Reprinted from Deadline Hollywood by David Robb on August 10, 2020.
Film and television production “is finally getting ready to start back up,” IATSE Grips Local 80 business manager Thom Davis said in his latest update on the industry’s efforts for a safe return to work.
“The major lots have brought back people to get the departments ready for production,” he said, “and some of the Independents and Commercials have commenced with production.”
Davis, who also is IATSE’s 2nd international vice president, noted that Hollywood’s unions – IATSE, SAG-AFTRA, the DGA, the Teamsters and the Basic Crafts – still are in negotiations with management’s Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers over conditions for a return to work. “Those negotiations,” he said, “have centered on items such as the amount of pay we are to receive when we are sent out for testing; how often is a person to be tested and exactly who is to be tested; how many sick days a person will receive if they become sick or are required to stay home due to some COVID-related event, and a whole host of other matters.” …
