Musicians to Host Rally in L.A.
Ahead First Contract Talks With AMPTP
Contact: Antoinette Follett, AFM Communications Director
afollett@afm.org / 315-383-1028
Linda Rapka. AFM Local 47 Communications Director
linda.rapka@afm47.org / 323-993-3162
**Event Will Happen Rain or Shine at 9 a.m. **
Los Angeles — On Monday, January 22 at 9 a.m, musicians of the American Federation of Musicians will host a press conference and rally in front of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) headquarters in Sherman Oaks, CA and host a rally ahead of
the first day of contract negotiations. AFM will be joined by members and representatives from SAG-AFTRA, the Teamsters, IATSE, WGA and the LA County Federation of Labor.
Briefing Doc / Backgrounder Speaker Bios Here
AFM President and Chief Negotiator Tino Gagliardi said: “Music is what gives our favorite movies and shows their soul, and these workers expect and deserve to be treated fairly and given the contract they’ve earned. We are going into these negotiations in good faith, and we hope the AMPTP is doing the same.”
What the Musicians Are Fighting For
For over a decade, musicians working on made-for-streaming movies and TV shows have been exploited by the multi-billion dollar media conglomerates that make up the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers Association. Recording musicians performing on soundtracks are making (75%) less on content premiering on streaming platforms. These musicians, like singers and actors, create unique performances that are captured in real time — yet, they are not being compensated accordingly for streaming media. This is because the entertainment industry has fundamentally shifted. Content now premieres primarily on streaming platforms rather than in movie theaters and on network television.
This shift has resulted in considerably less residual income for musicians, threatening our livelihoods. In essence, the talent bringing scores to life is being commoditized without a fair share of the considerable profits made by companies such as Disney, Paramount, Universal, and Warner Bros. This practice is neither fair nor sustainable.
Musicians, essential to the streaming economy, demand a fair contract which includes:
- Residual payments for made-for-streaming content
- AI protection
- Increased industry wages
- Improved working conditions
WHAT: Musical performance, rally, and press conference for AFM Fair Share for Musicians campaign
WHO: American Federation of Musicians members and allied unions & supporters
WHERE: in front of Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers Headquarters
(Sherman Oaks Galleria – Building E; 15301 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91403)
WHEN: Monday, Jan. 22 – Gathering: 8:30 a.m., Rally: 9–11 a.m.
###
ABOUT: The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM) is an AFL-CIO affiliated labor union representing 70,000 professional musicians in the United States and Canada. The AFM, which has its headquarters in New York City, is led by International President Tino Gagliardi. Founded in 1896, the AFM is the largest organization in the world representing professional instrumental musicians playing in orchestras, bands, clubs, and theater—both on Broadway and on tour. AFM members make music for film, television, commercials, and sound recordings. The AFM negotiates fair agreements, protects ownership of recorded music, secures benefits such as health care and pension, and lobbies for musicians and the rights of workers.