ENCORE: ‘Sing Sing’ director Greg Kwedar models pay equity; This Week’s Banter: Hollywood turns on LA Mayor Karen Bass
Jan 17, 2025
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Greg Kwedar, director of the film 'Sing Sing,' shares insights on his innovative pay equity model, ensuring all cast and crew earn the same daily rate. He emphasizes the importance of equity in the film industry and the impact of hiring formerly incarcerated actors. The conversation also touches on Hollywood's frustrations with LA Mayor Karen Bass and the need for revitalization in film production. Tune in for a critical look at how politics, social equity, and the entertainment industry are interlinked in today's landscape.
Greg Kwedar's film 'Sing Sing' challenges industry norms by implementing equal pay for all cast and crew members, fostering collaboration and trust.
The ongoing discussion about tax incentives in California indicates a critical need for reform to sustain the film industry and support diverse productions.
Deep dives
Equal Pay and Collective Ownership in Film Production
The film 'Sing Sing' adopts an innovative approach by ensuring equal pay for all individuals involved in its production, regardless of their role. This model is built on the principle of parity, where everyone, from the lead actors to production assistants, earns the same daily rate. This equitable payment system aims to flatten the traditional hierarchy seen in the film industry, thereby giving equal weight to ideas and contributions from all participants. By collectively owning the project, the team fosters a culture of trust and collaboration, encouraging diverse inputs in the creative process.
Casting Choices and Real-Life Stories
The film features a unique blend of professional actors and formerly incarcerated individuals, creating a powerful and authentic narrative. The inclusion of Coleman Domingo, a well-regarded actor, brings a level of experience that enhances the overall production while allowing for meaningful exchanges between cast members with varied backgrounds. This dynamic not only elevates the performances but also enriches the storytelling by intertwining professional craft with genuine lived experiences from those who experienced the realities of prison life. This approach contrasts sharply with traditional casting methods, emphasizing the importance of representation and authenticity.
The Impact of Tax Incentives on L.A. Film Production
The ongoing conversation around tax incentives in California highlights the critical role they play in revitalizing the local film industry, particularly in the wake of recent disasters. Governor Gavin Newsom's proposed package of tax incentives, valued at around $750 million, aims to attract film production back to Los Angeles, providing economic relief to the community. Many industry insiders believe that enhanced tax incentives could not only support larger productions but also smaller independent films struggling for financial viability. The call for a comprehensive reform of the tax system indicates a desire for a more sustainable future for Hollywood amidst its current challenges.
Hollywood responds to a perceived lack of urgency from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, a new twist develops in the Blake Lively/Justin Baldoni feud, and Donald Trump is unhappy with Comcast after comedian Seth Meyers makes fun of the incoming president. Kim Masters and Matt Belloni are here to help us all make sense of this relentless week.
Plus, we revisit our conversation between Masters and Sing Sing director Greg Kwedar. Everyone involved in the production was paid the same daily rate, a model that Kwedar hopes could bring more parity to film sets. The movie stars Colman Domingo as a wrongly-convicted man staging a play inside the real Sing Sing prison. Much of the cast includes formerly incarcerated actors playing versions of themselves.
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