Star Trek: Axanar

[PattyW]

As to why George and Walter appeared in Phase II: were they paid?

(Sorry Maurice. Inspiration struck and I felt like making that threadbomb.)

I have no doubt they were paid -- SAG/AFTRA union law would require that they'd have to be, wouldn't they?

No.

Not to derail the topic more/again...but I see this stated all the time and am compelled to correct it. To clarify...the current SAG/AFTRA "union law" (MBA - Master Bargaining Agreement) clause regarding "New Media" (i.e. "internet productions") is, to paraphrase - "the union member must/is free negotiate his own terms with the producers."

In other words, there is nothing in "union law" stating that a SAG/AFTRA member has to get paid anything if they work for an internet production, whether it is SAG/AFTRA signatory or not. It's up to the union member entirely.

The WGA is another matter entirely. Their strike during the filming of JJ Trek I was completely over their pay for New Media productions. The MBA is pretty exhaustive regarding the issue. (which is probably why no fanfilm is a WGA Signatory)

 

[jojolimited]

Barbreader: Thanks again! you are very kind =) ...and helpful!

LL&P my friend! =)

I don't think Axanar is going for broadcast. Renegades is going for licensed streaming series.
You can ask around, but there are too many issues that prevent a fan series being converted to broadcast.
One being CBS doesn't need a fan series. They can create their own stuff without our help. In the mean time, fan series represent millions of dollars of free advertising for the Trek franchise. Win win for all.

 

[PattyW]

The major issue (which "we" encountered with Sony) is that they'd be dealing with products produced by non-union members on non-union sets and property etc. The unions get pretty pissy about that. The only way they could do it ("we" were informed) is to purchase outright any finished product and then completely overhaul the "show" with all new cast and crew that are union members, with union set builders etc. So, in effect, they could only buy the concept. (though both Renegades and Axanar - and the major fanfilms - have union members participating they could hire, assuming the union agrees.)

 

[Maurice]

My question still went unanswered.

 

[GSchnitzer]

As to why George and Walter appeared in Phase II: were they paid?

Both Walter and George received some contractually agreed-upon compensation for their appearances in our episodes. (Also, as a SAG signatory, there are also other hoops we are obligated to jump through--other than remuneration directly to the actors.)

 

[Tom]

The major issue (which "we" encountered with Sony) is that they'd be dealing with products produced by non-union members on non-union sets and property etc. The unions get pretty pissy about that. The only way they could do it ("we" were informed) is to purchase outright any finished product and then completely overhaul the "show" with all new cast and crew that are union members, with union set builders etc. So, in effect, they could only buy the concept. (though both Renegades and Axanar - and the major fanfilms - have union members participating they could hire, assuming the union agrees.)

Yes, correct, it is the concept they would be accepting. Renegades and Axanar as originally filmed would never be broadcast on CBS for tons of legal and union reasons. The filmed pilots are pitched as a 'Proof of Concept'. The pilots would have to be re-filmed under CBS controlled studios with union workers and completely re-negotiated contracts for the cast.

BTW, I'm not saying Axanar is being pitched or anything, just an example.

 

[Tom]

As to why George and Walter appeared in Phase II: were they paid?

Both Walter and George received some contractually agreed-upon compensation for their appearances in our episodes. (Also, as a SAG signatory, there are also other hoops we are obligated to jump through--other than remuneration directly to the actors.)

Same thing with the main cast of Renegades, and i'm sure that is what Alec is doing with Axanar's primary cast as well.

 

[jojolimited]

I wonder if it's possible to be a 501c non profit and a union shop at the same time?

 

[Barbreader]

I wonder if it's possible to be a 501c non profit and a union shop at the same time?

Why wouldn't it be? I'm fairly sure most ballet companies would fit that description.

 

[PattyW]

It's my understanding that Farragut Films is both a non-profit and SAG signatory.

 

[PattyW]

My question still went unanswered.

It's well known within the production that Barbara Luna waived her promised compensation for "Enemy: Starfleet" and only asked that the production still pay into her SAG health/pension plan. (she was so overwhelmed at how many people from all over the globe were there volunteering their time that she felt she should be among them)

And just a note: the "stunt casting" aren't the only SAG actors that work for Phase II. In fact, SAG actors are the majority of the cast...and most of the others are SAG eligible.

 

[Maurice]

With respect, I didn't ask about her. I asked about Takei and Koenig.

 

[BeatleJWOL]

With respect, I didn't ask about her. I asked about Takei and Koenig.

This was posted right after you posted last:

As to why George and Walter appeared in Phase II: were they paid?

Both Walter and George received some contractually agreed-upon compensation for their appearances in our episodes. (Also, as a SAG signatory, there are also other hoops we are obligated to jump through--other than remuneration directly to the actors.)

 

[PattyW]

With respect, I didn't ask about her. I asked about Takei and Koenig.

Sorry. I thought you were using them as an example of "SAG actors". Not sure why those two would specifically interest you, and not, say Denise Crosby and others- so, not understanding there was reasoning behind the choice of the two names, I misunderstood and continued the answer.

Walter actually brought the script and D.C. to New Voyages "as a way to say goodbye to the character". John Carrigan alerted him to the production and encouraged him to do so. Marc Scott Zicree got George to participate after speaking to Walter about the experience.

The "pay" that both George and Walter (and others) got really isn't enough to make it worth their while to be there. It's less than even what they get for convention appearances, and the work and condition much harder than a con. (I can speak to this as I used to book Walter for cons, have helped cons book George, and was a producer for Phase II so I know their salary.)

They both came back, of course, for the Conway/Cawley production "Of Gods and Men".

 

[MikeH92467]

Patty is correct about the "new media" clause in the SAG/AFTRA contract. The good news is they do allow members to work for free if they want to. (We had that situation with "Excelsior"). The downside is that the paperwork can be a nightmare. I had to fill it out, so I can speak from experience on that. I wish SAG/AFTRA had a more streamlined way of handling these situations, but I would rather at least have the option of jumping through those hoops than not having them. I also don't doubt that a more streamlined process might tempt hosers into to trying to game the system by claiming to be non-profit when they're just trying to line their pockets.

 

[I amnot Herbert]

Barbreader: Thanks again! you are very kind =) ...and helpful!

LL&P my friend! =)

I don't think Axanar is going for broadcast. Renegades is going for licensed streaming series.
You can ask around, but there are too many issues that prevent a fan series being converted to broadcast.
One being CBS doesn't need a fan series. They can create their own stuff without our help. In the mean time, fan series represent millions of dollars of free advertising for the Trek franchise. Win win for all.

Well, that IS conventional thinking...

However, we are approaching a very rare and special window of opportunity... ;-)

I am keeping HOPE ALIVE! (Hoping that CBS will take Axanar under it's wing) =D

 

[Maurice]

My question was about at Takei and Koenig because they are the highest profile people, and I'm wondering how many such people would do a fanfilm w/o compensation, and how many do it for a paycheck rather than a love of the material. I suspect many do it for both.

 

[I amnot Herbert]

Petition: please allow Alec to return!?

Well, after skimming the whole thread...

I am very saddened to find that Alec was at some point banished from this site... =(

but after going over to the nu-trek section, and getting (almost instantly) banned myself, I can CERTAINLY identify...

So, I add my voice to the petition to allow Alec to return! (if he even cares to, at this point) =(

I'm glad at least, to see that some of the same "angry" people who attacked me, are not still making trouble on THIS thread!

 

[lennier1]

Re: Petition: please allow Alec to return!?

So, I add my voice to the petition to allow Alec to return! (if he even cares to, at this point) =(

I'm glad at least, to see that some of the same "angry" people who attacked me, are not still making trouble on THIS thread!

At the same time, wouldn't we also have to start a counter petition that after sicking the goons from his Facebook page on someone here for a critique he didn't like he can stay wherever the hell he is?

 

[Red Omega]

Re: Petition: please allow Alec to return!?

So, I add my voice to the petition to allow Alec to return! (if he even cares to, at this point) =(

I'm glad at least, to see that some of the same "angry" people who attacked me, are not still making trouble on THIS thread!

At the same time, wouldn't we also have to start a counter petition that after sicking the goons from his Facebook page on someone here for a critique he didn't like he can stay wherever the hell he is?

So Axanar fans are "goons" now? Nice attitude.

After tolerating the incessant arrogance of a certain few on this forum, twits who contribute NOTHING to the Star Trek community except their amazing self importance, Alec's outspoken intolerance of the couple morons here who ruin it for everyone is refreshing.