The MPSE (Motion Picture Sound Editors), a group representing sound editing professionals, has announced that it is waiving membership fees “in consideration of the ongoing strikes” by SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild.
Founded in 1953, the Motion Picture Sound Editors (MPSE) is an organisation that, through the efforts of its volunteer board of directors and dedicated international membership, strives to celebrate community, and the creative and technical advances in sound through a range of communication tools. MPSE is a nonprofit organization comprised of professional sound and music editors active within the film, TV, and gaming industries, distinguishing it from a union.
Understanding the hardships faced by its members, MPSE's board decided to take this step. MPSE announced its intention to support its members by temporarily waiving membership dues for the 2023-24 term. This move is designed to alleviate the financial burden on those who are currently out of work.
MPSE President Mark A. Lanza said,
"Our primary goal is to ensure our members remain connected to our organisation's resources and opportunities. By offering them access to educational seminars, Sound Advice webinars, and various events, we intend to facilitate their professional growth. We envision our members returning to the forefront of their field, revitalized and well-prepared, once the industry upheavals are resolved."
In a Facebook post, the MPSE clarified how this works;
“Dear Members - The MPSE Board of Directors is pleased to announce that 2023-2024 membership dues are being waived for all members due to the ongoing WGA and SAG/AFTRA strikes.
If you haven't paid yet, your invoice will be withdrawn. If you have already paid, your payment will be credited to the 2024-2025 membership year.
If you've been wanting to join the MPSE, this is the time to do it! There will be no membership dues until July 2024. Our Fall Family Picnic and Golden Reel Awards voting are coming up soon. Our Board votes on new members once a month. Get your application in by Saturday, September 2 to be included in the September membership vote.”
MPSE's waiver of membership dues is a testament to its unwavering commitment to promoting the advancement of its members and the broader art of entertainment sound. The organisation's stance on the ongoing strikes is neutral, but “looks forward to a quick and amicable resolution so that all parties can return to the work they love.”
If other similar organisations follow the MPSE lead on this remains to be seen.