SAG-AFTRA Statement on Roe v. Wade Production

The producers of Roe v. Wade failed to timely and accurately pay the performers. SAG-AFTRA brought grievances, filed a demand for arbitration, and ultimately obtained a default arbitration award against the producers before they would engage with us in reaching a resolution. After that default award, SAG-AFTRA secured authorization from the producer to release funds held in deposit. We immediately engaged a payroll company to process pro rata payments for performers. (Funds held in deposit by SAG-AFTRA constitute a percentage of the reported performer salaries on independent pictures, and SAG-AFTRA continues to pursue the balance not covered by the deposit for this production.)  The producers have since failed to provide the necessary employment documentation the payroll house needs to complete the payment process. We are now collecting the documents ourselves to prevent continued delays. Furthermore, the producers are exploiting the picture to residualable markets, and we will require prompt reporting and full payment of residuals. The producers of this film have repeatedly breached their obligations to our performers. SAG-AFTRA will continue to utilize all tools available to secure all payments due.

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.