WGA advises writers on avoiding work with Millennium Films
Overview of the Situation
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has recently issued a strong directive to its members, advising them to refrain from working with Millennium Films, the renowned producer of popular action movies like The Hitman’s Bodyguard and the Expendables franchise. This move comes as the Guild highlighted long-standing issues with the company’s payment practices and financial responsibilities.
Financial Concerns and Historical Conflicts
The WGA’s decision is grounded in Millennium Films’ history of failing to pay upfront compensation and residuals to writers consistently and on time. According to the Guild, these recurring issues necessitated several claims against the company over the years.
Additionally, there are ongoing disputes between the Guild and Millennium Films over the conditions required for the company to become a signatory to the WGA contract for 2023. Presently, Millennium is not accredited, which legally bars it from hiring Guild writers. The union has stipulated that Millennium must post an adequate bond to prove its financial responsibility, a condition the company has adamantly refused to meet.
Millennium Films: An Action Movie Powerhouse
Founded in 1996 by Avi Lerner, Millennium Films quickly established itself as a leading producer of independent action films. Their extensive portfolio includes blockbuster hits such as Olympus Has Fallen, The Bricklayer, and The Mechanic.
Despite these commercial successes, the company’s financial controversies have cast a shadow over its operations. These controversies underscore a deeper narrative of corporate imprudence and a reluctance to comply with industry standards.
Issues with Financial and Workplace Ethics
Over the years, the Guild has documented significant issues with Millennium Films’ ethical and financial practices. In 2021, Gerard Butler, the star of Olympus Has Fallen, sued Millennium seeking unpaid royalties. The matter was eventually settled out of court. Similarly, a former executive filed a sexual harassment lawsuit in 2017, alleging a misogynistic work environment and a culture of “sexual favoritism” fostered by Lerner.
These allegations have contributed to the Guild’s firm stance against the company. The WGA’s statement made it clear that Millennium’s refusal to comply with industry-standard financial practices led to the current advisory against working with them.
Recommendations for Guild Writers
The WGA has urged any member who has engaged with Millennium Films since May 1, 2023, or been approached for work, to immediately contact the Guild. Emphasizing the importance of maintaining high standards for writers, the Guild aims to prevent Millennium from undermining contractual and ethical norms.
“It is crucial that Millennium be prevented from undercutting writers’ standards and conditions,” the WGA stressed in their statement. Until resolutions are found, Millennium Films cannot be allowed to benefit from the writing services provided by WGA members.
Impact on the Industry
Millennium’s refusal to meet the Guild’s demands raises questions about the broader implications for the film industry. Companies that fail to comply with industry standards not only affect the immediate parties involved but also set a dangerous precedent that could erode trust and professionalism across the industry.
With high-profile disputes such as these, the industry spotlight focuses on ensuring that production companies honor their financial and ethical obligations. As Millennium Films continues to release high-performing action movies, it will need to address these underlying issues to restore trust and attract top talent.
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