Well, guess 'ya heard, our two sisters unions are in a big cat fight right now over jurisdictional turf!
This past week my e-mail box has been rattled by missives from the administrative heads of SAG and AFTRA, respectively, begging for support.
A bitter dispute, but there will be a resolution, no doubt.
Traditionally SAG maintained jurisdiction over all productions that were shot on film; while AFTRA kept a vigil over projects taped on video.
The three camera video process first developed by Desi Arnaz for the long-running comedy - "I Love Lucy" - is generally used for the Soaps, TV Sitcoms, and News Broadcasts.
However, a few years ago, shows like "Cheers" - although 3-camera in nature - started using film to rustle up a higher quality image for a more sophisticated night-time audience.
The sad part - for performers anyway - is that working on a project that falls under the AFTRA contract usually means less pay. Hence, the reason actors prefer the more prestigious offerings that come SAG's way.
Of course, in recent years - what with run-away production and industry expansion into Cable, Music Videos, Reality TV, and Internet rich media - AFTRA and SAG have become more competitive about the pickings; hence, the current bitter dispute which is a major departure from the past amiable stance of the two entertainment heavies.
I was quite galled, though, when I learned that part of the recent upheaval was due to the fact a posse of spoiled actors over on the "Bold & Beautiful" suddenly decided to entertain the ludicrous notion of jumping ship (fleeing the AFTRA camp) to take wing under the SAG umbrella for purely selfish greedy motivations: bigger bucks!
You know, I've always referred to that dim-witted show - deservedly so - as the "Blond & the Bad".
For good reason; after all, I know from whence I speak.
When the daytime soap first started up, a storyline featuring a catering company was crafted around one of the young nubile leads, Brooke. For several weeks, I played one of the caterers in the tawdry slow-moving subplot which went nowhere fast.
Yeah, life's a drag for the rich in Malibu, you bet!
What astounded me most were the temperaments of the young stars, who - for the most part - were dredged-up out-of-the-blue with little or no acting experience or newly-minted from some dismal acting academy east of La Brea, somewhere.
In all the years I've been in the "biz" I've rarely encountered such "ATTITUDE" among a regular cast of featured players, a lack of empathy for fellow actors, and an overall lack of professionalism.
Talk about a disregard for others; Ron Moss (Ridge) acted like he owned the show.
But, Susan Flannery - who plays the part of the matriarch to the hilt - was the absolute worst! Rarely ever content, she often haggled with the director - and more-often-than-not - threw her weight around which was considerable.
In fact, the tensions were so high on the set you could cut through 'em with a chainsaw, just maybe!
The soap tattlers are tittling that Flannery may pack it in, retire. Good riddance!
But, the problem was not just in front of the camera.
Shortly after the sweet casting gal Jill hastily departed to marry a rock musician, some mousy little secretary by the name of Christie Dooley crawled out from under a rock to take her reins.
After that, I never worked on the show again. Cast out, like a leper!
I have a theory that she didn't want people around who were witness to her humble beginnings; after all, the low-life schemer was inclined to weave some grand plans of her own!
In a short while - in spite of the fact she lacked the credentials - she was actually conducting acting classes and workshops for struggling actors in the Hollywood area.
Talk about the blind leading the bland.
For twenty bucks or so she'd rent herself out to actors. But the truth of the matter is that most thespians regarded her coaching skills with disdain.
If the truth be known, actors were only signing up to charm her pants off, with the specific aim of landing a plum role on the show.
Of course, Ms. Dooley was wise to the game; she not only played it to the max, but lined her sow's purse with their cash and laughed all the way to the bank, as well.
The acting workshop "scam" is one of the oldest in the business and is generally frowned upon by Agents and Union Officials in particular.
Frankly, I was appalled that head honcho William Bell - the respected producer of "B&B" and "The Young & Restless" - didn't cut her loose.
I mean, it reflected so negatively on CBS and the soaps produced there and industry standards, at best.
So, of course, look who ended up on the show?
A non-charismatic cast of no-talents.
Go figure!
I say, cut the greedy b**stards loose, and set them adrift.
We need unity in our profession now, not petty outbursts from prima donnas, with little regard for what's best for the Industry and the solid traditions of Hollywood.