Randall Emmett Released from Writers Guild Strike List After Settlement
Randall Emmett Released from Writers Guild Strike List After Settlement
In a significant development for the film industry, producer Randall Emmett has been released from the Writers Guild of America West’s strike/unfair list, following a settlement that clears the way for potential future collaborations with union writers.
Emmett’s troubles began in 2020 when the Writers Guild accused him and his business partner, George Furla, of failing to pay over $477,000 in arbitration awards to writers involved in the ill-fated television series Pump. Despite its ambitious plans, which included a potential starring role for Arnold Schwarzenegger, the series never made it to production.
The Writers Guild’s approximately 14,000 members had been prohibited from working with Emmett and his companies during this period. However, after a recent payment of $630,000 to the WGA West, Emmett has been officially removed from the list, as confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter. This move, while significant, does not immediately restore his ability to work with union writers, as he and his companies remain non-signatories to the WGA.
In a statement, Emmett expressed his commitment to resolving the matter, saying, “I made the decision to personally resolve this matter because it was important to me to do the right thing. While the obligation originated from a previous company, I felt a responsibility to bring it to a close. I’m grateful to move forward with a clean slate and remain committed to working constructively with the Guild on our upcoming slate.”
Known for producing action films featuring veteran stars like John Travolta and Sylvester Stallone, Emmett has also collaborated with acclaimed director Martin Scorsese on projects such as Silence and The Irishman. He is currently working with Scorsese on a narrative feature adaptation of the deadly 1982 avalanche at Alpine Meadows Ski Resort near Lake Tahoe. However, the WGA West has cautioned its members against being swayed by Scorsese’s involvement, reiterating that they are still prohibited from working on the film, titled Wall of White, due to Emmett’s ongoing non-signatory status.
As it stands, WGA West writers seeking opportunities for future collaborations with Scorsese will need to look elsewhere, as both Emmett and his production company, Convergence Media Group, remain outside the union’s framework.
This development marks a pivotal moment for Emmett, who is now positioned to apply for a contract with the WGA in the future, potentially opening doors for new projects and partnerships within the industry.