Why Did SAG-AFTRA Allow ‘WCTH’ Special Permission To Film During Strike?
Currently, Hollywood is shut down due to the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes. However, Hallmark’s long-running series When Calls The Heart was granted an exception.
Why is the network able to film WCTH Season 11 while other series cannot?
Here is the latest news.
SAG-AFTRA Granted WCTH Permission To Film
On Monday, Deadline reported that the Hallmark series When Calls The Heart was “granted an interim agreement by SAG-AFTRA.”
That means that they can film Season 11 without any interruptions.
This special agreement is given on a case-by-case basis. This was the 68th agreement given by the union group that represents the striking American actors.
American SAG Members Can Film New WCTH Season 11
This news is very important for certain WCTH stars. Because SAG gave their approval, this means all the American, as well as Canadian card-carrying SAG members, can film their scenes.
As Brian Bird had previously reported on social media that the Hallmark series was going to start production on Season 11. However, those who were members of SAG such as Erin Krakow, Jack Wagner, and Ben Rosenbaum, as well as others would have to come back and film their scenes at a later time. Only those with only the Canadian Union ACTRA could film. Those with both were not allowed to film.
Now, with this special permission, everyone in the cast will be filming their scenes together. Most of all, Bird, the show’s co-creator could not be happier. He shared the news on Twitter.
The story is out #Hearties…it’s good news on two fronts: Season 11 of #WCTH is approved by SAG to continue production in the same week as Season 10 premieres” For 10 seasons, our fictional Hope Valley has always been a place of second chances, where all citizens are treated with grace, fairness and respect. We pray for that same spirit in the negotiations between the studios, networks, writers, and actors. On all sides. Everyone can and should win.
Why Did SAG-AFTRA Give Hallmark’s Series Permission To Film?
Why would WCTH be able to film Season 11 when other series like NCIS cannot? The reason is under the SAG-AFTRA website. They specifically state that “independently produced content” were allowed to file for the “interim agreement.”
When Calls The Heart is produced by WCTH 10 Productions. Besides Krakow and Bird, other executive producers include Susie Belzberg, Michael Shepard, Eric Jarboe, Jimmy Townsend, Brad Krevoy, Michael Landon Jr., Vicki Sotheran, and Greg Malcolm.”
In addition, this is a mainly Canadian show, with a primarily Canadian cast and crew.
When Calls The Heart Season 10 Kicks Off Sunday
Hearties have been waiting a long time for this. WCTH Season 10 is kicking off on Sunday, July 30, at 9 p.m., Eastern, on the Hallmark Channel with the episode entitled “Carpe Diem.”
How fun is this cast video from @hallmarkchannel?!! #Hearties @erinkrakow @amndawong @natashaburnett @VivLeacock @viennaleacock pic.twitter.com/NHR1NBjTfO
— Janette Stephens (@janettemsu) July 26, 2023
Make sure to check out all the ways that viewers can watch the upcoming season. Fans can watch episodes on Peacock, and Hallmark Movies Now.
