Actors union orders ‘Z Nation’ work stoppage over pay dispute

The union representing actors on SyFy’s “Z Nation” is ordering its members not to work in response to a pay dispute.

Rik Deskin, the president of the SAG-AFTRA Seattle office, posted on the guild’s Facebook page Tuesday morning that all members were not to accept employment or render any services on the show.

Deskin said the show’s producers have failed to pay actors residual payments, which they are contractually obligated to pay whenever the show’s episodes play in reruns or are sold for syndication.

He said guild members have not received residuals for the show’s seasons two and four.

“That’s been going on for some time,” Deskin said.

A representative of Go2 Digital Medial, one of the show’s production companies based in Los Angeles with an office in Spokane, did not immediately return calls seeking comment Tuesday. Another producer, Asylum,, could not be reached for comment.

The zombie action-drama-comedy series that began in 2014 often films in Spokane, featuring local actors.

In September, the show debuted its fourth season. The show was renewed for a fifth season in December.

Last month, a casting call for zombie extras was held in Spokane.

Deskin said production on season five was set to begin Monday with filming in Spokane. He said all actors on the show are SAG-AFTRA members, including the six series regulars.

Until the issues are resolved, he said, it’s unlikely the show can begin production on time.

“I expect that things will be resolved this week,” Deskin said. “I will be very surprised if they don’t resolve things.”