Getting an independent movie made in today’s film industry is already a challenging task, but for producers attending the American Film Market at Santa Monica’s Le Méridien Delfina Hotel, the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike has added an additional layer of complication. The strike has made packaging and deal making difficult, leaving many filmmakers uncertain if their projects will be able to shoot.
One filmmaker, Brad Anderson, who is at AFM to pitch his new dystopian sci-fi thriller “Worldbreaker,” expressed his frustration. While the cast is set, the deals cannot be finalized until the strike is resolved. Anderson, like many others, has been unable to make any progress on his project while waiting for the strike to end.
Some companies, such as The Exchange, have managed to secure Interim Agreements (IAs) for their projects. The Exchange obtained an IA for their true-crime biopic, “The Leader,” which explores the 1997 Heaven’s Gate mass suicide and stars Tim Blake Nelson and Vera Farmiga. However, the terms required for IAs, including agreeing to SAG-AFTRA’s proposed actor residuals, which the AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers) have yet to approve, make these agreements risky for independent producers.
The uncertainty surrounding the final figure for actor residuals poses a significant problem for independent filmmakers. Even a small difference of two or three percentage points can determine whether a film can be made or not. Additionally, the stipulation that producers cannot sell their projects to AMPTP members further complicates matters, as it limits the financial options available.
Many dealmakers believe that IAs were a major factor in the sluggish sales at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September. Studios warned that they would not purchase titles that had signed IAs, and the lack of sales even months after the festival suggests that they followed through on their assertion. However, it should be noted that some projects that didn’t sign IAs also failed to secure deals. Films like Michael Mann’s “Ferrari” and Sophia Coppola’s “Priscilla,” both of which premiered in Venice, fared well in sales. A few IA-approved films, including “Ferrari,” secured domestic deals, indicating that IAs are not solely responsible for the slow market.
Despite the challenges, some films with IAs have been able to move forward. Alice Laffillé of FilmNation mentioned that they secured IAs for films like “Maria” and “The Life of Chuck,” allowing production to proceed without major setbacks. FilmNation’s psychological thriller “The Process” starring Halle Berry and actioner “Novocaine” with Jack Quaid are being pitched to buyers with IAs in place.
Lionsgate, which is not a member of AMPTP, has also embraced IAs. They secured an IA for “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,” enabling the film’s cast, including Rachel Zegler, Peter Dinklage, and Viola Davis, to promote the film before its November 17 release. Lionsgate has been actively involved in both buying and selling projects at AFM, with their highly-anticipated offering being Chad Stahelski’s “Highlander” Reboot starring Henry Cavill.
While independents strive to find a way to navigate these challenges, the overall number and size of projects at AFM have been affected. The industry is still trying to adapt and find solutions amidst the ongoing strike.
In conclusion, the SAG-AFTRA strike has added complexity and uncertainty to the already challenging process of getting independent movies made. The Interim Agreements required during this strike have made packaging and deal making tricky, causing filmmakers to face delays and uncertainties regarding the shooting of their projects. Despite the risks, some companies have managed to secure IAs and move forward with their films. However, the overall impact of these agreements on film sales and production is still being analyzed, and the industry continues to search for ways to navigate this challenging landscape.
