Winter 2017
A Letter From L.A. President Jane Austin
••• Strength and Solidarity
I SAG-AFTRA Striking Certain Video Game Employers
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espite years of concerted effort and negotiating sessions, video game employers have steadfastly refused to reach a fair deal during our contract negotiations. A last attempt to reach an agreement with video game employers was not successful. Management remains unwilling to agree to fair terms that would bring the interactive contract into the 21st century. Therefore, effective Oct. 21, SAG-AFTRA began striking the following video game employers with regard to all games that went into production after Feb. 17, 2015: m m m m m m m m m m m Top, SAG-AFTRA Executive Vice President Rebecca Damon and SAG-AFTRA Secretary-Treasurer and L.A. Local President Jane Austin on the picket line with union members in front of WB Games Inc. on Nov. 3. Above, SAG-AFTRA MOVE L.A. Committee Vice Chair Ana Lilia, left, and member Audrey Moore showing support on the picket line in front of Electronic Arts Productions Inc. on Oct. 24.
Activision Publishing Inc. Blindlight LLC Corps of Discovery Films Disney Character Voices Inc. Electronic Arts Productions Inc. Formosa Interactive LLC Insomniac Games Inc. Interactive Associates Inc. Take 2 Interactive Software VoiceWorks Productions Inc. WB Games Inc.
Don’t forget to show your support by hashtagging #PerformanceMatters on social media.
t is hard to believe that we are at the start of another year. It seems like we just toasted in 2016 and began planning for the months ahead. First, I must thank the Los Angeles Local membership and share how honored I am to serve as your president. When you elected me a little over a year ago, one of my central goals was to increase member participation, and you have more than answered the call. Not only am I pleased to report that the Los Angeles Local Conservatory and member education events brought exceptional attendance numbers, but also that most meetings of the TV/Theatrical agreement W&W process achieved record attendance. Watching members use their voices and get involved is inspiring and encouraging, especially now, as we proceed into crucial negotiations for our largest contract. Remember, we are only as strong as our members, and you are strong. All 30 of our L.A. Local committees strive to provide for every member, and your participation has greatly strengthened membership unity, resulting in a stronger SAG-AFTRA. Another debt of gratitude is owed to L.A. committee chairs, committee members and all the volunteers whose tireless time and efforts produce the many impressive AUSTIN continues on page 2
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In solidarity,
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From left, actor-director Amy Handelman, agent Jordan McKirahan, actor-writer Miata Edoga, actor-writer Jonathan Kite, manager Steven Jensen, and actor-writer Jill Alexander share firsthand need-to-know tips for budding actors. Not shown is moderator and actor Armand Vasquez.
THE WORKING ACTOR: How Much Can I Really Make?
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n Oct. 5, SAG-AFTRA’s MOVE L.A. Committee arranged a well-regarded panel for members titled The Working Actor: How Much Can I Really Make? Panelists included an agent, a manager, four working actors and a commercial session director who, from their rich and varied experiences, discussed some financial do’s and don’ts for actors in the entertainment capital of the world. Acting is a fiscally unique profession requiring performers to view their talent and image as a business. More vital than a performer’s quotes when starting a career, they explained, is accepting any work available to acquire recognition. Then as “CEO of yourself,” you must procure a team to negotiate pay on your behalf, acquire work and provide professional advice on managing your money. Perhaps the most noteworthy takeaway was that educating yourself, learning what your union can do for you and even how taxes work is indispensable to a successful career. Also important is understanding that different studios use various payroll companies and how that can affect an actor’s taxes and budget. To view this and other MOVE L.A. panels, please check out the SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Local event page at sagaftra.org/la.
Let’s Talk About It Inside the Industry with Rick Najera
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activities and programs our union provides its members, including the SAG-AFTRA Health Fair, new member orientations, veteran and conservatory events, Film Society screenings, member education panels and so much more. I thank the L.A. Local Board as well, whose service and dedication to the largest SAG-AFTRA local is so praiseworthy, and whose commitment to leadership in our union, particularly as non-paid volunteers, is extraordinary. Lastly, I would like to thank the L.A. Local staff — the rock stars of our local. Though small in number, they are mighty in achievement, and it is a sincere pleasure to work with all of you. I so appreciate you! At present, it is important to note that our union is striking certain interactive video game companies. Fellow members working in this arena deserve not only higher wages from this multibilliondollar industry, but greater protections as well. It is simply fact that producing video games is increasingly challenging and often detrimental to the health and wellbeing of performers. Thus, for nearly two years, SAG-AFTRA’s negotiating committee has been striving to reach an agreement with industry employers. It is crucial that each of us stand in solidarity and withhold services on struck video games. Already — and I offer heartfelt thanks to the hundreds of members and many sister unions who walked the picket lines — we have had numerous effective and well-attended strike actions. Despite location, all members can support the strike by promoting strike awareness on social media by hashtagging #performancematters. For more information about the strike, please refer to the SAG-AFTRA website at sagaftra.org/interactive. We need everyone’s continued solidarity and member participation for success. Finally, don’t forget that as of Jan. 1, the SAG and AFTRA health plans have merged. Please refer to sagaftraplans.org for details of the new plan and qualification requirements. Note that although the union’s health plans have merged, the pension and retirement plans remain separate and earning contributions are still split in regards to these contributions. Also, note that the new health plan, like the ones that preceded it, is not administered by the union but by a separate entity with its own board. In closing, it is with real excitement that I look forward to what we will accomplish in 2017. May we all enjoy continued success, good health and a wonderfully happy 2017!
Multitalented director Rick Najera shares information about his unique career path with an audience of SAG-AFTRA members.
AG-AFTRA members and their industry guests kicked off the new talk series Let’s Talk About It: Inside the Industry on Nov. 1 with guest speaker Rick Najera, the celebrated stand-up comedian, writer and director. Najera delighted audience members with a taste of his live performance before discussing his personal and unique career path, irrepressible spirit and commitment to diversity in a live interview with The Wall Street Journal’s entertainment columnist Erich Schwartzel. The evening was capped off by a surprise performance by CBS Diversity Sketch Comedy Showcase alums, which charmed the sold-out house with several original sketches in homage to Najera, who has directed the CBS showcase for the past 11 years.
Left, SAG-AFTRA L.A. Local members join the stars of ABC’s Castle, National Board member Jon Huertas and Seamus Dever, at the United Way HomeWalk. Above, Event emcees and Homeless Heroes team captains Huertas and Dever. Below, Ivonne Torres, Homeless Heroes team member and SAG-AFTRA staff member Julie Pongos walk in support of the cause.
Members Fight Homelessness T he SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Local followed tradition again, participating in the annual United Way HomeWalk with a team of union sisters and brothers called The Homeless Heroes. Over the past nine years, HomeWalk has successfully moved 17,000 homeless individuals
into permanent and supportive housing. Homeless Heroes team captains Jon Huertas and Seamus Dever of ABC’s Castle and Los Angeles 2nd Vice President Ellen Crawford proudly lead the SAG-AFTRA L.A. participants at Grand Park in downtown Los Angeles on Nov. 19.
Panel Examines Vocal Stress
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SAG-AFTRA Director, Commercials Beth Haynes, left, and SAG-AFTRA Manager, Commercials & Co-Educational Contracts Claudette Singh review the new commercials contracts and answer member questions.
Background Actors Front and Center
The Background Actors Department and the Background Actors Education & Outreach Committee convened a panel of union staff on Oct. 10 to take an in-depth look at extras’ rights under the SAG-AFTRA Commercials Contract. The panel also included different categories of background performers, what is required for a principal upgrade, rates, pension and health, wardrobe, mileage and on-set protections. The last half of the panel was reserved for Q&A.
panel of seasoned voice actors gathered at SAG-AFTRA Plaza Sept. 26 to discuss challenges voiceover actors face from vocal stress, particularly when working in the video games industry. Video games often have more dialogue than traditional voiceover work and are more vocally demanding, requiring screams and other sounds, in hours-long sessions. Reports of both short and long-term damage to actors’ vocal chords have become more common, and the injuries can impede an actor’s ability to work. The panel emphasized the need to empower actors to collaborate with directors and producers in creating a safer work environment and gave advice on how actors can prevent and minimize vocal strain and stress. WINTER 2017 l l
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SAG-AFTRA broadcast leadership training session with, from left, KNBC Reporter Beverly White, former SAG-AFTRA staff member Michelle Kim, KPCC’s Meghan McCarty and Bianca Ramirez, SAG-AFTRA Broadcast Manager & Labor Counsel Noah Kincaid and KNBC anchor Colleen Williams.
Broadcast Department Year in Review
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t has been a great year for SAG-AFTRA’s News and Broadcast Department. Negotiating Committee members and department personnel can be proud of their 2016 efforts. The Broadcast Steering Committee (BSC), which gathers three times a year and alternates meeting in Los Angeles and New York held a March 12 meeting here in L.A. to discuss broadcast safety, among other topics. In the wake of heightened national tensions and precarious assignments overseas, broadcaster safety has been a priority for SAG-AFTRA members working in the field. Even bystanders have become intimidating, jumping into live shots or threatening broadcasters. A panel of local Los Angeles reporters, moderated by BSC member and KMEX-TV/Univision reporter Julio César Ortiz, discussed these issues. Panelists shared stories involving safety issues in the field and offered suggestions to improve safety. Panelists included reporter Pete Demetriou from KNX-AM, reporter Beverly White from KNBC-TV, reporter Steve Kuzj from KTLA-TV and video journalist Christopher Maue from KPBS-FM/TV. Inspired by the BSC meeting, the National Association of Black Journalists’ Los Angeles chapter followed suit, partnering with SAG-AFTRA’s Los Angeles News and Broadcast Department on June 18 to hold a panel reviewing dangers and safety procedures for journalists. While the BSC panel was for committee members exclusively, the NABJ’s was open to all interested SAG-AFTRA and NABJ-LA members. Panelists relayed tips for journalists and discussed day-to-day dangers, including unique challenges that arise from social media, such as leaked locations attracting troublemaking observers.
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Shifting from safety to policy, perhaps one of the most celebrated 2016 triumphs for the department was the successful organizing effort to bring on-air talent from the Spanish Broadcasting System-owned stations LA Raza (KLAX/97.9) and Mega (KXOL/96.3) under the exclusive bargaining representation of SAG-AFTRA. SBS is the largest publicly traded Hispanic-controlled media/entertainment company in the United States. The vote, conducted on Aug. 1 by the National Labor Relations Board, represents the latest milestone in our union’s campaign to organize the Spanish-language media industry to advocate for fair treatment and improved working conditions. This newest bargaining unit will be made up of approximately 28 employees performing on-air services for the stations, including hosts, announcers, mixers and DJs, and others. Speaking of Spanish, on Oct. 22, SAG-AFTRA’s National Spanish Language Media Committee hosted a panel of seasoned and new SAG-AFTRA radio and television broadcasters titled Spanish and English Language
Radio and Television Broadcast Careers: Trends, Challenges and Opportunities at SAG-AFTRA Plaza. Among those participating were Oswaldo Borraez, a senior reporter at Univision-KMEX34; Sandra Peña, on-air personality at Mega; Elizabeth Aguilera, a reporter previously with KPCC; Bel Hernandez, from LatinHeat.com; and moderator Gabriela Teissier, anchor at Univision-KMEX34. They shared fascinating personal experiences about developing careers as bilingual broadcasters, just as dual-language broadcasting has been emerging into the mainstream. Spanish-language broadcasting has been a thriving market for decades, independent of its English counterpart. However, as the millennial generation maturated into adulthood, a cultural hybrid of both worlds has become apparent and the networks are keeping up to reflect the shift. Panelists also explored the latest trends in Spanish and English-language broadcasting, news and entertainment, and concluded by answering questions from SAG-AFTRA members, who enjoyed a relaxed and informative networking mixer. Nearly two weeks later on Nov. 5, the department was at it again, partnering with Cal State Fullerton to organize Tips for Multimedia Journalists, a panel session for students, complete with a pizza-soda reception. Panelists included Chip Yost, KTLA-TV; Hetty Chang, KNBC4; Greg Lee, KABC7; Mayde Gomez, KABC7; and moderator Vikki Vargas, KNBC4. They shared some of the challenges faced daily by reporters who carry cameras and they were candid about their personal experiences. Furthermore, broadcasters in Los Angeles have continuously been offered leadership training sessions aimed at developing union leaders and stewards across Southern California. They reviewed details within the respective collective bargaining agreements and learned how to advocate for one another during investigatory interviews as well as how to invoke Weingarten rights, which are an employee’s right to have union representation at investigatory interviews. Be on the lookout for additional programs coming from SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles News & Broadcast staff. They have hit the ground running in 2017, with several events in the works already, such as a student speed-mentoring program in the spring and an archive project that will share the voices, stories and testimonials of SoCal broadcasters. The News and Broadcast staff continues to serve members in a variety of ways, from review sessions of personal services agreements to leadership training and much more. Left, KNBC Reporters Vikki Vargas, Hetty Chang and Beverly White spoke on the Tips for Multimedia Journalists panel at California State University Fullerton.
Old-Time Radio Celebrates the Holidays
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arly in 2014, the SAG-AFTRA Radio Plays Committee was assessing the future holiday season and voted to establish its December performances as tributes to the legendary Gene Autry. Committee members were directed to Gene Autry Entertainment, where their concept was embraced by President Karla Buhlman. Since then, their close association with GAE has become a successful yearly tradition. On Dec. 1, the third annual tribute was produced at the Autry Museum of the American West, with two performances, a matinee at 3 p.m. and an evening show at 7 p.m., both introduced by Buhlman. These performances, from the original old-time radio series Gene Autry’s Melody Ranch, kicked off the museum's holiday season. The cast, which included two singing quartets, was selected in early November from over 130 SAG-AFTRA member auditions. Check your SAG-AFTRA emails for announcements regarding future radio play performances.
Top, from left, SAG-AFTRA Radio Plays Committee Co-Chair Bob Telford, Committee members Dea McAllister, Lee Purcell, James Tripp, Patrika Darbo, Ed Williams, Kay D’Arcy, Co-Chair David Westberg and Amalisha HuEck; Above, the cast, crew and committee members of the SAG-AFTRA Radio Plays Committee’s Gene Autry’s Melody Ranch Christmas Party before the show on Dec. 1. WINTER 2017 l l
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Scene Around Town It has been a big year for SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles, with numerous events, shows, fundraisers and awards. Here is what we have been up to in 2016. Safety First
America Salutes Our Veterans
From left, SAG-AFTRA Director, Stunt, Singers & Dancers Cedric Jackson; SAG-AFTRA L.A. Board member Julie Michaels; former SAG-AFTRA National Board member Conrad Palmisano; SAG-AFTRA Secretary-Treasurer and Los Angeles Local President Jane Austin; Television Academy Board of Governors production executives Tammy Glover and Tony Carey; Executive and Directing Producer Alejandro Treviño; and SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Local Executive Director Ilyanne Morden Kichaven at the Television Academy for the Safety First panel on Nov. 16. The panel discussed on-set safety, stunts, practical/visual effects and the business of risk management.
SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Host Committee member Jackie “Pink Lady” Goldberg performs with Randy Dooney, formerly a dancer with the Fabulous Palm Spring Follies, at the Senior Star Power production America Salutes Our Veterans on Nov 5.
Calabasas Film Festival Calabasas Film Festival co-founder Kelley Fries and NGP Committee members Kyle McAuley and Wednezday Ryan at the SAG-AFTRA screening of The Monster at the 2016 Calabasas Film Festival on Sept. 21.
Miguel Contreras Annual Awards IATSE 5th International Vice President Mike Miller, L.A. Local 2nd Vice President Ellen Crawford, and SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Organizing Committee Vice Chair Ron Morgan at the Miguel Contreras Foundation’s Annual Awards celebration at Union Station on Nov. 15. The ceremony recognizes partnerships between business and labor and honors business and community leaders who succeed while honoring the integrity of workers.
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The Actors Fund’s Annual Looking Ahead Awards
Recording artist Lance Bass, actor Fred Savage and SAG-AFTRA SecretaryTreasurer and Los Angeles Local President Jane Austin at the Taglyan Cultural Complex, on Dec. 7 for The Actors Fund’s annual Looking Ahead Awards, a fundraising gala held in Hollywood each December to raise support and awareness for The Actors Fund’s Looking Ahead program services for young performers. Bass received the Looking Ahead Award for Community Service and Savage co-hosted the event.
Anatomy of a TV Show Michelle Collier, art department coordinator for the FX comedy It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia; SAG-AFTRA L.A. Local Women’s Committee Vice Chair Patrika Darbo; and writer-producer Susan McMartin on the Anatomy of a Television Show panel on Oct. 13. Hosted by the Alliance for Women in Media and SAG-AFTRA, the panel included successful women from film and television discussing their experiences in the industry. Also serving on the panel was Pie Town Productions Vice President of Post Production Dana Besnoy and producer, writer and director Daniela D’Angelo. The Alliance for Women in Media and SAG-AFTRA hosted the event.
Media Access Awards From left, actor Danny Woodburn, recipient of the Norman Lear–Geri Jewell Lifetime Achievement Award; Los Angeles Local Executive Director Ilyanne Morden-Kichaven; SAG-AFTRA Secretary-Treasurer and Los Angeles Local President Jane Austin; actor Micah Fowler from ABC’s Speechless; and Harold Russell Award recipient Jamie Brewer at the Nov. 18 Media Access Awards. The event honors entertainment and broadcast industry members for their efforts to promote awareness of disability and its depictions in film, television and new media.
MPTF Women’s Conference SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles 2nd Vice President Ellen Crawford, SAG-AFTRA Secretary-Treasurer and L.A. Local President Jane Austin with SAG-AFTRA members Jane Lynch and Kate Flannery at the Motion Picture & Television Fund’s 95th Anniversary Gala on Sept. 25. The fund offers assistance and care to those in the entertainment industry with limited or no resources.
COLA Awards From left, SAG-AFTRA National Board member Ellen Crawford, Teamsters 399 Vice President and Business Agent Ed Duffy and SAG-AFTRA National Board member Stacey Travis at the Beverly Hilton on Nov. 13 for the California on Location Awards, which honors the best location professionals, production companies and public employees for professional excellence while working on location in the state of California.
Action Icon Awards From left, SAG-AFTRA L.A. Local Stunt and Safety Committee member Dana Vahle; L.A. Women’s Committee Chair L. Scott Caldwell; and SAG-AFTRA SecretaryTreasurer and L.A. Local President Jane Austin at the Sheraton Universal Hotel on Oct. 16 for the Action Icon Awards. The awards recognize those in the stunt community, particularly women, who risk their lives every day in order to help create some of films’ most memorable moments. The funds raised at the event go to the Diamond in the RAW Foundation, which serves to empower and transform the lives of foster care and at-risk teen girls.
IBT Women’s Conference Los Angeles Local Executive Director Ilyanne Morden Kichaven with Teamsters 399 Business Representative Lindsay Dougherty, SAG-AFTRA member Jacqueline Bisset and International Brotherhood of Teamsters Secretary-Treasurer Steve Dayan at a women’s conference hosted by IBT Local 399 in September. The goal of the conference was to educate and inspire attendees as well as to provide a forum for women to share their successes and struggles. WINTER 2017 l l
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MOVE L.A. PRESENTS
Audiobooks: Unraveling the Mystery
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AG-AFTRA’s MOVE L.A. Committee delved into a thriving new field at its panel Audiobooks: Unraveling the Mystery on Nov. 3. Members enjoyed an insider’s look into the rapid rise of audiobooks and the intricacies of working in this industry, which surged in 2012 as a result of member-driven organizing efforts. Panelists shared personal stories about what led them to become audiobook readers. They noted their own involvement in organizing in this area, which has rapidly expanded SAG-AFTRA coverage over the past several years. Expressing gratitude for the additional voiceover work audiobooks have created, they offered encouragement to fellow members, reminding them that it allows actors to work every day doing something uniquely creative. Following the panel, two audience members were chosen to read book excerpts and receive feedback from panelists.
From left, moderator and SAG-AFTRA National Director, Organizing Steve Sidawi with panelists Cassandra Campbell, Hillary Huber, P.J. Ochlan and Emily Woo Zeller.
Membership Education for 2016 L
ast fall, the Los Angeles Local reignited its commitment to providing educational workshops for our members. Various instructors and experts were brought in to the James Cagney Boardroom at SAG-AFTRA Plaza to give members insight and information on their craft. On Oct. 20, L.A. members had the opportunity to explore a critical area in the craft of acting: proper insight into a writer’s intent and the application of subtext. Having been on both sides of the camera, Clay Banks’ utilizes his experiences in production, directing and acting to enhance his coaching. During his session, he worked with members on how to access their inner creative genius. Members looking to add more television comedy to their skill set attended a
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workshop conducted by actor and instructor Michael D. Cohen on Oct. 26. There, attendees learned specific techniques for analyzing a comedic scene and nailing the jokes, tone and pacing, as well as making acting choices that respect the writer’s text and help them to stand out in a casting session. This was a hands-on workshop in which volunteers from the audience were asked to work at the front of the room, allowing everyone the opportunity to observe the process. Michelle and Robert Colt have been teaching SAG-AFTRA members for the past nine years. On Nov. 2, they shared new life and careerchanging insights in a comprehensive analysis. Bringing together a panel of experts, they expanded on their techniques, which focus on what skill and craft cannot control.
New to the member education program is actor, coach and commercial casting session director Shaan Sharma, who walked members through essential information they must know to successfully pursue a commercial and on-camera acting career. In his first information-packed session at SAG-AFTRA on Nov. 9, Sharma revealed the differences between auditioning and casting for theatrical versus commercial, the process of casting through booking, online casting services, headshots, reels, branding, representation and much more. Finally, The Second City Training Center, masters in improvisational and sketch comedy for over half a century, has given our members an opportunity to experience their workshops four times a year since 2015. On Nov. 17, the Second City Training Center provided a free two-hour workshop for L.A. members during which they introduced the fundamentals of improv and illustrated how it applies to acting on stage, on camera and to life in general. Watch for upcoming workshops and events in our weekly SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Local email notices.
NextGen Members Join Conservatory for Mixer
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AG-AFTRA’s NextGen Performers Committee held a networking mixer with the SAG-AFTRA L.A. Conservatory at Rockwell Table & Stage
in Los Feliz on Nov. 17. NextGen Performers is a networking group open to millennial union members that aids them in forging relationships with each other and the industry. The SAG-AFTRA L.A. Conservatory program, organized in partnership with the American Film Institute, offers low-cost opportunities for union members to hone their craft through classes, workshops, and lectures. SAG-AFTRA leadership in attendance included Secretary-Treasurer and L.A. Local President Jane Austin; Second Vice President, L.A. Local Ellen Crawford; Conservatory Committee Co-Chair Kevin McCorkle and Committee member Tim Powell; and NextGen Performers Vice Chair Aubrey Mozino. WINTER 2017 l l
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Members Congregate for Annual Winter Celebration
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AG-AFTRA members came together to ring in the holiday season with an evening of wintertime cheer at SAG-AFTRA Plaza on Dec. 8. The lobby was packed with members waiting to meet elected leaders and try some of the delicious catered cuisine from L.A. restaurant Doughboys. Festive ornamentation included the lobby’s tree and winter décor, as well as holiday music. 1. From left, SAG-AFTRA Secretary-Treasurer and Los Angeles Local President Jane Austin, Los Angeles First Vice President Esai Morales, member Hollis Sherman-Pepe, National Board member Joe D'Angerio and SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Local Host Committee member Jake O’Flaherty. 2. SAG-AFTRA members enjoy festive treats and conversation. 3. SAG-AFTRA Board members William Charlton and Woody Schultz with SAG-AFTRA National Vice President, Los Angeles Clyde Kusatsu. 4. Members enjoy the Winter Celebration. 5. SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Local Host Committee members in front of the tree: Jake O’Flaherty, Hank Garett, Chair Vivicca Whitsett, Evelyn Stokes, Maureen Sullivan, Jackie “Pink Lady” Goldberg, B.J. Lange and Mazzetta McClarinville. 6. SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris with fellow union members.
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Calendar of Events FEB RUA RY Wednesday, Feb. 1 Commercial Acting in L.A.: A Session Director’s Guide 6 – 9 p.m. Backstage contributor, working actor, acting coach and veteran commercial casting session director Shaan Sharma will be sharing everything you need to know in order to successfully pursue a commercial and on-camera acting career. RSVP on the Local Events page at sagaftra.org/la. For questions, call Member Education at (323) 634-8277.
Thursday, Feb. 2 SAG-AFTRA Radio Plays 7 – 9 p.m. The SAG-AFTRA Radio Play Committee presents an evening performance of old-time radio plays at the Autry National Center Wells Fargo Theater. Galleries open at 6 p.m.; show begins at 7 p.m., 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027. RSVP on the Local Events page at sagaftra.org/la. For more information, please call Member Education at (323) 634-8277.
Monday, Feb. 6 Los Angeles Local Open Board Meeting 7 – 9 p.m. The SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Local Board opens its meetings to members-at-large for observation. As part of the policy passed to allow all future board meetings to be open, this will provide members the opportunity to see their local board at work. RSVP to ObserveLABoard@sagaftra.org or (323) 549-6029. Space is limited.
Thursday, Feb. 9 SAGindie Workshop 6 – 8 p.m. Join SAGindie staff and SAG-AFTRA business representatives to walk through the process of signing SAG-AFTRA Low Budget Agreements from start to finish. These free workshops are held in Los Angeles and New York on the second Thursday of every month. Workshops fill up quickly so register now! If you sign up for a workshop but cannot attend, please call to cancel your reservation no later than 48 hours before the workshop. RSVP at sagindie.org/resources/contractworkshops/.
Tuesday, Feb. 14 Looking Ahead Orientation 6 – 8 p.m. Join The Actors Fund at the Looking Ahead Orientation, where you’ll learn about the many services they offer, eligibility requirements and how this free program can benefit your young performer and family. If you are not currently a member, please visit their website to create an account and RSVP to attend. LookingAheadProgram.org
Wednesday, Feb. 15 L.A. Local Member Orientation 1 – 4 p.m. If you have not been to an orientation before or would like to learn about the services provided by SAG-AFTRA, this meeting is for you. The orientation explains what it means to be a member of SAG-AFTRA, logging your hours on set, your relationship with your agent, residuals and more. For questions, call Member Education at (323) 634-8277.
Thursday, Feb. 16 Sweet Spot: Audition Strategy & Job Clarity 7 – 9 p.m. This MOVE L.A.-hosted event will feature a panel of actors and casting directors sharing their strategies to help you improve your mindset in the audition room and on the set. RSVP on the Local Events page at sagaftra.org/la. For questions, call Member Education at (323) 634-8277.
Monday, Feb. 20 SAG-AFTRA offices closed in observance of Presidents Day.
Thursday, Feb. 23 Actors Salon Workshop 7 – 9 p.m. Book more work and feel good about your “type.” Brian Patacca, founder of Actor’s Salon, will lead an interactive typing and branding workshop that gives you a firm grasp of how to discuss and market your type in a healthy, artistic and effective way. This workshop will offer mindset tools that allow you to unlock more work rather than being in an artistic prison. For questions, call Member Education at (323) 634-8277. RSVP on the Local Events page at sagaftra.org/la.
Tuesday, Feb. 28 The Art of Specificity: How to Make
CALENDAR LISTINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Check SAGAFTRA.org for the most up-to-date information. If you’d like more information on an event and there is no contact information listed below, please contact the Los Angeles Local executive office at (323) 549-6459 or email la@sagaftra.org.
Your Auditions Stand Out with Michael Cohen 7 – 9 p.m. We all want casting directors and producers to see the unique contributions we can make to a role, but sometimes our efforts take us away from the story being told. This seminar will teach you to assess your own process, create specific characters and be even more present in auditions. Participants are encouraged to bring a comedic or dramatic scene or monologue of their choice to possibly work at the front of the room. For questions, call Member Education at (323) 634-8277
M A RCH Wednesday, March 1
can do for you! Join L.A. Local President Jane Austin, the Local Board of Directors and your staff for a SAG-AFTRA L.A. Local membership meeting. More details to come on sagaftra.org/la and by email.
Wednesday, March 15 Looking Ahead Orientation 6 – 8 p.m. Join The Actors Fund at the Looking Ahead Orientation, where you’ll learn about the many services they offer, eligibility requirements and how this free program can benefit your young performer and family. If you are not currently a member, please visit their website to create an account and RSVP to attend. LookingAheadProgram.org
Business of the Biz: It Ain't Called Show Art! 2 – 4 p.m. As a performer, you are your own business, and an understanding of “the biz” is critical to your success. In this seminar, David Westberg brings a trove of information for actors about the business aspect of their craft. For questions, call Member Education at (323) 634-8277.
Member Orientation 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. If you have not been to an orientation before or would like to learn about the services provided by SAG-AFTRA, this meeting is for you. The orientation explains what it means to be a member of SAG-AFTRA, logging your hours on set, your relationship with your agent, residuals and more. For questions, call Member Education at (323) 634-8277.
Commercial Acting in L.A.: A Session Director’s Guide 6 – 9 p.m. Backstage contributor, working actor, acting coach and veteran commercial casting session director Shaan Sharma will be sharing everything you need to know in order to successfully pursue a commercial and on-camera acting career. For questions, call Member Education at (323) 634-8277.
Looking Ahead Program 5 – 9 p.m. Join The Actors Fund at the Looking Ahead Orientation, where you’ll learn about the many services they offer, eligibility requirements and how this free program can benefit your young performer and family. If you are not currently a member, please visit their website to create an account and RSVP to attend. LookingAheadProgram.org
Thursday, March 9
Thursday, March 23
Unspoken Rules of the Industry, Part 2, 7 – 9 p.m. The Unspoken Rules of the Industry: Part 2 panel will be a fresh ensemble of industry professionals exploring ideas and etiquette of working in many different aspects of the entertainment business. Knowing these “unspoken rules” gives performers an edge in getting the job, being asked back or written back in. For questions, call Member Education at (323) 634-8277.
Sunday, March 12 SAVE THE DATE! L.A. Local Membership Meeting Find out about what SAG-AFTRA
Proximity: The Art of Marketing 7 – 9 p.m. In the second session of this four-part program, Bobby Reed covers media marketing essentials such as websites, printed pieces, banners, blast lists, reels and design. It’s all itemized for the members to apply to their own unique situations. Some tools cost big bucks; others are completely free. This program lists the differences and shows how and why some tools work better than others. RSVP on the Local Events page at sagaftra.org/la. For questions, call Member Education at (323) 634-8277.
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Periodicals Postage 5757 Wilshire Blvd., 7th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90036-3600
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SAG-AFTRA
©2017 SAG-AFTRA (Vol. 6, No. 1A) (ISSN 2168-667X) is published by SAG-AFTRA. Periodicals postage paid at Los Angeles, CA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to SAG-AFTRA, 5757 Wilshire Blvd., 7th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90036-3600.
SAGAFTRA.org PLEASE RECYCLE — CONSIDER GIVING YOUR COPY OF THE NEWSLETTER TO ANOTHER MEMBER.
L . A . LOC AL MEMBERSHIP MEE TING
Sunday, March 12, 2017 FIND OUT WHAT SAG-AFTRA CAN DO FOR YOU. Join L.A. Local President Jane Austin, the Local Board of Directors and your staff for an L.A. Local membership meeting taking place March 12. More details to come on sagaftra.org/la and by email. Membership meetings are only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing — no guests are allowed. Parents/guardians of performers under 18 years old are welcome. Participation is limited only by fire department regulations. SAG-AFTRA members, please bring your membership card (paid through April 30, 2017) for admittance. All bags larger than 14 inches in any dimension will be prohibited from entry. No pets or animals, with the exception of animals in service.