Nicholson of Boxoffice said that The Asylum caters to its audience by leaning into the absurdity of their film plots. She used Snakes on a Plane as an example of a large studio film that disappointed viewers with a predictable ending, whereas The Asylum mockbuster Snakes on a Train ends with a giant snake eating the train. According to Nichsolson, "That's what people who see that kind of movie want to see, and studios don't have
SECTION 10
#1732872123110924-562: A member of a committee headed by Mayer, the purpose of which is allegedly is to 'purge' the motion-picture industry of Communist party members, which committee was an outgrowth of the Thomas committee hearings in Washington and subsequent meetings ... He felt that lacking a definite stand on the part of the government, it would be very difficult for any committee of motion-picture people to conduct any type of cleansing of their household". Subsequently,
1001-663: A middle initial; others adopted a stage name quite different from their legal name to comply with this rule. Notable examples include Michael Keaton , Michael J. Fox and Emma Stone , whose birth names " Michael Douglas ", " Michael Fox " and "Emily Stone", respectively, had already been registered by other actors. SAG contracts with producers contained a variety of protections for Guild performers. Among these provisions were: minimum rates of pay, adequate working conditions, special protection and education requirements for minors , arbitration of disputes and grievances , and affirmative action in auditions and hiring. All members of
1078-509: A similar title and premise in order to capitalize on its popularity. Around the same time, Latt began working on an adaptation of the 1898 novel The War of the Worlds , but learned that Steven Spielberg was also working on a film adaptation of the novel. Latt was prepared to end production until Blockbuster ordered 100,000 copies of the film, roughly seven to eight times the normal order for Asylum films. Latt's film, titled H. G. Wells' War of
1155-516: A story concept that the studio's distribution affiliates want. As journalist Amanda Hess explained, "If a Japanese DVD company wants a submarine, and Blockbuster needs a monster, the Asylum will make a sailors-meet-sea creature movie, then tweak the concept further to sell to all its potential platforms." The studio then chooses the best pitch, and the chosen screenwriter produces a draft within 10 days. Asylum films are almost always serious in tone despite
1232-481: A success, asserting that it not only saved Pay-Per-Play (residuals) but it also increased cable residuals by 140% up from $ 1,014 to $ 2,460. Others suggested almost identical terms were available in negotiation without a strike. In the wake of the strike, SAG, and its sister union AFTRA, gathered evidence on over 1,500 non-members who had worked during the strike. SAG trial boards found Elizabeth Hurley and Tiger Woods guilty of performing in non-union commercials and each
1309-499: Is an American independent film production and distribution company based in Burbank, California . The company is known for producing low-budget, direct-to-video films, in particular mockbusters , which capitalize on the popularity of major studio films with similar titles and premises. The Asylum's business model revolves around producing as many low-budget films as quickly as possible, which earn around $ 150,000 to $ 250,000 in profit. Since
1386-454: Is because the studio's writers only have a brief outline of what the larger film is going to be about from promotional material. The Asylum is not affiliated with any industry trade unions other than the SAG-AFTRA . This means their employees will sometimes work upwards of 22 hours a day. Whereas most major studios shoot one page from the script a day, The Asylum shoots around 10 to 12 pages
1463-412: Is not an attempt to deceive consumers, but instead gives consumers more options to watch. The Asylum is upfront about some of their duplicitous marketing strategies. In a 2010 blog post, The Asylum urged fans to add the studio's film to their Netflix queues in order to increase the perception of public demand. The blog post said, "This isn't about trying to get you to watch our movie. This is about gaming
1540-410: Is straight drama . In other words, good films." Among their more notable releases include: Official website Screen Actors Guild The Screen Actors Guild ( SAG ) was an American labor union which represented over 100,000 film and television principal and background performers worldwide. On March 30, 2012, the union leadership announced that the SAG membership voted to merge with
1617-591: The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) to create SAG-AFTRA . According to SAG's Mission Statement, the Guild sought to: negotiate and enforce collective bargaining agreements that establish equitable levels of compensation, benefits, and working conditions for its performers; collect compensation for exploitation of recorded performances by its members, and provide protection against unauthorized use of those performances; and preserve and expand work opportunities for its members. The Guild
SECTION 20
#17328721231101694-653: The Committee for the First Amendment (CFA) and flew to Washington, DC, in late October 1947 to show support for the Hollywood Ten. The president of SAG – future United States President Ronald Reagan – also known to the FBI as Confidential Informant "T-10", testified before the committee but never publicly named names. Instead, according to an FBI memorandum in 1947: "T-10 advised Special Agent [name deleted] that he has been made
1771-562: The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), issued a press release : "We will not knowingly employ a Communist or a member of any party or group which advocates the overthrow of the government of the United States by force or by any illegal or unconstitutional methods." None of those blacklisted were proven to advocate overthrowing the government – most simply had Marxist or socialist views. The Waldorf Statement marked
1848-743: The Screen Actors Guild Awards , which are considered an indicator of success at the Academy Awards . It continues through SAG-AFTRA . In 1925, the Masquers Club was formed by actors discontented with the grueling work hours at the Hollywood studios . This was one of the major concerns which led to the creation of the Screen Actors Guild in 1933. Another was that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences , which at that time arbitrated between
1925-617: The US Trade Representative to investigate Canadian film subsidies for their violation of trade agreements Canada signed with the United States. Financial core , or Fi-Core , was a payment to the union to allow someone to work in a union environment without being a member of the union. The concept was defined in 1963 by Supreme Court case Labor Board v. General Motors and clarified for the communications industry in 1988 via Communications Workers of America v. Beck . Approximately 96% of normal union dues were paid to make an actor
2002-469: The " so bad it's good " label. Some journalists have defended The Asylum. Greg Hudson of Sharp believes that The Asylum's cynical business model is merely a microcosm of the American film industry. Hudson wrote, "Sure, The Asylum makes knock-offs, but so does Hollywood. So does fashion. If culture is a constant exchange of ideas, commerce is the booze that lubricates that discussion. Consider The Asylum
2079-529: The 1992 film Sorority House Party , and together with Strain, launched The Asylum as a film distribution company. The Asylum's first release was Bellyfruit in 1999, a comedy drama about a teen pregnancy. The company's initial goal was to distribute low-budget drama films like Bellyfruit to video rental chains like Blockbuster and Hollywood Video , but their approach changed in the early 2000s, as video rental chains were more interested in direct-to-video horror films. The Asylum struggled to break into
2156-600: The Guild agreed to work only for producers who had signed contracts with SAG. These contracts spelled out in detail the responsibilities that producers must assume when hiring SAG performers. Specifically, the SAG basic contract specified: the number of hours performers may work, the frequency of meal breaks required, the minimum wages or "scale" at which performers must be compensated for their work, overtime pay, travel accommodations , wardrobe allowances, stunt pay, private dressing rooms , and adequate rest periods between performances. When applicable, and with due regard to
2233-583: The Guild's president made this statement: Only our sister union, Actors Equity Association , dared to stand behind its members and help them continue their creative lives in the theater. ... Unfortunately, there are no credits to restore, nor any other belated recognition that we can offer our members who were blacklisted. They could not work under assumed names or employ surrogates to front for them. An actor's work and his or her identity are inseparable. Screen Actors Guild's participation in tonight's event must stand as our testament to all those who suffered that, in
2310-403: The Guild. The eligibility requirements varied by age of the performer and the desired plan chosen (there were two health plans). There were also Dental , Vision, and Life & Disability coverage included as part of the two plans. The Guild secured residuals payments in perpetuity to its members for broadcast and re-broadcast of films, TV shows , and TV commercials through clauses in
2387-481: The Lost World (based on King Kong ), Snakes on a Train (based on Snakes on a Plane ), The Da Vinci Treasure (based on The Da Vinci Code ), and Transmorphers (based on Transformers ). In 2008, The Asylum increased their meager production budget, and partnered with Syfy for a television release of The Day the Earth Stopped , based on The Day the Earth Stood Still . 20th Century Fox filed
List of The Asylum films - Misplaced Pages Continue
2464-616: The SAG was affiliated with the International Federation of Actors . In addition to its main offices in Los Angeles , SAG also maintained branches in several major US cities, including Atlanta , Boston , Chicago , Dallas , Denver , Detroit , Honolulu , Houston , Las Vegas , Miami , Nashville , New York , New Orleans , Philadelphia , Phoenix , Portland , Salt Lake City , San Diego , San Francisco , Seattle , and Washington, D.C. Beginning in 1995, SAG began to award
2541-462: The Worlds , was released on June 28, 2005, one day before Spielberg's film . Inspired by the success of H. G. Wells' War of the Worlds , The Asylum started producing low-budget films to capitalize on the popularity of similar major studio films. The Asylum marketed their films as "tie-ins", although journalists and critics often referred to them as rip-offs or mockbusters. Among the company's early releases within this business model were King of
2618-409: The basic SAG agreements with producers. In July 1948, a strike was averted at the last minute as the SAG and major producers agreed upon a new collective bargaining contract. The major points agreed upon included: full union shop for actors to continue, negotiations for films sent direct to TV, producers could not sue an actor for breach of contract if they strike (but the guild could only strike when
2695-515: The beginning of the Hollywood blacklist that saw hundreds of people prevented from working in the film industry. During the height of what is now referred to as McCarthyism , the Screen Writers Guild gave the studios the right to omit from the screen the name of any individual who had failed to clear his name before Congress. At a 1997 ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the Blacklist,
2772-486: The company produces dozens of films every year, this model generates millions of dollars, and the company claims to have never lost money on a film. The Asylum spends around 4-6 months making a film, and since the company is not affiliated with any industry guilds other than SAG-AFTRA , this means their employees will sometimes work upwards of 22 hours a day. Initially founded as a distribution company for low-budget drama films, The Asylum switched to in-house productions in
2849-466: The contract expires). In March 1960, SAG went on strike against the seven major studios . This was the first industry-wide strike in the 50-year history of movie making. Earlier walkouts involved production for television. The Writers Guild of America had been on strike since January 31, 1960 with similar demands to the actors. The independents were not affected since they signed new contracts. The dispute rested on actors wanting to be paid 6% or 7% of
2926-517: The cousins of the Pirates of the Caribbean special-effects team ... At their best, Asylum's in-house effects team can manage something slightly more lifelike than what you'd see on the average Hercules: The Legendary Journeys episode." The Asylum employs 15 visual effects artists, and they are often working on six films at once. Marketing campaigns often hype up the absurdity of the film's premise and
3003-535: The distribution market, as larger companies like Lionsgate Films would routinely offer filmmakers more money. This led to a change in their business model in 2002, with a focus on in-house productions. Their goal was to produce one film per month, starting with the 2002 crime thriller King of the Ants . Strain left the company in 2002, and was replaced by former Screen Actors Guild employee Paul Bales . According to Film International , The Asylum's first hit film
3080-506: The early 2010s, The Asylum focused on digital distribution. Since VOD services would often categorize their films in alphabetical order, The Asylum added numbers or typographical symbols to the beginning of their film titles in order to been seen first, such as #1 Cheerleader Camp and 2-Headed Shark Attack . The Asylum also released the film Hold Your Breath (stylized as #HoldYourBreath ) in 10 AMC Theatres , as VOD services prioritized films with theatrical releases. Pluto TV became
3157-460: The early 2010s, partnerships with Pluto TV and Tubi . The Asylum's greatest success came in 2013 with the film Sharknado , which is about a waterspout that lifts sharks out of the ocean and drops them over Los Angeles . The over-the-top premise went viral , and led to the creation of the Sharknado franchise . In response to the popularity of Sharknado , Syfy commissioned The Asylum to produce
List of The Asylum films - Misplaced Pages Continue
3234-449: The far-fetched plots. The first script for Sharknado featured a lot of self-aware humor, but screenwriter Thunder Levin said that The Asylum wanted every comedic line removed and left a strongly worded note that reiterated that Sharknado was not a comedy film. If The Asylum is making a mockbuster, they will target larger films that are based on works or characters in the public domain , such as Sherlock Holmes or Thor . Despite
3311-660: The future, we will strongly support our members and work with them to assure their rights as defined and guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. The Screen Actors Guild Ethnic Minorities Committee was co-founded in 1972 by actors Henry Darrow , Edith Diaz , Ricardo Montalbán and Carmen Zapata . The Screen Actors Guild Women's Committee was founded in 1972. In 1980, SAG and AFTRA held a strike over issues regarding profit sharing from home media and pay TV. In 1998, Naomi Marquez filed suit against SAG and Lakeside Productions claiming they had breached their duty of fair representation. The claim
3388-407: The gross earnings of pictures made since 1948 and sold to television. Actors also wanted a pension and welfare fund. In December 1978, members of SAG went on strike for the fourth time in its 45-year history. It joined the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists in picket lines in Los Angeles and New York. The unions said that management's demand would cut actors' salaries. The argument
3465-423: The guild. "Honorable withdrawals" constituted the largest portion of these, at 20% of the total membership, or 36,284 members before the merger in 2012. "Suspended" members were the second largest, at 10%, or 18,402 members. This classification scheme is continued by SAG-AFTRA. An actor was eligible to join the Screen Actors Guild by meeting the criteria in any of the following three categories: principal actor in
3542-543: The guts to do it." David Roth of Slate argues that The Asylum's mockbusters succeed in satirizing the larger films they are based on. Roth used The Asylum film Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes as an example, as he felt that its usage of dinosaurs and dragons as antagonists was intended to mock the action sequences and animal jokes in the Guy Ritchie film Sherlock Holmes . Roth wrote, "The more puffed-up and self-serious and dumb Hollywood blockbusters become,
3619-425: The member's earnings from SAG productions. The minimum annual dues amount was $ 116, with an additional 1.85% of the performer's income up to $ 200,000. Income from $ 200,000 to $ 500,000 was assessed at 0.5%, and income from $ 500,000 to $ 1 million was assessed at 0.25%. For the calculation of dues, there was a total earnings cap at $ 1 million. Therefore, the maximum dues payable in any one calendar year by any single member
3696-618: The members of a list of suspected communists working in the Hollywood film industry were summoned to appear before the House Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC), which was investigating Communist influence in the Hollywood labor unions . Ten of those summoned, dubbed the " Hollywood Ten ", refused to cooperate, and were charged with contempt of Congress and sentenced to prison. Several liberal members of SAG, led by Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall , Danny Kaye , and Gene Kelly , formed
3773-419: The mid-2000s due to competition from larger studios like Lionsgate Films . In 2005, The Asylum released the film H. G. Wells' War of the Worlds the day before Steven Spielberg film War of the Worlds . Blockbuster ordered 100,000 copies, which inspired The Asylum to focus on mockbusters. This led to a partnership with the television channel Syfy , and with the rise of video on demand (VOD) services in
3850-425: The more they demand to see their goofiness mirrored by cheap, unpretentious, equally dumb knockoffs." According to The Asylum's website, the studio has released more than 500 films, including 300 original films. Their catalog encompasses virtually every major genre , although the studio primarily focuses on disaster films , horror films , and science fiction films . Rimawi stated, "The only thing we haven't done
3927-444: The movie business." Film producer Brian Grazer compared The Asylum to "pollution in Hollywood, in that you've just got to live with it". Despite their reputation, Bales argues that The Asylum's popularity is multifaceted, and not the result of deceitful marketing tactics. To this extent, some journalists have postulated that consumer interest in Asylum films come from a desire to watch campy films, in particular those that fall under
SECTION 50
#17328721231104004-409: The notoriety that we had, if you'd speak to anyone and be like, 'Hey, I'm a filmmaker, have you seen anything I've made?' the answer would be, 'No,' but with Sharknado we became known." Latt added, "We still talk about how to exploit it in every production meeting." In response to the popularity of Sharknado , Syfy commissioned The Asylum to produce a zombie television series called Z Nation ,
4081-434: The organization when it was first founded), Leon Ames , Tyler Brooke , Clay Clement , James Gleason , Lucile Webster Gleason , Boris Karloff , Claude King , Noel Madison , Reginald Mason, Bradley Page , Willard Robertson , Ivan Simpson , C. Aubrey Smith , Charles Starrett , Richard Tucker , Arthur Vinton, Morgan Wallace , and Lyle Talbot . Many high-profile actors refused to join SAG initially. This changed when
4158-541: The producers and actors on contract disputes, had a membership policy which was by invitation only. A meeting in March 1933 of six actors ( Berton Churchill , Charles Miller, Grant Mitchell , Ralph Morgan , Alden Gay, and Kenneth Thomson) led to the guild's foundation. Three months later, three of the six and eighteen others became the guild's first officers and board of directors: Ralph Morgan (its first president), Alden Gay, Kenneth Thomson , Alan Mowbray (who personally funded
4235-571: The producers made an agreement amongst themselves not to bid competitively for talent. A pivotal meeting, at the home of Frank Morgan (Ralph's brother, who played the title role in The Wizard of Oz ), was what gave SAG its critical mass. Prompted by Eddie Cantor 's insistence, at that meeting, that any response to that producer's agreement help all actors, not just the already established ones, it took only three weeks for SAG membership to go from around 80 members to more than 4,000. Cantor's participation
4312-419: The reasons we've remained in business for 25 years is that we make a movie for exactly less than we think we can earn from it ... People say all the time, 'Why don't you make a $ 20 million original production?' And our answer is because we'd like to stay in business." The Asylum spends around 4-6 months making a film. It starts with The Asylum soliciting 100-word pitches from freelance screenwriters based on
4389-424: The repeat guys have made their peace with what they're doing." Post-production is handled at The Asylum's headquarters in Burbank, California , which includes its own editing bays and visual effects studios. The visual effects for their films are often poorly rendered, and a constant source of ridicule from critics. Tom Breihan of Grantland jokingly wrote, "From the looks of things, [The Asylum] also goes after
4466-501: The representation of women, both in numbers and quality of representation. SAG Women's Committee had been dedicated to working towards strategic objectives adopted from the Fourth World Conference on Women Beijing Platform of 1995. These objectives included supporting research into all aspects of women and the media so as to define areas needing attention and action. The SAG Hollywood Division Women's Committee also encouraged
4543-467: The safety of the individuals, cast and crew, women and minorities were to be considered for doubling roles and for descript and non-descript stunts on a functional, non-discriminatory basis. Performers who meet the eligibility criteria of working a certain number of days or attaining a certain threshold in income derived from SAG productions could join the Producers Pension and Health Plans offered by
4620-403: The similar titles, the scripts for Asylum mockbuster films often have little to nothing to do with the larger film they are based on. Rolf Potts of The New York Times noted that although the title of The Asylum film Transmorphers was a clear imitation of Transformers , Transmorphers only occasionally features shape-shifting robots and devotes more time to a lesbian subplot. Latt said this
4697-485: The studio's first foray into episodic content. Loosely based on The Asylum film Rise of the Zombies , Z Nation revolves around a group of survivors who escort a man who is immune to the zombie virus to the last known Centers for Disease Control research lab. Journalists often compared Z Nation to The Walking Dead , especially given The Asylum's penchant for mockbusters. Z Nation ran for five seasons on Syfy, and
SECTION 60
#17328721231104774-405: The studio's largest source of revenue, with an entire channel dedicated to Asylum films. Another VOD service, Tubi , commissioned The Asylum to produce 12 original films after the surprise popularity of the film Titanic II . Rimawi estimated that by 2012, 70 percent of the studio's films were original ideas. The Asylum's biggest success came in 2013 with the film Sharknado , which is about
4851-438: The studio's overall business model. In 2012, Asylum films would open with the text, "15 years. 100 films. You're Welcome". In a similar vein, the tagline for Sharknado was "Enough Said". Latt described The Asylum's marketing strategy as "a parody of the studio system". Whenever The Asylum makes a mockbuster, they tie the release of their film to coincide with the release of the larger film it's based on. Bales argues that this
4928-728: The studios to dictate the public and private lives of the performers who signed them, and most did not have provisions to allow the performer to end the deal. The Screen Actors Guild was associated with the Associated Actors and Artistes of America (AAAA), which is the primary association of performer's unions in the United States. AAAA is affiliated with the AFL-CIO . SAG claimed exclusive jurisdiction over motion picture performances, and shared jurisdiction of radio , television , Internet , and other new media with its sister union AFTRA, with which it shared 44,000 dual members. Internationally,
5005-408: The system. This is about taking a stand. Against math." The Asylum has garnered a discordant and at times controversial reputation within the film industry. Nearly all of their films have been panned by critics, and their mockbusters are often belittled as shameless cash grabs . Breihan wrote, "It takes a certain punk-rock panache for a company to unapologetically position itself as a parasite on
5082-405: The total amount due upon initiation into the Guild to $ 3,058. All other SAG locals still assessed initiation fees at the previous rate. Members from other locales who worked in Los Angeles, New York, or Miami after joining were charged the difference between the fee they paid their local and the higher rate in those markets. Membership dues were calculated and due semi-annually, and were based upon
5159-426: Was Vampires vs. Zombies in 2004. Although the film was marketed as an adaptation of the 1872 novella Carmilla , Vampires vs. Zombies 's poster bore a striking resemblance to Freddy vs. Jason 's poster, which came out the year before. Film International writer Wheeler Winston Dixon described Vampires vs. Zombies as The Asylum's first mockbuster , a film that closely resembles another film with
5236-475: Was apparently a supporter of Fi-Core. Entertainment remains among the most gender unequal industries in the United States. The National Women's Committee operated within the National Statement of Purpose to promote equal employment opportunities for its female SAG members. It also encouraged positive images of women in film and television, in order to end sexual stereotypes and educate the industry about
5313-934: Was critical, particularly because of his friendship with the recently elected President Franklin D. Roosevelt . After several years and the passage of the National Labor Relations Act , the producers agreed to negotiate with SAG in 1937. Actors known for their early support of SAG (besides the founders) include Bette Davis , Edward Arnold , Humphrey Bogart , James Cagney , Dudley Digges , Porter Hall , Paul Harvey , Jean Hersholt , Russell Hicks , Murray Kinnell , Gene Lockhart , Bela Lugosi , David Manners , Fredric March , Adolphe Menjou , Chester Morris , Jean Muir , George Murphy , Erin O'Brien-Moore , Irving Pichel , Dick Powell , Edward G. Robinson , Edwin Stanley , Gloria Stuart , Lyle Talbot , Franchot Tone , Warren William , and Robert Young . In October 1947,
5390-550: Was denied by the Supreme Court. The membership of the Screen Actors Guild voted to merge with the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists on March 30, 2012. According to SAG's Department of Labor records since 2006, when membership classifications were first reported, 30%, or almost a third, of the guild's total membership had consistently been considered "withdrawn", "suspended", or otherwise not categorized as "active" members. These members were ineligible to vote in
5467-508: Was fined $ 100,000. SAG Principal members could not work on non-union productions. Union background actors were not fully covered nationwide and could work non-union outside the background zones. These background zones included the state of Hawaii, 4 zones in California, Las Vegas NV, and a 300-mile radius around New York City. Many film schools had SAG Student Film Agreements with the Guild to allow SAG actors to work in their projects. SAGIndie
5544-540: Was followed by the spinoff series Black Summer on Netflix . Bales felt that the production costs for Z Nation were too high, and decided that The Asylum's next potential television series, titled Crisis Earth , would be written as three separate low-budget films that can then be cut into six individual episodes. The script for Crisis Earth went up for sale at the 2022 American Film Market . The Asylum's business model revolves around producing as many low-budget films as quickly as possible. Their films usually have
5621-558: Was formed in 1997 to promote using SAG actors; SAG also had Low Budget Contracts that were meant to encourage the use of SAG members on films produced outside of the major studios and to prevent film productions from leaving the country, known as " Runaway production ". In the fight against "Runaway production", the SAG National Board voted unanimously to support the Film and Television Action Committee (FTAC) and its 301(a) Petition which asked
5698-418: Was founded in 1933 in an effort to eliminate the exploitation of Hollywood actors, who were being forced into oppressive multi-year contracts with the major movie studios . Opposition to these contracts included that they did not include restrictions on work hours or minimum rest periods, and often had clauses that automatically renewed at the studios' discretion. These contracts were notorious for allowing
5775-448: Was limited to $ 6,566. SAG members who became delinquent in their dues without formally requesting a leave of absence from the Guild were assessed late penalties , and risked being ejected from the Guild and could be forced to pay the initiation fee again to regain their membership. The SAG Constitution and Bylaws stated "No member shall work as a performer or make an agreement to work as a performer for any producer who has not executed
5852-510: Was over filming commercials. Management agreed to up salaries from $ 218 to $ 250 per scene, but if the scene were not used at all, the actor would not be paid. In July, SAG members walked out on strike, along with AFTRA, the union for television and radio artists, and the American Federation of Musicians. The union joined the television artists in calling for a successful boycott against that year's prime-time Emmy awards . Powers Boothe
5929-418: Was the only one of the 52 nominated actors to attend: "This is either the most courageous moment of my career or the dumbest" he quipped during his acceptance speech. The guild ratified a new pact, for a 32.25% increase in minimum salaries and a 4.5% share of movies made for pay TV, and the strike ended on October 25. The commercials strike of 2000 was extremely controversial. Some factions within SAG call it
#109890