Atlanta background actors, who worked on the feature film Finding Steve McQueen, still have not been paid, according to extras casting company Central Casting.
According to a Facebook post by Central Casting Georgia, background extras who worked on scenes as early as September 26th still have not received their paychecks. “To all Background Actors who worked on the film “Finding Steve McQueen” through Central Casting between the dates of Sept 26-Oct 14th, we are aware that many of you have not been paid.”
Central Casting continues by explaining that the movie’s production was “shutdown” earlier this week.
“Central Casting only learned about the shutdown of production earlier this week at the same time you learned of it. Central Casting was only retained by the production company to cast and not hired to process your payroll, and therefore we do not possess any pay vouchers for your work on the film.”
Talents are advised to contact Sessions Payroll Management in order to determine when they will get paid.
Many background actors who worked on the production took to Facebook to share their experiences.
“This is very upsetting to learn about. I am waiting on 2 checks from them. Its disturbing to think this sort of thing can happen. And while the crew has not been paid, I can only ask if they were not paid for 1 week compared to our checks that build up. The crew gets paid weekly so I imagine they got paid for most of their time but for background we are paid 4 to 6 weeks after our work day so we can build up multiple checks. This is depressing on so many levels that this can happen in our industry. I am thankful that Central Casting is updating us with this matter. I do pray this is resolved in a timely peaceful matter. The ideal situation would that they find more backing and pay everyone and finish the film,” Lara Lee Slaughter said in the comments of the Facebook post.
Central Casting asserts they are working on finding a resolution and payment for the talent who worked on the movie. “Central Casting was not your employer on this film, we care about our community of talented actors and we are working on finding you a resolution. We will continue to communicate any updates as we make progress.”
“Finding Steve McQueen” is based on the true story of the biggest bank heist in U.S. history and features an ensemble cast that includes Kate Bosworth, Forrest Whittaker, and Travis Fimmel.
The film focuses on a gang of close-knit thieves from Youngstown, Ohio, who are tapped by the Teamsters to steal $30 million in illegal campaign contributions and blackmail money from President Nixon. The thieves went to the wrong bank, hitting a United California Bank instead of Nixon’s home Bank of America branch in San Clemente and made off with an estimated $12 million. Seven of the eight conspirators were quickly caught but the getaway driver was able to flee and wasn’t arrested until 1980.
You can read the full statement from Central Casting below.
To all Background Actors who worked on the film “Finding Steve McQueen” through Central Casting between the dates of Sept 26-Oct 14th, we are aware that many of you have not been paid.
Central Casting only learned about the shutdown of production earlier this week at the same time you learned of it. Central Casting was only retained by the production company to cast and not hired to process your payroll, and therefore we do not possess any pay vouchers for your work on the film. Sessions Payroll Management was hired by the production company to process your payroll and should have your pay vouchers. Sessions Payroll Management can be reached at (800) 957-4644. Although Central Casting was not your employer on this film, we care about our community of talented actors and we are working on finding you a resolution. We will continue to communicate any updates as we make progress.
Edit: Misspelled Lara Lee Slaughter’s name.
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