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Host: Cortrice Jones
Producer: Lance John
Production Studio: Gifted Sounds Network
Key Updates in TV and Film: IATSE Negotiations, Podcasting Wins, and Streaming News
Summary - On this episode of TV & Film Beat, host Cortrice Jones discusses ongoing IATSE contract negotiations with studios focused on safety after multiple tragic incidents. The iHeartPodcast Network writers ratified their first WGAE contract, improving conditions and pay. Paramount+ will raise prices on August 20th, reflecting industry trends.
Show Notes:
IATSE Contract Negotiations
- Safety concerns on set following a series of tragic incidents.
- Notable incidents on the sets of Peacock’s "Hysteria!", Marvel’s "Wonder Man", Eddie Murphy’s "The Pickup", and "9-1-1".
- The role of IATSE in advocating for safer work environments.
- Upcoming negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.
- Discussion on whether financial penalties or legislative action is needed for meaningful changes.
Podcasting Wins
- The Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) ratifies its first contract with iHeartPodcast Network.
- End of two years of negotiations and an Unfair Labor Practice charge.
- Improved working conditions and fair compensation for podcast writers.
- WGAE President Lisa Takeuchi Cullen’s statement on the importance of fair compensation.
Streaming News
- Paramount Global announces a price hike for Paramount+ streaming service, effective August 20th.
- Details on the price increase for the Paramount+ with Showtime plan and the Essential plan.
- Despite the price hike, Paramount+ remains competitively priced with a strong content lineup.
- Upcoming content highlights: NFL on CBS, Dexter: Original Sin, Frasier’s revival, and more.
More
- The latest developments in TV and film industry safety protocols.
- The impact of new contracts on podcasting industry standards.
- How streaming services like Paramount+ are adjusting their pricing and content strategies.
Don’t forget to subscribe to TV & Film Beat for more news and updates from the world of television and film. Thank you for listening! Visit our website: www.giftedsounds.com/studios. Contact us at ponderingnerds@gmail.com. Until next time, stay tuned for more news from PNC’s TV & Film Beat.
Tags: Television, film, news, contract negotiations, safety concerns, tragic incidents, crew safety, IATSE, negotiations, Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, work environments, podcasting, Writers Guild of America East, iHeartPodcast Network, contract, streaming, Paramount+, price hike, content
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Welcome to TV & Film Beat, your go-to source for the latest in television and film news. I'm your host, Cortrice Jones, and today we've got some insightful and significant updates to share with you.
First up, let's talk about the ongoing contract negotiations between IATSE and the studios. Safety concerns are at the forefront, especially following a series of tragic incidents on set. In December, a woman lost her life after a long overnight shoot for Peacock's upcoming series Hysteria! Then, in February, a crew member on Marvel’s Wonder Man fell from a catwalk and died. In April, a stunt mishap on the set of Eddie Murphy’s film The Pickup left several crew members injured. May brought yet another heart-wrenching event. Rico Priem, a veteran grip, passed away following a 14-hour production day on the set of 9-1-1. His tragic death was later connected to a heart condition exacerbated by long working hours. This series of unfortunate events highlights the precarious balance between demanding work schedules and crew safety. Members of IATSE point to these incidents as catalysts for change. They are turning to the negotiating table with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. The union’s current contracts, which expire on July 31st, may see some adjustments focusing on producing safer work environments. These negotiations are crucial as overworking and compromised safety measures continue to plague the industry. Extended work shifts and insufficient rest periods are common, and IATSE aims to introduce stronger penalties for studios that infringe on rest times. However, the question remains: will financial penalties be enough to enforce meaningful changes, or will it take legislative action to ensure safer working conditions for crew members?
Moving on to the world of podcasting, the writers at iHeartPodcast Network recently scored a significant win. The Writers Guild of America East confirmed that the bargaining unit has ratified its first contract with the network. This marks the end of over two years of negotiations punctuated by an Unfair Labor Practice charge against iHeart’s management. The new contract promises improved working conditions and fair compensation for the writers, setting a new industry standard. WGAE President Lisa Takeuchi Cullen said, "With more than 30 million monthly listeners, podcasts have become an essential part of iHeartMedia’s business and their employees deserve to be fairly compensated." This new deal is a significant step in ensuring better working environments for all involved in the podcasting industry.
In streaming news, Paramount Global announced a price hike for its Paramount+ streaming service, effective August 20th. The Paramount+ with Showtime plan will rise by $1 to $12.99 per month for both new and existing customers. The Essential plan will also see a $2 increase to $7.99 per month, but this will only affect new subscribers. Meanwhile, existing Paramount+ Essential subscribers will continue to enjoy their current pricing. Despite these hikes, Paramount+ remains competitively priced compared to other major streaming services. The platform continues to offer a great lineup, from live sports to original series like Mayor of Kingstown and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Upcoming content like the NFL on CBS, Dexter: Original Sin, and Frasier’s revival promises to keep audiences engaged and entertained. These price increases follow a broader industry trend as streamers look to balance their books after years of heavy investments in new content. While these changes might pinch the pockets of new subscribers, they also reflect the growing value and breadth of content that platforms like Paramount+ are delivering.
That's all for today's episode of TV & Film Beat. I'm Cortrice, bringing you the latest and most important updates from the world of television and film. Stay tuned for more news, and as always, thank you for listening. Until next time!