Casting Directors Reach Tentative Deal on New Contract

The Teamsters union reached a tentative deal Friday with the major studios on behalf of casting directors, who were seeking increased wages.

The contract covers about 700 members. The union went into the talks with the goal of establishing weekly minimum wage rates for the first time.

Negotiators also sought to establish basic terms, including pension and health coverage, for the 91 casting assistants who voted to join the union in August.

“We really came together and made some wonderful steps in the right direction for the future of our profession and the craft of casting,” said Sherry Thomas, a casting director who served on the steering committee. “In any negotiation, neither side is going to get exactly what they want. But if you can work toward fairness, that’s a win.”

No details of the contract were released Friday. The union will hold an information meeting with members on Monday to present the terms and ask for “yes” vote on ratification.

“I feel very happy with the agreement,” said Josh Ropiequet, an associate casting director who also served on the committee. “We are unanimously recommending this contract.”

Casting directors have been represented by the Teamsters union since 2006. Committees from two locals — 399 in Hollywood and 817 in New York — have been working to formulate proposals for the last several months.

Negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers have been underway since late August. Talks were held on Monday and Tuesday this week, breaking off after 1 a.m. Tuesday night without a deal. The contract was due to expire on Sept. 30.

The AMPTP did not respond to a request for comment.

“Teamsters want to commend our Local 399 & 817 Casting Negotiating Committee,” the union said in a statement Friday. “Over the past several months the committee has dedicated countless hours and long nights to fight on behalf of the entire Casting group. The tentative agreement that was able to be achieved is in large part attributed to the hard work, passion, and fight from the committee. We also greatly appreciate the outpouring of support from all of Hollywood Labor throughout our fight and the commitment from many to #StandWithCasting.”