Phase One is the 1981 agreement between the two unions under which they have jointly bargained with the studios for almost three decades, with the notable exception of 2007-2009. Or, follow me on Twitter , friend me on Facebook , or subscribe to my Huffington Post articles. Go to the blog itself to subscribe via RSS or email. MORE >>

gifts), this new law, when it becomes effective, will allow filmmakers to raise up to one million dollars in equity investments by soliciting the general public without complying with the onerous security regulations currently in place. company selling stock on the New York Stock Exchange is an example of a public offering. MORE >>

At a videoconference meeting today in New York and LA, AFTRA’s national board unanimously voted to approve joint bargaining with SAG for the Primetime Television Contract and the SAG TV/theatrical contract. Or, follow me on Twitter , friend me on Facebook , or subscribe to my Huffington Post articles. MORE >>

Those existing areas include some where AFTRA’s jurisdiction overlaps with SAG’s – scripted basic cable; new media; and video games – as well as other areas that are AFTRA’s alone. This could provide producers – and actors – with a new source of revenue, but is currently forbidden by Equity. SAG and AFTRA declined to comment.) MORE >>

A SAG strike in the upcoming negotiating cycle is “difficult to envision,” a source from SAG’s moderate faction, Unite for Strength, told me, though he/she cautioned that avoiding one will require that management negotiate reasonably and he/she wouldn’t take the strike option off the table (as, indeed, no union could). 2) Basic Cable. MORE >>