Scott Wilson & David Clennon on the January 26, 2009 SAG Coup

On January 26, 2009, "Unite For Strength" fired SAG's Chief Negotiator Doug Allen and replaced the SAG Theatrical Negotiating Committee with a "Task Force," the majority of which are NY and Branch Board Members. Their reasoning was to "move the Guild forward" to make a deal with Management and make Merger with Aftra more of a reality. Also, a list of high profile actors including Matt Damon support Unite For Strength's latest move and have made it known in the press. "Coup" is used to define the action because the Membership First contingent doesn't believe the "Written Assent" was handled constitutionally. Only enough SAG Board Members to make up a majority were informed of the Motion. Scott Wilson & David Clennon don't agree with Unite For Strength or the high pros and see it more as a move into oblivion.

[@penelopee007]

Scott Wilson is the "real deal" a working actor with a great career. He is not afraid to stand up and speak about what is happening now after 7 months of non-negotiations by the producers. Imagine it being even harder for us to get health care?. Hurray Scott for standing up for the middle class actor. Passion isn't anger. I don't fear debate but now we have been gagged. Perhaps we can negotiate if we have passion for our rights. I will be joining the rally physically.

[@girlygirlindahood]

Variety is saying a deal has most likely been reached - SAG/Producers meet again Tuesday. Remember Actors -- NO NEW MEDIA RESIDUALS - NO CONTRACT! IT IS OUR FUTURE!! THEY'VE TAKEN ENOUGH FROM US ALREADY - NOT MEETING OUR QUOTES, LESS HEALTH CARE, ETC. FIGHT FOR OUR FUTURE!

[@purkasz]

As a SAG member for 30 years I am appalled by the behavior of the A-List of actors who now have more in common with the AAMPTP and the studios than with their fellow actors. This betrayal is not only an egregious abandonment of responsibility but most assuredly is sending the wrong message. I am very close to the burial site of James Cagney, one of the founders...so a message to Streep, Baldwin, DeVito and Clooney...don't make me apologise for your behavior when next I go by to see him.

[@corthree]

Alan R told me in person " So what if new shows go AFTRA you can still work on them" I replied "Can SAG survive without A TV contract if all "new" shows go AFTRA?" He had no response to that. This guy has lost the confidence of the majority of the membership. He is now causing the contract talks to stall. He must resign or be impeached.

[@corthree]

OK 1 last post, then no more. Looks like u4s has come to a possible deal but I bet Membership first will find something wrong with it! and blame u4s as failing! remember though Membership first's last and finale offer from AMPTP "not even close. I would tell the AMPTP that if it was retro that I would send it out to the membership!

[@UnionUndergroundACT]

Oy. Once again, the mantra "they screwed up Negotiations." If the "Unite For Strength" sycophants that keep the rhetoric alive would just admit that they're okay with the June 30 deal then at least there would be some semblance of reasoning for U4S's argument. Doug Allen and the Committee could have shook hands on that months ago. But, to imply there was some other process, some other behavior that would have secured a fair deal that the SAG Membership would vote up is ignorant.

[@rooneytune]

Scott & David come across so angry that it's hard to listen to them. Nothing that has happened on the SAG Board is illegal. And Doug Allen has had his chance at negotiating a better deal. The 'bully' approach hasn't worked. I think we are in serious need of new leadership & our new negotiating team offers us the possibility of moving forward. Let's see what they can do before we decide that they can't do better.

[@corthree]

We lost the Hard line approach as soon as AFTRA signed!! You can Thank Membership first for running AFTRA away from SAG. Don't worry Membership First I'll stop posting the truth so you can have this platform to continue to try to fool the membership! by the way what is the last contract that Membership First won for us? Good luck everyone I've had it. I'll keep my post to myself now. BYE!

[@corthree]

LOL Yep just a kid. Over 130 credits, 250 + episodes of TV, 4 emmy nominations 1 SAG award and Just a Kid! LOL you have no credibility with a statement like that!

[@29kiska]

I am not going to see another another movie in the theater with George Clooney. Matt Damon, Tom Hanks, Denny Devito and all those greedy people who is taking away from the middle class!!! Booooooooooooo.

[@corthree]

Alan R told me in person " So what if new shows go AFTRA you can still work on them" I replied "Can SAG survive without A TV contract if all "new" shows go AFTRA?" He had no response to that. This guy has lost the confidence of the majority of the membership. He is now causing the contract talks to stall. He must resign or be impeached.