BuzzFeed Studios Film ‘Adulting’ has come under fire as allegations emerge regarding its treatment of workers involved in union organizing activities. The independent film, currently shooting in Alabama, stands accused of retaliatory practices against its crew members who sought to unionize. This controversy highlights ongoing tensions in the film industry over workers’ rights and unionization efforts, with ‘Adulting’ at the center of these disputes.
Union Efforts Clash with Production
The film ‘Adulting,’ featuring Leighton Meester, is being filmed in Mobile, Alabama. Recently, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) made moves to organize the production, which initially began as a non-union endeavor. Such efforts are common as IATSE seeks to ensure productions comply with union standards, including fair wages and health contributions.
If a film production refuses IATSE’s overtures, the union often resorts to instructing members to walk off set and establish picket lines, putting pressure on producers to meet their demands. In the case of BuzzFeed Studios’ film ‘Adulting,’ crew members supporting the unionization claim they faced termination, an action that could violate federal law.
Allegations of Unfair Practices
According to IATSE, BuzzFeed Studios allegedly retaliated against workers for their union activities. Mike Miller, director of IATSE’s Motion Picture and Television Production department, asserted, “We will continue to follow up as long as the employer refuses to recognize the Union and violates the rights of these workers to organize.” The union has filed Unfair Labor Practice charges in response to these actions.
BuzzFeed Studios, however, denies any wrongdoing. A company spokesperson stated, “We are committed to upholding fair labor standards and expect the same from all productions we are associated with. In this case, we are confident that those standards were fully met.”
Community Involvement and Reactions
The situation has also sparked discussions in industry circles. IATSE Local 478, based in New Orleans, shared a message with the Crew Stories Facebook group. The message indicated that the ‘Adulting’ production had refused to negotiate a contract, advising crew members against reporting to work pending resolution. However, it did not instruct them to join a physical picket line, reflecting a cautious yet firm stance on the issue.
As the controversy surrounding BuzzFeed Studios Film ‘Adulting’ unfolds, it underscores the broader challenges faced by workers seeking to unionize within the film industry. The outcome could have implications beyond this single production, influencing perceptions of labor practices in Hollywood and beyond.
