Why Indie Producers Are Not the AMPTP

Elated and relieved that a tentative deal has been reached between the WGA and the studios!

In between rejoicing and celebrating, I found myself wondering what impact, if any, this new contract will have on my fellow indie producers?

Producers Laura Lewis and Brent Emery were recently interviewed by IndieWire on what role producers play in the AMPTP.

It compelled me to invite them on to explore why there’s a change.org petition floating around to remove that second “P” from the acronym and the need for the Producers Union, which is currently 300 members strong.

Fun Facts:

The PGA is a non-profit trade organization that does not have collective bargaining power, despite a long history of lawsuits and lobbying in an effort to be recognized.

No independent producer had a seat at the table or was involved in ANY of the negotiations with any of the unions this past summer.

Hollywood has changed tremendously in the last 50 years. Labor unions have forced studios to keep up with the times and protected the interest of its members. Indie producers have no protections.

It’s time to change that.