California’s AB 437, which would limit TV star business exclusivity, faces a crucial vote

Next week, a California Assembly bill that could change one of the cornerstones of the television business will face a crucial vote.

AB 437, called the Let Actors Work (LAW) Act, would limit exclusivity in deals with TV stars. This means that if a showrunner wishes to pursue another project with Network X while under contract with Network Y, he can do so as long as “there is no material conflict of interest with the original employer”. second The bill was written by Assemblyman Ash Kalra (D-San Jose). This means stars can book projects on competing networks as long as they don’t conflict with the original show schedule. Exclusivity now forbids it. You can read the text of the bill here.

On July 29, AB 437 passed the CA Senate Judicial Commission with a 9-1 vote. The bill will be reviewed in the Senate Appropriations Committee on August 8. If he moves there, he’ll go to the state senate. If he passes by, he goes to the Assembly for his final departure, which must take place while that body continues to function. Summer holidays. You will therefore need the signature of Governor Gavin Newsom.

Motion Picture Association President and CEO Charles Rivkin said AB 437 would jeopardize California productions and the jobs they create.

“Last year, nearly 950 films went into production and 560 original scripted series premiered in the United States, many shot in California, but a new bill that accelerates CA legislation threatens productions like these and makes work what they believe in “. Rivkin On Twitter today on the account.

The California Chamber of Commerce warned that “limiting the use of exclusive contracts for plaintiffs makes such contracts less valuable, which will result in lower wages paid to plaintiffs. Furthermore, the removal of the ability to negotiate exclusivity rights, where applicable, it threatens the ability to produce content in a timely and reliable manner. The ripple effect will adversely affect thousands of people who work on or are related to or dependent on these products. “

On the other hand, SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher said the bill recognizes “that actors should be able to enjoy the same freedoms as all other Californians”.

The union called the current practice “forced unemployment” on Twitter.

AB 437 is sponsored by the California Federation of Labor, the Screen Actors Guild-SAG-AFTRA and the Coalition of Musical Artists.