Welcome Remarks from the Branch President

By Tom McCarthy

Please meet your council for September 25, 2009 – September 24, 2010:

President: Tom McCarthy

Vice President and Council Member: Sylvia Kauders 

Secretary and Council Member: Harvey Jaffe

Treasurer: Gail Elaine Lewis

National Board Member: Helen McNutt

Council Members At Large:
Sara Jane Blazo
Deborah C. Carn (second alternate to National Board)
Patricia Cray
Donna Dundon
Tom McNutt (first alternate to National Board)
Adrienne Wehr
John Wooten

I would like you also to know that this is a very talented bunch of people. They are both newer and long established actors who have experienced work covered by SAG contracts in film, TV, industrial, commercials and new media. Many of them also have worked with various elected officials serving in city, state and federal positions. We look forward to their help as we try to communicate with such officials on a more regular basis. Best of all, however, is the fact that they are all committed to hard work, countless hours and sincere dedication to the betterment of the members of our Philadelphia Branch.

I certainly look forward to an enjoyable and productive year. Congratulations to our new council.

From Your National Board Member

By Helen McNutt
National Board Member

I am very pleased to say that I have been hearing much about union pride these days. In fact, I was recently on an industrial shoot, and the producer stated that he enjoys working with the professional talent that SAG represents. He further stated that many producers will get frustrated when they are unable to hire SAG actors. SAG members understand the industry and do not have to be reminded of their professional obligations. They know to be on time, to accept direction and redirection, to know their lines and to work continuously until the job is done.

As I said, I am hearing much about the pride of our union. Just read the following two letters from your Branch members and see for yourself.

Never Alone As a SAG Member

By Adrienne Wehr
Philadelphia Branch Council Member

Have you ever found yourself on a set doing a job above and beyond what you were hired to do? And when questioned whether or not that work constituted an upgrade, were brushed off? This past summer, four of us found ourselves in that very position, and I was the only SAG member.

Because I felt we were entitled to an upgrade, I spoke to my agent – who encouraged me to call SAG. The staff member suggested that I file a claim, which I did on behalf of all of us. The process took some time but was a smooth one, resulting in an upgrade to day players for each of us. What a great testament to what our union can do for us as long as we are willing to voice our concerns and exercise our rights. Plus, those pre-members are now one step closer to SAG membership and this level of advocacy and protection at all times.

I recently found myself in a similar position on a set of another project, but the production company took immediate ownership and honored my upgrade. Had this not been such a positive outcome, I know that my union would have backed me up.

We are artist entrepreneurs, yet as members of SAG, we are never alone when on the job. We need only to remember that we are stronger when working together as opposed to attempting to go it alone. We ARE the union and the union exists to support our collective well being in abundant and myriad ways as long as we open ourselves to that generosity of service!

Proud to Be a SAG Professional

By Todd McCall
Branch Member

I have been a proud member of Screen Actors Guild since 2006. I have never regretted joining the Guild. I often hear other actors comment on how work can dry up once one becomes a union member. I do not believe this for one moment. Even though we work in a tough industry, the union is there to support me every step of the way.

I often think of the time when I worked as a non-union actor. It was hard working my tail off on a set and earning a mere $75, often never covering my expenses. I can remember being treated unfairly. I can recall being told that I should feel lucky to be working.

During one particular gig, I was asked to bring my own historical wardrobe, as well as my personal collection of historical weapons. I was required to perform battle scenes for no extra pay, I slept in the back of my car, and then I waited months for my payment. I was fighting an uphill battle.

It was then that I decided that I wanted to be treated as a professional. I joined SAG. I am now compensated for my time and effort as well as treated like a professional on sets. I have joined an organization that takes pride in caring for its fellow actors. I am grateful to be a member of the Guild. It is a privilege to be part of this professional union. I am SAG proud!

"Coffee and Casting" –
A Grass Roots Effort

“Coffee and Casting,” an innovative effort to assist SAG members with iActor, was launched in Philadelphia on September 23. iActor is the Guild’s free online casting service that allows members to create and publish resumes, headshots, audio and video. Casting directors use iActor to search and source talent.  Having Philadelphia members sign up on iActor is especially important because there has been a lot of theatrical activity in Pennsylvania ever since the film incentives were created.

The design of “Coffee and Casting” is to have member-to-member iActor training with mutually convenient times and coffee shop locations. One experienced member can train up to three novices while drinking coffee in a relaxed atmosphere. It is the hope that an easy and pleasant experience will increase the number of iActor participants.

“When we originally formalized iActor training sessions with a very specific date and time, we had small attendance for a variety of reasons,” remarked Philadelphia Executive Director Marcia Fishman. “Many of the reasons related to availability of the member, the location of the training, etc. So we decided that the sessions should travel to the members, rather than the members travel to us.” 

Rick McKiddy, North Region executive and self-acclaimed techie, was the first trainer. He worked with three members, and voila! – three performers were registered on iActor. “I think these member-to-member meetings are a great way to get to know SAG members in our community,” said McKiddy. “This type of iActor training offers a wonderful venue in which our members can enjoy each other while furthering their careers.”

If you wish “Coffee and Casting” to come to a neighborhood near you, please contact North Region Executive Rick McKiddy at rick.mckiddy@sag.org.