[Fmpro] scab?

[Chris Alpiar]

OK guys and gals. I am sorry I got this topic moving since there are a few
people that take what I said incorrectly, as being attacks on these
orchestras or the people that use them. This morning I have been threatened
and verbally demoralized (some even in private mails off the list) and so
now I am compelled to go into further detail. Please read this if you are
one and try to understand what my point is =)

1. I love those Eastern European orchestras. I love the sound they get and
the quality of the recordings available and their professionalism. However,
they need to get paid the same as US Union players. They really do. Because
their countries economies are so screwed for many different reasons they are
willing to do these sessions, but in essence this is the same as child labor
in textile camps in El Salvador just its not as severe and its in our
industry not another one. Yes I wear clothes and have appliances made in 3rd
world countries and it shames me. But since I am a professional composer I
will address the issues that are in my realm.

2. American films *should* use American composers, actors, musicians, crew,
etc. This is my opinion only but its one that I do feel. You don't see
French films using American crews, or Italian ones, or Bollywood, or any
other country except in very rare situations

3. The industry is really really messed up at this moment in time. On SO
many levels. One of the manifestations is that often we don't get budgets
allowing Union orchestras. So we compromise finding cheaper ways to do it.
Smaller orchestras, out of country orchestras, samples, no score at all and
using electronic sound design instead, software that creates automatic film
score, etc. This is a trend getting worse and worse every year.

4. The problems in the industry currently are NOT the fault of the
composers, except in our lack of desire to talk about and work on issues, or
in our fear of even less jobs personally even if it means that the trend
lends itself to the constant downsizing of our industry, or less jobs in the
more distant future.

5. The problems in the industry *are not* the fault of any of the wonderful
eastern European orchestras or production possibilities. READ THIS ONE AGAIN
BEFORE YOU FLAME ME. PLEASE.

6. The composers have no union and any negotiation ability that we might
have with AFM to work out better indie rates are kind of out the window
until such time as we find the unity necessary. 

7. The composers have no union and any negotiation ability that we might
have with the film industry, the RIAA, ASCAP/PROs, or any private or
governmental agency is again toasted until we find a stance of power and
unity.

8. The industry is changing so rapidly right now and groups like the AFM and
SAG are going through extreme pains at the moment trying to hang on and who
knows if they will survive. If we do not promote positivity and insight of
our issues somehow that will help and educate this change (much less
unionize and really embrace the battle) we are going to be like the monks
that make wine by hand (and foot!) - the very last remnants of a dead art.

That's why I bother to post my thoughts. I believe if we act NOW and accept
responsibility and action that we can save this wonderful art. And if we
don't act, and soon, then we condemn it to extinction. EVERYTHING IS
CONNECTED. And the point of this whole thread is not to condemn the
orchestras, or using them! But instead its just to have us think about what
the problem here is. I don't have the whole answer for sure, but I do smell
a real issue.

I love you all a lot or I wouldn't bother yapping away like a madman :)

Chris