“In a move that’s sending shockwaves through the film industry, the Writers Guild of America has drawn a firm line in the sand, banning its members from working on Randall Emmett’s upcoming film ‘Wall of White’. This bold stance comes amidst a swirl of controversy surrounding Emmett’s production company, and it’s leaving many to wonder what secrets lie behind the curtain of this high-stakes drama. As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the WGA is taking a hardline approach to protecting its members, and the implications are far-reaching. In this article, we’ll dissect the details of the WGA’s decision and explore what it means for the future of filmmaking.”
The Controversy Surrounding Randall Emmett’s Film “Wall of White”
On Wednesday, the Writers Guild of America West issued a notice to members forbidding them from contributing to the project Wall of White, thanks to Randall Emmett being on the union’s strike/unfair list.
Emmett, a producer and financier, is on the union’s strike/unfair list due to claims from the WGA West that his and fellow producer George Furla’s companies, Emmett Furla Oasis Films and Pumped, LLC, owed hundreds of thousands in compensation, pension and health contributions, and interest to four writers on the television project Pump.
At one point, Arnold Schwarzenegger was attached to Pump, which was set up at CBS Television Studios. The WGA West also flagged Convergence Entertainment Group, a production company and financier that Emmett is a managing member of, due to an alleged failure to post a surety bond.
Martin Scorsese’s Involvement and the WGA’s Stance
Scorsese is attached to Wall of White as a producer alongside Emmett, according to the Deadline story. The film, which is set to be based on the 2021 documentary Buried: The 1982 Alpine Meadows Avalanche, is actively seeking a director.
The WGA’s notice to members orders them not to work on the project, stating that Emmett has a long history of refusing to honor obligations to writers and the Guild has filed numerous arbitration claims against companies owned by Emmett over the last decade.
Randall Emmett’s History with the WGA
Emmett was first added to the strike list in 2020 after he and his longtime business partner, George Furla, failed to pay writers for work on Pump, an abandoned TV project that was set to star Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The WGA won a judgment against Emmett/Furla Oasis for $541,464, a sum that the Guild says now exceeds $700,000 with interest. In 2022, Emmett established a new production company, Convergence Entertainment Group, which is producing Wall of White.
The Implications of the WGA’s Decision
The WGA’s decision to bar members from working on Wall of White could have significant implications for the film’s production and potential consequences for Scorsese and Emmett.
The film’s producers may need to find alternative writers or adjust the project’s budget to accommodate the WGA’s demands. The WGA’s decision could also damage Scorsese’s reputation and impact his future projects.
The Background of the Film “Wall of White”
The film is set to be based on the 1982 Alpine Meadows avalanche that inspired the project.
The True Story Behind the Film
The 1982 avalanche killed seven people and injured several others. A rescue team was able to rescue an eighth person who was buried in the snow for five days.
The Book and Documentary Behind the Film
The film “Wall of White” is based on the 2010 book of the same name by Jennifer Woodlief and the 2021 Netflix documentary “Buried,” which recounts a deadly avalanche at Lake Tahoe in 1982 that killed seven people. A rescue team was able to rescue an eighth person who was buried in the snow for five days. The documentary provides a detailed account of the events leading up to the avalanche and its aftermath, offering a gripping narrative that explores the human side of the tragedy.
The book and documentary serve as a foundation for the film, which aims to bring this true story to life on the big screen. By adapting these sources, the filmmakers can create a compelling narrative that not only honors the victims of the avalanche but also provides a thought-provoking exploration of human resilience and survival.
The Production Team and Financiers
Convergence Entertainment Group, a production company and financier, is involved in the project, but the company is not a signatory to the Writers Guild of America West’s (WGA) contract. This has raised concerns among the WGA, which has issued a notice to its members forbidding them from contributing to the project. The WGA’s working rules prohibit members from working for or selling literary material to companies or individuals who are on the Strike/Unfair List or who are not signed to the current MBA.
Producer Randall Emmett is also attached to the project, but he has a history of refusing to honor obligations to writers and has been on the WGA’s strike/unfair list since 2020. Emmett’s company, Emmett Furla Oasis Films, owed hundreds of thousands of dollars in compensation, pension, and health contributions, and interest to four writers on the television project “Pump.” Despite efforts to resolve the issue, Emmett remains on the strike/unfair list, which has led to the WGA’s decision to bar its members from working on “Wall of White.”
The Role of Martin Scorsese
Martin Scorsese is attached to the project as a producer, marking his latest collaboration with Randall Emmett. The two have worked together on previous films, including “Silence” and “The Irishman.” Scorsese’s involvement in the project adds weight to the film’s credibility, but it also raises questions about his decision to work with Emmett despite the producer’s history of disputes with the WGA.
Scorsese’s passion for storytelling and his commitment to bringing complex, thought-provoking narratives to the screen are well-documented. However, his involvement in “Wall of White” also highlights the challenges faced by filmmakers when working with producers who have a history of conflicts with industry unions.
The Search for a Director
The film is currently seeking a director, which has sparked interest among filmmakers looking to take on a challenging and thought-provoking project. The story’s complex narrative and the need to balance action, drama, and suspense will require a director with a strong vision and a deep understanding of the subject matter.
The search for a director is a critical step in the film’s production, as it will determine the tone, style, and overall direction of the project. The filmmakers will need to find a director who can bring a unique perspective to the story while also meeting the expectations of the producers and the WGA.
The Current State of the Film’s Production
Despite the challenges posed by the WGA’s decision to bar its members from working on the project, the film’s production is moving forward. The producers are reportedly seeking non-union writers to work on the project, which has raised concerns among industry professionals about the potential impact on the film’s quality and the writers’ rights.
The film’s production is a complex and delicate process, requiring careful planning, coordination, and execution. The involvement of a non-union writer may compromise the film’s credibility and raise questions about the producers’ commitment to upholding industry standards.
The WGA’s Role in Protecting Writers’ Rights
The WGA plays a critical role in protecting the rights of writers in the film and television industry. The guild’s working rules and strike/unfair list are designed to prevent producers and companies from exploiting writers and to ensure that they receive fair compensation for their work.
The WGA’s decision to bar its members from working on “Wall of White” is a testament to the guild’s commitment to upholding its rules and protecting the rights of its members. The WGA’s actions demonstrate that the guild will not tolerate producers who refuse to honor their obligations to writers and will take steps to prevent them from working on projects that may compromise the writers’ rights.
The Guild’s Working Rules and Strike/Unfair List
The WGA’s working rules are designed to protect writers from exploitation and to ensure that they receive fair compensation for their work. The rules prohibit members from working for or selling literary material to companies or individuals who are on the Strike/Unfair List or who are not signed to the current MBA.
The Strike/Unfair List is a directory of companies and individuals who have been found to have violated the WGA’s working rules or who have refused to honor their obligations to writers. The list serves as a warning to writers about the potential risks of working with these companies or individuals and helps to prevent them from being exploited.
The Broader Implications of the WGA’s Actions
The WGA’s decision to bar its members from working on “Wall of White” has broader implications for the film industry and labor practices. The WGA’s actions demonstrate that the guild is committed to upholding its rules and protecting the rights of its members, even if it means taking a stand against producers who refuse to honor their obligations to writers.
The WGA’s stance on “Wall of White” also highlights the challenges faced by filmmakers when working with producers who have a history of conflicts with industry unions. The WGA’s actions may serve as a warning to other producers who may be considering working with Emmett or other producers who have a history of disputes with the WGA.
The Significance of the WGA’s Stance
The WGA’s stance on “Wall of White” is significant because it demonstrates the guild’s commitment to protecting the rights of its members and upholding industry standards. The WGA’s actions also highlight the importance of fair labor practices and the need for producers to honor their obligations to writers.
The WGA’s decision to bar its members from working on “Wall of White” may have a ripple effect on the film industry, as it may encourage other producers to reconsider their relationships with Emmett and other producers who have a history of conflicts with the WGA. The WGA’s actions may also lead to increased scrutiny of producers and their labor practices, which could ultimately benefit writers and the film industry as a whole.
Conclusion
In a significant development, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) has barred its members from working on Randall Emmett’s upcoming film, ‘Wall of White’. This move comes in the wake of mounting pressure and controversy surrounding Emmett’s past behavior and treatment of writers on his projects. The article highlights the WGA’s efforts to protect its members from alleged exploitative practices, emphasizing the importance of fair compensation and a safe working environment.
The implications of this decision are far-reaching, underscoring the WGA’s commitment to upholding industry standards and promoting a culture of respect and accountability. By taking a stand against Emmett’s alleged misconduct, the WGA is setting a precedent for writers’ rights and the need for a more equitable film industry. As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, this development serves as a reminder that the voices and concerns of writers will no longer be silenced or marginalized.
In the end, the WGA’s stance on ‘Wall of White’ sends a powerful message to the industry: that the rights and dignity of writers will be fought for, no matter the cost. As the entertainment industry grapples with issues of power, privilege, and accountability, this decision serves as a beacon of hope for a more just and equitable future – one where writers are treated with the respect and compensation they deserve, and where the almighty dollar is not the only consideration in the creative process.
