MADISON, Wis. — As the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes continue, one southern Wisconsin-based filmmaker said he faces an uncertain future.
Without bright lights or action on set, Umbrella Pictures producer Rob Jarosinski is concerned about the fate of his new film.
“To not even have the ability to be able to create it is another [thing] and you know, having that be outside of our control is a little stressful,” Jarosinski said.
He said to make his new feature length horror film, “The Fort,” needs SAG-AFTRA talent.
“I’m trying to present myself as feeling good, but I’m nervous too,” he said. “There’s a lot of people counting on this, whether it’s our cast members or investors or crew.”
Jarosinski is constantly refreshing his emails on his phone for a ping from his SAG rep, confirming a special small film production talent waiver. The waiver allows SAG-AFTRA actor participation.
“I would say it is a good thing [for indie productions] that will make sure that their films can continue to be made and not get canceled as a result of the strikes,” FandomWire film critic Sean Boelman said.
So far, more than 70 small films have received this specific strike waiver.
“I do think they are getting issued at greater numbers in this strike than they have been in the past,” Boelman said.
Jarosinski said he was encouraged by the news as he set forth from Wisconsin to Kentucky to hopefully film.
“We’re not a big production, a lot of times larger productions are just able to shut down and eat the cost, but our dates are pretty locked in, so we’re just hoping things work out,” he said.
Learn more about Umbrella Pictures here.