SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles, Fall 2014

Fall 2014

AB 1839: Creating More Jobs for Californians

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ood News for L.A. Local members: On Sept. 18, Gov. Jerry Brown signed AB 1839, The California Film and Television Job Retention and Promotion Act, into law. The new law takes effect in 2015 and expands the current California film and TV tax credit program for productions Ron Perlman speaks out in support of AB 1839 at Mobilization Day in Sacramento to $330 million a on Aug. 20. year for five years.

The more-than-threefold increase in credits help restore the economy by increasing aims to make California a viable place business and employment opportunities. to create film and TV productions and We applaud Gov. Brown, Assembly members Mike Gatto and Raul Bocanegra, Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins, state Senate President Pro Tem-elect Kevin de León, state Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, Assembly Minority Floor Leader Connie Conway and state Senate Minority Leader Bob Huff for recognizing the impact film and television production has on the state of California, and the importance of AB 1839.

We also thank our dedicated members who have worked tirelessly in support of this legislation. Approval of the bill came shortly after Mobilization Day, when SAG-AFTRA members headed to the State Capitol to make Stacey Travis, chair of the Government Affairs and their voices heard.

Public Policy Committee, and L.A. Local President For more information, please visit the Clyde Kusatsu attend the bill signing at TCL California Film Commission webpage at Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. film.ca.gov/incentives.htm. l

A Letter From L.A. President

CLYDE KUSATSU •••

Keeping Up With Change

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irst, I must

mention the passage of AB 1839, The California Film and Television Job Retention and Promotion Act. I was honored to attend Gov. Jerry Brown’s signing of this monumental bill into law on Sept. 18. This bill will create thousands of jobs for California residents and Los Angeles members by keeping film and TV productions in our state.

Thank you for your calls, letters, social media postings and rallying, all which helped push this bill forward. I encourage you to read the full story at left.

Secondly, I feel it is important to discuss the constant change we encounter in the entertainment industry. Today, we face an era dominated by rapid changes in technology, a 24/7 news cycle, and global interconnected economies that affect our lives and livelihoods. All our members from performers to broadcasters are finding ourselves challenged in maintaining and improving our careers.

While reading the June issue of Fast Company magazine, this bit got my attention: “[F]or a lot of those people, their smartphones will be the first computer they ever have, the first phone, the first KUSATSU continues on page 6

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Members OK TV/Theatrical Contracts

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n Aug. 22, SAG-AFTRA members overwhelmingly approved the new 2014 TV/Theatrical contracts covering theatrical films, new media production and scripted dramatic television under the 2014 SAG-AFTRA Codified Basic Agreement and the 2014 SAGAFTRA Television Agreement. The agreement reached between SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers offers members gains of $200 million in wages.

This agreement comes as a monumental

milestone for the union. As SAG-AFTRA President Ken Howard said, “Once again, we have made history. With the approval of the first-ever SAG-AFTRA Television Agreement, we have reached yet another of the goals we set when we merged. I am thankful to all members who participated throughout this process and the dedicated staff of SAG-AFTRA, who worked to ensure our new contract would usher us into the next generation of entertainment and new media production.” l

Network TV Code Update

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SAG-AFTRA members at KPCC recently reached an agreement for a new three-year contract.

SAG-AFTRA Organizes KPCC T he SAG-AFTRA National Broadcast Department and news staff at KPCC secured the first three-year SAG-AFTRA contract that will improve benefits and the quality of working conditions for over 70 employees onair and online. These staff members include reporters, newscasters, correspondents, producers, videographers, photographers, data journalists, show hosts, news anchors and apprentice news clerks.

The agreement reached with management

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at Southern California Public Radio includes guaranteed wage increases each year for the term of the contract, minimum scales for each job title and accompanying job descriptions, improvements in matters affecting the newsroom, and company benefits on the same basis as non-bargaining unit members.

SAG-AFTRA National Director of News & Broadcast for Southern California Anna Calderón served as chief negotiator for the union. l

here has been a lot of activity at SAG-AFTRA in advance of the union’s negotiation of the Network Television Code, which covers syndicated dramatic programming, daytime serials, promotional announcements and variety, quiz, game, reality, talk, news, sports and other nondramatic programming. The union conducted wages and working conditions meetings, soliciting the member feedback that drives the negotiations of the contract.

SAG-AFTRA President Ken Howard will chair and National Executive Director David White will serve as chief negotiator.

Negotiation of this contract will take place at the AMPTP office starting Nov. 3. The current contract expires on Nov. 15.

Deal Reached on Animation Contract

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AG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers have reached a tentative agreement for new contracts covering animated production. Negotiations, which lasted three days and concluded on Sept. 9, resulted in a new 2014 SAG-AFTRA TV Animation Agreement and SAG-AFTRA Basic Cable Animation Agreement. The terms of the new agreements were to be presented to the SAG-AFTRA National Board of Directors on Oct. 11. l

TYRONE D. WASHINGTON/WAVE TECH MEDIA

From left, EDD Chief of Staff Patricia Bokker, EDD Director Patrick Henning, L.A. Local Executive Director Ilyanne Morden Kichaven, California State Sen. Holly J. Mitchell, 3rd International VP of IATSE Thom Davis; IATSE Western Executive Director Cathy Repola; and EDD Deputy Director Sabrina Reed.

Experts give tips on unemployment insurance

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n Sept. 11, state Sen. Holly J. Mitchell, SAG-AFTRA and IATSE hosted a meeting between representatives from California’s Employment Development Department and union members. State officials provided critical tips on applying for unemployment insurance. The workshop, tailored toward performers and crew, explored how to file a claim, qualifications and how to navigate the unemployment insurance system. They also answered specific questions one-on-one for those who needed more information.

Filing and reopening claims is a process which takes time. However, there are ways you can help expedite the process: n Complete the claim form online using EDD Web Cert. More information can be found at edd.ca.gov/unemployment; n Keep all pay stubs and the envelopes for mail dates if received via mail; n Maintain a log or journal that records hours worked, date paid and employer contact info; n When completing your claim form, be sure to have the complete contact information from your last employer and the date the last payment was received; n Residuals are considered past earnings that must be included when completing forms. The residual checks must be reported for the week received; n Follow all directions when completing the form. If using a paper form, do not use correction fluid or gel point pens. The

scanning system is sensitive and can reject the form if completed incorrectly; and n Let the representative know if you’re working out of state; you may qualify for benefits in that state.

Special thank you to state Sen. Holly Mitchell and her team, along with Patrick Henning and Sabrina Reed of the EDD, and their staff, for providing insight on this

resource that impacts the daily lives of SAG-AFTRA members.

Find the full PowerPoint presentation designed specifically for SAG-AFTRA members on the L.A. Local webpage at sagaftra.org/la. For more information, visit edd.ca.gov/unemployment.

Searching for a local EDD office?

Visit servicelocator.org. Questions?

Call (800) 300-5616. l

Get Ready for the 21st Annual SAG Awards

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ou can decide who takes home the Actor® statuettes at the 21st Annual SAG Awards. To secure your voting eligibility and to receive For Your Consideration materials, be sure to submit your November 2014 dues and any address changes by Dec. 1, 2014. Nominations will be announced on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 6 a.m. PT live on TNT, TBS, tntdrama.com and tbs.com.

To sign up for potential screening opportunities and learn more, please visit sagawards.org. Follow the SAG Awards on Facebook (sagawardsofficialpage) and on Twitter (SAGawards).

The SAG Awards auction, benefitting the SAG Foundation, opens on Dec. 4. Visit sagawards.org/auction for details.

SAVE THE DATE: Don’t miss the annual L.A. Host Committee’s SAG Awards Viewing Party held in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles at L.A. Live. Watch the 21st SAG Awards with fellow members at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 25, at the Regal Cinemas L.A. Live Stadium 14. This year’s Life Achievement Award recipient is Debbie Reynolds. Parking and RSVP details will be emailed out to members and posted on the L.A. Local page of the SAG-AFTRA website in January.

JUSTIN BAKER x4

From left, Next Gen Performers Subcommittee Chair Ben Whitehair, Los Angeles Communications Coordinator Charli Wilson, MOVE L.A. Committee Chair Ellen Crawford, National Executive Director David White, NewFilmmakers Los Angeles Executive Director Larry Laboe, and Mack Sennett Studios Owner and President Jesse Rogg.

Next Gen Performers Host Official Launch Party

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n July 31, SAG-AFTRA’s Next Gen Performers Subcommittee held an official launch party exclusively for millennial performers at Mack Sennett Studios. The official launch party, hosted

by Chair Ben Whitehair and celebrity guest Quddus, was produced in partnership with NewFilmmakers Los Angeles and presented a unique opportunity for young adults and filmmakers to become better acquainted with the union and its services.

Launch partygoers were able to network with community professionals, upload photos from an on-site photo booth and discover how to create their own SAG-AFTRA projects with New Media and Low Budget Theatrical contracts.

On hand for remarks were New Media Manager Will Marshall and SAGindie National Director Darrien Michele Gipson, who provided information about SAG-AFTRA contracts and how to get started. Whitehair and NewFilmmakers Los Angeles Executive Director Larry Laboe also expressed the urgency of members taking control of their own careers and not waiting for someone else to give them an opportunity.

Guests were encouraged to utilize social

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media by referencing #NGPLaunch to connect with other guests and their followers.

Next Gen Performers is creating a new way for members to connect with SAG-AFTRA, a way that resonates with young adult members. The launch party was the first event of many that will connect millennial members with the union while encouraging an entrepreneurial and leadership spirit.

Next Gen Performers is a subcommittee under the MOVE Los Angeles Committee, chaired by Ellen Crawford. l

Guests network and meet fellow performers and industry professionals.

Attendees strike a pose at the photo booth.

Celebrity Guest Quddus and NGP Chair Ben Whitehair host the Next Gen Performers summer launch party.

VALERIE MACON

SAG-AFTRA executive staff and elected leadership attend Dynamic and Diverse: A 66th Emmy Nominee Celebration.

SAG-AFTRA, TV Academy Host Dynamic and Diverse Emmy Celebration

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AG-AFTRA and the Television Academy teamed up to host the second annual Dynamic and Diverse: A 66th Emmy Nominee Celebration. The Aug. 12 event brought together Emmy nominees, performers and industry professionals to recognize performers and talent who portray diverse characters on television.

SAG-AFTRA’s Diversity Advisory

Committee Chair Jason George, Television Academy Diversity Committee Co-chair Hayma “Screech” Washington and Television Academy President and COO Maury McIntyre took to the stage to acknowledge their commitment to diversity and its tremendous value to the industry.

George, who delivered keynote remarks for the evening, told the audience, “Diversity is

good business.” He lauded the strides industry professionals have made and expressed the need for more roles and productions that accurately reflect the American Scene, the diverse cultures and people present in our local communities and throughout America.

SAG-AFTRA congratulates the Emmy nominees and winners and show creators for their commitment to diversity.

Union Supports MPTF Women’s Wellness Conference

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urthering its long commitment to the well-being of the entertainment community, the Motion Picture and Television Fund held its second annual Deal With It: A Women’s Conference on Sept. 21 at the Montage in Beverly Hills. SAG-AFTRA was proud to sponsor this daylong program, which featured keynote presentations by actor and best-selling author Sandra Tsing Loh and best-selling author, screenwriter and producer Delia Ephron, as well as panels with leading experts in career reinvention, wellness, elder care, patient advocacy, estate planning, wealth management and more.

SAG-AFTRA Executive Vice President Gabrielle Carteris served on a panel titled Survive and Thrive: Dealing with Crisis and Adversity and Emerging Stronger than Ever. “Attendees left feeling not only better informed, but inspired and empowered.

I was honored to be among this group of

SAG-AFTRA National Board members Lisa Vidal, left, and L. Scott Caldwell flank Executive Vice President Gabrielle Carteris.

remarkable professionals sharing their knowledge and insights,” said Carteris.

SAG-AFTRA is pleased to have partnered with MPTF on this important conference. l

Screenwriter and Producer Delia Ephron, left, and L.A. Local Second Vice President Susan Boyd Joyce.

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News anchor Kent Shocknek, center, with, from left, his wife Karen Walters, SAG-AFTRA National Broadcast Director Anna Calderón, Los Angeles Local Honors and Tributes Committee Chair Jenny O’Hara, Los Angeles Local Honors and Tributes Committee Vice Chair Mimi Cozzens, Los Angeles Local President Clyde Kusatsu and Los Angeles Local Executive Director Ilyanne Morden Kichaven.

Anchor Kent Shocknek Honored T he Los Angeles Local Honors and Tributes Committee saluted longtime news anchor Kent Shocknek for his commitment and dedication to journalistic excellence, presenting him with a certificate of appreciation during the Sept. 29 Los Angeles Local board meeting.

In August, Shocknek announced his plans to retire from CBS2 and KCAL9 after more than 36 years of service in television news, 31 of which were spent in the Los Angeles market. He is a pioneer in Los Angeles news and has accomplished many firsts: Shocknek was Los Angeles’ first and longest-

running television news morning anchor, he anchored some of the first live webcasts and was the first Los Angeles television reporter to compose a daily blog. A multiple Emmy and Los Angeles Press Club award recipient, he has continuously provided the community with up-to-date coverage.

Upon accepting the certificate, Shocknek expressed his gratitude for being part of the lives of Angelenos, and for his union benefits. “I am so appreciative to my union for always protecting me and, especially now, for providing me with my pension,” he said.

Singers Supporting Singers O

n Sept. 22, the Society of Singers hosted An Amazing Evening with Singer/Songwriters, featuring live music and dinner to raise funds for singers in need. The event, held at Cafe Cordial in Sherman Oaks, showcased the acoustic talents of renowned vocalists/songwriters, including SAG-AFTRA Vice President, From left, Gary Stockdale, Ken Stacey, Lisbeth Scott, Recording Artists and L.A. Local Dan Navarro and Dick Wells Board member Dan Navarro, and union members Lisbeth Scott, Ken Stacey, highlighting the extraordinary talents of Gary Stockdale and Dick Wells, a member some of our own,” said Stevens. of the SAG-AFTRA Singers Committee.

Since 1984, the nonprofit Society of Singers Society of Singers Board member and has been working to improve, preserve Singers Committee member Sally Stevens and maintain the personal dignity and produced and introduced the evening. quality of life of professional artists. For “We wanted to present an evening more information, visit Society of Singers at supporting our community while singers.org. l

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connection to the Internet. The first way to learn online and organize politically and get accurate information and access to global markets …”

The questions we need to ask ourselves regarding the evolution of our industry are: How do we as performers keep up? How do we as a union keep up and protect our members? How do we all remain relevant and purposeful?

When, where, how and what describes the entertainment industry and where the public views its news and watches entertainment shows? Apps are already beginning to replace television channels (e.g., HBO GO) and, as Reed Hastings of Netflix has posited, “Internet TV will replace linear TV.” The challenge is not to sit back and “tsk, tsk, tsk” about what once was, but instead choose to acknowledge what is happening now. It may not be the next new thing or app, but one thing is certain: The future of our industry is not going to be what once was. It is always evolving imperceptibly and, at times, seemingly overnight. Actors are now asked to self-shoot and email auditions because casting directors need it immediately and, at times, at the last minute. Similarly, for many years now, broadcast reporters have been writing, recording and shooting their own reports when working in the field.

There is no longer simply broadcast, cable and theatrical. Now there’s streaming video on demand; premium, network and cable video on demand; and multichannel networks. And more changes are on the way. Facebook recently bought Oculus Rift, which aims to make virtual reality a common part of media consumption.

That technology powers a recently announced headset that will integrate virtual reality technology with Samsung’s Galaxy Note 4, providing users with new, more immersive ways to enjoy games and movies. Meanwhile, Amazon reached a deal to acquire Twitch, a video game-focused platform for streaming video that incorporates interactivity and has remarkably high levels of engagement.

I am learning to view this change, which can be disruptive, as evolution. There’s a need to keep ourselves informed. It will take not only passion, but perseverance and resiliency to navigate these new frontiers. l

Calendar of Events Monday, Nov. 3 Still uninsured? Need enrollment assistance? This in-person workshop will walk you through your Covered California options, provide important information relevant to performers and the self-employed, and help you figure out how to get affordable health insurance.

This event is free and open to everyone. This workshop is offered every Monday at 11 a.m. and the first Wednesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. at The Actors Fund, 5757 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90036. RSVP to AHIRCHealthReform@actorsfund.org.

For more information, please call (855) 491-3357.

Tuesday, Nov. 11 New Media Contract Workshop. 6–8 p.m., James Cagney Boardroom. For further information or to RSVP, please email newmediaevents@sagaftra.org.

Wednesday, Nov. 12 If you have not been to an orientation before or would like to reorient yourself with the services provided

by SAG-AFTRA, attend a member orientation.

Learn information about logging hours on set, agent relationships, residuals and more. James Cagney Boardroom, 1–4 p.m. No RSVP necessary. For further information, please call (323) 634-8277.

Thursday, Nov. 13 Low Budget Agreement Workshop. 6–8 p.m., James Cagney Boardroom. RSVP at sagindie.org/resources/ contract-workshops. For further information, please call SAGindie at (323) 549-6064.

Saturday, Nov. 15 Join SAG-AFTRA team captains Ellen Crawford, Jon Huertas and Mark Valley and the L.A. County

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.

Federation of Labor for the United Way HomeWalk.

For more information and to register with Team SAG-AFTRA, email consuelo.flores@sagaftra.org or call (323) 634-8277. Registration begins at 7 a.m., 700 Exposition Park Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90037.

Wednesday, Nov. 26 SAG-AFTRA offices will close at 12:30 p.m. in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Nov. 27 & 28 SAG-AFTRA offices closed in observance of Thanksgiving holiday.

Thursday, Nov. 27 Laugh Factory hosts its 35th Annual Free Thanksgiving Day Feast. All are welcome to enjoy a day of turkey, stuffing, joy and laughter. Top comedians will greet and serve guests as well as perform a live show. Serving times are 1, 3, 5 and 7 p.m. First come, first served. No RSVP necessary. Laugh Factory, 8001 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90046. (323) 656-1336, Ext. 1.

Monday, Dec. 1

The SAG Awards Auction, benefitting the SAG Foundation, opens. Visit sagawards.org/auction for details.

Tuesday, Dec. 9 New Media Contract Workshop. 6–8 p.m., James Cagney Boardroom. For further information or to RSVP, email newmediaevents@sagaftra.org.

Wednesday, Dec. 10 SAVE THE DATE: Annual Winter Celebration presented by the L.A. Local Host Committee. More details and RSVP information to follow. For questions only, call (323) 549-6009.

Thursday, Dec. 11 Low Budget Agreement Workshop. 6–8 p.m., James Cagney Boardroom. RSVP at sagindie.org/resources/ contract-workshops. For further information, please call (323) 549-6064.

Dec. 24 & 25 SAG-AFTRA offices closed in observance of the Christmas holiday.

Membership dues must be paid by this date to be eligible for SAG Awards voting and For Your Consideration materials.

Wednesday, Dec. 31

Thursday, Dec. 4

Thursday, Jan. 1

SAVE THE DATE: The SAG-AFTRA Radio Play Committee presents an evening performance of old-time radio plays at the Gene Autry Museum Wells Fargo Theater. Galleries open at 6 p.m., show begins at 7:30 p.m., 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027. RSVP details to follow. For further information, please call (323) 634-8277.

SAG-AFTRA offices closed in observance of the New Year’s Day holiday.

SAG-AFTRA offices closed in observance of New Year’s Eve.

Sunday, Jan. 25 21st Annual SAG Awards air on TNT and TBS. Watch with fellow members at the SAG Awards Viewing Party.

More details to come.

Committed to Safety First

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SAG-AFTRA President at LGBT Town Hall SAG-AFTRA President Ken Howard and special guest speaker Dan Bucatinsky at the LGBT in Entertainment: Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity town hall on Sept. 10. Presented by the SAG-AFTRA LGBT Committee, the SAG Foundation and the UCLA Williams Institute, the event centered around the recently published study on LGBT issues in entertainment. The town hall was live streamed, with audiences in Los Angeles and New York. The event may be viewed at sagaftra.org/sag-aftra-tv.

eeping members safe on set is a top priority for SAG-AFTRA. To ensure members are safe, SAG-AFTRA’s 24-hour toll-free hotline for emergencies, (844) SAFER SET (844-723-3773), will be printed on the back of your new member card. Call (844) SAFER SET when there are issues involving: n Stunt, hazardous or rough work; n Working in a dangerous location, including environmental concerns; n Minors on set; or n Serious working condition violations.

During regular business hours, members are encouraged to call their local office to report any safety/working condition concerns.

For questions regarding contract rates, dues, SAG Pension & Health, AFTRA Health & Retirement or other non-emergencies, please contact the local office. For a directory, visit sagaftra.org/la, click About Our Local then select Contact Us. l FALL 2014

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©2014 SAG-AFTRA (Vol. 3, No. 1A) (ISSN 2168-667X) is published by SAG-AFTRA. Periodicals postage paid at Los Angeles, CA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to SAG-AFTRA, 5757 Wilshire Blvd., 7th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90036-3600.

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PLEASE RECYCLE — CONSIDER GIVING YOUR COPY OF THE NEWSLETTER TO ANOTHER MEMBER.

Annual Winter Celebration Join the Los Angeles Host Committee on the evening of Dec. 10 for merriment and cheer at SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles headquarters. Usher in the winter season with fellow members and good fun.

Those interested in helping others in the community can contribute by bringing an unwrapped toy or gift card (for older children) to the Village Family Services toy drive or a nonperishable food item for the AIDS Project Los Angeles food drive.