Official E-Newsletter of the SAG-AFTRA Chicago Local
November 17, 2015
IN THIS ISSUE New Member Orientation Low Budget Film Contracts KMRC Online Survey
Low Budget Film Contracts -
Record Turnout for Blood Drive Arise Annual Breakfast SAG Awards Voting UNITE HERE Local 1
What SAG-AFTRA Members Need to Know
Benefits of Membership Health Insurance
5:30 - 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9
Election Workers Needed Holiday Schedule
Details below.
New Member Orientation, Tuesday, Dec. 8 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 SAG-AFTRA Chicago's Community Outreach, Community Organizing 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. Noon, Tuesday, Dec. 8 Please call Kathy Nelsen at the SAG-AFTRA Chicago office, (312) 573-8081, ext. 2541, or email Kathy at kathy.nelsen@sagaftra.org to reserve your spot. Park 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 $13 cash, $14 Visa, MasterCard or American Express payment. You will need both tickets to exit the parking structure.
The event is 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. You must bring your current membership card for admittance (paid through Oct. 31, 2015).
Low Budget Film Contracts - What SAG-AFTRA Members Need to Know 5:30 - 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9 KMRC 1 E. Erie, Suite 660 Chicago, IL 60611 This seminar is a must-attend for anyone working on or planning to work on low budget films or Web series. 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. Dinner will be served. You must be a current member of SAG-AFTRA (paid through Oct. 31, 2015) or AEA to attend. Park 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 $13 cash, $14 Visa, MasterCard or American Express payment. You will need both tickets to exit the parking structure. KMRC Online Survey In the next year, the Kaufherr Members Resource Center (KMRC) will begin an exciting transformation. Our 2016 goal is to create a more valuable, innovative, multipurpose center with updated equipment and a new interior design to serve as a professional meeting place and practical center. To do this successfully, we need your help to understand how the KMRC can best serve you, the members. This quick 10-question survey will help us begin the KMRC rebranding process. Please take a moment to tell us your thoughts. We can't wait to hear your response. The survey closes at 9 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 1. Click here to take the survey.
Record Turnout For 11th Annual Blood Drive Thank you to all who came and donated blood during this year's blood drive. SAG-AFTRA Chicago Local members and friends participated in record numbers. Per LifeSource, the units collected this year have the potential to save the lives of 147 patients. This is the most "life support" provided in our 11-year history. If you were unable to donate on Nov. 2 but still wish to participate, please use our code C652 at any Lifesource donation center. For more information, please call the LifeSource Medical Help Desk at (877) 543-3768. Donors received a voucher for a free half-hour headshot session with a local photographer. Thank you again to the amazing photographers who donated their services to make this offer possible. Bortor-Wagner Photography www.borterwagner.com
Duverney Photography www.duverneyphoto.com Aaron J. Gang Photography www.aarongang.com Johnny Knight Photo www.johnnyknightphoto.com Brian McConkey Photography www.brianmcconkeyphotography.com Robert Erving Potter Photography www.rep3.com Mike Sansone Photography www.mikesansonephotography.com Starbelly Studios www.starbellystudios.com Arise Chicago Annual Faith-Labor-Action Breakfast Tuesday, Nov. 24 7:30 a.m. Networking Reception 8 a.m. Breakfast and Program Operating Engineers Local 399 Hall, 2260 S. Grove Ave., Chicago (one half block west of Canal and one block south of Cermak - free parking) Keynote Speaker: Terry O'Sullivan, President, Laborers International Union of North America Prophetic Leadership Award: Fr. Clete Kiley, Archdiocese of Chicago and UNITE-HERE International Union Faithful Leadership Award: Chicago Access Network-TV Workers - NABET-CWA Emcee: Lisa Parker, NBC Chicago News and SAG-AFTRA member Details and tickets available online.
SAG Awards Voting Privileges Only active, paid-up union members are given the opportunity to vote for the recipients of the Screen Actors Guild Awards' coveted Actor statuette. Also, For Your Consideration and nomination screenings are only available to active, paid-up SAG-AFTRA members. November 2015 dues must be paid by Tuesday, Dec. 1, in order for members to be eligible to vote for the SAG Awards and receive screeners. Visit the SAG Awards at sagawards.org.
A message from UNITE HERE Local 1 Cleaners, Servers and Bartenders at Ameristar Casino Call for Boycott In late 2012, Ameristar was purchased by Pinnacle Entertainment, a corporation based out of Las Vegas. The UNITE HERE union contract expired around that time. Ameristar has still not agreed to a new contract. Now, Ameristar has cut off the affordable family health insurance plan employees have had for years. Workers are asking customers to stay away from the property until a fair contract is settled. For more information, visit indianagamingalert.org.
Benefits of Membership Are you aware of all of the benefits of your SAG-AFTRA membership? If not, we encourage you to log into your SAG-AFTRA account and learn more about how SAG-AFTRA protects and serves its members. The many benefits include contracts and collective bargaining, access to the KMRC, Conservatory events and programs offered by the SAG-AFTRA Foundation. SAG-AFTRA members are also eligible for outstanding deals on entertainment, car rentals, insurance, medical visits, prescriptions, real estate, legal services and more. Just log in as a member at sagaftra.org and click on "Deals and Discounts" under Members Service. Have Questions or Need Help Enrolling in Health Insurance? The Actors Fund can help you get affordable or free coverage. Forty-four percent of Actors Fund clients got free insurance, and 41 percent got subsidized rates. This seminar will help you understand the Affordable Care Act and give you clear, step-by-step guidance on what your options are and how to get the most affordable coverage. Find out if you're eligible for free insurance or subsidies. This is an excellent opportunity for unbiased counseling. Open Enrollment is Nov. 1, 2015 - Jan. 31, 2016 When: 6 - 7:30 p.m., Nov. 18 Where: Actors' Equity 557 W Randolph Chicago, IL 60661 1 block from Clinton Green line You must RSVP to attend. Can't make it to the workshop? Need help enrolling? Contact (866) 311-1119 or visit getcovered.illinois.gov to find an enroller near you. Serve the Community on Election Day. Do Good. Get Paid. The Cook County Clerk's office is recruiting community members to serve as suburban poll workers for the March 15, 2016 presidential primary. Poll workers are an essential part of the democratic process, as they both assist voters in their community and ensure the polling place is running smoothly. Poll workers are paid $175 or $325 depending on the position they choose. Visit cookcountyclerk.com/judges to learn more and apply. Holiday Schedule for Office and KMRC SAG-AFTRA Chicago and KMRC will close at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 25, and all day Nov. 26 and 27. 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 Email: chicago@sagaftra.org Website: SAGAFTRA.org