SAG-AFTRA L.A. by SAG-AFTRA

FALL 2013

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VOLUME 2

Kusatsu Elected National VP and Named Vice Chair of TV/Theatrical Negotiations Committee

A Letter From L.A. President Clyde Kusatsu Dear Member, There is a new book by Howard G. Buffett titled 40 Chances. It is based on the idea that a farmer has 40 seasons of growing crops to get things right. The book explores the notion that practice makes perfect and repetition and experience help develop strength and expertise. I can identify with that somewhat, as I recently entered my 41st season as an actor. I’ve worked nationally and internationally and under almost every union contract except the audiobooks agreement. I haven’t yet been cast as a dancer or singer — but hey, there’s still time! Like many of our members, the TV and theatrical agreements have been my “bread and butter” over a long, varied and meaningful career. I know that I have been

Angela Weiss

os Angeles Local President Clyde Kusatsu has been elected National Vice President, Los Angeles. He was elected to the office by a unanimous vote of the Los Angeles delegates at the inaugural SAG-AFTRA National Convention on Sept. 26 in Los Angeles. The seat is one of seven national vice president positions that rank below the president, executive vice president and secretary-treasurer. In addition, Kusatsu was appointed by the SAG-AFTRA National Board to represent members as one of three vice chairs for the National TV/ Theatrical Contract Wages and Working Conditions Plenary Committee. The W&W process for TV/ theatrical, among the union’s largest and most visible contracts, is scheduled to begin in January.

L.A. Local President Clyde Kusatsu greets delegates to the convention on the eve of being elected National Vice President, Los Angeles. fortunate to work in one of the toughest businesses around and to grow my career, raise a family and earn the health and pension benefits that our contracts provide. As I looked back on a pretty good career that I had absolutely worked hard for, I found myself asking: Do I sit back, or do I give back? It’s not a question for me anymore. I’ve chosen to serve the union as a volunteer elected leader and I am thrilled and excited to do so. I am deeply proud of this union and honored to serve the membership as national vice president, Los Angeles, in addition to my position as your elected Los Angeles president. I am humbled every day by the faith that you have shown in me. You can rest assured that your interests are uppermost in my mind and that I will work hard to ensure that Los Angeles members are inspired and supported. As a national vice chair of the TV/ Theatrical W&W Plenary Committee, I will be serving as one of three vice chairs

supporting President Ken Howard, the national chair, as we prepare for next year’s negotiations on these crucial contracts. We will be starting our local W&W sessions in January and I encourage all Los Angeles members that work the TV and theatrical contracts to attend the W&W meetings and share your thoughts, opinions, criticisms and solutions. We need to hear from you. The negotiating team collects input and insight about members’ experiences on sets and in recording booths. These real-world observations and experiences help inform the discussion and debate and, ultimately, help us better understand how the contracts are working for everyone. This is a complex and often challenging time as our business evolves, but today we approach the future as a strong, united SAG-AFTRA: No longer two separate entities, but one union that is stronger together. We are now part of a global Continues on page 2

IN REMEMBRANCE

Angela Weiss

SAG-AFTRA NATIONAL CONVENTION

National and Los Angeles Board Member Marcia Wallace (1942-2013)

Stuntmen’s Association Celebration

n Sept. 14, SAG-AFTRA was on hand for the 52nd Stuntmen’s Association dinner honoring Mark Harmon with the Richard “Diamond” Farnsworth Award. Pictured in the back row, from left, are National Board member Michelle Dunker, L.A. Local Board member Bertila Damas; Secretary-Treasurer Amy Aquino; L.A. Local Board member Conrad E. Palmisano; National Board member William Charlton; and National Director, Specialty Performers Terri Becherer. In the front row are stunt performer and stunt coordinator Kurt Lott, National Vice President, L.A. and L.A. Local President Clyde Kusatsu and National Board member Jane Austin.

KUSATSU continued media and entertainment business and we work in an industry recently acknowledged by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as a strong contributor to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of our country. It is a magnificent business — a vast industry creating vibrant artistic products and a rich cultural heritage. The contributions made by each and every member of our local are important and valuable. Your elected leaders, together with

SAG-AFTRA L.A.

staff, work diligently on your behalf to ensure that we are informed and prepared to meet these challenges. I hope you will work with us by participating as much as you can in the W&W process. Watch your emails and try to come to as many sessions as you can. We want to hear from you. On a personal note, I hope to see you on Dec. 11 at the Los Angeles Host Committee’s Winter Celebration, and I wish you and your family a joyous holiday season and prosperous 2014. – In Unity, Clyde Kusatsu

Woody Schultz

Member leaders, staff and guests gather at the Sept. 25 convention welcome reception. From left, delegate Stacey Travis; special guest Jon Tenney; National Executive Director David White; L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti; Secretary-Treasurer Amy Aquino; National President Ken Howard; CBS2 anchor Pat Harvey; National Vice President, L.A. and L.A. Local President Clyde Kusatsu; L.A. Local Executive Director Ilyanne Morden Kichaven; and L.A. Second Vice President Susan Boyd Joyce.

AG-AFTRA joined the entertainment community on Oct. 26 in mourning the loss of longtime board member and consummate funny lady Marcia Wallace. SAG-AFTRA National President Ken Howard said, “I am deeply saddened that Marcia has passed away and my profound sympathies go out to her beloved family and friends. Marcia was so many amazing things: a terrific actor, a brilliant comedian and a wonderful, caring soul. We will all miss her greatly. Her wit and charm were legendary and matched only by her leadership on the SAGAFTRA board and her considerable efforts to merge SAG and AFTRA. She was a wonder.” Marcia joined Screen Actors Guild in 1966 and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists in 1969. She devoted many years of service to the boards of both SAG and SAG-AFTRA and numerous national committees. At the Oct. 28 L.A. Local Board meeting, a moment of silence was held in her honor. She shall be missed.

An orchid marks the regular seat of Marcia Wallace at the Oct. 28 Los Angeles Local Board meeting.

Giving California Production a Spotlight Colin Sweeney/Oﬃce of the Mayor

urrounded by union representatives, key grips, stagehands and other Hollywood studio workers, Mayor Eric Garcetti signed a new law on Oct. 25 that waives city fees for television pilots that film in Los Angeles. Speaking at Raleigh Studios, Garcetti said the ordinance will help protect local hiring and middle-class jobs. The day also marked the first official appearance of newly appointed film “czar” Tom Sherak. Since taking office, the mayor has made economic growth and increasing local film production two of his top priorities. The law applies to TV pilots that film on city streets but does not extend to private locations, as many pilots shoot in studios. “We want to be clear; this is the first step,” Garcetti said. “I think it’s a significant one.” The SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Local, together with the DGA, Teamsters 399, IATSE Local 80, and in coalition with other industry leaders, has been meeting with city council members to open a dialogue to discuss easing local filming restrictions in each district. In addition, the group has worked to garner industrywide support for an increased California state film and television incentive next year. Meetings with the mayor, the new film czar and other important industry partners are slated to begin shortly. SAG-AFTRA participated in the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce second State of the Entertainment Industry Conference on Nov. 12, where discussions and panels occurred on what is needed to sustain our bedrock productions, as well as open doors for potential new opportunities in the digital media space.

Mayor Eric Garcetti holds a press conference joined by, from left, L.A. film czar Tom Sherak, actor Ron Perlman, SAG-AFTRA L.A. Local Executive Director Ilyanne Morden Kichaven and Council member Curren Price.

“We want to be clear; this is the ﬁrst step. I think it’s a signiﬁcant one.” – Mayor Eric Garcetti

Working on a project abroad? We’ve got you protected with the Global Memorandum Agreement (aka Global Rule One).

Global Memorandum Agreement

Speak with a SAG-AFTRA business representative today for more information. Theatrical Motion Pictures: (323) 549-6828 Television: (323) 549-6835

2014 is a Big Contract Year Look for notices about wages and working conditions meetings and caucuses as well as other important dates for the contracts that affect you on the website and in upcoming emails and newsletters.

TV/THEATRICAL: W&W begins January 2014, contract expires June 30 SOUND RECORDINGS CODE: W&W begins soon, contract expires December 2014 NETWORK TV CODE: W&W begins summer 2014, contract expires November 15

HUERTAS HONORED National Board member Jon Huertas proudly receives the Veteran in Entertainment Award Nov. 1 at the GI Film Festival Los Angeles. The award was presented by Gen. John F. Campbell, vice chief of staff of the U.S. Army. FALL 2013

2013–15 Los Angeles Local Board

Clyde Kusatsu

National Vice President, Los Angeles & Los Angeles Local President

Jenny O’Hara First Vice President

Susan Boyd Joyce Second Vice President

Jane Austin

Michael Bell

L. Scott Caldwell

Joanna Cassidy

Natalia Castellanos

William Charlton

Parvesh Cheena

George Coe

Assaf Cohen

Mimi Cozzens

Ellen Crawford

Jane Daly

Bertila Damas

Patrika Darbo

Michelle Dunker

Patrick Fabian

Tracy Fraim

Jason George

SAG-AFTRA L.A.

AS OF OCT. 29, 2013

Sumi Haru

Lauri Hendler

Galen Hooks

Jon Huertas

David Jolliffe

Shyla Laâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Sha

Ana Lilia

Kate Linder

Allen Lulu

Elizabeth McLaughlin

Julie Michaels

Esai Morales

Ron Morgan

Paul Napier

Dan Navarro

Conrad E. Palmisano

Tara Radcliffe

Patricia Richardson

Robin Riker

Clyde Sacks

Mike Sakellarides

Woody Schultz

Iqbal Theba

David Westberg

Vivicca A. Whitsett FALL 2013

ON LOCATION:

The Los Angeles Video Project, presented by NFMLA

n Oct. 19 in downtown Los Angeles, New Filmmakers Los Angeles hosted a red carpet premiere for its short film competition On Location: The Los Angeles Video Project. Hosted by Steve Howey, the evening featured 19 distinguished shorts, with SAG-AFTRA members Stacey Travis and Patrick Fabian presenting two of the awards. The contest challenged filmmakers to illustrate their individual perception of the city and provided a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their talents to the larger entertainment community. During the event, Council member Paul Krekorian took a moment to praise the artists’ creativity and urged the audience to sustain local filming

CAST YOUR BALLOT! The 20th Annual SAG Awards airs live Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014 on TNT & TBS Don’t miss your chance to vote for this year’s outstanding film and television performances.

SAG-AFTRA Low-Budget Committee Vice Chair Stacey Travis and L.A. Local Board member Patrick Fabian present at New Filmmakers Los Angeles On Location: The Los Angeles Video Project. and encourage others to produce in Los Angeles. New Filmmakers L.A. reaches thousands of nascent content creators. “Our partnership is the perfect vehicle to educate tomorrow’s producers about the ease and accessibility of union agreements, thus increasing opportunities of work for our members. It’s a win-win,” said Fabian.

From left, Brianna Brown, Judy Reyes, Rita Moreno, Mariana Klaveno, Ana Ortiz, Susan Lucci, SAG-AFTRA National Board Member Lisa Vidal, and Rebecca Wisocky

Moreno Makes History

ita Moreno strikes a pose with the cast of Devious Maids and SAG-AFTRA National Board Member Lisa Vidal after being honored for her achievements by the National Women’s History Museum on Oct. 24. Moreno, the only Hispanic performer to receive an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony, will be presented with the Life Achievement Award at the 20th Annual SAG Awards airing Jan. 18, 2014 on TNT and TBS.

SAG-AFTRA L.A.

To ensure your voice is heard, your November 2013 dues must be received and any address changes must be made by Dec 2. Nominations will be announced on Dec. 11. Balloting information will be mailed out Dec. 16. For more information, please visit sagawards.org

SAG-AFTRA MEMBERS,

We Want to Hear from You! SAG-AFTRA Begins Consultation Process on Draft Personal Manager Code of Ethics and Conduct

AG-AFTRA has begun the consultation process on a draft Personal Manager Code of Ethics and Conduct and wants stakeholders — such as our members — to comment on the working document by Dec. 9. As part of its continuing mission to expand upon and forge new industry relationships, SAG-AFTRA is prepping for the final release and implementation of a Personal Manager Code of Ethics and Conduct, a voluntary agreement that will be designed to promote honest and ethical relationships between the union’s members and those they choose to represent them as managers. The purpose of the document is to further enhance relations with personal managers and ensure SAG-AFTRA members have access to appropriate representation with all the rights and obligations contained therein. The Code of Ethics and Conduct is intended to be a completely voluntary document that is designed to protect both managers and SAG-AFTRA members by deepening the ties between managers and the union. Interested stakeholders should send their observations, questions and comments to managers@sagaftra.org, a dedicated email address set up for members and managers alike to communicate with the union. To review the working document, go to sagaftra.org/managers.

Calendar of Events l

Wednesday, Nov. 27 SAG-AFTRA oﬃces will close at 12:30 p.m. in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Thursday, Nov. 28 Laugh Factory hosts its 34th 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.

Nov. 28 & 29 SAG-AFTRA oﬃces closed in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. l

DECEMBER

Wilshire Blvd. Suite 124, Los Angeles, CA 90036. RSVP at sagfoundation.org. For further information, please call (323) 549-6708.

NOVEMBER l

Thursday, Dec. 5 SAG-AFTRA Radio Play Committee presents a holiday performance of old-time radio plays: A Christmas Carol and An Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas 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. For further information and to RSVP, please call (323) 634-8277.

Thursday, Dec. 5 – Sunday, Dec. 15

The SAG Awards Online Holiday Auction benefitting the SAG Foundation: sagawards.org/auction. Bid on unique TV and Film memorabilia and exclusive experiences, including tickets to the 20th Annual SAG Awards Ceremony on Jan. 18. For further information, please call Lauren Donoghue (323) 549-6774.

SAG Foundation’s Casting Access Project with Ty Harman. 7:30 p.m. This is a master prep session with an established casting professional to provide valuable insight into the casting process. SAG Foundation, 5757

JANUARY 2014 l

Wednesday, Jan. 1 SAG-AFTRA oﬃces closed in observance of the New Year’s Day holiday.

Tuesday, Jan. 14 SAG Foundation’s Casting Access Project with Jason Stamey. 7:30 p.m. See Dec. 5 for details.

Tuesday, Dec. 10 New Media Contract Workshop. 6–8 p.m., James Cagney Board Room. For further information or to RSVP, email newmediaevents@sagaftra.org.

Wednesday, Dec. 11

Jan. 18, 2014 SAG Awards Viewing Party!

Save the date for the Annual Winter Celebration presented by the L.A. Local Holiday Host Committee. RSVP now to SAGAFTRA.org/holiday party. For questions only, call (323) 549-6009. See page 8 for details.

Catch all the SAG Awards action live with your fellow SAG-AFTRA members during the SAG Awards Viewing party, hosted by the Los Angeles Host Committee on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014

Thursday, Dec. 12

Exact details and location to follow.

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

Dec. 24 & 25

Thursday, Dec. 5

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 above, please contact the Los Angeles Local executive oﬃce at (323) 549-6459 or email la@sagaftra.org

SAG-AFTRA oﬃces closed in observance of the Christmas holiday.

Tuesday, Dec. 31 SAG-AFTRA oﬃces closed in observance of the New Year’s Day holiday.

Sunday, Jan. 26 Los Angeles Local Membership Meeting. Details to follow. ©2013 SAG-AFTRA L.A.(Vol. 2, No. 2A)/SAG-AFTRA (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.

GRANT A WISH FOR OUR HEROES SAG-AFTRA Supports our Service Men and Women. Visit TEAMUSO.ORG/SAGAFTRA to show your support for American soldiers abroad. FALL 2013

Periodicals Postage

PAID SAG-AFTRA

5757 Wilshire Blvd., 7th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90036

2013 Annual Winter Celebration Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013 7-9:30 p.m.

SAG-AFTRA Headquarters Promenade, Lobby Level 5757 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036 Parking will be validated

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 children) to the Village Family Services Toy Drive or a nonperishable food item for the AIDS Project Los Angeles Food Drive. RSVP ONLINE AT SAGAFTRA.ORG/HOLIDAYPARTY This event is open to SAG-AFTRA members and one guest only. Space is limited and the RSVP line will close once capacity has been reached. For questions only, please call (323) 549-6447. Validated parking available onsite. Please read all posted signs. Union not responsible for illegally parked vehicles. No alcoholic beverages will be 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.