Arizona 2008:11

November 17, 2008

OUR SAG HERO: STEVE FRIED

By Lucky Hayes,
Arizona Branch President

How do you adequately thank a volunteer who has gone well beyond the boundaries of “normal” all the way to “extraordinary?”

Our own Steve Fried is the man of whom I speak.

He began his service to Arizona SAG in 1987 as a councilor-at-large. He later became an officer, and then, in June of 1990, he became our Branch president. During the next five years, he streamlined our Rules of Procedure to assure equal representation to Northern and Southern Arizona members, and our election rules to save big money for the union. You benefited directly from those actions.

In 1995, Steve was elected as Arizona’s national board director. He proceeded to streamline things there, too.

He served on many national committees. Two of them especially garnered enormous good from his tenure: classification, which he invented to give fair representation to all Branches, and finance, which he revamped to become transparent.

Then came SAG’s restructuring, a hard time for all members across the country. Some offices were downsized by removing staff. (Arizona lost two of three staff members.) Others were closed. Our staunch advocate for all Branches during that period was Steve Fried.

Perhaps his greatest achievement and impact was when Screen Actors Guild was reformulated into divisions to become even more cost effective and efficient. Steve was elected 3rd national vice president by directors from all of the regional Branches, an honor that lasted four years and made him the head of the new Regional Branch Division. It was largely his actions and leadership that bound all 20 Branches into a real and viable Division that became respected at national level.

Now Steve has stepped down from that high position, as well as his committees, allowing others to shoulder the load. He remains Arizona’s National Board director until his term ends in the fall of 2009. After that, who knows?

Personal to Steve: Most members have no idea how much of your time was taken up by these activities, or how much of yourself you have given. Thank you for all you have done. We will profit from your participation for many years to come. We are so proud of you. You are our hero.

A CONTINUING LETTER

By Steve Fried
Arizona National Board Director

Read this, even though you might not like what I have to say!

In the most simplistic terms, here is what you need to know about the current TV/Theatrical Contract negotiations. The contract offered to the Guild by the AMPTP is not acceptable. To take the deal would be to abandon our mission which, in part, is to enforce contracts to protect our members. The deal on the table takes away some of the provisions needed to protect our members.

The deals agreed to by other unions never contained some of the provisions in our current agreement. We just can’t accept what has been offered others since it does not meet our minimum needs. It is moot regarding how we got to where we are, because here it is now.

Your National Board, agreeing at nearly 100 percent, requested that a federal mediator intercede. The AMPTP has agreed. Hopefully a satisfactory resolution will be reached. If an agreement is not reached, your National Board will ask you to support a strike referendum. The reason for the mediation is that no one wants to go out on strike, but refusal by the AMPTP to agree to reasonable contract terms requires we “flex our muscle” and demonstrate that, if push comes to shove, we will protect our rights -- and, as ominous as it seems, we will strike!

In summary, hopefully the mediator will facilitate a resolve. If that fails, we must provide our negotiators with the tool they need to demonstrate our resolve, an approved strike authorization, a weapon no one wants to have to use. There will be information sent to you to explain in more detail. Like good Scouts: be prepared!

Please contact me through the Guild office if you need more information.

To be continued….

WAGES & WORKING CONDITIONS COMMITTEE SEEKING RECOMMENDATIONS

The Commercials Contract is due to expire early next year, and the Arizona Branch is looking for input regarding the national commercials agreement. If you have ideas for improving the contract, please contact the Guild by e-mail to dlivesay@sag.org, or by phone to (602) 383-3780 or (800) 724-0767. The deadline for your input is November 24.

SAG ARIZONA CONSERVATORY 2008-09 SEASON

By Dawn Powell Dell
Phoenix Area Chair

Mark your calendar, then watch for e-blasts with RSVP details, or call our SAG office at
(602) 383-3780. Please note these are excellent opportunities for enhancing skills and improving your chances for work. Plan right now to attend them all.

DECEMBER

FAITH HIBBS-CLARK AUDITIONING WORKSHOP
Basic Mistakes Professional Performers Make
When: 1:30-5:30 p.m., Saturday, December 20
Where: Good Faith Casting LLC
2617 S 46th St, #300, Phoenix, AZ 85034
Cost: $25
Other Details: SAG members only. Learn from one of Arizona’s top casting directors.
More information is available at www.goodfaithcasting.com.

JANUARY

SAG SENIORS / PWD HEADSHOT SEMINAR AND PHOTO SHOOT
With Nancy Hall and Early Smith
Seminar and Individual Consultations
When: 9-11:30 a.m., Saturday, January 10
Where: Phoenix Film Foundation – IFP/Phoenix
1700 N 7th Ave, 2nd floor, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Individual Photo Shoots – By Appointment Only
When: 1-6 p.m., Saturday, January 10 and 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday, January 11
Where: Still 'N Motion Picture Company
330 N 17th Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Cost: $150 Conservatory Special (a $250 value) – seminar, individual consultation, makeup, hair, photo session, master CD and 8x10 print (color or B&W).
Other Details: Limited to 15 SAG seniors, age 55 and up, and performers with disabilities.
You must attend the seminar on Saturday to participate in the photo shoot.
More information is available at www.yaddayadda.org.

15TH ANNUAL SAG AWARDS SPECIAL EVENTS

SAG AWARD NOMINATED FILM SCREENING
When: January 2009, exact date TBA, possibly on very short notice.
Where: Farrelli’s Cinema Supper Club
14202 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Cost: Movie tickets free, Dinner and tips are separate checks
Other Details: SAG members and guests.
More information is available at www.sagawards.org and www.farrellis.com.

SAG AWARDS PARTY WITH LIVE BROADCAST
When: 6-10 p.m., Sunday, January 25
Where: Farrelli's Cinema Supper Club
14202 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Cost: Dinner and tips are separate checks
Other Details: SAG members and guests. Seating is limited.

FEBRUARY

SCREENING OF PAUL NAPIER LEGACY VIDEO
Recorded interview with the original Mr Goodwrench
When: 1:30 - 4:30 p.m., Saturday, February 7
Where: TBA
Cost: Free
Other Details: SAG members and guests. An extensive library of SAG Foundation Conversations, Legacy and LifeRaft videos and information will be available for checkout.

MARCH

BUSINESS OF ACTING INTENSIVE WEEKEND
With Kristina Hughes, Brian Vermeire, Miata Edoga, David Rogers, and Arizona Branch President Lucky Hayes
When: Seminar – 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, March 7 (SAG members and non-members)
Workshop – 1:30 - 5:30 p.m., Sunday, March 8 (SAG members only)
Where: TBA
Cost: $50 covers SAG members both days; $75 covers non-members Saturday. (Brown bag it.)
Other Details: SAG members, if you don't come Saturday, you can't come Sunday. You can find more information about the instructors at the following websites:
Kristina Hughes
www.performertrack.com
Brian Vermeire
www.holdonlog.com
Miata Edoga
www.abundancebound.com
David Rogers
www.actorstaxprep.com
Arrizona Branch President Lucky Hayes www.sag.org/branches/arizona

APRIL

INDIE WEEKEND FOR PROFESSIONAL PERFORMERS
GAY GILBERT INDIE FILMS ACTING WORKSHOP
When: 1:30 - 5:30 p.m., Saturday, April 25
Where: TBA
Cost: $25
Other Details: SAG members only. Learn from one of Arizona's top casting directors.
More information is available at www.illumastudios.com.

SCREENING OF LIFERAFT INDIE VIDEOS
Recorded SAG Foundation interviews of actors/producers
When: 1:30 - 5:30 p.m., Sunday, April 26
Where: TBA
Cost: Free (Brown bag it.)
Other Details: DVDs available: No. 1, Making Your Own Movie with SAG Indie; No. 2, The Art of the Deal for Indie Films

MAY

SCOTT SEDITA'S MASTER CLASS
Where the Actor's Craft and Career Come Together
When: 1:30 - 5:30 p.m., Saturday, May 16
Where: TBA
Cost: $50
Other Details: SAG members only. Learn from one of Los Angeles’ top acting coaches. More information is available at www.scottseditaacting.com.

POSSIBLE BONUS EVENTS
The following dates, times and locations will be announced at a future date:

FREE E-MAIL ADDRESS HELP – Let us help you get your own e-mail address and register with SAG for e-blasts. Plus, we'll register you at SAG.org, paving the way for you to register on iActor.

PAUL NAPIER INTENSIVE COMMERCIALS SEMINAR and WORKSHOP – Come hear from a Los Angeles expert actor and get intensive practical training and a critique that can help you ace that audition.

MORE SCREENINGS OF SAG FOUNDATION VIDEOS – Conversations, Legacy, and LifeRaft

RESUME WORKSHOP – Does your resume catch the attention of casting directors?

COUCH POTATO TIME – Member get-together to relax, eat, practice scenes or whatever.

YOUR IDEAS GO HERE – Tell us what new events you want, and we’ll try to make them happen.

DISCLAIMER: The websites and services listed have been developed and are hosted by entities independent of Screen Actors Guild. All information and questions regarding these organizations and their programs or services are to be directed to the appropriate websites listed above. SAG does not endorse any of these sites, companies, organizations or services.

All events are subject to change as needed by Conservatory and/or presenters. As actors, we can understand work and/or presenter responsibilities come first, since all are unpaid volunteers, giving of their time to benefit Arizona’s SAG community. All RSVP’s are final, with no refunds, unless the event is cancelled. However, if you reserve and then are cast for work on the day of an event, your money will be refunded.

LOST YOUR SAG CARD?

To receive a replacement card, please send a check in the amount of $15 requesting a replacement card, along with your name, address, SAG number and signature to:

Screen Actors Guild
5757 Wilshire Blvd. 7th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Attention: Cashiering Department

Pending receipt of a replacement card, members who are registered on SAG.org and paid-up/current on dues also can print a "good standing" letter from the website. To access this function, point to the Members Service tab and select "lost your card" from the drop-down menu.

If you have further questions about your membership card, you may call the Cashiering Department at (323) 549-6752.

PROTECTION OF YOUNG PERFORMERS UNDER ARIZONA LAW

Child labor laws for the state of Arizona fall under the jurisdiction of the Arizona Industrial Commission, Labor Department. Whether the work is covered by a SAG contract or not, young performers in motion picture, television and theatrical productions must be registered before production commences.

The production company must file a letter that includes the following information:
Name of the child performer under 18
Address
Production name, address and phone number
Production star and completion dates
Location(s) of employment
Hours of employment
Other pertinent information

To find out if a production has registered with the Industrial Commission, call (602) 542-4515. To see a copy of the full statute, click here.

JOHN L. DALES SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION NOW ONLINE

The 2009 John L. Dales Scholarship application for eligible SAG members and children of members is now available at the Screen Actors Guild Foundation website, www.sagfoundation.org. Click on "scholarships" to view eligibility requirements. There are two types of scholarships: standard and transitional. The application deadline is March 16, 2009. If you have questions, please contact Davidson Lloyd by phone at (323) 549-6649 or by e-mail at dlloyd@SAG.org.

For address changes, removals, and misdeliveries, please follow the procedures at:
http://www.sag.org/Content/Public/Email_OptOut.htm