Remove "Producers" from the AMPTP Name: Fair Representation for Independent Producers


Remove "Producers" from the AMPTP Name: Fair Representation for Independent Producers
The Issue
We, the undersigned film and television producers and members of the entertainment community, call upon the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) to remove the term "Producers" from their official title. The AMPTP primarily represents major studios, networks and streaming platforms, and the inclusion of "Producers" in their name inaccurately implies that all producers are part of this organization. The "P" in AMPTP stands for ‘producers’ but is leftover from a long gone era when all film producers were employed by the studios.
During recent and ongoing negotiations, many organizations, media outlets and individuals have and are continually referring to the negotiations with SAG and the WGA as being with and against the “Producers”. This has and continues to cause misconceptions within the industry and in the public, as true producers are independent entrepreneurs (including line producers or other members of the producing team) and are integral crew members dedicated to the successful creation and distribution of projects. The writers and actors are not negotiating with, nor striking against, independent producers. The WGA and SAG battles are with the studios, streamers and networks - the Alliance - not with producers.
As independent producers, we feel the impact of industry disputes just as profoundly as actors and writers. During standoffs between the AMPTP and the WGA and SAG, we are unjustly punished, facing challenges in securing funding, development, and production of our projects. The term "Producers" in the AMPTP's name may have historical significance, but it no longer accurately reflects the reality of today's entertainment landscape. Producers now function similarly to any other group of workers in the industry, striving to secure future projects while pursuing our creative and professional aspirations.
The Producers Union, as a collective of independent producers, firmly stands in solidarity with the creative community. We wholeheartedly recognize the invaluable contributions made by writers, actors, and all industry professionals. We firmly believe in the right to fair compensation and equitable treatment for all individuals involved in the creative process.
In light of significant industry transformations, the standards for wages, profit sharing, and guaranteed work should adapt to the changing landscape of independent production. Independent producers shoulder substantial risks and challenges without the benefits of collective bargaining power.
We, therefore, advocate for the removal of "Producers" from the AMPTP's name to accurately represent their membership and acknowledge the diverse roles and contributions present within the entertainment industry.
We sincerely urge the AMPTP to recognize the unique struggles faced by independent producers and take proactive steps to address our concerns. Removing "Producers" from their name will represent a significant stride towards positive change, fostering an industry that provides equitable opportunities and support for all professionals.
We ask you to sign this petition to facilitate accurate representation for all film and television producers.
For more information about the Producers Union, please visit ProducersUnion.org.
Sincerely, The Producers Union
2,765
The Issue
We, the undersigned film and television producers and members of the entertainment community, call upon the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) to remove the term "Producers" from their official title. The AMPTP primarily represents major studios, networks and streaming platforms, and the inclusion of "Producers" in their name inaccurately implies that all producers are part of this organization. The "P" in AMPTP stands for ‘producers’ but is leftover from a long gone era when all film producers were employed by the studios.
During recent and ongoing negotiations, many organizations, media outlets and individuals have and are continually referring to the negotiations with SAG and the WGA as being with and against the “Producers”. This has and continues to cause misconceptions within the industry and in the public, as true producers are independent entrepreneurs (including line producers or other members of the producing team) and are integral crew members dedicated to the successful creation and distribution of projects. The writers and actors are not negotiating with, nor striking against, independent producers. The WGA and SAG battles are with the studios, streamers and networks - the Alliance - not with producers.
As independent producers, we feel the impact of industry disputes just as profoundly as actors and writers. During standoffs between the AMPTP and the WGA and SAG, we are unjustly punished, facing challenges in securing funding, development, and production of our projects. The term "Producers" in the AMPTP's name may have historical significance, but it no longer accurately reflects the reality of today's entertainment landscape. Producers now function similarly to any other group of workers in the industry, striving to secure future projects while pursuing our creative and professional aspirations.
The Producers Union, as a collective of independent producers, firmly stands in solidarity with the creative community. We wholeheartedly recognize the invaluable contributions made by writers, actors, and all industry professionals. We firmly believe in the right to fair compensation and equitable treatment for all individuals involved in the creative process.
In light of significant industry transformations, the standards for wages, profit sharing, and guaranteed work should adapt to the changing landscape of independent production. Independent producers shoulder substantial risks and challenges without the benefits of collective bargaining power.
We, therefore, advocate for the removal of "Producers" from the AMPTP's name to accurately represent their membership and acknowledge the diverse roles and contributions present within the entertainment industry.
We sincerely urge the AMPTP to recognize the unique struggles faced by independent producers and take proactive steps to address our concerns. Removing "Producers" from their name will represent a significant stride towards positive change, fostering an industry that provides equitable opportunities and support for all professionals.
We ask you to sign this petition to facilitate accurate representation for all film and television producers.
For more information about the Producers Union, please visit ProducersUnion.org.
Sincerely, The Producers Union
2,765
Petition created on July 31, 2023