ANGELA WEISS
Winter 2015 / 16
SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Local delegates and elected leaders gather on the final day of the SAG-AFTRA 2015 National Convention.
SAG-AFTRA 2015 National Convention Recap
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nion leaders, board members and delegates came together for the second biennial SAG-AFTRA National Convention at the Sheraton Universal Hotel on Oct. 1–4. Delegates from the 25 locals from across the nation convened at the welcome reception held on the evening of Oct. 1 in the hotel’s Starview Room. This year’s convention theme was all about educating, engaging and empowering the members, as SAG-AFTRA President Ken Howard encouraged delegates to collaboratively address the challenges facing members on all fronts. “Educate, engage and empower isn’t simply the theme for this convention — it’s the mantra for our future,” said President Howard. “Everything we have achieved throughout our history as SAG-AFTRA — or as SAG or AFTRA before it — has been because of collective action. That is our culture. Progress is made through collective action, collaboration and hard work.” On Oct. 2, delegates elected Gabrielle Carteris as executive vice president; Clyde Kusatsu as national vice president, Los Angeles; Ilyssa Fradin as national vice
president, mid-sized locals; and Samantha Mathis as national vice president, actors/ performers. The following candidates ran unopposed: Mike Hodge, national vice president, New York; David Hartley-Margolin, national vice president, small locals; Catherine Brown, national vice president, broadcasters; and Dan Navarro, national vice president, recording artists/singers.
After business concluded on the first day of convention, Friday night welcomed the union’s Gala Under the Stars event at the Warner Bros. studio lot. Howard, Miami Local member Dave Corey, National Executive Director David White and Associate National Executive Director Mathis Dunn were all recipients of George Heller Memorial Award gold cards in RECAP continues on page 6 v
A Letter From L.A. President Jane Austin
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Looking Ahead
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ur second biennial convention was a great success! Our theme — educate, engage and empower — was embraced by all 400 delegates in attendance. I was able to get to know not only our 165-plus Los Angeles delegates, but also visit and speak with delegates from all over the country. It was invigorating and energizing to meet so many enthusiastic and engaged members. I hope to continue these conversations over my next two years in office to continue learning about issues that impact our members. AUSTIN continues on page 6
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Honoring Our Veterans and Service Members
Providing Support to Background Performers
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upporting veterans and those who serve our country is one of the many goals of SAG-AFTRA. Joined by elected leadership, members and service men and women, SAG-AFTRA received special recognition for the union’s commitments to providing services and programming geared toward veterans at the World War II Victory Luncheon and Celebration at the Skirball Cultural Center on Oct. 14. SAG-AFTRA Secretary-Treasurer and Los Angeles Local President Jane Austin, Military Personnel and Families Support Committee National Chair Conrad E. Palmisano, and MPFS L.A. Local Chair Kevin Dobson represented the union and expressed deep gratitude to those who have committed their lives to protecting our country. The event celebrated the 70th anniversary of the World War II victory and the 125th birthday of General and President Dwight David Eisenhower. Granddaughter of the president and Eisenhower Foundation Secretary Mary Jean Eisenhower was joined by singer Tony Orlando and Maj. Gen. Wendy Masiello of the United States Air Force, as 50 young recruits were formally inducted into all branches of the military. Corporations with aggressive hiring programs for veterans were also recognized for their work. l
Top, from left, SAG-AFTRA Military Personnel and Families Support Committee National Chair Conrad E. Palmisano, singer Tony Orlando and SAG-AFTRA Secretary-Treasurer and L.A. Local President Jane Austin show support at the World War II Victory Luncheon and Celebration on Oct. 14. Above, SAG-AFTRA Military Personnel and Families Support Committee L.A. Local Chair Kevin Dobson expresses gratitude to veterans and service men and women.
Rallying With Unions in Honor of Labor Day
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AG-AFTRA’s Members Organizing Volunteer Efforts (MOVE) L.A. committee members joined forces with fellow members and other unions to show its support for labor
SAG-AFTRA MOVE L.A. Committee members and performers joined forces in support of labor unions.
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at the Los Angeles/Long Beach Harbor Labor Coalition on Sept. 7 in honor of Labor Day. Thousands of union members marched with their friends and families to mark Labor Day and take a stand in what many called the last line of defense for organized labor in the country. With the SAG-AFTRA group led by Los Angeles Local Second Vice President and MOVE L.A. Committee Chair Ellen Crawford, members proudly celebrated the victories and struggles at the 36th Annual Labor Day March and Rally alongside the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, United Teachers Los Angeles and other organizations in support of unions. When union members stand together, the solidarity makes us stronger. l
ackground work is a vital component to the industry, which is why Members Organizing Volunteer Efforts (MOVE) Los Angeles hosted the panel event Background to the Foreground: TV/ Theatrical and Daytime Casting on Sept. 15 at SAG-AFTRA Plaza. With more than 150 members in attendance, the event featured a panel of background casting agents. Panelists discussed the casting process for various television, theatrical and daytime contracts that SAG-AFTRA has in place, from registration and booking to working the job. MOVE L.A. Committee member Michael Genovese introduced the event and panelists before opening the floor to SAG-AFTRA National Director of Specialty Performers Terri Becherer, who moderated the event. Casting Directors Jeffrey Paal, Kristan Berona, Bill Dance and Rich King discussed the process of background work and the route casting directors take to cast performers pursuing this type of work. If you did not get a chance to join the event, catch all the highlights from the video at SAGAFTRA.org.
Introducing The Career Center
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he Actors Fund Work Program has a new name! Now known as The Career Center, the new name reflects the full scope of activities, programs and services available to all SAG-AFTRA members throughout their working lives. The Career Center can assist you in identifying and finding meaningful sideline employment or help you increase your economic stability through pursuing alternative forms of work. In addition, The Actors Fund recently announced that it will merge services with Career Transition For Dancers by the end of 2015 to help dancers with emergency financial assistance, health insurance enrollment, affordable housing assistance and employment counseling. For additional details, visit actorsfund.org.
Helping Women Deal With Life’s Curveballs MATTHEW IMAGING
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t was standing room only at Motion Picture and Television Fund’s (MPTF) third annual Deal With It: A Women’s Conference on Sept. 27 at the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills. More than 325 women in the entertainment industry gathered for a day of insightful discussions with highly respected experts and speakers who shared their first-hand experiences, from surviving breast cancer to dealing with aging parents or turning a passion into a successful new enterprise. SAG-AFTRA National and Los Angeles Local Board member Frances Fisher joined the event as a panelist for the Making a Difference segment. Fisher shared her stance on bullying, women’s right to choose and activism. “You can lead something or you can be boots on the ground, and I do that a lot,” said Fisher. “I’m just boots on the ground. I see so many things that mean something to me. I want to be part of all of it. Everything feels like it affects me, so I want to be part of it.” The two keynote speakers, artist Candy
SAG-AFTRA board members, elected leadership and staff convene at the Motion Picture and Television Fund’s third annual Deal With It: A Women’s Conference.
Chang, creator of the Before I Die project, and CBS News Sunday Morning contributor Nancy Giles captivated the audience with stories that were entertaining, inspiring and, at times, emotional. Interspersed throughout the day, 12 breakout panels offered invaluable resources and inspiration to tackle issues most important to the women attending, including Alzheimer’s and heart disease, career reinvention, wellness,
emergency preparedness, aging, elder care, patient advocacy, estate planning, wealth management and more. Deal With It is an invitation-only event hosted each year by MPTF, a charitable nonprofit. It exemplifies MPTF’s 94-year commitment to the well-being of the entertainment community and is one of many ways the organization touches the lives of those working in the industry. l
Delving Into the World of Video Games
Shedding Light on the Commercials Landscape
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n industry exclusive video game by video game journalist and founder of panel discussion, Character Creators: Kindafunny.com, Greg Miller, the panel Contributors Who Give Life to Video Game discussed individual contributions and how Characters, was held at SAG-AFTRA Los members can better collaborate and support Angeles headquarters on Sept. 30. each other in the video game industry. About six months ago, video game actors Panelists included Travis Willingham and the International Game Developers (Infamous: Second Son), America Young Association held a discussion about how to (Evolve), Matthew Mercer (Batman: Arkham develop better relationships with actors and Knight), Andrea Toyias (World of Warcraft) the people on the developers’ side. Industry and Matthew Colville (Evolve). l professionals involved with video game productions rarely have the opportunity to come together to discuss the process. This one-of-a-kind panel included some of the industry’s best game developers, voiceover actors and motion capture From left, Turtle Rock Studios Senior Character Artist Jason Hill; performers, who provided Turtle Rock Studios writer and designer Matthew Colville; voiceover in-depth and unique performer Matthew Mercer; voiceover, stunt and performance perspectives on what goes capture performer Travis Willingham; casting and voice director into the character creation Tom Keegan; voiceover, stunt and performance capture performer process, from development America Young; and Blizzard Entertainment Senior Casting and Voice to performance. Moderated Director Andrea Toyias.
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n preparation for the Wages and Working Conditions (W&W) meetings for the commercials contracts, SAG-AFTRA held two well-attended informational meetings on Sept. 16 at SAG-AFTRA Plaza, titled The Landscape of Commercials, outlining trends in the commercial industry. National Commercial Performers Committee Vice Chair Allen Lulu provided the meetings’ overview, which was to educate and inform members of the current landscape and changing trends that affect commercial work. SAG-AFTRA Chief Economist David Viviano provided members with information on current trends, television and new media viewership, media spending and the forces driving marketing decisions for advertisers. Members subsequently attended W&W meetings to share their experiences and generate proposals to inform the negotiating committee and help shape the contracts. The commercials agreement expires in spring 2016. WINTER 2015/16
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2015-2017
Jane Austin President
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Esai Morales First Vice President
Ellen Crawford Second Vice President
Robert Archer (Broadcaster)
Ed Asner
Jeff Austin
Michael Bell
Natalia Castellanos
William Charlton
Parvesh Cheena
Tom Choi
Mimi Cozzens
Jane Daly
Carole Elliott
Debbie Evans (Stunt Performer)
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Patrick Fabian
Frances Fisher
Linda Harcharic
Samantha Hartson
Cupid Hayes
Jon Huertas
David Jolliffe
Clyde Kusatsu
Diane Ladd
Ana Lilia
Kate Linder
Elaine Loh
Jodi Long
Kurt Lott
Julie Michaels
Aubrey Mozino
Dan Navarro
Jenny O’Hara
Autumn Reeser
Patricia Richardson
Robin Riker
Ricco Ross
Danielle Towne (Dancer)
Lisa Vidal
Ron Ostrow
Woody Schultz
Jasper Randall (Singer/Recording Artist)
Martin Sheen
Ben Whitehair
Vivicca A. Whitsett
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PASCAL HALIM
Celebrating Stuntwomen at the Action Icon Awards SAG-AFTRA National and Los Angeles Local Board member Debbie Evans speaks at the 8th Annual Action Icon Awards on Oct. 18 at the Sheraton Universal Hotel in Universal City. Evans, who has more than 25 years experience in the industry as a stunt performer, received the Helen Gibson Award for her trailblazing work.
v AUSTIN continued from page 1 The “Best in the Biz” Commercials Organizing and Recapture Initiative kicked off earlier this year. Whether or not you work in the commercials arena, we encourage all members to educate yourselves and get involved. Additionally, the L.A. Local Wages and Working Conditions process, also known as W&W, began Oct. 19 and ran through late November. All suggestions from members are pared down and then brought to the negotiating committee for consideration. An email was recently sent out to all L.A. members regarding committee service. Thank you to everyone who responded. The Los Angeles Local welcomes all members to get involved with volunteerism. During the times that committee service requests are closed,
we are still always in need of assistance at events. Even if you are unable to volunteer, we welcome you to please join in on an event or activity. Your union has a lot to offer and we encourage you to visit the Los Angeles Local website calendar and take advantage. Please also be sure to mark your calendars for Wednesday, Dec. 9, for our annual SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Local Holiday Celebration. I look forward to personally greeting you there. My philosophy of leadership is to provide a platform for open dialogue with members. Please feel free to email me at any time at la@sagaftra.org with any questions, comments or suggestions. Your participation in SAG-AFTRA is critical to moving forward. In solidarity, Jane Austin
v RECAP continued from page 1 recognition of their outstanding contributions to SAG-AFTRA and its members. The 2015 SAG-AFTRA American Scene Awards were also presented at the gala in three categories: actor/performer, broadcaster and recording artist. On the second day of the convention, White reported on the state of the union, activism, strategic goals and operations, as well as recent industry trends. Delegates also worked through and voted on constitutional amendments and resolutions, and attended afternoon panels that covered union and industry-related topics. In his closing remarks on the final day, Howard thanked delegates and staff for their work and congratulated the newly elected leadership. Howard also introduced a video
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showcasing highlights from the President’s Task Force on Education, Outreach and Engagement, which was launched in early 2015 to energize and mobilize the union’s membership across the country and strengthen ties with member industries. Secretary-Treasurer and L.A. Local President Jane Austin introduced herself to delegates and reflected on her new leadership role. “Why do we volunteer?” Austin asked. “After a lot of self-reflection, that answer has come to me: I do this for the members … A union is nothing without the members and the volunteers that represent them. I have an opportunity to make a difference and plan on using every single day in my two years of service to help as many members as I can.” l
NextGen Performers Subcommittee member Kyle McAuley accepts an award for his short, It’s Vine By Me! at the NewFilmmakers LA On Location Premiere on Oct. 10.
NGP Member Wins L.A. Video Project Award
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t was a night of celebration at New Filmmakers Los Angeles’ (NFMLA) On Location: The Los Angeles Video Project premiere event on Oct. 10 at the Hollywood Center Studios. The Los Angeles Video Project is a community outreach multimedia program that celebrates and enlists L.A.’s remarkable pool of filmmakers. By engaging these creative members of the Los Angeles community to act and serve as ambassadors of L.A., NFMLA, along with the support of the city of Los Angeles and LA Weekly are able to share what these artists call “their L.A.” — an insider’s perspective into this diverse, cosmopolitan city and its neighborhoods. Co-presented by KTLA and with SAG-AFTRA as one of many sponsors, NFMLA presented SAG-AFTRA’s NextGen Performers Subcommittee member Kyle McAuley with an honorable mention award for his short, It’s Vine By Me! McAuley received a package of filmmaker items, including green screen time, and his acceptance speech encouraged all filmmakers to produce their films as union projects. Former SAG-AFTRA National Board member Mandy Fabian was another recipient of a NewFilmmakers LA award for Best New Filmmaker of the Year at the recent NFMLA “Best of” event on Sept. 12 at the A+D Architecture and Design Museum in Downtown L.A.
Calendar of Events D ECE M B ER Tuesday, Dec. 1 Membership dues must be paid by this date to be eligible for SAG Awards voting and For Your Consideration materials.
Wednesday, Dec. 2 SAG-AFTRA Foundation Small Group Sessions – Actor Record Keeping with Evernote 1 p.m. Check-in begins at 12:45 p.m. Detailed recordkeeping is vital for any successful business. This small group session will go over how an actor can use Evernote to keep track of contacts and auditions. For more information, call (323) 549-6708, ext. 5.
Thursday, Dec. 3 SAG-AFTRA Radio Plays First show at 3 p.m., Second show at 7 p.m. The SAG-AFTRA Radio Play Committee will present two shows filled with holiday-themed, old-time radio plays at the Autry Museum of the American West Wells Fargo Theater. 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027. RSVP details to follow on the L.A. Local calendar of events.
Wednesday, Dec. 9 Annual Winter Celebration 7 – 9:30 p.m. Join the Los Angeles Host Committee for merriment and cheer at SAG-AFTRA Plaza. Usher in the winter season with fellow members and good fun. To RSVP, visit sagaftra.org/holidayparty.
Thursday, Dec. 10 Low Budget Workshop 6 – 8 p.m. Join SAGindie staff and SAG-AFTRA business representatives to walk you through the process of signing SAG-AFTRA Low Budget Agreements from start to finish. Workshops are held in Los Angeles and New York on the second Thursday of every month and are free. Workshops fill up quickly, so register now! If you sign up for a workshop but cannot attend, please call to cancel your reservation no later than 48 hours before the workshop. To register, visit sagindie.org and click on “SAGindie Workshops” under the “Resources” tab.
Monday, Dec. 14 The Actors Fund – Finding Affordable Health Insurance with Covered California 11 a.m. – noon. Are you confused about health care reform? This workshop will walk you through your Covered California options and requirements, and provide important information relevant to freelancers and the self-employed. It will help you figure out how to get affordable health insurance with the help of tax credits and federal subsidies. This event is free and open to everyone. For more information, contact ahirchealthreform@actorsfund.org.
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.
days, weeks, months or years could go by without you feeling like your goals have been achieved. In this small group session we will examine where you can adjust past habits to best use your time in relation to your acting pursuits. You will come out of this session with some techniques to budget your time more effectively. For more information, call (323) 549-6708, ext. 5.
Thursday, Dec. 24 - Friday, Dec. 25; Thursday, Dec. 31 - Friday, Jan. 1 SAG-AFTRA offices closed in observance of Christmas and New Year holidays
J A N UA RY 2016 Wednesday, Jan. 27 L.A. Local Member Orientation 10 a.m. – 1 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. Please bring current membership card or receipt for admittance. For questions, call Member Education at (323) 634-8277.
Saturday, Jan. 30 Screen Actors Guild Awards Viewing Party The SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Local Host Committee invites you to the Screen Actors Guild Awards Viewing Party on Saturday, Jan. 30. More details to follow at sagaftra.org/la and by email.
Sunday, March 6 SAVE THE DATE! L.A. Local Membership Meeting. Stay tuned to sagaftra.org/la and your email for additional information.
Holiday Toy & Food Drive Bring an unwrapped toy or gift card (for older kids), or nonperishable food item to the SAG-AFTRA Membership Lobby through Dec. 11 to help those in need this holiday season. See back page for more info.
Don’t Miss Out on SAG Awards® Eligibility! Your November 2015 dues must be received by Dec. 1 so that you’re eligible to receive: • The Voting Information Postcard mailed on Dec. 16 • Any For Your Consideration materials from the studios and networks once nominations have been announced Verify that the SAG-AFTRA Membership Department has your current address, email and telephone number. Update your information at SAGAFTRA.org. Take time to make sure SAG-AFTRA emails don’t go to spam by adding the email address sagaftracommunications@ sagaftra.org and the Internet domains sagaftra.org, sagaftralist.org and sagawards.org to your address book and safe or approved senders list.
SAVE THE DATE: Don’t miss the annual L.A. Host
Committee’s SAG Awards Viewing Party. Watch the 22nd SAG Awards with fellow members at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 30. This year’s Life Achievement Award
Wednesday, Dec. 16
recipient is Carol Burnett. Parking and RSVP details will
SAG-AFTRA Foundation Small Group Sessions – Budgeting Your Time 1 p.m. Check-in begins at 12:45 p.m. Time is a finite resource. If you do not plan how to best use your time,
be emailed out to members and posted on the L.A. Local page of the SAG-AFTRA website in January.
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Winter Celebration Wednesday, December 9 • 7–9:30 p.m. SAG-AFTRA Plaza Promenade — Lobby Level 5757 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, 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 Village Family Services toy drive or a non-perishable food item for the AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA) 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 no later than Monday, Dec. 7 (or until full).