The Chicago Activator - March 10, 2014

Official E-Newsletter of the SAG-AFTRA Chicago Local

IN THIS ISSUE Get Your Mind & Body On Track

March 10, 2014

SAG-AFTRA Announces

Basic Cable Live Action Caucus

Basic Cable Live Action Caucus First-Ever Personal Manager Code of Ethics and Conduct Creative Chicago Expo The Latino Media Explosion

All SAG-AFTRA members who work the Basic Cable Live Action Agreement are invited to attend this caucus. The purpose of this caucus is to hear the issues and concerns from the membership regarding the upcoming Basic Cable Live Action Agreement negotiations.

Health Care Town Hall The Singer's Notes Create Your Own Content

Topic: Basic Cable Live Action Agreement When: 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 18 Where: SAG-AFTRA Chicago, 1 E. Erie, #650, Chicago, IL 60611

Deals & Discounts Paperless Billing Party Planners Needed SAG Foundation Programs

Please RSVP to kathy.byrne@sagaftra.org, or if you have any questions, please call (312) 573-8081 ext. 508.

More details below.

TONIGHT! Get Your Mind and Body Back on Track It's been snowy and cold. That's your excuse for not working on your resolution to get your mind and body in shape - or to find new ways keep it that way.

For actors, your body is a very important instrument. It has to be physically, mentally and emotionally together to handle the challenges of a successful acting career. This workshop will offer tips and techniques to get and keep your acting temple fit.

Come to this interactive workshop prepared to move and participate. Dress comfortably. Led by SAG-AFTRA member Troy Pryor, certified personal trainer and owner of Pryor Fitness, the evening will begin with some body work.

Once you have the tools to keep your body in its best shape possible, Courtney Rioux, SAGAFTRA actor and certified life coach, will lead a GLEE workshop: Goals, Limiting beliefs, Emotional mastery and Examining your Six Human Needs.

-

Find more happiness, peace and confidence.

Stop letting fear and stressful thoughts get in your way of success.

Figure out exactly what you want and how to get it now.

When: 6 - 8 p.m. Monday, March 10 Where: Kaufherr Members Resource Center (KMRC), 1 E. Erie, Suite 660, Chicago, IL 60611 RSVP to Kathy Byrne at kathy.byrne@sagaftra.org or (312) 573-8081, ext. 508.

Park for $11 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 $11. You will need both tickets to exit the parking structure. Cash or credit cards only.

SAG-AFTRA Announces Basic Cable Live Action Caucus to be Held in Chicago All SAG-AFTRA members who work the Basic Cable Live Action Agreement (Sirens and Underemployed were signed to this agreement) are invited to attend this caucus. The purpose of this caucus is to hear the issues and concerns from the membership regarding the upcoming Basic Cable Live Action Agreement negotiations. This agreement expires on June 30, 2014. The caucus is open to all paid-up members. Come early and please bring your current membership card (paid thru April 30, 2014) for admittance.

TOPIC: Basic Cable Live Action Agreement When: 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 18 Where: SAG-AFTRA Chicago 1 E. Erie, #650 Chicago, IL 60611 Your participation is vital to a contract negotiation responsive to the working members. Thank you for your time.

Performers who work this agreement and who are not located in Chicago and yet happen to find themselves in Chicago on the day of the caucus are invited to attend.

Date and time subject to change. Notice will be given of any changes.

Please RSVP to kathy.byrne@sagaftra.org, or if you have any questions, please call (312) 5738081 ext. 508.

SAG-AFTRA's First-Ever Personal Manager Code of Ethics and Conduct Ready for Signing SAG-AFTRA has finalized its Personal Manager Code of Ethics and Conduct, a voluntary agreement that is designed to promote honest and ethical relationships between the union's members and the managers they choose to represent them.

As a sign of commitment to its burgeoning relationship with the personal management community, SAG-AFTRA's Agency Relations Department is now known as the SAG-AFTRA Professional Representatives Department.

To learn more and view a copy of the Personal Manager Code of Ethics and Conduct, click here.

11th Annual Creative Chicago Expo - Moving Forward Keynote speakers include film producer Robert Teitel When: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15 Where: Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602 Admission is free. No RSVP needed.

The Creative Chicago Expo connects Chicago's creative community with resources it needs to thrive. More than 30 workshops and 140 exhibitors contribute to make this event a must-do for professional and aspiring designers, musicians, filmmakers, actors, artists and others.

SAG-AFTRA members Tony Castillo and Cedric Young are conducting a workshop, Marketing for the Individual Artist, at noon on Saturday, March 15. Other workshop presenters include Kickstarter, Lawyers for the Creative Arts, Kartemquin Films, Links Hall, Tribeca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy and Fractured Atlas.

Accessibility: Accessible entrance, 77 E. Randolph St.  Accessible restroom facilities.  Wheelchairs available; see information desk or call in advance to reserve.  ASL interpreters are provided with 72 hours' notice.  Assisted listening devices available for public events.

More information available at City of Chicago online.

Live-Streamed Educational Event, Tuesday, March 18 Just Say Sí!: The Latino Media Explosion - Opportunities In Any Language Hispanics are the fastest-growing demographic in the United States. Bilingual, bicultural, secondgeneration and third-generation Hispanics have seized the imaginations of advertisers, distributors, producers and content providers, creating an explosion in Latino media.

There is a proliferation of content being created in English to capture the attention and buying power of this important and growing market, while not ignoring the landscape and strength of the Spanish-language audience.

Presented by the SAG-AFTRA Spanish Language Media Committee, MOVE L.A. and MOVE N.Y., don't miss a fantastic opportunity to learn about this segment of our industry, how it affects you and how to best realize opportunities in your market - whether you speak or work in Español, English or both!

For all members, this event will be live-streamed nationwide (no RSVP required) and archived on SAGAFTRA.org. To view the live stream on the day of the event, click here.

Chicago members are invited to the KMRC to view the live stream.

When: 6 - 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 18 Where: Kaufherr Members Resource Center, 1 E. Erie, Suite 660, Chicago, IL 60611 RSVP: chicago@sagaftra.org, please include "Latino Media" in the subject line. Reservations required for in-person attendance.

Panelists: Los Angeles: Louie Perez of Los Lobos and Oscar Torre (The Hangover Pt. 3, Ladrón que Roba a Ladrón) Miami: Adriana Barraza (Babel, Drag Me to Hell) and Memo Sauceda, on-camera and voice actor New York: Clemson Smith-Muñiz (Los Knicks en Español) and Adrian Martinez (The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Casa de Mi Padre) Moderators: Yareli Arizmendi (Like Water For Chocolate, A Day Without A Mexican) Lalo Alcaraz (Bordertown, La Cucaracha) Chicago Artists Health Care Town Hall Too many artists are uninsured. Learn how to obtain health insurance with full benefits at a reasonable cost.

When: 6 - 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 19 Where: Kaufherr Members Resource Center, 1 E. Erie, Suite 660, Chicago, IL 60611 The March 31 deadline for Health Insurance Marketplace enrollment is just days away. This event will provide information and enrollment assistance. Don't miss this opportunity to get your questions answered before the March 31 deadline of this first enrollment period. The next open enrollment period is proposed to begin Nov. 15, 2014 for coverage in 2015.

-

Learn about the Affordable Care Act and how to sign up for insurance in Illinois.

Find an affordable health insurance plan that cannot deny coverage for pre-existing conditions and covers doctor and hospital visits, maternity care and prescription drugs.

Connect with Chicago-area health resources for people in the arts.

If you qualify, you can also enroll into the Illinois Medicaid program.

Trained enrollment navigators will provide individual assistance to help you sign up for a health plan.

RSVP to chicago@sagaftra.org with "Health Care" in the subject line.

Admission is free and open to all Illinois residents. You do not need to be a SAG-AFTRA member to attend.

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

The Singer's Notes by Greta Pope The business plan is an important part of any successful business. Carefully crafting your business plan will help you to stay on track. Establishing business goals and objectives, in addition to a specific plan for achieving those goals and objectives, will all be a part of your business plan.

Let's begin by thinking about what your business would look like in a "perfect world." What exactly would you be doing? What would your product be?

As a singer, your business might involve touring your rock or R&B band at major arenas across America. You might have purple dreadlocks, a 10-piece band and three back-up singers. This sounds very exciting, right? But how do you begin to make this scenario a reality?

In this case, you are writing an internal business plan. This plan will provide strategies and techniques for you and/or your organization to achieve your objectives. Once you spend some time working your internal business plan, you can create an external business plan for investors, venues, record labels, etc.

Some of the things to include in your internal business plan would be:  Material selection o Style of material o Original or cover material? o If it's original, would you write it or seek other songwriters?  Image and branding o Who is your audience? o How can you connect with them?  Social media, join organizations, advertising for local concerts  Build your following o Make regular contact with people that show an interest in your work.

These are preliminary things to be included in your business plan. We will talk about additional components of your internal business plan in the next edition. Give some thought to how you might begin writing your business plan.

Greta Pope is co-chair of SAG-AFTRA Chicago's Singers Committee. Greta developed this column to address "all things singer," and she welcomes your input. To join the Singers Committee or to send comments, questions or topic ideas to the staff liaison for singers, please email Jolene Jones at jolene.jones@sagaftra.org.

April Conservatory Event Create Your Own Content The best way for actors to work steadily is to create their own content. It's been that way for decades. The digital age has made it technologically more feasible for everyone.

At this event, our panelists, Lisa Cordileone, Craig J. Harris, Grace McPhillips and Troy Pryor, along with Mel Jackson and Emile Cambry, will discuss the trials, tribulations and triumphs of creating your own content. There will also be an opportunity for event participants to get advice on their projects, whether the project is in development, in production, in post-production or just a germ of an idea at this point.

Also, since creating your own content isn't done in a vacuum, we'll learn about a tremendous resource in Chicago called BLUE 1647, which will provide physical space, curated programming and other means to connect collaborators and nurture their abilities to bring their ideas to fruition.

When: 6 - 8 p.m. Monday, April 14 Where: Kaufherr Members Resource Center, 1 E. Erie, Suite 660, Chicago, IL 60611 RSVP to Kathy Byrne, kathy.byrne@sagaftra.org or (312) 573-8081, ext. 508.

Park for $11 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 $11. You will need both tickets to exit the parking structure. Cash or credit cards only.

Deals & Discounts SAG-AFTRA members are eligible for outstanding deals on entertainment, car rentals, insurance, medical visits, prescriptions, real estate, legal services and more. Visit SAGAFTRA.org, log in as a member and click on Deals & Discounts under Member Services.

Among the many offers are: Private Wifi If you've ever used a Wi-Fi hotspot in a hotel, airport or coffee shop, you might not realize that you are vulnerable to having your personal information - your bank account and credit card numbers, your emails and Facebook communications - stolen by hackers. Private WiFi offers members safety and security when you using public Wi-Fi. Get your free three-day trial and then purchase six months of protection for only $24.95 (that's 50 percent off the regular price).

Visit privatewifi.com/SAGAFTRA to sign up.

Zipcar Traveling and need a car for the afternoon? With more than 1,000 cars parked all over metro cities like Chicago, New York City, Boston, San Francisco and Washington, Zipcar is the perfect solution.

With a Zipcard in your pocket, you have access to a fleet of cars that you can use by the hour or by the day, hassle-free, 24/7. Low hourly and daily rates - gas and insurance included! SAG-AFTRA members may join Zipcar for $25/year - a savings of $50. For more details, call Zipcar at (866) 4ZIPCAR or (866) 494-7227) or go to zipcar.com/sagaftra.

15-Percent AT&T Wireless Discount SAG-AFTRA members are eligible for many offers through Union Plus, part of a program established by the AFL-CIO in 1986 to provide consumer benefits to members and retirees of participating labor unions. One of the most popular programs is a 15-percent AT&T Wireless discount. Visit UnionPlus.org/ATT for details. SAG-AFTRA members who are already AT&T customers can get the 15-percent discount, too.

All Deals & Discounts are administered by entities independent of SAG-AFTRA. Questions about each offer must be handled by the providers. SAG-AFTRA does not endorse any of these services.

Say Goodbye to Stamps and Envelopes!

SAG-AFTRA now offers free, paperless billing of your membership dues via your preferred email account. Receiving and paying your dues bill online is efficient and environmentally friendly.

Log in to your member account at SAGAFTRA.org and sign up today. To learn more, visit SAGAFTRA.org/onlinebilling.

Hey, All You Party Planners ...

We Need Your Help!

The KMRC Committee is planning its second annual fundraiser at the Mayne Stage on Monday, May 19. Thank you to everyone who volunteered after the Feb. 24 notice in The Activator. We can still use a few more people. There is still much work to do and we can use your ideas, too.

If you can help with ticket sales, securing silent auction items, public relations, social media outreach and other details, let us know!

To volunteer for this terrific event, please contact Kathy Byrne at kathy.byrne@sagaftra.org.

SAG FOUNDATION N.Y. SHORTS SHOWCASE - JUNE 2014 - New 20-Minute Limit The Screen Actors Guild Foundation is now accepting submissions from all states east of the Mississippi for its June 2014 N.Y. Shorts Showcase - now in year five.

The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. Thursday, April 24. All entries received after that date will be placed in contention for our October 2014 event. Webseries produced under a union contract are also eligible for consideration. There is no entry fee, nor is there a cost to attend the screening, which is held in New York City three times a year.

All shorts must be produced under a SAG-AFTRA union contract, and not run more than 20 minutes, including credits - no exceptions. The showcase is open to all types of cinematic expression, and is designed to encourage union members and others to create their own projects.

In addition to the screening, the evening includes a Q&A with the directors and producers, and an opportunity to network with those in attendance.

Filmmakers may submit a regular DVD copy of their film - no Blu-Ray, please - which should be clearly labeled with a title, the director's name, an email contact address and the project's SAGAFTRA production number to: th

SAG Foundation Shorts Showcase, SAG-AFTRA, 1900 Broadway - 5 Flr., New York, NY 10023 You will only be notified if your film has been selected for the screening. DVDs will not be returned. Contact: shortsny@sagfoundation.org SAG FOUNDATION N.Y. SALON SEEKS SCRIPTS The Foundation Salon presents staged readings of film and TV scripts, featuring a cast of SAGAFTRA members. We're interested in well-written material that would appeal to a wide audience.

Writers must be members of one of the performing arts (SAG-AFTRA, AEA, etc.) or affiliated unions (DGA, WGA, etc.). If the work is collaborative, then at least one of the writers must be a union member.

Please submit a brief synopsis of your project to: salon@sagfoundation.org. You will hear from the foundation if they are interested in reading your script. There is no deadline. Submissions accepted on a continual basis.

Check out the new 2014 SAG Foundation promo featuring Jake Gyllenhaal, Kerry Washington, John Goodman and more.

The Screen Actor Guild Foundation provides vital assistance and educational programming to the professionals of SAG-AFTRA while serving the public at large through its signature children's literacy programs. Support the SAG Foundation at sagfoundation.org.

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/chicago