SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles - Fall 2019 by SAG-AFTRA

FALL 2019

CSA Discusses Senior Opportunities

SAG-AFTRA National Seniors Committee Co-Chair Jackie Joseph, CSA President Russell Boast, SAG-AFTRA members Danielle Kennedy, CJ Jones and Alma Martinez with talent manager Tim Angle, SAG-AFTRA member Keone Young and CSA casting directors Tracy Lilienfield and Julia Kim before the CSA Senior Actors Town Hall on Aug. 23.

s part of its ongoing Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion in Casting Initiative, the Casting Society of America has begun hosting a series of panel conversations intended to shed light on, and effect change for, how actors in historically underrepresented communities are afforded access to job opportunities. Partnering with the SAG-AFTRA National Seniors Committee, CSA held a successful and much-needed town hall conversation on the inclusion of senior performers in casting at SAG-AFTRA Plaza on Aug. 23. Aligned with SAG-AFTRA’s mission — DANIELLE KENNEDY for better job opportunities and following the recent successful New York town hall, the panel of senior actors and prominent casting directors and talent representatives drew in more than 130 SAG-AFTRA and CSA attendees. Casting Director and CSA President Russell Boast led the conversation along with fellow panelists Julia Kim (casting), Tracy Lilienfield

“We’ve got the memory; we’ve got the goods. Help us deliver.”

A Letter From L.A. President Patricia Richardson Dear SAG-AFTRA L.A. Local Members, Thank you for the trust you have given me as your newly elected SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Local president. Thank you especially to those of you who took the time to vote. You are too rare and we appreciate you so much. It’s a great honor and privilege for me to do something to give back to the unions I joined 44 years ago. Even when I was young, I knew how important that protection was and never took that membership for granted. It is more important than ever that all members pay attention and value our union, not only because of the protection we get. An active, involved membership is our only hope of survival in these times of consolidation of production companies with studios, studios folded into networks and networks absorbed into giant corporations who are bent on profit over the safety and well-being of workers everywhere. The larger packaging agencies are adding to our performers’ problems by becoming our employers. We all know there is way more work and way less money for us. You may have problems with protection, contracts, late payments or enforcement, but you must get involved to fight for what you want to fix! All of the forces that want to bust this union from within and without affect us here in the largest, most profitable local in the country, located at the center of it all, here in Hollywood. I am thrilled to see our members step up and take a more active role than ever before. A record 33,000 members participated in volunteer work or attended events around L.A. last year. We also had a record 450 volunteers for committees that will bring in wonderful new ideas. Particularly here in L.A., our activism is important. We are so proud of the members who show up and come through for us when called upon to protest. I saw so many of you at the BBH strike action and at other strike actions. You’re the ones we count on to show up and you do! You have shown the leadership of this union and the world that this local will turn up when asked to show its strength and unity. Your local leaders are thankful for that. We honored the way you voted at our recent Local Board meeting. CONTINUES ON PAGE 6

CONTINUES ON PAGE 2

SENIORS CONTINUES FROM PAGE 1

(casting), Candace Stewart (talent agent), Tim Angle (talent manager), and actors Alma Martinez, Danielle Kennedy, Keone Young and CJ Jones. Kicking off the conversation, Lilienfield and Kim applauded examples of progress in the industry, such as more accurate representations of contemporary American seniors, which can be seen in Netflix’s hit comedy Grace and Frankie, cast by Lilienfield herself. Still, the CDs acknowledged that more inclusive casting and the effort to shift outdated on-screen representations of seniors are works in progress, but they hope the strides that have been made will accelerate the advances to come. Angle and Stewart, agents who have senior performers on their rosters, reported on the improvements in onscreen representation. The reps also encouraged audience members not to be intimidated by technology, and reminded them of the abundant free programming offered by the L.A. Local, which includes classes in self-taping. Members Martinez, Kennedy, Young and Jones delved further into actingcentric issues faced by senior actors, examining issues such as re-entering the industry following a hiatus, entering later in life or, more commonly, the issue of senior roles being filled by younger actors in makeup. Members acknowledged that whether you have a respectable résumé of work or are entering the industry for the first time as a senior, the challenges are very real in an industry that’s reluctant to portray senior characters as diverse and threedimensional. Jones and Young discussed the activism, which is much needed in the senior community in order to make age and maturity a driving topic and ensure these roles go to senior actors. “We’ve got the memory; we’ve got the goods. Help us deliver,” Kennedy said. The town hall brought this community together for a constructive and honest conversation. Panelists encouraged attendees, whether fellow SAG-AFTRA members or CSA members, to help move the needle forward by continuing to engage in open conversations about their concerns. 2 • sagaftra.org

The first panel at the April 29 Women’s Resource Day event was moderated by SAG-AFTRA National Director, Voiceover Katie Watson. Panelists included a casting director and a performance director who described how interactive work differs from theatrical and TV projects.

Women’s Resource Day: Finding Work in Interactive and Voiceover

ore than 130 members learned how SAG-AFTRA National Director, Organizing to break into lucrative interactive Steve Sidawi, and voiceover performers Kyla and voiceover work at the Women’s Garcia, Amy Rubinate, Kimiko Glenn and Resource Day: Finding Work in Interactive Sara Cravens. and Voiceover program on April 29. Organized Panelists explained that voiceover by the SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Women’s performers are often alone in the booth, and Committee and held at the SAG-AFTRA that they may be provided only a few lines at a Foundation, the event brought together time rather than an entire script. When voicing prominent interactive, performance capture animation, a performer might only see the and voiceover professionals to share firsthand initial artwork of a character, leaving the rest information about working in to the actor’s imagination and the audiobooks, commercials improvisational skill. Regis and animation industries. advised performers to make Attendees also enjoyed a each role their own, saying, catered networking lunch. “The specificity is what is Casting director Ivy going to make you stand out.” Isenberg, performance Attendees also learned director Tom Keegan and that the processes SAG-AFTRA members involved in voiceover and — LUANNE REGIS Debra Wilson, Cissy Jones, performance capture work Gwendoline Yeo and Janina are collaborative, and they Gavankar described working in video games were advised that aspiring performers should and how the skill requirements and processes familiarize themselves with the production differ from theatrical or TV projects. The process and the companies involved. In objective of performance capture is to record the same vein, performers are encouraged and digitize nuanced movements, such as to build relationships of their own with facial expressions and body language, that are developers and, in the case of audiobooks, used later to animate a character. Since the should also network directly with publishers. actor’s look, age, race and ethnicity are not Most importantly, these fields rely on visible in the final production, the potential performers to be the ultimate storytellers, so exists for any performer to portray any let your imaginations fly! character or even multiple characters. Attendees left with invaluable insider Moderated by voiceover actor Lori Alan, tips for launching a career in voiceover and the second panel focused on how the performance capture, and an understanding performance experience and required skills of the importance of continually strengthening of voiceover work differ from on-camera vocal and improv skills. Both the SAG-AFTRA work and the distinctions between voiceover Foundation and Los Angeles Local offer free for animation, audiobooks and commercials. classes and panels covering several industryPanelists included talent agent Luanne Regis, related topics, including voiceover and improv.

“The specificity is what is going to make you stand out.”

Casting Directors Dish Self-Tape Tips

s modern technology has become increasingly prevalent in the entertainment industry, SAG-AFTRA members need to adapt to a growing demand for self-tape auditions, which has left many frustrated and concerned. To help demystify the process, four L.A.-based casting directors shared their expertise on an information-packed panel all about self-taped auditions. During the event, organized by the Los Angeles Local and held at SAG-AFTRA Plaza on July 31, attendees were able to submit questions and panelists discussed their processes for reviewing tapes, what they look for and notice, and tips to help members nail their next self-taped audition. Casting director and panel moderator Jenny Jue began the discussion by explaining that the emergence of streaming services has led to an eruption of new programming, which has resulted in many more opportunities for actors, but also less time for CDs to review auditions, hence the need for the self-tape format. By utilizing self-taped auditions, CDs are able to see more candidates than ever before, and panelists reassured attendees that every audition received by the deadline is given a fair viewing. In fact, several panelists stated that they keep and catalogue unused auditions to pull for future roles. The most important takeaway was that there

SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Local Executive Director Ilyanne Morden Kichaven, left, with casting directors Krista Husar (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd (Fruitvale Station), Caroline Liem (Jimmy Kimmel Live!) and Jenny Jue (Inglourious Basterds) prior to the self-tape panel at SAG-AFTRA Plaza on July 31.

are a thousand reasons why an actor may not receive a role, and the overwhelming majority has nothing to do with the actor or their ability. Having said that, actors should know that casting directors feel pressure from producers and directors to fill the roles quickly and leave no stone — or audition — unturned. For this reason, self-taping accounts for roughly 85% of all auditions, and that percentage is only going to increase. So, actors should do their best to get comfortable with the format. Still, the larger issue remains: For many SAG-AFTRA members, self-taping distracts from their principle task of delivering their

best performance. Until now, a performer’s sole responsibility was getting to the audition and nailing it. Now, they are forced to also look for a reader and make technical and directorial decisions. Throughout the evening, the panel discussed a variety of topics, including technical direction, costume and props, slates and reels, readers and the pet peeves of casting directors. The panel delivered crucial insider knowledge on what casting directors want performers to know. For a list of shared tips, go to sagaftra.org/la

Another Home Run for L.A. Conservatory

ore than 600 SAG-AFTRA L.A. Conservatory members took over the American Film Institute campus for the annual Summer Intensive weekend featuring back-to-back panels and workshops on July 19–21. Each year, the event grows more robust in attendance and content, boasting more than 70 classes, panels and one-on-one diagnostics, ranging in subject matter from classic craftwork, such as improv, TV comedy and audition tactics, to business, finance and branding courses. This year’s opening night panel featured a group of multihyphenate members from diverse backgrounds who discussed topics pertinent to SAG-AFTRA performers who self-produce. To keep up with the needs of the members, organizers provided more classes on content creation, podcasts,

branding, social media and self-taping on a budget. As a result, the program attracted more attendees and millennials than ever before and generated great feedback. Among the most popular events were workshops and panels with casting directors and diagnostic one-on-one sessions. One opportunity not on the schedule was the chance to network with fellow members. Throughout the weekend, members shared innumerable experiences from past Summer Intensives that led to jobs, friends and other opportunities. Year after year, the program continues to please and grow. Staff and committee members are ready to start working on next year’s program and hope to see you there. SAG-AFTRA L.A. Conservatory registration is open now.

SAG-AFTRA L.A. Conservatory instructor Michael Bradley teaches fellow SAG-AFTRA members an innovative process for drama script analysis at the 2019 SAG-AFTRA Summer Intensive. SAG-AFTRA L.A. • FALL 2019 • 3

2019–2021

LOS ANGELES LOCAL BOARD

Pete Antico

Patricia Richardson*

Frances Fisher*

David Jolliffe*

Local President

First Vice President

Second Vice President

Rob Archer

Edward Asner *

Jane Austin*

Jessica Barth

(Broadcaster)

Joanna Cassidy*

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Natalia Castellanos

Charlean Carmon (Singer/Recording Artist)

Tom Choi

Tiffany Cox

Ellen Crawford

Joe d’Angerio *

Debbie Evans-Leavitt *

Marie Fink *

Michelle Jubilee Gonzalez

Elliott Gould *

Pamela Guest

Richard Hadfield

Brian Hamilton

Linda Harcharic

Samantha Hartson

Matt Kavanaugh

Diane Ladd *

Donna Lynn Leavy

Joanna Leeds

Jodi Long *

Kevin McCorkle

Matthew Modine *

Esai Morales *

Jenny O’Hara *

Ron Ostrow

Lee Purcell

Woody Schultz

Shaan Sharma

Fletcher Sheridan

Bob Stephenson

(Singer/Recording Artist)

Jonathan Taylor Thomas *

Danielle Towne

Katherine Von Till

Lisa Ann Walter

Ben Whitehair *

Vivicca A. Whitsett

(Dancer)

* Denotes seat on SAG-AFTRA National Board.

SAG-AFTRA L.A. • FALL 2019 • 5

RICHARDSON CONTINUES FROM PAGE 1

To bring you up to speed on what we’ve been doing since the election, I was lucky as a new president of our local to waltz into the first Background Actors’ Resource Fair on Sept. 6, organized by the L.A. Background Actors’ Education & Outreach Subcommittee. I, of course, had nothing to do with it, having just been elected, but I was very proud of this subcommittee who came up with this idea and brought it to fruition. The event was a great success and provided more than 200 background actors with free headshot services, wardrobe measurements, on-set makeup tips, and several information booths provided by vendors and Background Department contracts reps. We are so thankful to the subcommittee for all of their hard work. My next stroke of luck took me downtown with one of my favorite people, L.A. Local Executive Director Ilyanne Morden Kichaven at L.A. City Hall for the Made in Hollywood Honors, organized by City Councilman Mitch O’Farrell. This annual event honors productions filmed and edited in California, which bring work for our members as well as fellow unions, back to the home of film. On behalf of our members, I thanked all the companies involved and recalled being here before incentives brought work back. Also, I couldn’t help recalling filming West Wing in the City Hall rotunda with SAG Awards Life Achievement recipient Alan Alda. I had heard from delegates frustrated by the narrow window of time between their election and when amendments and resolutions have to be turned in. When they don’t have the time to submit resolutions, they feel less involved at the convention. So, I called the first-ever L.A. Local Delegates’ Caucus so they could convene, discuss and endorse each other’s proposed resolutions to be presented at the 2019 SAG-AFTRA Convention. The caucus was well attended and a tremendous success, with our L.A. delegation submitting more resolutions than ever before. Yes, another record broken! Afterwards, convention delegates shared that they felt more involved in the convention than they ever had before, were proud of having contributed something and were grateful to have learned so much about how the union runs. Our local staff, along with national staff, hosted the delegates from all over the country with warmth, efficiency and helpful directions. Bravo, especially, to our local BTE! (Best Team Ever!) 6 • sagaftra.org

I chaired my first Local Board meeting and named committee chairs on Sept. 16. At the time of this writing, I am working with these newly appointed chairs on recommendations for their local committee members and will seek local board approval on Nov. 4. My philosophy of serving members first guides me in this process. As such, I am recommending proportional leadership according to the way Los Angeles members voted to be in accord with our L.A. Local voters’ mandate. At our local board meeting, we created our first local Sexual Harassment Committee chaired and filled by well-known leaders and members of the #MeToo movement. Board member Pam Guest will chair the committee. With that in mind, our NextGen Performers (NGP) Subcommittee was separated from the MOVE L.A. Committee into an equal standalone committee. This change by the Local Board recognized the need to embrace and attract this important group of millennials. We must protect the future of SAG-AFTRA. This was reaffirmed when National named its own NGP committee with members of NGP committees in locals from around the country. For the first time, look for new educational opportunities for our members at 5757 Wilshire Blvd.! The thriving L.A. Conservatory will be expanding some of its programming to our national headquarters. A new classroom that had been sitting unused for months on the beautiful new second floor is now available for Conservatory members for on-camera classes as well as voiceover classes in the future. We want to expand our outreach to more film school programs and student film projects. Our current Conservatory program continues to thrive at the American Film Institute (AFI) where members can take classes, attend panels, serve as a casting pool for AFI student films and do readings of new scripts from members of the Writers Guild and The Black List. I’m hoping to be able to visit, teach again, observe or assist, when possible. This is one of the many reasons why we’re excited to be opening these rooms there now. Your officers and staff can’t interact with you so easily out at AFI. I am delighted to report that the Los Angeles Local members will at last have the self-taping room that we were previously unable to staff, with the assistance of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation. You will have the ability to selftape auditions for free at 5757. Thank you to

the Foundation Board and Executive Director Cyd Wilson for stepping up. Keep an eye out for our emails to find out how and where to sign up. Many thanks to Nick Leland from the L.A. Conservatory for spending countless hours setting up both the self-taping room and the classroom. Remember the L.A. Conservatory continues to offer volunteer-based self-taping a few days a week at AFI. Please join me in congratulating our L.A. Board members and all the new local and national elected leadership across the country. Special congratulations go out to my very good friends and fellow unionists: our L.A. Local First and Second VPs Frances Fisher and David Jolliffe. We also congratulate President Gabrielle Carteris and Executive VP Rebecca Damon on their re-election, as well as the new secretarytreasurer Camryn Manheim, and all the national VPs who got elected at the convention. My gratitude to all who ran for elected positions. Regardless of the result, union service is a selfless and demanding commitment. The union is only as strong as its members, and I commend all who ran to serve a great purpose, and I look forward to working with you. We are slightly over half of the members of SAG-AFTRA and make 57% of the income earned by members of this union. Together, your Local Board and leaders will continue to fight for your rights. Our local is more than a community. It should be a family. The more care and energy we put into building our SAG-AFTRA L.A. Local, the more we can accomplish. Along with Frances and David, I will be begging and harassing L.A. Local members to come to 5757 Wilshire and get involved with us. Do the work of the union, but also join our family and teach, study, perform, create and pursue your craft here. As I begin to learn more about our L.A. Local operations, I look forward to bringing more opportunities for your L.A. Local Board and staff to serve our members in new ways. Please feel free to reach out to me, if you have suggestions. Know that I will be reaching out to you, to engage you in your union. Keeping the members first,

Patricia Richardson Los Angeles Local President

MEET OUR LOS ANGELES FIELD TEAM

ROBERT RILEY robert.riley@sagaftra.org

ANTOINETTE DE WOLFF antoinette.dewolff@sagaftra.org

BRETT BELL brett.bell@sagaftra.org

eet the SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles field team. These union representatives visit sets across Southern California to ensure that contract regulations are enforced and members are protected. If you see them on set, please say hello and introduce yourself. Every interaction is an opportunity to strengthen your relationship with the union. Should you need the assistance of one of our field reps in any unionrelated matter, please email, call or talk to our reps on set. Finally, it is always important to remember that, although best efforts are made, SAG-AFTRA reps can’t be everywhere. The union’s staff relies on you

NOLEEN FROBOSE noleen.frobose@sagaftra.org

to be our added eyes and ears when suspected violations occur. If you see something, say something! That is what we’re here for. To reach the Field Services Department, please contact Veronica Akhtar at veronica.akhtar@sagaftra.org or call (323) 549–6879. As always, if you are having an on-set dilemma or need to report suspected violations, you can call the Los Angeles Local office at (323) 954-1600, as well as the 24/7 On-Set Emergency Hotline, (844) SAFER SET, (844) 723-3773. The emergency hotline number is also easily available in the lower right hand corner of any sagaftra.org page in the “Help Center” tab.

SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Film Society Registration is Now Available

n exciting new season of the SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Film Society has begun at the newly renovated Directors Guild of America theater, and you can still get in on the fun! The Film Society provides members the opportunity to view the year’s finest feature films, critically acclaimed foreign-language pieces and documentaries, all with no ads or trailers, as well as memorable Q&As with A-list performers and filmmakers. This year, members have already enjoyed such films as Judy, The Irishman, Joker, Dolemite Is My Name and Harriet as well as some

PAT PEREZ pat.perez@sagaftra.org

high-profile Q&As from Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Renée Zellweger and Eddie Murphy! Additionally, members this season enjoy a higher-quality viewing experience with the theater’s new features, including the Dolby Vision projection system and the Dolby Atmos sound systems, both considered the gold standard for state-ofthe-art theaters. The benefits don’t end there. Membership includes automatic space at all events for you and a guest as well as access to exclusive discounts at local restaurants near the theater. Lastly, membership to the Film Society automatically puts you on the invite list for numerous bonus screenings and industry events. For $95, SAG-AFTRA members in good standing can sign up for all the amazing Film Society 2019 programming and events. To learn more, please contact the SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Film Society at (323) 549-6658 or at filmsociety@sagaftra.org.

2019 SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Local Election Results

he tabulation results of the Los Angeles Local election were announced on Aug. 29, with Patricia Richardson elected Los Angeles Local president. Frances Fisher was elected first vice president and David Jolliffe was elected second vice president. To see the tabulation results, please visit sagaftra.org. In addition, the following candidates ran unopposed and are deemed elected without the necessity of a balloted election. For the Los Angeles Local Board, Rob Archer holds the broadcaster seat while Jasper Randall and Fletcher Sheridan hold the seats for singer/ recording artists. On the National Board, Hal Eisner holds the broadcaster (news & entertainment) seat and Dan Navarro holds the singer/recording artist seat. For convention delegates, Mike Sakellarides represented broadcast entertainment while Rob Archer and Joy Benedict represented broadcast news and information. Also at convention, delegates representing singers were Jasper Randall, Fletcher Sheridan, Suzanne Waters and Charlean Carmon. SAG-AFTRA L.A. • FALL 2019 • 7

Scene Around Town It has been a big year for SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles, with numerous events, shows, fundraisers and awards. Here is what we have been up to in 2019. Ed Asner’s Legendary 90th

Bringing Jobs to L.A.

L.A. Local Board member Pamela Guest, SAG-AFTRA Second Vice President and National Board member David Jolliffe, and L.A. Local President Pat Richardson celebrate the 90th birthday of legendary actor and SAG-AFTRA National and L.A. Local Board member Ed Asner at the L.A. Local Board meeting on Nov. 4.

SAG-AFTRA L.A. Local President Patricia Richardson shares with the L.A. City Council how members have benefited from filming and production returning to L.A. at the Made in Hollywood Honors at L.A. City Hall on Sept. 10. The event, spearheaded by Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, honors Emmynominated productions filmed in California.

In Honor of Labor SAG-AFTRA L.A. members join the SAG-AFTRA L.A. Local MOVE Committee in celebrating Labor Day in Wilmington, Calfornia, on Sept. 2. Members marched and picnicked with the Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbor Labor Coalition in the 40th annual Labor Day Parade.

#WomenMoveLA From left, SAG-AFTRA L.A. Local President Patricia Richardson joins Los Angeles First Lady Amy Elaine Wakeland and SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Local Executive Director Ilyanne Morden Kichaven for the #WomenMoveLA Expo on Oct. 3. Held annually, the event is in its third year and is organized by Mayor Eric Garcetti, his wife and his team to provide in-depth conversations, panels and presentations on the state of gender equality in Los Angeles.

Background Actors Reap the Resources

Military Members Deploy to Audition Bootcamp Attendees and instructors take a photo following the On-Camera Audition Bootcamp for Military Veterans class at SAG-AFTRA Plaza on Aug. 22. The event was a partnership with NBCUniversal and their employee resource group, the Veterans Network, and NBC Senior Director of Talent Development Jandiz Estrada Cardoso and NBC Director of Syndication Licensing and Business Affairs Sharon J. Glancz attended on behalf of the network. 8 • sagaftra.org

From left, SAG-AFTRA Background Actors Department National Director Fatna Sallak-Williams, SAG-AFTRA L.A. Second Vice President David Jolliffe, Background Actors Education & Outreach Committee member Samantha Hartson and L.A. Local Board member Ron Ostrow celebrate the successful Background Actors Resource Fair on Sept. 6. The fair, at SAG-AFTRA Plaza, featured CSA casting, headshot photographers and more.

2019 #Unconventional Convention Have two years gone by so fast? Following tradition, SAG-AFTRA’s newly elected delegates and officers gathered in Los Angeles to review recent successes, vote for top officers and set the union’s priorities at the SAG-AFTRA Convention! Held at The Beverly Hilton from Oct. 10–13, this year’s theme of “#Unconventional” describes the innovative and forward-thinking nature of this member-driven union. Over the three days, SAG-AFTRA elected officials and delegates from Los Angeles had the great honor of welcoming and hosting their fellow members in the heart of film and television. Congratulations to Rebecca Damon, for her re-election as the SAG-AFTRA executive vice president; Clyde Kusatsu as vice president, Los Angeles; and all the other national VPs elected at convention! SAG-AFTRA L.A. • FALL 2019 • 9

Important Message: California AB 5 and Loan-Out Companies

ver the past four months, SAG-AFTRA, along with fellow guilds and unions of the entertainment industry, have carefully monitored a new California bill, AB 5, and its potential impact on loan-out companies, as it was drafted and moved through the California Legislature. Loan-out companies turn short-term employment arrangements into independent contractor relationships, which can benefit the short-term employee with tax reductions and asset protection. SAG-AFTRA exercised due diligence by conducting conversations within our own guilds and unions, with outside tax attorneys, CPAs and entertainment lawyers knowledgeable about our business and loan-out companies, and with legislative staff in Sacramento. These conversations were all undertaken to ensure that AB 5 would not undermine the rights secured by our collective bargaining agreements, including the right to form and utilize loanout companies. Nothing in these conversations has changed our own internal assessments that neither AB 5 nor the Dynamex decision, which has now been the law in California for a year and a half, undermine members’ use of a loan-out. Once the Dynamex decision became law in California in 2018, all the doomsday pronouncements now being made could have come to pass, but

they did not. AB 5 codifies the Dynamex decision; its sole purpose is to protect workers across California who are currently misclassified as independent contractors. Members of our guilds and unions are not independent contractors; they are employees, whether or not they utilize loan-outs. Loan-out companies are employers and so they too do not have independent contractor status. AB 5 exempts the kind of business-to-business relationships that loan-out companies are set up to support. Furthermore, AB 5, by setting up rules applicable when one employer loans an employee to another employer, specifically contemplates that loan-outs will continue. Our collective bargaining agreements expressly allow members to use loan-outs. Our CBAs also protect your status as an employee. AB 5 does not undermine these legal or contractual rights. AB 5 is not directed at our industry, and we do not believe it will trigger a change to industry practices. This analysis is not a substitute for individualized tax advice. Some loan-out companies may have structural issues that put them at risk. This is not changed one way or the other by AB 5. Members should always consult their own professional tax advisors to ensure the optimal tax treatment of their earnings.

Newsom Signs ‘Deepfakes’ Bill

alifornia Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law California AB 602 on Oct. 3, a bill that provides meaningful recourse for victims — many of whom are SAG-AFTRA members — of nonconsensual digital sexually explicit videos, also known as “deepfakes.” Powerful deepfake technology uses artificial intelligence to realistically superimpose individuals into sexually explicit material. AB 602 is the first law of its kind to provide victims of deepfake pornography civil remedies, including statutory damages and preliminary injunctive relief. This forward-

10 • sagaftra.org

thinking law will protect Californians, including SAG-AFTRA members, for decades to come. AB 602 requires creators to obtain meaningful, upfront consent from people before digitally depicting them in a sex or nude scene. SAG-AFTRA commends California for this milestone, and will continue to urge lawmakers in Congress to amend Section 230 of the Federal Communications Decency Act so victims are further empowered to fight online sexual harassment.

California Governor Signs Bill Protecting Motion Picture and TV Production Workers

n Sept. 5, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law SB 271, a bill set to go into law January 2020 that will ensure full access to unemployment insurance, state disability insurance and paid family leave benefits for California resident entertainment industry workers who work on productions that take them to other states. The bill was co-sponsored by the California IATSE Council and the Entertainment Union Coalition. SB 271 resolves a long-standing problem specific to residents of California who work in the motion picture and television industry on productions that shoot in other states in addition to California. Up until now, outdated metrics implemented in the 1950s were used to determine where their employment taxes would be credited. Often that was to other states. When it came time to claim their benefits, many California entertainment industry workers found their benefits were far lower than they should have been and, in some cases, nonexistent. SB 271 resolves this problem and will bring financial and emotional relief to the thousands of these workers who need and deserve the benefits to which they are entitled.

Calendar of Events

CALENDAR LISTINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Check sagaftra.org or your member app 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.

DECEMBER

Wednesday, Dec.11

Sunday, Dec. 1

7–9 p.m. The Los Angeles Host Committee invites you to join your fellow members for merriment and good cheer in celebration of the holiday season. Those interested in helping others in our community can contribute an unwrapped toy or gift card (for older kids) for the L.A. County Department of Children and Family Services’ Toy Drive or a non-perishable food item for the APLA Health Food Drive. See back page for details.

Film Society Screenings Dark Water and Knives Out Visit sagaftra.org/LAFilmSociety. For questions, call Film Society at (323) 549-6658.

Monday, Dec. 2 Film Society Screenings Dark Water and Knives Out Visit sagaftra.org/LAFilmSociety. For questions, call Film Society at (323) 549-6658.

Monday, Dec. 2 Dues must be received by this date for SAG Awards® voter eligibility and For Your Consideration offers.

Thursday, Dec. 5

Winter Celebration

Thursday, Dec. 12 SAGindie Workshop 6–8 p.m. Learn how to hire professional actors for your independent film! Join SAGindie staff and SAG-AFTRA Theatrical business reps to walk through the process of signing SAG-AFTRA Low Budget Agreements from start to finish. Check out sagindie.org for more information.

JANUARY Wednesday, Jan. 1 Office closed for New Year’s Day.

Monday, Jan. 13 L.A. Local Board Meeting 6–9 p.m. The SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Local Board opens its meetings 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. RSVP to ObserveLABoard@sagaftra.org or (323) 549-6029.

Wednesday, Jan. 15 The Actors Fund Looking Ahead See Dec. 18 for details.

Holiday Radio Plays at the Autry 3–5 p.m. and 7–9 p.m. Members and their guests are invited to a special presentation of this classic radio show from the original Gene Autry’s Melody Ranch. The Christmas-themed presentation will include the singing cowboy and his cowpokes, sidekick Pat Buttram, Johnny Bond, The Pinafores, the Cass County Boys and all the gang. It will feature live music, comedy and drama. For questions, call (323) 634-8277.

Wednesday, Dec. 18

Sunday, Jan. 19

Membership Orientation 6–9 p.m. If you have not been to an orientation before or would like to learn about the services provided by SAG-AFTRA, this meeting is for you. Orientation explains what it means to be a member of SAG-AFTRA, logging your hours on set, your relationship with your agent, residuals and more. Check sagaftra.org/la for dates or call (323) 634-8277.

26th Annual SAG Awards® 5 p.m. Live on on TNT and TBS.

Sunday, Dec. 8

Wednesday, Dec. 18

Film Society Screenings Films to be announced. Visit sagaftra.org/LAFilmSociety. For questions, call Film Society at (323) 549-6658.

Monday, Dec. 9 L.A. Local Board Meeting 6–9 p.m. The SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Local Board opens its meetings 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. RSVP to ObserveLABoard@sagaftra.org or (323) 549-6029.

Monday, Dec. 9 Film Society Screenings Films to be announced. Visit sagaftra.org/LAFilmSociety. For questions, call Film Society at (323) 549-6658.

Monday, Dec. 9 AdsGoUnion Meeting 6–8 p.m. Join us for a lively discussion on how we can increase union commercial work! Staff and members will use this time to chat about the state of the commercials industry, what the union is doing to grow more work opportunities, and how members can be a part of the solution. Parking is free and snacks are provided. For all questions and comments, please reach out to adsgounion@sagaftra.org

Monday, Jan. 20 Office closed for Martin Luther King Day.

The Actors Fund Looking Ahead 6–8.p.m. Looking Ahead is a program of The Actors Fund, originally developed in cooperation with the SAG-AFTRA Young Performers Committee. It was created to help professional young performers and their families thrive amid the unique challenges of working in the entertainment industry. For questions, call The Actors Fund’s Social Work Supervisor Chris Smith at (323) 933-9422, ext. 422.

Friday, Dec. 20 Film Society Screenings Films to be announced. Visit sagaftra.org/LAFilmSociety. For questions, call Film Society at (323) 549-6658.

Saturday, Dec. 21 Film Society Screenings Films to be announced. Visit sagaftra.org/LAFilmSociety. For questions, call Film Society at (323) 549-6658.

Tuesday, Dec. 24

SAVE THE DATE

Office closed for holiday.

Sunday, Jan. 19

Wednesday, Dec. 25

SAG Awards Viewing Party

Office closed for holiday.

Alex Theatre in Glendale Check your SAG-AFTRA emails for coming RSVP information.

Tuesday, Dec. 31 Office closed for New Year’s Eve.

SAG-AFTRA L.A. • FALL 2019 • 11

Periodicals Postage 5757 Wilshire Blvd., 7th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90036-3600

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SAG-AFTRA

sagaftra.org PLEASE RECYCLE — CONSIDER GIVING YOUR COPY OF THE NEWSLET TER TO ANOTHER MEMBER .

©2019 SAG-AFTRA (Vol. 8, No. 3A; ISSN 2168-667X print; ISSN 2326-6279 online) is published quarterly by SAG-AFTRA, 5757 Wilshire Blvd., 7th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 900363600. Periodicals postage paid at Los Angeles, CA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to SAG-AFTRA, 5757 Wilshire Blvd., 7th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90036-3600.

SAG-AFTRA Plaza Promenade, Lobby Level, 5757 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., CA 90036 The Los Angeles Host Committee invites you to join your fellow members for merriment and good cheer in celebration of the holiday season. Those interested in helping others in our community can contribute an unwrapped toy or gift card (for older kids) for the Department of Children and Family Services’ Toy Drive or a non-perishable food item for the APLA Health Food Drive. This event is open to SAG-AFTRA members and one guest only (space is limited and RSVP line will close once capacity has been reached). For more information, please email special.events@sagaftra.org. Validated parking available onsite. Please read all posted signs. Union not responsible for illegally parked vehicles. No alcoholic beverages served or permitted. All bags larger than 14 inches in any dimension will be prohibited from entry. No pets or animals, with the exception of animals in service.

RSVP online at sagaftra.org/holidayparty RSVPs open through Friday, December 6 (or until full).