Although, Matthew Modine would be a better President than Donald Trump. It’s not what you think. The veteran film and television star has announced he is running for President of SAG-AFTRA. Modine is best known for his roles in the films Full Metal Jacket, Vision Quest, Pacific Heights and Short Cuts (just to name a few). And more recently, as Dr. Martin Brenner on the hit Netflix show Stranger Things. However, his most important role might be serving the 160,000 members of the Screen Actors Guild.
I am officially endorsing Matthew Modine for President. Here’s why, I’ve been working as an background actor for the past three years. And let me tell you it is not easy. Jobs are hard to come by and the pay is low. Non-union background actors earn $106/8hrs. The union rate is a bit higher $170/8hrs. But once you join the union at the steep rate of $3,000, union background actors often end up working less because there are fewer union roles (we need to work on that). On set, background actors are often treated like second class citizens. I’ve seen it all. I’ve even had a Production Assistant refer to a group of us as his “slaves.” I kid you not. We work long grueling hours in extreme weather conditions and have to fight for air-conditioning, heaters, water and most of all respect. Not all productions are run this way but more than I’d care to report. Matthew has promised to represent everyone. In fact, he started out as a background actor himself. And vows to include everyone in his fight.
He wants to bring people together and advocate for equality, safe working conditions and to ensure actors are paid well. But that’s not all, he’s addressed the issue of sexual harassment head on. And promises, “to protect all members from sexual misconduct and abuse by implementing stronger safeguards, easier reporting mechanisms and stricter penalties.”
Modine challenges incumbent President Gabrielle Carteris whose held the position since 2016. Carteris has come under fire for not working hard enough to keep productions working in Los Angeles. The Beverly Hills 90210 revival (#BH90210) for which Carteris will reprise her role as Andrea Zuckerman was filmed in Vancouver.
On a side note, I’ve left comments on social media for both Matthew and Gabrielle regarding the pricey $3,000 membership fee. Matthew responded with “I hear you” and Gabrielle has been radio silent. But she did find time to view a non-related Instagram story of mine (I have photo evidence). At least, I know Matthew Modine is paying attention. It is my dream to become a SAG-AFTA member. When it does happen, I will also advocate for the underdog, for those who can not speak for themselves.
Supporters include Patricia Arquette, Rosanna Arquette, Ed Harris, Melissa Joan Hart, Nancy Sinatra, Mena Suvari, Mira Sorvino, Elizabeth Perkins, Danny Aiello, Johnathon Schaech and more. Johnathon Schaech replied to one of my tweets, “Matthew knows. Let’s get it done! And do it right. We can. We will. And so it is.”
Modine has launched a GoFundMe page with a goal of $100,000. If you would like to donate please visit:
https://www.gofundme.com/matthew-modine-sagaftra-president-2019
Let’s make it happen!
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