WGA Writers Told Not to Work for ‘Expendables’ Producer Millennium Films

As a seasoned movie enthusiast with decades of experiencing the highs and lows of Hollywood, I can’t help but feel a sense of dismay upon hearing about the ongoing dispute between the Writers Guild of America and Millennium Films. The repeated incidents of non-payment and late compensation, coupled with the allegations of a toxic work environment, paint a troubling picture for those involved.


As a devoted admirer, I find myself compelled to share that on Wednesday, the Writers Guild of America has encouraged its members to abstain from collaborating with Millennium Films, renowned for action-packed films such as “The Hitman’s Bodyguard” and the “Expendables” series.

The guild informed its members that the firm often delays payments for initial and recurring compensations, and tends to be late with their remittances.

From a passionate cinephile’s perspective: I find myself at odds with the production company and the union, as they’re locked in a dispute over the terms needed for the company to join the writers’ guild. At this moment, the company hasn’t signed the 2023 writers contract, which is essential if they want to employ guild screenwriters.

The Guild has decided that Millennium lacks financial responsibility and they need a suitable security deposit from Millennium before they can officially join us,” the union stated. However, Millennium has thus far declined to comply with this requirement.

Millennium Films, established by Avi Lerner in 1996, has built an impressive collection of independent action flicks. Among other productions, this studio is known for the “Expendables” series, as well as movies like “Olympus Has Fallen,” “The Bricklayer,” and “The Mechanic.

As per the declaration by the Writers Guild of America (WGA), the union has found it necessary to file multiple disputes against the company over time. The WGA is now encouraging any members who have worked with the company starting from May 1, 2023, or have been offered employment, to reach out to the guild.

The union stated it’s essential to stop Millennium from lowering the quality of work and working conditions for writers. Until a solution is found, Millennium should not exploit writing services offered by Writers Guild of America (WGA) members.

A Millennium spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Actor Gerard Butler, famously known for his role in “Olympus Has Fallen,” filed a lawsuit against Millennium in the year 2021 over unpaid royalty fees. This legal dispute was resolved amicably outside of the courtroom last autumn.

Previously held high-ranking personnel brought forward a sexual harassment claim back in 2017, stating that the environment under Lerner was marked by misogyny and a practice of “favoritism based on sexual relations.

In 2013, the company took legal action against the Writers Guild of America and writer David Callaham over a credit disagreement regarding the first “Expendables” film. This lawsuit was also resolved outside of a court trial.

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2024-10-10 01:16