Casting Directors Reach Interim Studio Agreement

Casting directors based in New York and Los Angeles reached a new tentative contract agreement with Hollywood studios and broadcasters on Friday, according to their unions.

Teamsters Local 399, which represents Los Angeles members, shared a joint statement on social media along with New York Local 817.

“This afternoon, Teamsters 399 and 817 officially reached a tentative agreement with AMPTP for our Local 399 and 817 Foundry Agreement,” the union said. “The member-led negotiating committee fought to the bitter end for an interim agreement that was recommended for unanimous approval.”

Last month, auxiliary groups on both coasts voted to unionize with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters in National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) elections.

“This organizational win proves that casting is done by the Teamsters in both Los Angeles and New York. I am proud not only of the Assistants who are struggling to improve their careers and livelihoods, but also of our 399 and 817 members who have stepped up to support this group in this fight,” Lindsay Dougherty, director of the Teamsters Motion Picture Division, told Time.

“Casting plays an integral role in every production and often forms the basis of every project. “Our members’ hard work, creativity and expertise in their craft will drive our fight with AMPTP for the wages, benefits and working conditions we are owed,” he added.

Hollywood unions, including SAG-AFTRA, DGA and WGA West and East, issued a joint statement of solidarity with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. 23 August.

“The Hollywood Guilds and Unions stand together in pursuit of fair pay and improved working conditions for Teamster Casting Directors, Associate Casting Directors, and the newly organized Casting Assistants in all classifications.” the guilds said in a statement.

“The Casting Department plays a critical role in any production and works with many of our members to bring their creative visions to life. Casting professionals supported our recent contract fights, and we now stand with them in seeking a fair and equitable agreement,” the August statement continued.