Kentucky crew strikes "Cipher" over IATSE contract refusal

Production on the film Cipher, starring Terrence Howard, has been halted as crew members in Kentucky went on strike after the production refused to sign an IATSE union contract. The crew, classified as independent contractors, sought unionization to secure industry-standard benefits. The production, which began May 12, was given a deadline to respond to the crew's demands but remained silent, prompting the strike and picketing. The low-budget film, with a $3 million budget and state tax credits, already has contracts with the Directors Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA. The crew's action highlights concerns about fair treatment and benefits in the film industry.