SAG-AFTRA lifts ‘Do Not Work’ order from Michael Bay film Songbird after lack of transparency over safety protocols
Michael Bay’s latest project Songbird was hit with a ‘Do Not Work’ order this week by actors union SAG-AFTRA.
But the show must go on, and luckily, production appears to be back on schedule after the brief snafu.
SAG-AFTRA lifted their ‘Do Not Work’ order Friday, releasing a brief statement on their website, which did not elaborate on the decision.
Do Not Work: Michael Bay’s latest project Songbird was hit with a ‘Do Not Work’ order this week by actors union SAG-AFTRA (pictured in March, 2020)
It read: ‘SAG-AFTRA has rescinded its Do Not Work order for the feature film Songbird, produced by On a Lark Productions, LLC, and members are free to work on this production effective immediately.’
It came only a day after the union originally slapped the production with the ‘do not work’ order.
A SAG-AFTRA spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter: ‘The producers have not been transparent about their safety protocols, and that is something we obviously take very seriously. Also, as noted in the Do Not Work order, the producers have not yet become signatory to our agreement. We have no further comment.’
Bay is producing the thriller, which is set in the future as a pandemic-inducing virus continues to mutate, starring Demi Moore, Peter Stormare and Craig Robinson.
Order lifted: SAG-AFTRA lifted their ‘Do Not Work’ order Friday, releasing a brief statement on their website, which did not elaborate on the decision
Safety protocols: A spokesperson for the union previously said: ‘The producers have not been transparent about their safety protocols’
Director Adam Mason was reportedly preparing to begin production on the film later this month.
Film and TV production was allowed to resume in Los Angeles County on June 12, subject to strict protocols set by the county’s Department of Public Health.
The measures include ‘regular, periodic testing of the cast and crew,’ an on-set COVID-19 compliance officer, social distancing and regular cleaning of set and props.
New role: Just last week, it was announced that Demi Moore has been cast in a leading role in Songbird which takes place in the future as a pandemic-inducing virus continues to mutate
THR.com reported that in a note sent Thursday to its members, SAG-AFRA stated: ‘The producer of the picture entitled Songbird has failed to complete the signatory process and is therefore not signed to any applicable SAG-AFTRA agreement.
‘As such, SAG-AFTRA members are hereby instructed to withhold any acting services or perform any covered work for this production until further notice from the union.’
The statement concluded: ‘Please note, accepting employment or rendering services on Songbird may be considered a violation of Global Rule One. Violating this order may result in disciplinary action in accordance with the SAG-AFTRA Constitution.’
Cast: Also lined up to star are actors Peter Stormare, left, pictured in 2019, and Craig Robinson, right, pictured in January