SAG-AFTRA Revokes Status of First Illegitimate Employer of Performers

LOS ANGELES (August 14, 2018) — SAG-AFTRA announced today the union is revoking the signatory status of Executive Media Services (EMS), which was found to be an illegitimate employer.

“The decision to revoke EMS is part of SAG-AFTRA's ongoing investigation into several companies we believe have falsely represented themselves as real employers of performers for commercials,” National Executive Director David White said.

The union’s investigation has led to serious concerns that any “signatory service” company can actually be considered a real employer. As SAG-AFTRA negotiates the new Commercials Contracts with the ad industry in 2019, the union is determined to secure direct relationships with the actual employers of its members.

Said SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris, “Performers employed under a SAG-AFTRA contract should never need to worry about their safety on set, the risk of not getting paid for their work, or the responsible use of their performance. This revocation of an illegitimate employer is a clear sign that we are willing to take serious steps to ensure the protection of our members.”

The investigation was spurred by concerns that a number of companies in the commercials industry are providing “signatory services” for a fee and falsely representing themselves as the employer of performers on commercials. SAG-AFTRA determined that EMS, the fourth largest “signatory service” company signed to the union’s Commercials Contracts, is in violation of its agreement with SAG-AFTRA and revoked its signatory status.

The union is still investigating numerous other companies. This includes such entities as CMC/Forecast, Waving Cat, Talent Solutions and Talent Direct. Members who have questions about this issue should contact SAG-AFTRA National Director, Commercials Contracts Lori Hunt, at lori.hunt@sagaftra.org or (323) 549-6722.

Please note: The company in question here is unrelated to Entertainment Media Specialists Payroll (EMS Payroll).

About SAG-AFTRA

SAG-AFTRA represents approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists and other entertainment and media professionals. SAG-AFTRA members are the faces and voices that entertain and inform America and the world. A proud affiliate of the AFL-CIO, SAG-AFTRA has national offices in Los Angeles and New York and local offices nationwide representing members working together to secure the strongest protections for entertainment and media artists into the 21st century and beyond. Visit SAG-AFTRA online at SAGAFTRA.org.