The Chicago Activator, Oct. 18. 2013

Issue: #21 IN THIS ISSUE

Oct. 18, 2013

Register NOW!

Blood Drive Oct. 21 New Member Orientation Freelance Tidbit Everything You Wanted to Know about Low-Budget Films Extension of Corporate/Educational and Non-Broadcast Contracts

Ninth Annual Blood Drive Noon to 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21 KMRC, 1 East Erie Suite 660 Chicago, IL 60611

KMRC on Facebook and Twitter Union-Made Shopping Lists Holiday Schedule

Free Flu Shots, Free Headshots Details below.

Ninth Annual Blood Drive with Free Flu Shots and Headshots Every two seconds someone in America needs blood. Those of us blessed with good health can share it through donating blood - to enable a premature baby to live, a burn victim to recover, a cancer patient to be treated, an accident victim to survive or a transplant candidate to have a lifegiving surgery.

If you have avoided donating blood because you don't like needles, try this: With your thumb and forefinger, pinch the skin on the inside of your elbow joint. Regular blood donors say that's a pretty good simulation of what it feels like when you give blood. Won't you just give it a try - and then if you think somebody's life is worth putting up with a little pinch, we'd love to sign you up for the SAG-AFTRA Blood Drive.

On Monday, Oct. 21, the Kaufherr Members Resource Center will host the ninth annual SAGAFTRA Chicago Blood Drive. The drive is open to SAG-AFTRA and AEA members, family and friends, agents and other industry pros, our labor brothers and sisters, and our neighbors in the building.

The need is constant and your contribution is important for a healthy and reliable blood supply. And you'll feel good knowing you've helped change a life.

You must be 17 or older and weigh at least 110 pounds to donate blood. There is no upper age limit and most medications do not disqualify you from donating. Other restrictions may apply. If you have questions, please call the LifeSource Medical Help Desk at (877) 543-3768.

Noon to 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21 KMRC 1 East Erie Suite 660 Chicago, IL 60611

Headshots Donors will receive a voucher for a free half-hour headshot session (one look) with a local photographer, to be redeemed by Dec. 15, 2013.

Thank you to the amazing photographers who have donated their services to make this offer possible.

312 Elements Photography Michael Schacht 312elements.com Bryan Swisher Photography Bryan Swisher bryanswisher.com G. Thomas Ward Photographer Gary Ward thepeoplephotographer.com Yonzon Photography Mel or Emir Yonzon yonzonphotography.com Mike Sansone Photography Mike Sansone ph2pro.com/mikesansone mikesansonephoto.wix.com/headshots Free Flu Shots Again this year, thanks to The Actors Fund, (add link to AF website) the event also includes free seasonal flu shots. Shots will be available from 3-5 p.m. on a first come, first shot basis.

Please contact Kathy Byrne (312) 573-8081 ext. 508 or email kathy.byrne@sagaftra.org to register.

Please note that nothing herein constitutes or is intended to imply an endorsement of any individual or company participating in this event.

New Member Orientation, Noon, Tuesday, Oct. 22 New members represent the future for SAG-AFTRA. The more knowledgeable they are, the stronger our union and all members are. The goal of the New Members Subcommittee of SAGAFTRA Chicago's Community Outreach, Community Organizing (COCO) committee is to educate, engage and empower professional actors from the moment they become union members.

The new member orientation event is only one part of that process. Topics covered include every step involved in the union experience - from initiation fees and the dues structure to the correct way to execute member reports and contracts. Other areas include agents and commissions, casting directors, resolving claims, health coverage, set demeanor, committees, staff and a variety of member benefits.

New member orientations are not just for new members! Whether you joined yesterday or 20 years ago, all members in good standing are welcome. Plan now to attend the next new membership orientation and stay informed. The next orientation is at noon, Tuesday, Oct. 22. Please call Natasha Beals at the SAG-AFTRA Chicago office, (312) 573-8081 ext. 712, or email Natasha at natasha.beals@sagaftra.org to reserve your spot.

Park for $10 at 10 East Ontario. Enter on the north side of Ontario between Wabash and State, and then take a ticket. When you sign in, you may purchase a four-hour ticket for $10. You will need both tickets to exit the parking structure. Cash only.

Freelance Tidbit Hey actors, when you go on an audition and especially when you go for a callback, please remember to bring your headshot with you. You should always have one or two headshots with you everywhere you go. You never know who you may encounter.

Everything You Wanted to Know about Working on Low-Budget Films, but Were Afraid to Ask 5:30 - 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29 Kaufherr Members Resource Center (KMRC) 1 E. Erie, Suite 660 Chicago, IL 60611 Are you and a bunch of your friends getting together and making short films? Webisodes? Spec TV pilots? Didn't think you needed to worry about being under contract? Well...

This is your chance to ask all of your questions about working in low-budget films. You'll probably get the answers to some questions you haven't even thought of yet. Remember, as a SAG-AFTRA member, you need to be under contract for all work that you do. This includes student films, your best friend's pet project, and your self-produced short film and "no-budget" features.

Find out what to expect on set and how these films differ from the studio features and episodic television shows that you are used to. Learn where to find out about these auditions and how to flip a non-union film to a SAG-AFTRA covered project.

Ever wonder how to properly fill out a timesheet; how, where and when to sign your employment contract; or how to negotiate on your behalf? This is the workshop for you!

Space is limited. RSVP to Kathy Byrne at kathy.byrne@sagaftra.org.

Park for $10 at 10 East Ontario. Enter on the north side of Ontario between Wabash and State, then take a ticket. When you sign in, you may purchase a four-hour ticket for $10. You will need both tickets to exit the parking structure. Cash only.

SAG-AFTRA OKs Extension of Corporate/Educational and Non-Broadcast Contracts SAG-AFTRA has agreed to a one-year extension of two of its legacy contracts for corporate, nonbroadcast and educational work. The National Board of Directors ratified the agreement between the union and the Producers Group on Oct. 1 at its meeting in Los Angeles.

The legacy AFTRA and SAG Corporate/Educational and Non-Broadcast Contracts, which were jointly negotiated in April 2011, were set to expire on April 30, 2014. The terms of the contracts have not changed. With the coming negotiations for the TV/Theatrical contract, the extension gives the union more time to prepare and gives members more opportunity to be involved in the run-up to the next negotiation.

The Corporate/Educational and Non-Broadcast Contracts cover public relations, sales promotion and training films made for initial use to the general public, schools, conventions, seminars, museums, in retail stores and for Internet use.

For the complete announcement and for more information, please visit SAGAFTRA.org.

Follow the KMRC on Facebook and Twitter How often have you visited the KMRC website in the past month? How often have you visited Facebook in just the last day? You can now stay up to date on all of the events and training offered at the KMRC while you are on Facebook. Find the KMRC page here, like it and visit often!

You can also sign up to follow KMRCChicago on Twitter to get news and updates.

Please don't go away shaking your head if you don't eat, breathe and sleep new technology. The important thing to remember is that your union is reaching out to members in a variety of ways, and if one doesn't suit your needs, another will. Information about events at the KMRC will still be posted at KMRCChicago.com and included in The Activator.

Union-Made Shopping Lists Whether you're shopping for beverages and snacks for the big game or Halloween treats, it's easy to make sure your shipping list includes plenty of union-made products.

On your mobile device*, you can receive union-made shopping lists from Union Plus: Text AIRLINE to 22555 for union-friendly airlines Text APPLIANCE to 22555 for union-made appliances Text BEER to 22555 for union-made beer Text CARS to 22555 for union-made vehicles Text CANDY to 22555 for union-made candy Text GIFT to 22555 for union-made manufacturers for wedding gifts Text HOTEL to 22555 for union-friendly hotels Text PETS to 22555 for union-made pet products Text TOYS to 22555 for union-made toys Text WINE to 22555 for union-made wine *Message and data rates may apply depending on your cell plan. You'll receive approximately one text per month, per list and can opt out of the text service at any time by replying STOP to any message that you receive.

Services are administered by entities independent of SAG-AFTRA. Questions must be handled by the providers. SAG-AFTRA does not endorse any of these services.

Holiday Schedule for Office and KMRC The SAG-AFTRA Chicago Local office and the KMRC will be closed all day Monday, Nov. 11 in celebration of Veterans Day On Monday, Oct. 21, the KMRC will be closed for regular use as the center will be hosting the annual blood drive, details above.

In response to members' requests to stay informed, The Activator may include notice of rallies, pickets and other actions by unions and the labor movement that have not been sanctioned by the National or Chicago Board of Directors of SAG-AFTRA. This information is provided as a convenience.

The information contained herein regarding workshops, vendors, special offers and the like is provided for informational purposes and is not intended to imply endorsement by SAG-AFTRA of them or the information, material, products or services provided. SAG-AFTRA makes no warranties or representations regarding the use of the material or the quality of the services or service providers.

SAG-AFTRA Chicago: (312) 573-8081 Hotline: (312) 867-3710 Email: chicago@sagaftra.org WEBSITE SAGAFTRA.org.