Filming on Season 4 of The Chosen re-started Monday after SAG-AFTRA – the union that represents actors – approved a waiver to exempt the Bible-based hit series from the impact of the strike.
The waiver was approved because Season 4 of The Chosen is an independent production and not tied to the major studios at the heart of the dispute. On Friday, filming had been largely halted as the company behind The Chosen awaited word on a potential waiver.
Many actors in The Chosen are members of SAG-AFTRA, which declared a strike last week for the first time since 1980.
On Sunday, The Chosen learned it is exempt.
“Great news! We just received word from SAG that we have been approved for a waiver. We’ll continue shooting on Monday,” the series said in a Tweet. “To be clear: 1. We’ve agreed to all of SAG’s requests and their interim agreement. 2. Season 4 is entirely independent and 100% funded by donations.”
To be clear: 1. We’ve agreed to all of SAG’s requests and their interim agreement. 2. Season 4 is entirely independent and 100% funded by donations.
— The Chosen (@thechosentv) July 17, 2023
The Chosen is the first television series to be granted a waiver, according to Deadline.
On Saturday, Jenkins had posted a public Facebook comment to SAG-AFTRA, asserting that The Chosen should be exempt from the strike.
“We’ve submitted all the requested paperwork immediately,” Jenkins said. “We fit all qualifications for an exemption. You have our application for it. Every day that goes by without your response costs us hundreds of thousands of dollars while your actors are stuck in Utah. We’re the good guys; we’ve treated your actors well. Please take the few minutes to approve our application so your actors can get back to work getting paid for the last two weeks of a season they want to finish.”
doesn’t require our cast, and then we’ll wait and hope that either the strike ends (unlikely soon), or that we’re granted an exemption and can resume filming.
— The Chosen (@thechosentv) July 14, 2023
Yes, it’s upsetting and will cost time and money…but we bring our 5 loaves & 2 fish. God handles the rest.
Dallas (2/2)
The series follows the story of Jesus and His disciples.
Meanwhile, CW Network began airing the first three seasons of the series on Sunday and will continue airing it through the fall. The Season 3 finale will air on Christmas Eve.
Related:
'The Chosen' Heads to Broadcast Television for the First Time: 3 Seasons to Air
Popular Actor in The Chosen Converts to Christianity: 'I Can't Help but Talk About' It
Photo courtesy: ©The Chosen, used with permission.
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
