Email

From: draperacs@midcoast.com (Robert Draper)
To: silsurf@aol.com
Attention: Henry Cline

It's about bloody time.

For years I have fought this battle as a seemingly lone voice in the
wilderness with most people apathetic to the cause or simply too afraid to
speak up and do something about it.

Anyone who fights for the cause is branded by Producers as "difficult to
work with" or "not Production friendly".

This is probably the most worthwhile cause in this Industry and I
wholeheartedly support it. I am tired of seeing my crew bundled into their
respective cars at the end of rediculously long days and long wraps to face
Freeway traffic and long drives home in total exhaustion.

Let's hope our collective voices can unite on this issue and then tackle
the six day week.

Rob Draper,ACS

Rob Draper,ACS
draperacs@midcoast.com
<http://www.midcoast.com/~draperacs/>
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Subject: your petition
Sent: 3/24/97 11:05 PM
Received: 3/26/97 9:16 PM
From: cbenge@direct.ca
To: silsurf@aol.com

Henry,

My name is Kurt Jones. I am a camera assistant as well. I support this idea!!!
I am about to get married in June and I couldn't imagine my life with out Heather. Or the possibility of leaving her behind, with children too. That is so sad. I would not want to be abused like that. I have been in the past,18-20 hr days on a VW spot in Boston. 

Please give my regards to his family. Let them know I am praying for them.

Take care,

Kurt Jones
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Subject: Brents Rule
Sent: 4/5/97 9:10 PM
Received: 4/6/97 12:08 AM
From: Thrufog@aol.com
To: SilSurf@aol.com

While I totally feel deeply sorry what happened to Mr. Hershman and his family I have to disagree with the petition of a 14 hr. work day. While this makes a lot of sense to most of the newcomers that have come into the business it is still a long day to be working the way we do. 
The work day should be no longer than 13 hours elapsed time which includes lunch period. After that time is up the penalties should be like they were in the past to force the employer to wrap. For instance. a return to night premiums which were 10 and 20% and anything past midnight on Friday into Saturday 4X the rate of pay. Eliminate the any 5 out of 7 it was supposed to be used to film in government type buildings on the weekends to help the employer but as usual they have abused it and now use this for anything they want. The IA should quit giving extended drive to to the employer which is forcing us to drive further and further out of the 30 mile zone. I could go on and on these are just a few instances. Oh and one more thing. If the IWC passes their no 1.5x after 8 hrs. think how many non IA productions are going to be at the trough. If you dont think Nick Counter is not on top of this better call Bruce Doering or Flint. Counter is going to file a petiton this week. The producers are going to be on the attack so look out for our contract in the year 2000.
 
 

Thought of the Week
"How come the dove gets to be the symbol of peace?
What about the pillow? It has more feathers than the dove,
and it doesn't have that dangerous beak" <Jack Handey>
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Subject: Brent's Rule petition
Sent: 3/26/97 10:06 PM
Received: 3/27/97 6:33 PM
From: Panaruss@aol.com
To: SilSurf@aol.com

Henry Cline:

Greetings. My name is Russell Steen. I'm a cinematographer and gaffer and a contributing editor for FilmCrew Magazine. I would like to confirm the story told in the Brent's Rule petition for an article or perhaps even an issue of related stories for FilmCrew Magazine. If you could help put me in contact with the right people, I'd like a picture of Brent, a background bio, and etc. I know it is a delicate subject to approach the family with, so perhaps you can help. I have two children, and literally cried when I read Brent's Rule petition. Not long ago I drove myself home after a 19 hour day/night in pouring rain and fell asleep in my driveway with the car running. The only reason the shoot didn't go longer was a crew revolt. It was hard for me to do because it was a one day shoot, I knew the rain was slowing things down, and the producer/director was watching what little money they had go bye bye. But people were no longer capable of simple speech. I've never heard a word of thanks from the producer/director, and I'm sure that's another burned bridge (but so what). After humping and soaking 19 hours for them the end result is I'm sure they think I'm a jerk. Anyway, Add my name to the petition, and E-mail me (Panaruss) or call me 310-337-7553 and let's make sure Brent's Rule get's as much attention as possible.
Russell Steen

Subject: Brent's Rule Petition
Sent: 3/27/97 11:08 AM
Received: 3/27/97 6:33 PM
From: SSandford@compuserve.com
To: silsurf@aol.com
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From: SSandford@compuserve.com (Scott Sandford)
To: silsurf@aol.com (Henry Cline)
Please add my name to the list of people supporting the Brent's Rule
Petition. I am a focus puller working in the UK. I have seen too many
cases where people are worked to exhaustion for no significant purpose and
would like to see it end.

Scott Sandford
London, England
 

Subject: 14 Hour Day
Sent: 3/26/97 3:42 PM
Received: 3/26/97 9:16 PM
From: 76234.1550@compuserve.com
To: silsurf@aol.com

From: 76234.1550@compuserve.com (Timothy Wawrzeniak)
To: silsurf@aol.com (Henry Cline)
I am an assistant cameraman working in Los Angeles, and on many occasions have
had to suffer the outrage of working overly long hours. On more than one of
these occasions, it was only the existance of those raised dots cemented to the
surface of the road that saved me from the tragic fate suffered recently by
another camera assistant. I call on the IATSE, the producers, the actors and
even the legislature to mandate an absolute limit of fourteen hours, measured
from call time to final wrap with meal time included, for all days worked on any
type of film or tape production. Since it is so well documented that the
effectiveness of workers falls precipitously after ten hours of continuous
employment, it can only be simple, foul-smelling greed that prompts schedules
which demand a fourteen hour workday.

Very sincerely yours,

Tim Wawrzeniak
76234.1550@compuserve.com
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Subject: Re: Brent
Sent: 3/26/97 6:37 PM
Received: 3/26/97 9:16 PM
From: StdiMoe@aol.com
To: SilSurf@aol.com
From: cbenge@direct.ca
To: silsurf@aol.com
Dear Henry;

Received and totally concur with the proposal..As past president of IATSE Local 669 Canada, I tried to get a similar motion passed by my local. Unfortunately too many younger cameramen want that overtime dollar. I on the other hand am tired of being abused by producers, etc. who will work you until you drop and then watch as you drive home.

I will also pass on copies of this to other camera people and put it into our newsletter.

Best wishes, 
 

Chris Helcermanas-Benge
Stills Photographer
IATSE Local 600 & IATSE Locals 669 /667
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Subject: Humane work days
Sent: 4/7/97 3:01 PM
Received: 4/7/97 11:30 PM
From: TommieUPM@aol.com
To: SilSurf@aol.com

Henry, 

I heartily agree with your petition. 

You might be interested to know that about a year and a half ago, maybe two years? McDonald's lost a lawsuit filed by an employee who was injured whild driving home from work after working "excessive hours." I don't remember the state. It may have been Oregon. I gave a copy of the newspaper notice to a lawyer at Disney. She was VERY interested in the liablity issue. I saw the notice of the judgement in a little blurb down the front page of the business section of the LA Times, but there was no further story accompanying it. 

I'm not sure what constitutes "excessive hours" at McDonalds, but I can't imagine it could possibly be more hours than we work regularly!

I'll try to find the notice and let you know more if you are interested. 

Nine years ago, the DGA asked for "finite hours" in our contract (that was the year we had our one and only strike) It was greeted with shock in that there were no penalties attached. The AMPTP negotiators wanted to know the penalties for going over. When we replied that there were no penalties, you just didn't have the option of going over (It wasn't a proposal for limited ours during the day, just weekly, so you could go long if needed for the location, weather, etc. You'd just have a shorter day somewhere in the week. I think we started out with around 68 hours the first year, less the following year, and the third year reached our target, which was somewhere around 55 or 60 hours a week. It's been so long I don't remember the details) the AMPTP negotiators never got the concept that there would be no way to buy out of it. It was referred to a joint creative rights committee to be examined after the contract was settled and died there . 

I wish you luck, but I don't hold out much hope. If you can find more info on the McDonald's suit, you may have more luck!!!!! The fear of losing large sums of money sometimes moves the powers that be. Personal liability can also put the fear of God into them. 

I'll be looking for more info from your movement. 

Tommie O'Sullivan
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Subject: Brents Rule
Sent: 3/28/97 11:52 AM
Received: 3/28/97 2:12 PM
From: triciar@earthlink.net
To: silsurf@aol.com

From: triciar@earthlink.net (Tricia Ronten)
Reply-to: triciar@earthlink.net
To: silsurf@aol.com
Dear Henry:
I pledge my full support to your petition. I have been working on a 
pilot where the average workday has been 14 hours not including 
wrap(which has included cranes, rain towers and multiple cameras.) I 
find it appalling that I am working for one of the major television 
networks and saftey is not an issue. Thank you for your hard work. I 
am taking the petition to my set on Monday.
Regards,
Tricia Ronten 
Script Supervisor, Local 871

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Subject: Independents
Sent: 5/10/97 9:38 AM
Received: 5/10/97 12:49 PM
From: LSkippy@aol.com
To: SilSurf@aol.com

Is there any work being done to help protect those who for whatever reason don't have the support of a Union. We often find ourselves fighting for an overtime deal to begin what is brent's rule final destination (does it remain in the industry or will is be pushed towards a legislative position in government?)
 

Independent Gaffer NY

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Subject: Times April 19, 1997 Calendar Section
Sent: 5/10/97 2:24 AM
Received: 5/10/97 12:49 PM
From: Keney@aol.com
To: SilSurf@aol.com
Enclosure: Calendar

In my response to Claudia Puig's article, which I noticed is not present on this sight as an alternative point of view, I found it ludicrous that "above the line" celebrities are involved in this. I believe I stated "golden time is not in their vocabulary" and how "worker's salaries pale in comparison." "If they choose not to work overtime, surely they could state so in their individual contract." But, let's talk about us below the line. I am NOT for closing my ears to everyone who supports this petition. I just feel that it may be a bit rash; an impetuous act without thoroughly investigating the ramifications and possible alternatives. For instance, I am a lowly set-dresser who looks forward to golden time; I need to buy a home. However, I do not wish to put others at risk. How can we come to common ground? By discussing it. Perhaps a poll taken before certain productions to see whether or not there is objection to OT. Or sleeping facilities where rest periods are rotated. I'm just throwing these out there, surely with lots of minds some answer can be revealed. But, to truncate worker's salaries completely is not a solution for everyone. Most 3 camera shows work short hours. But many people choose not to do TV because the money is low. What if a poll were taken and it turned out that the crew on that paticular show WANTED to work OT. Should they not be allowed? I fear this is a step in the wrong direction of chipping away at what many have strived for. What is next, a 40 week without OT like what was just passed in California? Why don't we make it quadruple time after 14 to take away the incentive. Most people I talk to agree with me. Then again, I'm considered "off" company. Then, should set dressers not fall under the petition? I spoke to a prop master who signed the petition. I asked him, "What if you come in an hour early to set up and then have to leave set early because your 14 hrs. is up sooner then the company?" He said, "Well if you want to stay you should be allowed." I said, "But, that's not what your signing. What your signing means you CAN'T stay longer." I have an open mind. Many who here my nonconformist point of view become embittered and vehemently re-display their point of view. Let's all have an open mind and "discuss" the matter. 

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Subject:     Brent's Rule
Sent:        6/27/97 4:14 AM
Received:    6/27/97 12:17 PM
From:        arjayess@nut-n-but.net
To:          silsurf@aol.com

From: arjayess@nut-n-but.net (Roger Seidman)
To: silsurf@aol.com
Not until recently had I the of the tragedy that caused the death of
Brent Hershman. As a close personal friend of his mother until I
relocated to Florida, I was fortunate to have known Brent, his wife
Deborah and most of his family. I will always recall Brent as an out-
standing young man who loved, and was loved by all who were close to
him. It is sad for me to think that he, one of the finest young men it
has been my pleasure to meet, met an untimely end while so many
low-lifes continue to plague our society. I hope that passage of Brent's
Rule will provide the catalyst to end the peril to his peers.