The Chicago Activator, June 13, 2016

Official E-Newsletter of the SAG-AFTRA Chicago Local

IN THIS ISSUE

June 13, 2016

Save the Date!

Health Plans to Merge Annual Membership Meeting Local News Headshots That Work for You

Chicago Local Membership Meeting with David White & Alex Pissios

Headshot Event

Monday, June 27

Vote for Pullman Exclusive Speedway Packages

Details below.

Health Plans to Merge The trustees of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) - Producers Health Plan and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) Health Fund have approved the merger of the two plans. The new SAG-AFTRA Health Plan will provide comprehensive medical, hospital, mental health, prescription drug, dental, vision and other benefits to eligible members worldwide. Read all about it here.

Chicago Local Membership Meeting When: 6 p.m. (social hour) 7 p.m. Monday, June 27 (meeting) Where: Instituto Cervantes of Chicago 31 W. Ohio St. Chicago, IL 60654 Guest Panel: David White, National Executive Director of SAG-AFTRA Alex Pissios, President of Cinespace Chicago Film Studios Moderator: Michael Issac, SAG-AFTRA Chicago Local Board Member Transportation: The entrance to Instituto Cervantes is around the corner from the Red Line's Grand Avenue stop.

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 Oct. 31, 2016) for admittance.

Local News 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.

DO NOT WORK ON STUDENT FILMS, SHORT FILMS OR LOW BUDGET FEATURE FILMS without verifying that the production is signed to a SAG-AFTRA agreement. There is only one way to truly confirm that a production is signed to a contract: by contacting the TV/Theatrical Dept kathy.byrne@sagaftra.org.

It cannot be stressed enough: Every project you work on MUST be signed to a SAG-AFTRA agreement. If you show up on set and are given a time sheet or a performer contract, that does not mean that the project is signed to a union contract. It may mean that the filmmaker worked on a SAG-AFTRA production before or has a friend who did. Working on a production that is not signed to a SAG-AFTRA agreement prior to your work on it can result in a Global Rule One violation.

SAG-AFTRA Conservatory Presents Headshots That Work for You How does a headshot get you auditions? What are clients looking for? How do you know if your headshot is getting you called in or left in the pile?

Ask the people who know. Casting Director David O'Connor and Talent Agent Marisa Paonessa will tell you what works in this market. Then photographer Joshua Albanese will explain how to get it. They will personally critique any headshot you hand them, so bring your current headshots.

When: 6 - 8 p.m. Monday, June 20 Where: Kauffher Members Resources Center (KMRC) 1 E. Erie, Suite 660 Chicago, IL 60611

Please RSVP to Kathy Byrne at kathy.byrne@sagaftra.org.

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.

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 Oct. 31, 2016) for admittance.

Headshot Event on June 25 Need a new headshot? Here's your chance. Four Chicago photographers and four stylists are offering awesome packages to SAG-AFTRA members for one day only on Saturday, June 25.

Check out each of the following photographers' hours, rates and associated stylist information below. Decide which option works best for you, then call Kathy Byrne at the SAG-AFTRA Chicago Office (312) 867-5508 to schedule your shoot. All headshot sessions will take place at the studio of the designated photographer.

Appointments fill up fast, so do it today.

Jen Stanko (www.jenstankophotography.com) 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. $125 includes:   

30-minute headshot session (two quick look changes) Six edited images delivered electronically within one week of selection Complimentary print-ready headshot setup with name and border

Hair and makeup is available for an additional $50 by Nancy Vela (www.nancyvela.com) Rance Rizzuitto (www.photo.rancerizzutto.com) 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. $135 includes:  

30-minute headshot session (one look) One fully realized 8x10

Stylist available for an additional $50 by Vaudezilla Joshua Albanese (www.joshuaalbanese.com) 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. $150 includes:  

45-minute headshot session (one look) One fully realized 8 x 10

Stylist available for an additional $50 Chris Popio (www.popiostumpf.com) 9 a.m. - 2:15 p.m. $200 includes:   

45-minute headshot session (one look) One fully realized 8x10 Stylist

The products and services noted herein are provided as an informational service to SAG-AFTRA members and are administered by entities independent of SAG-AFTRA. Any questions must be handled by the provider. This information is not intended to serve as an endorsement nor is any warranty or guarantee implied.

Vote for Pullman $250,000 grant The Historic Pullman Foundation and Pullman National Monument have been selected by the National Trust for Historic Preservation to compete with 19 other well-established National Parks for a share of $2 million dollars in preservation funding. An amount of $250,000 can be won for restoration work at the Pullman National Monument Visitor Center in Chicago. Click here for details and how you can vote.

Exclusive Chicagoland Speedway Packages for Working Families Go! Go! Go! Get Tickets Now! Chicagoland Speedway has officially opened ticket sales for the 2nd Annual Tribute to Labor experience.

For the second consecutive year, NASCAR and the Chicagoland Speedway are honoring working families with an exclusive race day experience at the Sprint Cup - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 400 on Sunday, Sept. 18.

Join more than 200 participating locals and labor councils from the tri-state area. Visit chicagolandspeedway.com/union for ticket package details.

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