Oct. 8, 2013

Issue: #20 IN THIS ISSUE

Oct. 8, 2013

Ninth Annual

Fradin Elected Nat VP Radio Players Oct. 9 Blood Drive Oct. 21

SAG-AFTRA Chicago Blood Drive

Freelance Tidbit Learn about Working on LowBudget Films Oct. 29

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

Audio and Video Training MPAA Says 'Where to Watch' Union Plus Benefits Holiday Schedule

Headshots, Free Flu Shots and More!

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

More details below.

Ilyssa Fradin Elected a National Vice President at SAG-AFTRA Convention Chicago's Ilyssa Fradin has been elected national vice president, mid-sized locals at SAGAFTRA's Inaugural Convention, which took place Sept. 26-29 in Los Angeles.

The convention's first day opened with an address from National President Ken Howard, followed by an inspiring keynote speech from AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. During the afternoon session, delegates nominated and elected Fradin, along with the union's other seven national vice presidents, including the executive vice president. The elections were a major milestone for the new union, which for the first time has a full team of elected leaders.

In July, Fradin - the former Chicago SAG Branch president and post-merger SAG-AFTRA copresident - was elected to the SAG-AFTRA National Board.

Other election results from the convention: Gabrielle Carteris was elected executive vice president of SAG-AFTRA. Carteris previously served as national vice president, Los Angeles and on the national boards of both AFTRA and SAG. Clyde Kusatsu, National Vice President, Los Angeles Mike Hodge, National Vice President, New York David Hartley-Margolin, National Vice President, Small Locals Robert Newman, National Vice President, Actors/Performers Catherine Brown, National Vice President, Broadcasters Dan Navarro, National Vice President, Recording Artists More Convention coverage is available online.

Don't Miss SAG-AFTRA Chicago Radio Players Oct. 9 The Egg and I Directed by Pat Vern-Harris The story is not really a chicken joke, but it comes close. Bob picks a peculiar time - his and Betty's wedding night - to inform his bride that he has purchased a poultry farm. Betty, a New York City native who knows nothing about making a life off the land, finds that being a good sport wears thin when she sets foot on the old, badly abused property and learns how much muscle it will take to make it a home and take a profit. Their neighbors, Maw and Paw Kettle and their 15(!) children, add to the mixture of anxiety and hilarity.

7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2013 Claudia Cassidy Theater, 77 E. Randolph (at Michigan Avenue) Admission is free, however seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Ninth Annual Blood Drive and Free Flu Shots 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, AEA, family and friends. Sixty percent of the population is medically eligible to give blood, yet only 5 percent of the national population donates blood. Become - or continue to be - a part of this elite group. You don't need a special reason to give blood. You just need your own reason. Maybe you were asked by a friend, or you or a family member received blood when needed, or you simply believe it's the right thing to do.

Whatever your reason, 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. 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.

Free Flu Shots Again this year, thanks to The Actors Fund, 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.

KMRC will be closed to other uses on Monday, Oct. 21.

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 A radio commercial recording session is 90 minutes in duration - which means for every session or part thereof, the performer is to be paid not less than an additional session fee for each 90 minute session. And, remember, the additional 10 percent agent's fee should be negotiated on top of all radio commercial payments.

Everything You Wanted to Know about Working on Low-Budget Films, but Were Afraid to Ask 5:30 - 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29 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. And, 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 time sheet; 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.

KMRC Offers Audio and Video Equipment Training You've probably heard that the KMRC has some great audio and video equipment. Do you want to learn to use it? Audio and video equipment training is offered at no charge every Wednesday evening, 5 - 9 p.m. You can learn the basics of using Audacity, Sound Forge and basic recording techniques. Or, if video is your thing, you can learn how to record and audition, and email it out.

To register, please call or email Kathy Byrne at the SAG-AFTRA office, (312) 573-8081 ext. 508 or kathy.byrne@sagaftra.org. Don't forget the KMRC observes all SAG-AFTRA holidays.

In August, KMRC staffer Savanna Wrobel moved to Los Angeles. Training is now handled by Sam Paakkonen. A Tribeca Flashpoint Academy student, Paakkonen is familiar with the equipment and happy to help members get the most out of the KMRC. You must be a SAG-AFTRA or AEA member in good standing to use the center.

MPAA Sets up 'Where to Watch' Website With so many online portals to access content, how do you know which ones are legal and which ones are stealing the content we work on? The Motion Picture Association of America is making it easier to identify sites where you can watch content without breaking the law.

The Wheretowatch.org portal lists sites where you can watch your favorite television shows and movies with both free ad-supported options and fee-based commercial-free services.

Union Plus Benefits for SAG-AFTRA Members!

The AFL-CIO created Union Privilege in 1986 to provide union members and their families with valuable consumer benefits. With Union Plus benefits, your union membership "pays" at work and at home.

By using the collective buying power of unions, Union Plus is able to offer valuable, discounted products and services exclusively to working families. Savings, service and solidarity.

SAG-AFTRA members are automatically eligible for many Union Plus benefits and discounts. Visit unionplus.org and start using them today!

Some of the most popular benefits include:     

AT&T Wireless Discount Union Plus Scholarship Union Plus Credit Card Consumer Reports Online Car Rental Discounts

Take all of your Union Plus benefits with you!

Visit unionplus.org to create and print a customized benefits brochure so that you always have the benefits information at your fingertips.

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, Oct. 14 in celebration of Columbus 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.