Joaquin Phoenix-Led "The Island" Impacted by SAG-AFTRA Strike Fears

In a seismic development for the indie film sector bond companies are refusing to insure movies ahead of a potential SAG-AFTRA strike on July 1.

This eventuality has been bubbling behind the scenes for a little while but its first known casualty is a high-profile case: Oscar winner Pawel Pawlikowski’s "The Island", set to star Oscar winner Joaquin Phoenix (Joker) and Oscar nominee Rooney Mara (Carol), was due to get underway this month with the actors on location in Spain and ready to roll.

However, the threat of a potential SAG-AFTRA strike — on top of the ongoing WGA strike and potential DGA action — has spooked bond companies and The Island filmmakers were told on the eve of shoot that the movie couldn’t be bonded, leading to their two stars (both SAG-AFTRA members) having to return home and the project being put on hold until further notice.

While talent, financiers, and producers remain fully committed to the project, when it can start up again remains to be seen.

This is a major headache for those involved in this particular production, but also sector-wide. It poses the real possibility that very few independent films of scale will be able to get off the ground in the coming months due to the uncertainty. Ironically, the impact won’t be felt much by AMPTP members given that studios are self-bond.

SAG-AFTRA, which reps more than 160,000 entertainment and media professionals, last week announced that both its negotiating committee and National Board had unanimously agreed to authorize a strike ahead of contract negotiations with the AMPTP beginning on June 7. 

The guild’s current contract expires on June 30.

Now, multiple bond companies are reluctant to insure any sizeable movies whose shoot bleeds into this period. The impact could also potentially extend to TV. Less so in the U.S., where series are largely backed by studios, but possibly on overseas series due to star SAG-AFTRA talent.

Meanwhile, the writers’ strike that began May 2 has no end in sight. Negotiations between producers and the WGA are at a stalemate. 

To date, TV productions have been targeted for picketing, with many being halted. Lionsgate’s "Good Fortune" is among very few films that have had to stop during production.

Strikes are designed to create short-term pain in the hope of long-term change for the better. The unions are showing a united front so far, and their combined approach is being increasingly felt.

"The Island" is loosely based on a true story and centers on an American couple who turn their backs on civilization to build a secluded paradise on a deserted island, where they decide to live off the land. 

However, Eden proves difficult to pull off, particularly after a European countess finds out about their plans and arrives with her two lovers planning to take over the island and build a luxury hotel.