MADRID, 12 Ago. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The US actors union SAG-AFTRA is seeking to extend its contractual protections to those who appear on reality shows and has said it has “engaged in talks” with a law firm hired by ‘Real Housewives’ reality star Bethenny. Frankel.
“SAG-AFTRA is the Union that represents reality artists”, as explained by the union in a statement collected by CNN in which they added, that “depending on the structure of the production and the artists involved, we can cover these artists under our Network Code Agreement.”
SAG-AFTRA represents 160,000 artists who are currently on strike seeking an agreement that provides them with better wages regarding residual payments, better working conditions, and protection against the invasion of artificial intelligence.
Frankel, who has carved out a career as a media personality and businesswoman since appearing on “The Real Housewives of New York” and “The Apprentice,” has been advocating for reality stars to receive full union protections.
“Reality TV has been around for decades and kept it entertaining during the last strike and it blew up,” he wrote in the caption of a video posted to his social media last month, describing what he’d like to see happen in the realm of reality. shows: “This is not for people like me, who have prospered and succeeded and worked their way to the top despite the odds. This is for the next generation.”
SAG-AFTRA has explained in its statement that they are “ready to help Bethenny Frankel, along with reality artists and our members in the fight” and that they are “tired of studios and production companies trying to circumvent the Union to exploit the talent they trust to make their product.
“We encourage all reality artists and/or members to contact the SAG-AFTRA Entertainment Contracts Department so that we can work together to protect reality artists and end exploitative practices that are have developed in this area and embark on a new path to coverage of the Union”, they have concluded.
On Thursday, Frankel shared a story on his Instagram account about SAG-AFTRA’s latest statement, writing in the caption: “Use your voice. The reality show reckoning has begun…”
