Connect with us

Entertainment

SAG-AFTRA Teams Up with Bethenny Frankel: Reality TV Deserves Unions, Too! on August 10, 2023 at 10:49 pm The Hollywood Gossip

Published

on

The current strikes by both the WGA and SAG-AFTRA are enormous and monumentally historic.

This has not happened since Ronald Reagan was SAG president. (Yes, really)

But there’s another group in the entertainment industry who are subject to mistreatment and exploitation, all to enrich TV and streaming behemoths.

RHONY alum Bethenny Frankel has been sounding the alarm. And this week, ahead of (rumored) resumed negotiations, SAG-AFTRA noted that they’re with her all the way.

Advertisement

On TikTok, Bethenny Frankel discussed the rampant exploitation within the reality TV industry. (TikTok)

On Thursday, August 10, Deadline reported that SAG-AFTRA is working “toward the protection of the reality performers” on reality TV.

This massive guild which works to ensure workers’ rights already covers the hosts on most of reality TV.

SAG-AFTRA stated that they are making an effort to end “the exploitative practices that have developed in this area.”

Advertisement

Patricia Clarkson joins SAG-AFTRA members on the picket line outside of Warner Bros. Discovery on August 10, 2023 in New York. The Emmy Awards have been postponed by almost four months, organizers said Thursday, as crippling strikes by Hollywood’s actors and writers drag on with no resolution in sight. (Getty)

Additionally, the colossal guild hopes “to engage in a new path to union coverage.”

Reality TV boomed after the last massive strike in 2008.

And this strike, of both writers and actors, is the largest in generations. It could enact necessary, historic changes in an industry that currently robs the actual workers to line the pockets of corporate executives and shareholders.

Advertisement

Over the years, Bethenny Frankel has earned a lot of praise for her large-scale charitable work. (Instagram)

Enough is enough

Reality TV has been a loophole that certain unscrupulous entertainment giants have hoped to exploit. (Just like streaming)

“We are tired of studios and production companies trying to circumvent the union,” SAG-AFTRA noted, “in order to exploit the talent that they rely upon to make their product.” Aren’t we all.

Thursday’s statement from SAG-AFTRA shared that it now “has engaged in discussions with Bryan Freedman at the Freedman + Taitelman, LLP law firm who has been retained by Bethenny Frankel.”

Advertisement

Bethenny Frankel is mad that Luann de Lesseps is treating her like crap on an episode of The Real Housewives of New York, which aired in 2019. (Bravo)

These were discussions “around the subject of treatment of reality performers.”

The massive guilt noted that “SAG-AFTRA is the union that represents reality performers.” Thus far, there are limits to what that means.

“Depending on the structure of the production and the performers involved,” SAG-AFTRA continued, “we can cover these performers under our Network Code Agreement.”

Advertisement

The Real Housewives of New York City star Bethenny Frankel radiates BDE on a daily basis and especially in this moment from the Season 11 trailer. (Bravo)

It’s a team-up

“We stand ready to assist Bethenny Frankel, Bryan Freedman, and Mark Geragos along with reality performers and our members,” SAG-AFTRA affirmed.

They stand together “in the fight and are tired of studios and production companies trying to circumvent the Union in order to exploit the talent that they rely upon to make their product.”

SAG-AFTRA added: “We encourage any reality performers and/or members to reach out to SAG-AFTRA’s Entertainment Contracts Department.”

Advertisement

Bethenny Frankel attends the Dress for Success Be Bold Gala at Cipriani Wall Street on April 18, 2018 in New York City. (Getty)

This is “so that we may work together toward the protection of the reality performers.”

The aim is “ending the exploitative practices that have developed in this area.”

“And,” SAG-AFTRA continued, “to engage in a new path to union coverage.”

Advertisement

Bethenny looks very serious here. (Bravo)

What does this have to do with Bethenny?

The reason that SAG-AFTRA is name-dropping Bethenny Frankel is because her recent TikTok video laid out a number of ways in which networks exploit reality TV performers.

She focused upon how her first season netted her only a few thousand dollars, even though people still watch these episodes.

Which of course means that Bravo and NBCUniversal likely still profit from these episodes, even now. Is that how things should work?

Advertisement

Bethenny Frankel shared this photo on her Instagram page. What a sweater, right?!? (Instagram)

In addition to a lawsuit over alleged mistreatment at Bravo, there are simply a lot of solid points about reality TV performers.

From unpaid main cast members (like on 90 Day Fiance) to minors who film against their will (Little People, Big World) to entire families robbed by the one collecting the paycheck (Counting On), this industry is rife with injustice.

Some reality stars get rich off of their stardom. Many — most — might collect a few thousand dollars after months of humiliation. Their work creates a fortune. They just aren’t the ones who receive it.

Advertisement

SAG-AFTRA Teams Up with Bethenny Frankel: Reality TV Deserves Unions, Too! was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.

The current strikes by both the WGA and SAG-AFTRA are enormous and monumentally historic. This has not happened since Ronald …
SAG-AFTRA Teams Up with Bethenny Frankel: Reality TV Deserves Unions, Too! was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip. 

​   The Hollywood Gossip Read More 

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Entertainment

Kim Breaks Her Silence After Kanye’s Controversial Grammys

Published

on

Two days after Kanye West and Bianca Censori’s headline-grabbing appearance at the 2025 Grammy Awards, Kim Kardashian has subtly responded by focusing on her family and meaningful causes. The reality TV star and entrepreneur took to Instagram to share her experience at the @15PercentPledge Annual Gala, effectively ignoring her ex-husband’s controversial antics.

Kardashian, 44, made a fashion statement of her own in a black, backless, full-length dress, presenting a stark contrast to Censori’s revealing Grammy outfit. In her post, she highlighted the organization’s support for Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs, demonstrating her commitment to important social causes.

While Kardashian didn’t directly address the Grammy incident, her actions spoke volumes. On the day of the awards show, she chose to spend quality time with her children. She took her 11-year-old daughter North to see the stage production of “Wicked” at the Hollywood Pantages Theater and later went to the movies with her 9-year-old son Saint. This deliberate focus on her family suggests Kardashian’s priority is shielding her children from the ongoing controversy surrounding their father.

Sources close to Kardashian reveal that she is “disgusted and alarmed” by West’s recent behavior, particularly concerning its potential impact on their children. The mother of four is reportedly worried about the example being set for North, who “idolizes her dad,” and is concerned about potential comments from their son Saint’s friends[3].

Kardashian’s approach to co-parenting amid the controversy has been cautious and protective. She has reportedly set strict rules for Censori’s interactions with her children, including bans on nudity and limitations on social media access. These guidelines aim to maintain consistency in the children’s routines and upbringing, regardless of which parent they are with.

As the situation continues to unfold, Kardashian remains focused on her children’s best interests, navigating the challenges of co-parenting in the public eye with grace and determination. Her recent actions serve as a testament to her commitment to her family, even in the face of ongoing controversy and media scrutiny.

Advertisement

Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Biden Signs with Top Talent Agency CAA

Published

on

Former President Joe Biden has signed with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), a major Hollywood talent agency, just two weeks after leaving the White House. This move marks a reunion for Biden with CAA, which previously represented him from 2017 to 2020.

Key Details

CAA co-chairman Richard Lovett praised Biden, calling him “one of America’s most respected and influential voices in national and global affairs”. Lovett also highlighted Biden’s “lifelong commitment to public service” as one of “unity, optimism, dignity, and possibility”.

During his previous stint with CAA, Biden achieved several notable accomplishments:

Potential Opportunities

At 82 years old, Biden has kept a relatively low profile regarding his post-presidency plans. However, his signing with CAA suggests he may be exploring various opportunities, such as:

  1. Public speaking engagements
  2. Writing projects
  3. Media appearances
Meryl Streep is also represented by CAA

CAA’s Star-Studded Roster

CAA represents a wide range of high-profile clients, including:

Notably, CAA also represents former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s production company, Higher Ground.

Looking Ahead

While Biden’s specific plans remain unclear, he has previously stated, “I’m not going to be out of sight or out of mind”. His partnership with CAA may provide a platform for him to continue influencing national and global affairs, as well as sharing his experiences and insights from his long career in public service.

As Biden joins the ranks of former presidents exploring post-White House opportunities, his association with CAA positions him to potentially engage in various projects that could shape his legacy and contribute to public discourse on important issues.

Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Entertainment

What Film Producers Really Do

Published

on

When the credits roll and audiences marvel at a spectacular film, few realize the incredible journey that brought that story to life. At the heart of this journey is the film producer – a professional who is part creative visionary, part business strategist, and entirely passionate about storytelling.

Film producers are essentially the architects of cinema, transforming a simple idea into a fully realized motion picture. Their work begins long before actors step in front of cameras, starting with discovering compelling stories and securing the rights to bring them to screen. Imagine a producer as a talent scout with an incredible eye for potential, constantly searching for narratives that could captivate global audiences.

The producer’s role is remarkably complex and multifaceted. They’re responsible for assembling the creative team, which means finding the perfect director, negotiating with screenwriters, and making critical casting decisions. But their job isn’t just about creative choices – they’re also financial strategists who must secure funding, manage budgets, and ensure the project remains economically viable.

During actual film production, producers become problem-solvers extraordinaire. They navigate countless challenges, from unexpected location issues to creative disagreements, always keeping the project moving forward. They’re the bridge between artistic vision and practical execution, making sure the director’s creative goals align with financial realities.

Post-production is another critical phase where producers shine. They oversee editing, potentially request additional scenes, and prepare the film for distribution. Their networking skills become crucial as they negotiate with studios, potential distributors, and international markets to ensure the film reaches its intended audience.

What makes a great producer isn’t just technical skill, but a unique blend of creativity, business acumen, and relentless passion. They must understand storytelling deeply while simultaneously managing complex logistical and financial challenges. It’s a role that requires intuition, strategic thinking, and an unwavering commitment to bringing remarkable stories to life.

While actors and directors often receive the spotlight, film producers are the true unsung heroes of cinema. They are the magical professionals who transform abstract ideas into the movies we love, cherish, and remember. Their work is a delicate dance of creativity, strategy, and pure cinematic magic.

Advertisement

Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life

Continue Reading

Trending