Official E-Newsletter of the SAG-AFTRA Chicago Local
IN THIS ISSUE
May 16, 2016
SAG-AFTRA University Lecture Series
Commercials Contracts Ratified SAG-AFTRA University Lecture Local News Talkin' For Bucks Movie and Theater Clubs
SAG-AFTRA Chief Economist Visits Tuesday, May 24 Details below.
SAG-AFTRA Members Approve New Three-Year Commercials Contracts SAG-AFTRA members overwhelmingly approved successor television, audio and digital commercials contracts on May 9. The three-year contracts, negotiated with the advertising industry, will result in more than $200 million in wage increases and other payments for all categories of performers and an increase in the pension, health and retirement contribution rates, among other gains. The highlights of the new contracts include:
Over $200 million in wage increases and other payments for all categories of performers; Strategic expansion to the definition of a commercial that will help protect the contract's coverage in the area of digital; 7-percent upfront increase in wages; 1.2-percent increase in the P&H/H&R contribution rates; 6-percent increase in national cable use fees in addition to the general increase; 2-percent increase in Class A use fees in addition to the general increase; Increases to internet and new media use fees ranging from 6.25 percent to 16.7 percent in addition to the general increase; New protections for minors to ensure set teacher ID and proper credentials are provided; New rate for stand-ins at 110 percent of the general extra rate; and Recognition of Veteran's Day as a contractual holiday.
The 2016 SAG-AFTRA Commercials Contracts memorandums of agreement can be found here.
SAG-AFTRA University Lecture Series SAG-AFTRA invites all interested active members in good standing to attend a special educational event presented by SAG-AFTRA University. David Viviano, chief economist of SAG-AFTRA, will deliver a series of presentations and lectures on the economics of the media business. The event will include the following modules, each to be followed by a question-and-answer session: - The Economics of Winner-Take-All Labor Markets - The Impact of the Internet on Employment & Income in the U.S. Media and Entertainment Business - How Media Spending Arms Races Impact the Employment and Compensation of Talent
When: 2 - 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 24 Where: Kauffher Members Resource Center (KMRC) 1 E. Erie, Suite 660 Chicago, IL 60611
RSVP to Kathy Byrne at kathy.byrne@sagaftra.org Space is limited. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. This meeting is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing. Unfortunately, no guests allowed. Parents/guardians of younger performers under 18 years old are welcome. SAG-AFTRA members, please bring your membership card (paid through April 30, 2016 or October 31, 2016) for admittance. Local News
The KMRC will be closed from 5 - 9 p.m. on Wednesday, May 25, and all day Monday, May 30. The SAG-AFTRA Chicago Local will close at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, May 27 and will reopen Tuesday, May 31 at regular hours. The SAG-AFTRA Chicago Local will be hosting a DIY series on how to produce a short film. We will take you through a multiweek series from script to screen and everything in between. The series will probably happen later this summer/early fall, and we are trying to gauge interest as capacity will be limited and we want to see how many sessions we may need. So, if this is something that you would be interested in participating in, please send a quick email to chicago@sagaftra.org to let us know.
SAG-AFTRA Presents Talkin' For Bucks Are you a polished voiceover pro or curious newcomer? Learn from one of Chicago's most successful voiceover masters, Norm Woodel, about the Art of Voice Audio at this one-day special event. When: 8:58 - 5:06 p.m. Saturday, June 11 Where: Kauffher Members Resources Center (KMRC) 1 E. Erie, Suite 660 Chicago, IL 60611 Cost for the seminar is $100 and all proceeds will benefit the KMRC. SAG-AFTRA members are welcome to mentor a pre-union performer for a $10 discount. Pre-union performers pay the full $100 amount. Breakfast and lunch will be served. Get a script. Get on mic. Go for it! RSVP to Kathy Byrne at kathy.byrne@sagaftra.org - RSVP soon, as this is a sell-out event!
This event is being produced and administered by entities independent of SAG-AFTRA. Join the Movie Club and Theater Club If you are interested in receiving an occasional free sneak preview movie pass, please join the SAG-AFTRA Chicago Movie Club. Send your name and member number to kathy.byrne@sagaftra.org. You must be a SAG-AFTRA Chicago member in good standing to participate. Passes will be sent via email several times a year as they become available. Also, we have relationships with local live theater venues who from time to time will offer members free or discounted tickets to upcoming shows. If you are interested in joining this free club to receive these special offers, please send an email to kathy.byrne@sagaftra.org to be included on the Theater Club list. 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