WGA Prohibits Writers from Collaborating on New Martin Scorsese and Randall Emmett Film: What You Need to Know

Randall Emmett, a producer known for low-budget action films, has made headlines with his latest project. He’s teamed up with Martin Scorsese, a celebrated director, for the movie “Wall of White.” This film will recount the harrowing events of a deadly avalanche that struck Lake Tahoe in 1982.

The production is under Emmett’s company, Convergence Entertainment Group. However, there’s controversy surrounding the film. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has advised its members not to engage with the project, citing Emmett’s longstanding issues with compensating writers for previous work. Since 2020, he has been listed as “on strike” by the guild due to these financial disputes. WGA attorney Leila Azari pointed out that many writers have not seen payment for their contributions to Emmett’s earlier projects.

Despite these challenges, Emmett remains optimistic. He claims they are committed to resolving these disputes quickly. In his own words, “We intend to settle this dispute in the coming weeks.”

The narrative of “Wall of White” is based on the tragic events of 1982, when a massive avalanche trapped eight people in a ski resort. Only one survivor emerged from the wreckage. This story was previously told in a 2010 book and a 2021 documentary titled “Buried: The 1982 Alpine Meadows Avalanche.”

Screenwriter Petter Skavlan is attached to the project, along with Jennifer Woodlief, the author of the book. Interestingly, Woodlief is not part of the WGA, which complicates the guild’s stance.

This isn’t the first time Emmett has faced scrutiny. A 2022 investigation by The Times revealed allegations of mistreatment against women and staff, which Emmett denied. His previous company, Emmett/Furla Oasis, folded under significant debt, leaving many writers unpaid.

Despite setbacks, Emmett has a history of producing successful films. Notably, he played a crucial role in financing Scorsese’s “Silence,” a film that took 15 years to get off the ground and earned him an Oscar nomination for “The Irishman” in 2019. Scorsese’s trust in Emmett’s ability to find funding underscores their long-standing partnership, which has faced its share of ups and downs.

As this new project moves forward, it highlights the ongoing conversations in Hollywood about fair compensation and treatment of writers. The industry is evolving, but challenges remain, particularly in balancing artistic vision with ethical practices. This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability in film production, where the stories told on screen are often reflective of the broader narratives happening behind the scenes.

For a deeper understanding of the issues facing writers in Hollywood, you can read more about the WGA’s stance on their official website.

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