June/July 2015
A Letter From L.A. President
CLYDE KUSATSU •••
Change is an Industry Constant
A Members gather to learn about the Commercials Organizing and Recapture Initiative.
Union Rallies Members for Commercials Recapture Initiative
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ore than 1,500 members from across the country assembled for the April 29 launch of the Commercials Organizing and Recapture Initiative — a multi-faceted commercials organizing initiative to protect and expand work opportunities for professional performers in commercials. At the SAG-AFTRA headquarters in Los Angeles, members filled both boardrooms and the Founders’ conference room to hear leaders report on efforts to increase the number of commercials shot under a union contract. President Ken Howard, National Executive Director David White and National Commercial Performers Committee Vice Chair and Board member Allen Lulu attended the meeting in Los Angeles, and were joined via live stream by National Commercial Performers Committee Chair Sue-Anne Morrow, National
Director of Commercials Contracts Lori Hunt, National Commercials Strategist Gary Saxe in New York and National Commercial Performers Committee Vice Chair John Carter Brown in Chicago. The initiative calls for person-to-person dialogue, as well as industry outreach, coupled with a member-driven social media campaign using the hashtags #BestInTheBiz and #GetPaid. Members were provided with a toolkit to engage fellow performers, agents, managers and producers in conversation about the benefits of working on union commercial shoots. “We are going to do this campaign member to member collectively, because that is how our union was built,” said Lulu. “Our founders made this union strong by standing shoulder to shoulder, and we will continue to keep our union strong by working and standing together.” SAG-AFTRA members are urged to visit SAGAFTRA.org/BestInTheBiz to learn more about the campaign and how they can participate. l AFL-CIO
t our Feb. 8 membership meeting, we honored Timothy Blake with the Ralph Morgan Award for service in her various capacities as National Board member with both SAG and AFTRA, co-chair of the SAG-AFTRA Film Society, and as a member trustee on the SAG P&H Fund. It was a well-deserved honor. I had the opportunity to report to membership that the state of our union is good. We’re all aware these days that the one constant in our industry is change, from the viewing platforms to the demographics of the audiences consuming media. The average age of viewers of network over-the-air broadcast news continues to get older. The millennials and younger viewers consume their content via smartphones, tablets and laptops. Over-the-top programming services like Amazon Prime and Netflix, which deliver streamed content via the Internet to televisions and other devices for subscription viewing, are the new disruptors in the marketplace. Networks and studios are responding to this growth engine and adapting to it. Sony plans to offer its programming content to U.S. PlayStation owners through the PlayStation Vue service. Dish, through its Sling TV, is offering a similar service to Xbox owners, while CBS will be offering streaming access to all its KUSATSU continues on page 6
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It’s All About Engagement S AG-AFTRA EDUCATE President’s Task Force on President Find out how your Ken Howard union works, and what has launched the it is doing on your President’s Task behalf. Educate fellow Force on Education, members on the many Outreach and opportunities that Engagement in order to energize and mobilize SAG-AFTRA and the SAG Foundation have the union’s membership and strengthen ties to offer. Get started with the Working For with the industry. You! booklet, available at your local or online The heart of the initiative is member-toat sagaftra.org/workingforyou. member contact, including set and station visits, membership meetings and at union OUTREACH and industry events. Member participation is Only SAG-AFTRA members can deliver the vital to creating a vibrant and effective union. union’s message to those in the industry and
the next generation of storytellers. The union has tools to help you prepare. Go to sagaftra.org/pteoe, where you can find Task Force outreach toolkits, videos, presentations and other materials.
ENGAGE Engagement is the key to SAG-AFTRA’s success, and an informed, active membership is our most valuable asset. There are many ways to get involved: serve on a committee or as a mentor (and log your mentor hours at sagaftra.org/acalltoarts); vote and run for office. It’s your union. Where will you take it?
TOHORU MASAMUNE
NFMLA Celebration
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n celebration of International Women’s Day, NewFilmmakers L.A. hosted short film screenings at the AT&T Center in downtown Los Angeles on March 7. All 12 short films were directed by women and focused on female-driven stories. SAG-AFTRA L.A. Local Board member Patricia Richardson (Home Improvement), left, and SAG-AFTRA National LGBT Committee CoChair Jason Stuart (Love is Strange) welcomed guests and introduced the night of films.
KNX and KTWV Reach Agreements
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argaining unit members at radio stations KNX and KTWV achieved successor agreements, with gains that included guaranteed increases to both base salaries and to contribution rates to AFTRA Health & Retirement. The Executive Committee of the National Board and the Los Angeles Local Board approved these contracts. The increases to base salaries are retroactive to Jan. 1 for KNX and to Nov. 22 for KTWV. The unit members’ participation was vital to achieving a fair deal. l
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From left, moderator Shea Scullin; performers Cyd Strittmatter, Joe Smith, Jacy King and Reece Rios; casting director Michael Sanford; and talent agent Gloria Hinojosa
Finding Success in 60 Seconds or Less
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reparing for commercial auditions, expectations on the set and utilizing commercial work to prepare for television and film roles were just a few of the topics panelists covered in Commercials: Success in 60 Seconds or Less, a panel discussion held at SAG-AFTRA headquarters on April 30. Talent agent Gloria Hinojosa, casting director Michael Sanford, and performers Jacy King, Reece Rios, Joe Smith and Cyd Strittmatter took members through their unique experiences and discussed the relationship between the performer, talent agent and casting director. Members Organizing Volunteer Efforts (MOVE) Los Angeles Committee member Shea Scullin moderated. In connection with the recent launch of
the Commercials Organizing and Recapture Initiative, attendees received The Best in the Business member toolkit to help them identify vital steps they should take to spread the word on expanding union commercial work. SAG-AFTRA member Judi Baker was one of many guests who felt the panel provided beneficial insight. “This was an extremely educational and eye-opening discussion,” she said. “I have a better understanding of what a casting director does and how I should be prepared for commercials on set. This has given me hope.” The event was hosted by the MOVE Los Angeles Committee, which sponsors educational events. For more information or to be placed on the event listserv, please email MoveLA@sagaftra.org. l
Welcome to SAG-AFTRA Plaza ANGELA WEISS X2
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he historic Miracle Mile building that houses the union’s headquarters has been renamed SAG-AFTRA Plaza. National and local board members, union members and staff celebrated the big reveal on April 16, as wraps were taken off new signage visible on Wilshire Boulevard. The new name was the result of a lease agreement between SAG-AFTRA and Oschin Snyder Partnership, which owns the building, signed in January 2014. But a new name isn’t the only change at SAG-AFTRA Plaza. The SAG Foundation, recently relocated to the 10th floor, and the AFTRA-SAG Federal Credit Union, which has rebranded itself as the SAG-AFTRA Federal Credit Union, will be moved to the first floor. SAG-AFTRA President Ken Howard, National Executive Director David White, SAG Foundation President JoBeth Williams, Los Angeles Councilman Tom LaBonge and Jerome Snyder of Oschin Snyder Partnership addressed a crowd of approximately 300 guests who assembled for the building dedication ceremony. “This is a proud moment for SAG-AFTRA members in Los Angeles and around the country,” said Howard. “To see SAG-AFTRA Plaza lit up along this beautiful boulevard, in the heart of Los Angeles, is evidence of our tightknit bond with the Wilshire Boulevard community and the Miracle Mile. It is a fitting home for our national headquarters and Los Angeles Local.” l
From left, L.A. City Councilman Tom LaBonge, SAG-AFTRA L.A. Local Executive Director Ilyanne Morden Kichaven, Jerome Snyder of Oschin Snyder Partnership, SAG-AFTRA President Ken Howard, SAG-AFTRA L.A. Local President Clyde Kusatsu, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director David White and SAG Foundation President JoBeth Williams cut the ribbon at the building dedication ceremony.
L.A. Broadcast Steering Committee Debuts T he Los Angeles Local now has its own Broadcast Steering Committee, co-chaired by Fox 11 television reporter and National Board member Hal Eisner and 94.7 The Wave radio host and Local Board member Mike Sakellarides. The Local Board approved the committee’s formation at its April 6 meeting. Prior to the approval, Southern California broadcasters convened on March 28 to gauge the level of interest in forming the committee. Led by National Director of News and Broadcast Anna Calderon, broadcast department staff facilitated that meeting which was attended by a dozen traffic, radio, and television members from commercial and public stations. Members addressed the rapid changes and safety issues they confront
(specifically Weingarten rights) and more. in the workplace, as well as local contract Broadcast workshops will be held in June negotiations and strategies. and August in Los Angeles, and the group Executive Vice President Gabrielle wrapped with a resolution to meet at least Carteris shared her concern for broadcaster three times a year. l issues and her excitement about members’ renewed engagement in organizing drives to unionize more public, commercial and Spanishlanguage broadcast stations. Committee members received training at a steward and training session on May 2, learning about organizing SAG-AFTRA leadership and broadcasters met for the first Southern skills, workplace rights California Broadcast Steering Committee meeting on March 28. JUNE/JULY 2015
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VALERIE MACON X2
From left, The Evolution of Character panelists Louis Gossett Jr., Robi Reed, David Oyelowo, Blair Underwood and SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director David White.
ICON MANN Sessions Lead Talks on Diversity in Hollywood
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AG-AFTRA was one of the proud sponsors of the ICON MANN Sessions, an event designed to generate positive dialogues and encourage awareness about black men in Hollywood. The Feb. 17 event took place at the union’s headquarters in Los Angeles. SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director David White moderated the first session, The Evolution of Character, which focused on the characterizations and representations of black men in film and television throughout the years. David Oyelowo (Selma), Blair
Underwood (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Casting Director Robi Reed and Oscar-winning actor Louis Gossett Jr. (An Officer and A Gentleman) were the first set of panelists who addressed issues concerning representation of black men. The second session, Black Book Value, was moderated by Franklin Leonard, co-founder of The Black List, and featured panelists Charles King, founder of Macro Ventures and former WME partner; Jeremy Kleiner, co-president of production for Plan B; and Matt Jackson, president of production for IM Global. Panelists discussed the international value of
Radio Players Welcome Spring with Two Classics
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he SAG-AFTRA Radio Players breathed new life into two radio show classics at the Autry National Center of the American West on March 19. The audience was treated to performances of Richard Diamond, Private Detective and My Favorite Husband. Originally starring Dick Powell, Richard Diamond, Private Detective first aired on NBC Radio on April 24, 1949, and the stories followed a lighthearted detective who often ended the episodes singing to his girlfriend, Helen. As the original stars, Lucille Ball and Richard Denning brought wacky comedy to the show My Favorite Husband, a radio series about Liz and George Cooper — “two people who live together and like it,” based on the popular novel Mr. and Mrs. Cugat by Isabel Scott Rorick. Radio Players Committee Chair David Westberg opened the show with a moment of silence in memory of longtime union activist and board member Paul Napier.
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From left, moderator Franklin Leonard, panelists Matt Jackson, Jeremy Kleiner and Charles King during the second session, Black Book Value.
minority films and examined whether such projects hold the same success overseas as in the United States. Watch video from the panel discussions on SAG-AFTRA TV at youtube.com/sagaftra. l
Actor and rapper Damian Washington, left, and MOVE Committee Chair Ellen Crawford
Members Rally for a Living Wage
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AG-AFTRA members joined other union members and the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor at a downtown rally calling for an increase to the minimum wage. MOVE L.A. Committee Chair Ellen Crawford joined committee member Michael Genovese and several other SAG-AFTRA members at the Raise the Wage rally on April 15. They turned out, along with AFL-CIO members and hundreds of fast food workers to show their support for a living wage of $15 per hour, paid sick leave and effective enforcement against wage theft.
From left, actor Michele Lee, broadcast journalist and author Lynn Sherr, SAG-AFTRA National Board member L. Scott Caldwell, and singer, songwriter and social activist Holly Near at the National Women’s History Project celebration on March 28 at the Autry National Center.
SAG-AFTRA SUPPORTS WOMEN’S HISTORY PROJECT
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he SAG-AFTRA Women’s Committee was a proud sponsor of the 2015 National Women’s History Project celebration on March 28. SAG-AFTRA member Holly Near, a singer, songwriter and social activist, and broadcast journalist and author Lynn Sherr were honored for excellence in their professional fields and for bringing about social change.
NWHP is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to recognize and celebrate the diverse and historic accomplishments of women. The organization provides educational and informational resources to unify the national celebrations of Women’s History Month in March. This year’s theme was Weaving the Stories of Women’s Lives. l
HIGHLYWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY
Doubling and Tripling Your Threat
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s many performers know, there is no one path to finding work in the entertainment industry. Expert panelists from the singing, dancing and acting realms underscored that fact at a March 17 panel, Doubling and Tripling Your Threat: Successful Strategies for the Singing and Dancing Actor. At the event, hosted by the MOVE Committee and held at SAG-AFTRA’s headquarters in Los Angeles, panelists shared their unique stories of how their careers evolved and why it is essential to market yourself as more than one type of performer. For those who missed the event, check out the video online at sagaftra.org/movela.
From left, panelists Gerald White and Jasper Randall; moderator Jen Faith Brown; panelists A.J. Teshin, Dan Navarro, Sally Stevens, Dana Wilson, Pete Engle and Matisha Baldwin. JUNE/JULY 2015
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v KUSATSU continued from page 1 shows for a small monthly subscription fee. HBO has launched HBO NOW to millions of viewers not subscribed to cable, and Apple TV is planning a launch in the fall, offering an Internet-based TV service for its iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV set-top box that would offer a slimmed-down bundle of TV networks to compete with more expensive cable packages. In our industry, we don’t want to be the Radio Shack of entertainment unions: an organization that can’t or won’t adapt to the change. It is a matter of being proactive, not reactive. Audience measurement — ratings — and their importance to the networks have transitioned swiftly from “overnight” ratings to measuring viewership in the first three or seven days a program is available. This is due to time-shifted viewership patterns made possible by DVRs recording shows for later viewing and by on-demand services. By that metric, many network groups have seen an increase in viewers and evaluate their shows on that basis, rather than on one-night viewership. In April, The Blacklist on NBC saw an 84-percent increase in the three days following its initial broadcast from DVR playback. Instead of the historic practice of pursuing of a mass audience gathered at a single scheduled time, there’s a new kind of “appointment TV” — one where viewers decide when and where they will watch, and then binge on their favorite shows. Recently, Fuse TV (originally a music channel) merged with NUVOtv, which was co-founded by Jennifer Lopez, to become a “blended network” with programming reflecting a “diverse flavor” with a target audience of 18-49-year-olds in the Latino community. The channel refers to its audience as “new, young Americans” and targets that demographic with music, scripted and reality shows — a mix of comedy, culture and lifestyle programming — that reflects the interests and diversity of this generation. As eyeballs migrate away from traditional news, viewers — particularly younger viewers — are tuning in to online sources such as the Huffington Post’s streaming HuffPost Live channel or MSNBC’s Shift. While President Obama was getting lackluster ratings on television for January’s State of the Union speech broadcast, Shift saw a 130-percent increase in unique visitors compared to the previous year.
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Obama dealt with his diminishing audience on network and cable TV, which saw only 31.7 million tuning in, by not waiting for the audience to come to him, but by going to them. He gave interviews to three of the top YouTube personalities with substantial subscriber bases: Bethany Mota (8.6 million), GloZell Green (3.5 million), and Hank Green (2.5 million). Why? When the president did an interview with Zach Galifianakis on his show Between Two Ferns to get Healthcare.gov more attention, it brought up traffic to the site by 40 percent and the interview was covered in nearly every major publication. The future may be uncertain, but these changes have an impact on members. SAG-AFTRA watches these trends closely so that we can continue to stay ahead of the curve. How? By launching initiatives like the President’s Task Force on Education, Outreach and Engagement, which recently released the Working For You! booklet, containing information about membership benefits and responsibilities, how to ensure you receive all the latest union news and who to call if you have questions. The EEO & Diversity committees have created a brochure, Know Your Rights & Your Union, with the message: “The best way to compete in the world of entertainment and news media is to be a prepared, well-trained and informed professional. Learn from their real-world experiences. Understand your rights and take action.” Contact diversity@sagaftra.org for this brochure. SAG-AFTRA recently conducted a nationwide live-streamed town hall for our members, marking the launch of The Best In The Business, an effort by SAG-AFTRA’s Commercials Department and the National Commercial Performers Committee, to have a comprehensive member-driven initiative to organize commercials and recapture work opportunities for union actors. This is an effort to have members stay informed, get involved and help solve the problem. There are toolkits available for members interested in getting involved to help deliver the message. In this industry, information is the currency that allows us to enforce our contracts and prepares us to be in a position of strength for future negotiations. It’s not only what your union does for you, but what you bring to your union that will keep it strong, effective and growing so that we keep on moving forward. l
Remembering Paul Napier
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ongtime union activist Paul Napier passed away on Feb. 21 at the age of 84. Paul represents the type of individual and union leader on whose shoulders a union’s strength rests. As an advocate and tireless volunteer on multiple negotiating committees, he did the hard work of contract bargaining that supports the careers and families of so many. As is often the case with such leaders, many thousands of SAG-AFTRA members benefited from his efforts and the union is forever grateful for Paul’s many decades of service.
Serving Members Who Are Veterans
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he SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Local Military Personnel & Families Support (MPFS) Committee is planning upcoming events specifically tailored to SAG-AFTRA members who are veterans. If you are a veteran or are interested in attending MPFS Committee events, please send your name and contact information, along with your SAG-AFTRA membership number, to MPFS@sagaftra.org. Please note that union rules apply. Only paid-up members of SAG-AFTRA may attend. Your privacy is protected. All information provided is voluntary, kept confidential and used for internal purposes only. l
Calendar of Events Now through Friday, June 19 Women Can Build: Re-Envisioning Rosie Exhibit This exhibit features original photographs and stories of the women who are building America’s 21st-century transportation. These photographs, taken in factories across the country by Pulitzer Prize recipient Deanne Fitzmaurice, will be displayed alongside historic photographs of WWII-era “Rosie the Riveter” manufacturing workers, connecting past and present. The exhibit directs attention to the overlooked contributions of the skilled and hardworking women who build America’s buses and trains. Parking is available under Union Station for $6, with an entrance on Vignes Street. Union Station is accessible by Metrolink, Metro Gold, Purple and Red lines and numerous municipal bus lines. Visit womencanbuild.org.
Monday, May 25 SAG-AFTRA offices closed in observance of Memorial Day holiday.
Wednesday, May 27 Nominating petitions available for members interested in running for the position of National Board member, Local Officer, Local Board member or Convention Delegate representing the Los Angeles Local in the 2015 Local Election. Please see the recent SAG-AFTRA magazine for the official notice which includes the election calendar and requirements, or call (323) 549-6614.
Thursday, May 28 Improv Workshop with Second City 2 – 4 p.m. In this free two-hour workshop, you’ll learn the fundamentals of improv. We’ll discuss the basic concepts, how it applies to acting on stage and on camera, and to your life in general. There will be games, laughter and fun. You don’t need experience, just the willingness to explore your creativity. For more information, please call Member Education at (323) 634-8277. Valley Days – Vision And Value: Bringing Financial Clarity to Your Creative Career 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Ready to reach your full financial potential? In order to successfully manage your career, you must fully understand your earning power and determine the hour, day and week rates that will allow you to live without financial panic. Join us for this interactive presentation to get clarity on how to bring your vision as an artist together with the value you bring to the employer. For information, email The Actors Fund at awplaadmin@actorsfund.org.
Monday, June 1 Actors Fund Work Program Orientation 1 – 2:30 p.m. An introduction to all Actors Fund Work Program services, including group and individual career counseling, job training and education, financial assistance, and job placement services. This event is open to all entertainment professionals. Orientation is held every Monday
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.
except for legal holidays. No reservation or pre-registration required. If you are a member of an entertainment industry union, please bring your card. For more information, email The Actors Fund at awplaadmin@actorsfund.org.
Thursday, June 4 Budgeting: Nuts and Bolts 1 – 3 p.m. This monthly drop-in workshop focuses on helping you start tracking your income and expenses in a way that makes sense for artists and creative professionals who don’t always earn and spend the same way each month. You will learn how to stop guessing and really get specific about the ways in which money moves in and out of your life. The workshop is free, confidential and open to all professionals in performing arts and entertainment. RSVP to medoga@actorsfund.org if interested in attending this workshop.
Monday, June 22 L.A. Local Open Board Meeting 6 – 10 p.m. The SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Local Board opens its meeting 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. Space is limited. Reservations are required and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis (subject to stated requirements). All members who would like to attend must be in good standing, affiliated with the L.A. Local and willing to comply with observation procedures. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. RSVP to ObserveLABoard@sagaftra.org or (323) 549-6029.
Tuesday, June 23 Proximity: The Maintenance of Marketing 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. For further information, please call (323) 634-8277.
Thursday, June 25 SAG-AFTRA Radio Plays 7:30 – 9:30 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 7:30 p.m., 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027. For more information, please call (323) 634-8277.
Friday, July 10 SAVE THE DATE: Grand Performances: Watts 50 Join Grand Performances and the SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Broadcasters Committee for an evening of contemporary music and archival footage in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Watts Riots.
Friday, July 17 – Sunday, July 19 SAVE THE DATE: L.A. Conservatory Summer Intensive PARKING NOTICE: We are pleased to announce that our visitor parking system upgrade at SAG-AFTRA Plaza is now fully automated. SAG-AFTRA’s validation procedures will not change. We will continue to provide all-day validation to SAG-AFTRA members and guests. Please be sure to validate your parking ticket before returning to your vehicle. Please note that cashiers will no longer be handling visitor transactions.
Celebrating Women’s Leadership
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AG-AFTRA Los Angeles Local Board member Ana Lilia, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer Pamela Greenwalt and Local Executive Director Ilyanne Morden Kichaven were on hand at the Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy annual Women for a New Los Angeles luncheon on May 1. Hosted by state Sen. Holly Mitchell, this year’s honorees included Showtime’s series Masters of Sex and Kabira Stokes, founder and CEO of Isidore Electronics Recycling. Founded in 1993, LAANE works to solve the challenges of working poverty, inadequate health care and polluted communities.
SAG-AFTRA L.A. Local Board member Ana Lilia, left, and L.A. County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl JUNE/JULY 2015
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Support Recording Artists and the Fair Play Fair Pay Act of 2015
S Conference Leads Discussion on Labor Issues SAG-AFTRA leaders join officials from the sports world to speak on a panel at the UCLA Institute for Research and Employment Labor Conference at Crowne Plaza Beverly Hills Hotel on April 17. The panel, which included, from left, Robert Guerra of the MLB Players Association, SAG-AFTRA Executive Vice President Gabrielle Carteris, Joe Briggs of the NFL Players Association and SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Executive Director Ilyanne Morden Kichaven, discussed current labor and employment issues in the sports and entertainment industries. They addressed a range of topics, including collective bargaining and labor disputes, health and safety issues, and performer and athlete rights. Other SAG-AFTRA leaders featured at the two-day symposium included member Jason George, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel Duncan Crabtree-Ireland and SAG-AFTRA National Director, EEO & Diversity Adam Moore.
AG-AFTRA has always supported fair pay for music creators, including recording artists and singers, but the status quo isn’t working for them. That can change with your help. We need to take the next step and make sure Congress passes the Fair Play Fair Pay Act. The bill closes the AM/FM performance rights loophole, makes all radio services pay a fair market rate for all music (including pre1972 music), and streamlines payments to music producers. Take a moment to ask Congress to stand up for artists by supporting this legislation today. Visit musicFIRST.org to take action and spread the word on social media using the hashtag #FairPlayFairPay.