Press Releases 2004

Attempt to Undermine SAG National Board’s Selection of Bob Pisano as Union’s Chief Negotiator is Dismissed by the Court

Los Angeles (December 21, 2004) – In a surprise early ruling, a federal court today tossed out a claim brought by two individuals that attempted to undermine the SAG national board’s choice of chief negotiator. Judge R. Gary Klausner of the U.S. District Court formally dismissed the case in a written summary judgment motion issued this morning.
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SCREEN ACTORS GUILD HOLIDAY HOURS

Please be advised that offices of Screen Actors Guild* nationwide will be closed December 27 through January 2, 2005. Offices will re-open on January 3, 2005.

For those members who need work clearance during this time, please note that Station 12 will be accessible via telephone only on December 28 and 29. Members and producers should call (323)549-6794.
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TIPS AND TOOLS FOR HOLIDAY SHOPPING

Dear Mr. Rebhan:
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A HOLIDAY TREAT FROM THE SAG FOUNDATION

(Los Angeles) December 13, 2004 - Children across the nation can now experience Lou Diamond Phillips (La Bamba) reading the holiday classic " The Polar Express" on Storyline Online presented by the Screen Actors Guild Foundation.
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ROSARIO DAWSON AND DENNIS FRANZ JOIN SAG PRESIDENT MELISSA GILBERT

TO ANNOUNCE NOMINEES FOR THE 11TH ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS®

ANNOUNCEMENT OF NOMINATIONS TO BE TELECAST LIVE ON TNT AND E! ENTERTAINMENT TELEVISION

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GREAT NEW SAG ITEMS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

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SAG AND AFTRA TO COMMENCE NEGOTIATIONS WITH AMPTP ON DECEMBER

Los Angeles (November 30, 2004) – In a joint statement issued today, the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) announced they will commence negotiations on a new three-year TV/Theatrical contract on Monday, December 6, 2004. The talks will take place at AMPTP headquarters in Encino, California.
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LOS ANGELES CITY COUNCIL APPROVES TAX RELIEF FOR CREATIVE ARTISTS

Los Angeles (November 18, 2004) --- The Los Angeles City Council made history Wednesday. The Council's unanimous vote in favor of reforming the Business Tax Ordinance will provide meaningful tax relief and equity for thousands of men and women working in the entertainment industry as well as for businesses throughout the city. The reform includes a provision exempting creative artists (actors, directors, writers, craftspeople, etc.) who earn less than $300,000 a year from city business taxes.Read More

SCREEN ACTORS GUILD REPORTS SURGE IN NUMBER OF ACTORS PAYING DUES ONLINE

Los Angeles (November 17, 2004) –- A sharp increase in dues paid online during the current billing cycle indicates more members are utilizing the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) website (www.sag.org) than ever before. The first seven days of the present dues period saw a 450 percent jump in the number of members paying dues online compared with the same time frame last year, and over $1 million in dues has been paid in just the past six weeks.
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SAG CHRONICLES REAL-LIFE DRAMA OF ACTORS’ LABOR MOVEMENT IN ONLINE RETROSPECTIVE

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SAG AND AFTRA ANNOUNCE INTERACTIVE MEDIA VOICE ACTORS CAUCUS NOVEMBER 30

Los Angeles –- All paid-up SAG and AFTRA members who work under the Interactive Media Agreement are invited to an Interactive Media Voice Actors Caucus at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 30 in the James Cagney board boom. Participation is limited only by fire rules. Come early and bring your membership card.

Attend and share your thoughts on this contract with your fellow actors.

Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, November 30Read More

HOLLYWOOD HOLIDAY HOST COMMITTEE PLANS TWO EVENTS

In L.A. and away from family during the holidays? The SAG Hollywood Holiday Host Committee invites you to one of its events: 6-9 p.m. Weds., Dec. 8 or 1-4 p.m. or Weds., Dec. 15. both in the James Cagney room, SAG - 5757 Wilshire Blvd, L.A., CA 90036.

To RSVP (limited space, respond now) or to offer ideas about the Host Committee's other activities send an email to holidayhostcmte@sag.org Volunteers are needed for both events. SAG members may bring one guest only.

Support your union over the holidays!

Attention SAG members:

The John L. Dales Scholarship Fund was created in 1973 in honor of the Guild's longtime executive secretary. The scholarship fund has helped qualified Guild members and their children reach their educational potential by providing more than a million dollars in scholarships for study at accredited institutions of higher learning.

For an application, including qualifications, please visit www.sagfoundation.org/scholarship.

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Los Angeles, CA (November 8, 2004) – Screen Actors Guild President Melissa Gilbert issued the following statement on the death of actor Howard Keel, who served as SAG president from 1958-1959:

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Official Notice Time: 7 - 9:30 p.m. Date: Saturday, October 23, 2004 Place: The Handlery Hotel and Resort 950 Hotel Circle North, San Diego (619)574-0099 for directions Please join us, your Branch Council, West Region Executive, Kathy Morand and San Diego Executive Director, Hrair Messerlian.Read More

By Privacy and Financial Crimes Expert, Robert J. Rebhan

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We are facing a health care crisis in this state. Prop 72, supported by doctors, nurses and consumer organizations, sets standards in health care, like the minimum wage sets standards in pay.

Vote yes on Prop 72.

For more information, please visit www.yesonprop72.com

On November 9, 2004, at 10:00 a.m., at the offices of the Screen Actors Guild, Inc. (“SAG”), 5757 Wilshire Boulevard, 1st Floor (Bella Bruck Room), Los Angeles, California, SAG will sell, at public auction, for cash or otherwise acceptable terms, all right, title, and interest of the Debtor(s) in and to several motion pictures. See official notice below:

NOTICE OF DISPOSITION OF COLLATERAL
(California Commercial Code Section 9613)

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We have received a request from AFTRA that Screen Actors Guild members not accept employment on a Spanish-language telenovela entitled La Ley del Silencio which is currently in production in Dallas, Texas.

After initial discussions with AFTRA, Freemantle / Telemundo announced that it intended to produce the show non-union by employing a combination of non-union U.S. performers and performers brought in from outside the U.S.

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The American Jobs Creation Act, ground breaking film tax-incentive legislation passed the House and Senate on October 11. Once signed by the President, the new law will provide a tax break to qualified television and film productions with budgets between $1-15 million (20 million for those made in distressed areas). The law requires that 75% of services be performed in the United States.

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SAG Roles Drop 1.6 percent; Latino and Asian Male Leads Dive Over 30 percent from previous year

LOS ANGELES (October 6, 2004) – While the overall trend of declining U.S. television and theatrical roles appears to be losing steam, new employment statistics released today by Screen Actors Guild (SAG) strongly indicates that actors are bearing the brunt of today’s trend toward more reality programming and runaway production.

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PERFORMERS BEAR BRUNT OF REALITY TV AND RUNAWAY PRODUCTION TRENDS, 2003 CASTING DATA SHOWS

SAG Roles Drop 1.6 percent; Latino and Asian Male Leads Dive Over 30 percent from previous year LOS ANGELES (October 6, 2004) – While the overall trend of declining U.S. television and theatrical roles appears to be losing steam, new employment statistics released today by Screen Actors Guild (SAG) strongly indicates that actors are bearing the brunt of today’s trend toward more reality programming and runaway production.Read More

When you work outside the country, make sure your contract is GR1 compliant. That's the only way that your earnings will count toward qualification for health coverage and earn pension credits toward your vesting and retirement.

Click here for more information (logged in members only): or call the Guild.
TV/Theatricals: (323) 549-6828

YOU ARE INVITED TO A CONVERSATION WITH EMMY AWARD WINNING DIRECTOR WRITER, ACTOR and PRODUCER

MICHAEL LEMBECK

Free of Charge, a Community Service of the Screen Actors Guild Thursday, October 14th 7-9 PM Paul Harris Theater in the Alta Ham Hall on the UNLV Campus Maryland Parkway between Tropicana and Flamingo Special Event open to all actors in the Las Vegas Community (union affiliation is not required, nor professional status)Read More

Los Angeles (September 23, 2004) – Screen Actors Guild (SAG) today announced election results for the Guild's National Board of Directors. Approximately one-third of the 69 national board seats were up for election this year representing SAG's Hollywood, New York and Regional Branch Divisions. The vote tallies for each candidate are available at www.sag.org.

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LOS ANGELES (September 22, 2004) -- In response to member inquiries, SAG's National Agents Relations Committee (NARC) wants SAG members to know it has been meeting regularly over the last several months and is nearing completion of its exhaustive review of SAG's existing Agency Franchise, also commonly referred to as Rule 16(g). NARC, acting unanimously, will make a detailed presentation at SAG's October national board plenary and recommend possible future courses of action. No details will be released until after the board meeting.

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New York (September 22, 2004) --- Screen Actors Guild received a Diversity Achievement Award from the American Advertising Foundation today at the New York Athletic Club in New York. Others who received Diversity Awards include Procter & Gamble and University Settlement, a community service agency in N.Y.

The American Advertising Foundation presented SAG with this award for its work in seeking more racial and ethnic inclusion in film and television projects.

41st Annual Accolade to be Presented During the 11th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards®Read More

"SAG Low Budget Agreements Made Simple"

SAG Theatrical Business Representatives will walk you through signing SAG low budge agreements from start to finish

Workshops are held the 2nd Thursday of every month from 6 to 8pm

The workshop is provided at no charge.

Workshops fill up quickly so RSVP now!

If you sign up for a workshop but can't attend you must call to cancel your reservation no later than 48 hours before the workshop.

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The Next Best Thing to Taking it With You...

Your support for the SAG Foundation's vital programs can help further your own tax, financial and estate planning goals.

Give a little or give a lot...now or later...there's a tax-favorable planned giving option that perfectly suits your individual needs.

* Bequests

* Charitable Lead Trusts

* Charitable Gift Annuities

* Charitable Remainder Trusts

* Pooled Income Funds

* Residuals Donation

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SAG's Residuals Department prides itself on processing members' residuals in the fastest and most efficient way possible.

Due to limited resources, however, SAG can no longer "expedite" residual checks—a process where the production information associated with the payment is mailed separately from the check.

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For the second time in six weeks, SAG takes strong action against scam artists looking to prey upon actors

Los Angeles, CA (August 26, 2004) --- Calif. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed an anti-scam bill on Tuesday that amends the California Advance Talent Service Act (AFTS). The bill (SB 1687), which goes into effect January 1, 2005, was co-sponsored by Screen Actors Guild and Los Angeles City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo. Calif. State Senator Kevin Murray (D-Culver City) introduced the bill and championed it through the legislature and signing.

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Los Angeles (August 17, 2005) --- Screen Actors Guild issued a statement today to agents, managers, casting agents, and producers regarding restrictions on campaign contributions:

This statement from the Screen Actors Guild Hollywood and New York Division Elections Committees is to inform you of various obligations imposed on you by federal law in connection with the upcoming SAG internal union elections.

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Los Angeles (August 25, 2004) – Screen Actors Guild (SAG) has released the official list of candidates for its upcoming National Board elections. Ballots for all eligible SAG members in Hollywood and New York were mailed today. The ballots will be tabulated on September 23 and the election results are expected to be announced that evening.

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On Wednesday, August 19, Franchise Pictures, LLC and 19 related entities filed petitions for protection under Chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy laws. Franchise has been responsible for production or distribution of about 75 motion pictures, employing hundreds of SAG members.

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Don’t miss the Grand Opening of The SAG Shop

Opening its doors tomorrow, September 17th!

Featuring caps, t-shirts, portfolios and much more!

Log-in to www.sag.org Friday, September 16th to link to the new SAG Shop. ....and "Wear It Proud".

Submissions to be Accepted Online or by Mail

11th Annual SAG Awards™ to Air on Turner Network Television (TNT) Saturday, February 5, 2005

Los Angeles – Submissions for the 11th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® nominations open Monday, August 16, 2004 and continue until 5:00 p.m. (PST), Thursday, November 11, 2004. Submissions can be accepted online at www.sagawards.org or submission forms can be obtained by calling the Screen Actors Guild Awards® office at (323) 549-6707.

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Sept. 15, 1907 – August 8, 2004

Screen Actors Guild founding member #1,475

Joined November 10, 1933

Fay Wray got her start in silent movies in 1923 and performed in more than 70 films during an extensive acting career. But it was her role in King Kong that immortalized her as the giant ape’s beautiful object of affection. Nine months after the film’s premier, Wray joined the four-month-old Screen Actors Guild on November 10, 1933.

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Individual Admits Involvement; Guild Vows ‘Zero Tolerance’ for Interference in Union Decisions

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Los Angeles (August 3, 2004) – Screen Actors Guild (SAG) today released the official list of candidates for its upcoming National Board elections. Ballots for all eligible SAG members in Hollywood and New York will be mailed on August 25. The ballots will be tabulated on September 23 and the election results are expected to be announced that evening.

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Members Adding Your E-mail Address for the First Time:

The following information must be submitted in writing:

Current Professional Name

SAG ID Number

Your Professional Signature

E-mail

Address

Fax or mail to our Data Processing Department at: Screen Actors Guild 5757 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036 Attn: Data Processing Fax (323) 549-6792.

Members Currently on the E-mail List:

To Update Your E-mail Address:

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TO ALL PRODUCERS, AGENTS AND SAG OFF-CAMERA VOICE ACTORS INVOLVED IN THE PRODUCTION OF ANIMATED TELEVISION SERIES

RE: SERIES CONTRACTS It has come to the attention of SAG that certain producers may be attempting to enter into agreements with off-camera voice actors (“performers”) for employment in animated television series as series contract performers or series regulars, with provisions that may include a contract term with options. However, these agreements are not providing the minimum compensation required to obtain such rights.Read More

July 29, 2004

As you may know, after the referendum defeat of the SAG-ATA proposed agency agreement in April 2002, SAG’s national board unanimously adopted a motion designed to allow all represented performers to continue pursuing their career objectives with the least amount of disruption possible. To that end, the board voted to temporarily suspend application of Section 16(a) of the SAG Constitution, requiring members to secure an agent from a list of SAG-approved (franchised) agents.

What does this national board action mean to you?

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Guild takes stand against problem producers to recover tens of thousands of dollars in lost wages

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In February, 2004, SAG was contacted by a concerned member of the acting community about a potential voucher scam being perpetrated on aspiring actors through a popular Internet jobs board. The Guild opened an investigation and began methodically gathering evidence. On Monday, July 19, L.A. City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo announced 14 charges against Thyvronn Hill, doing business as “RJ Productions,” including 10 counts of false advertising, two counts of petty theft, operating a business without proper registration and unauthorized use of a trademark or label.

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Individual Wanted for Using Forged Vouchers to Scam Work from Actors

LOS ANGELES (July 19, 2004) - City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo and Screen Actors Guild President Melissa Gilbert issued a warning to actors to be on guard against individuals who provide forged vouchers used to verify employment necessary for SAG membership.

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View Los Angeles City Attorney's Official Press Release

View Background Information

See Legitimate Ways to Join SAG

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Los Angeles (July 7, 2004) – Screen Actors Guild (SAG) today granted a waiver to the Motion Picture & Television Fund (MTPF) – which provides tens of thousands of SAG members in the Los Angeles area with critical health and human services – that will directly strengthen the MPTF’s core services to members of the entertainment community.

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Los Angeles (July 16, 2004) – U.S. District Court Judge John Walter this week affirmed his ruling of May 27th that dismissed all discrimination and retaliation claims brought by former SAG employee Patricia Heisser Metoyer against Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and has ordered Metoyer to pay SAG's court costs in the amount of $24,765.

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We have received a request from AFTRA that Screen Actors Guild members not accept employment on a Spanish-language telenovela to be co-produced by Freemantle Latin America and Telemundo. This telenovela is tentatively entitled “La Fuerza del Silencio” or “La Ley Del Silencio.”

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All paid-up SAG members who work under the TV Animation Contract are invited to attend. Participation will be limited only by fire rules. Come early and bring your membership card.

Attend and share your thoughts on this contract with your fellow actors.

Time: 7-9 PM

Date: Wednesday, July 21

Location: Screen Actors Guild Headquarters 5757 Wilshire Blvd. James Cagney Board Room (1st Floor)

Thank you for your participation!

SAG TV Animation Contract Negotiating Committee 2004

Los Angeles (July 12, 2004)—In an effort to constructively resolve the ongoing debate over the controversial practice of actors paying to attend casting workshops, The Screen Actors Guild Foundation and Screen Actors Guild (SAG) today announced a new pilot effort that will increase the number of free casting workshops available to Guild members. After a one-year run in Los Angeles, SAG hopes to expand the program nationwide.

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On July 13, 2004, at 10:00 a.m., at the offices of the Screen Actors Guild, Inc. (“SAG”), 5757 Wilshire Boulevard, 1st Floor (Bella Bruck Room), Los Angeles, California, SAG will sell, at public auction, for cash or otherwise acceptable terms, all right, title, and interest of the Debtor(s) in and to several motion pictures.

Blood industry officials made a plea this week for blood donations, citing the "current high risk of a life-threatening" shortage in many parts of the country, including the Midwest and Southern California. On that urgent note, it’s time for another Screen Actors Guild blood drive. Please consider scheduling an appointment to make a life saving gift (guidelines for blood donations are listed below).

All members nationwide are invited to take part in the SAG Blood Drive and Bone Marrow Registry.

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The SAG Health Plan is pleased to announce a new premium payment option that will eliminate the worry of missing a payment and risking the loss of eligibility. The new Auto Debit Plan deducts your quarterly premium automatically on a recurring basis each quarter from your checking or savings account (excludes credit cards). Payments are deducted on the 25th of each month prior to the due date. For example, a payment due on July 1 is deducted on July 25.

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On July 13, 2004, at 10:00 a.m., at the offices of the Screen Actors Guild, Inc. (“SAG”), 5757 Wilshire Boulevard, 1st Floor (Bella Bruck Room), Los Angeles, California, SAG will sell, at public auction, for cash or otherwise acceptable terms, all right, title, and interest of the Debtor(s) in and to several motion pictures.

Los Angeles (June 24, 2004) – Screen Actors Guild (SAG) President Melissa Gilbert today released the following statement in reaction to today’s ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals to block Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plans to dangerously expand the number of television and radio stations that can be owned by a single media company in one market:

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Los Angeles (June 21, 2004) – Screen Actors Guild (SAG) today passed a resolution voicing its strong support for Actors’ Equity in their ongoing negotiations with producers.

“We support our sister union Actors’ Equity in these critical contract talks,” said SAG President Melissa Gilbert. “The 120,000 members of Screen Actors Guild stand squarely behind Equity in solidarity, and we hope they will reach a fair, equitable contract this week."

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The latest issue of Screen Actor Magazine has shipped to mailboxes of all SAG members.

Featured in this issue:

"Remembering President Reagan: The SAG Years"

"SAG Looks to Organize Spanish Language Productions" (includes a survey for

"Global Rule One Celebrates Year 2"

"An Interview with Edward James Olmos"

"Low Budget Agreements Made Simple"

"Art Mimics Life and Andy Serkis"

and much more...

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June 18, 2004---Working in conjunction with a coalition vigorously opposed to anti-runaway production, the Florida branch of Screen Actors Guild played a prominent role in the passage of two important initiatives that benefit the Florida film industry. With the support of fellow industry labor unions, Film Florida and the state’s Film and Entertainment Advisory Council, SAG secured $2.4 million for the funding of the film production incentive legislation passed in 2003.Read More

Los Angeles (June 2, 2004) –Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the Joint Policy Committee (JPC) of the Association of National Advertisers (ANA) and the American Association of Advertising Agencies (AAAA) today issued a joint request for proposals (RFP) to several companies involved in the electronic monitoring of television commercials and program content.Read More

SAG MEMBERS Register and log-in now to gain access to work opportunities with our production listings. Membership has its benefits.

Voting Results

Los Angeles (June 1, 2004) – Screen Actors Guild (SAG) today announced that the dues proposal overwhelmingly endorsed by the National Board this past April has failed by a narrow 51.88% to 48.12% margin in a referendum vote, with 36 percent of eligible SAG members casting ballots. The final tally was certified this evening by Washington state-based Integrity Voting Systems.

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Ronald Reagan got his start in politics at Screen Actors Guild (SAG), leading the union during a period in which it tackled many of the same issues confronting working actors today – including runaway production, fair compensation, and unity in an increasingly complex industry. In the upcoming issue of SAG’s quarterly Screen Actor magazine, Guild historian Valerie Yaros details Reagan’s legacy, beginning with his Guild involvement in the 1940s through his service as SAG president from 1947-1952 and again from 1959-1960.

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Ruling Marks the Third Time in Recent Months the Courts Throw Out Lawsuits Filed Against SAG

Los Angeles (June 3, 2004) – For the third time in recent months, a court has dismissed a meritless lawsuit filed against Screen Actors Guild (SAG).

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Now all SAG registered members can enjoy the convenience of paying dues online by credit or debit card (Visa or MasterCard only), or personal bank account. Your current bill and a complete dues history will be available for viewing online, along with important information about your bill.

Generous members who support SAG Foundation each year (by adding a donation to their billing statement) will still have this option.

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The Screen Actors Guild Foundation (the "Foundation") introduces the Housing Bulletin Board (the "Housing Board") to SAG members as a courtesy to provide a professional, convenient and easily accessible way of finding housing options.

Find out more on the SAG Foundation web site.

Los Angeles (May 27, 2004) – U.S. District Court Federal Judge John F. Walter today threw out all discrimination and retaliation claims brought by former SAG employee Patricia Heisser Metoyer against Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and its current executive John McGuire and former executive Leonard Chassman.

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Los Angeles (May 17, 2004) – Citing social and cultural concerns as well as artists’ rights, Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and Australia’s Media Entertainment & Arts Alliance, the two leading organizations representing working actors in the United States and Australia, today jointly called on the U.S. Congress and Australian Parliament to reject the recently negotiated U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement.

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Boost of $6 Million to Pension and Health Plans; Steady Rise in Foreign Theatrical, TV Productions Produced Under SAG Terms and Conditions

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Los Angeles, CA (May10, 2004) – Screen Actors Guild (SAG) issued the following statement today

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May 5, 2004

Dear SAG Member:

Screen Actors Guild must bargain and enforce contracts from a position of strength. Our power comes from you, as professional performers whose services our employers rely on to produce motion pictures, television programs and commercials. But SAG must also be fiscally strong and positioned to finance anything required to protect members, including organizing new jurisdictions, negotiating and enforcing contracts, and in a worst-case scenario, funding a strike.

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Make sure all your information with SAG is up-to-date.*

SAG has just created a new 1-800 “Actors To Locate” telephone number designed to assist producers/casting directors/other industry professionals who are looking to locate SAG members for employment opportunities. Unlike the service that has existed primarily in Los Angeles and New York, this is a national directory for all industry professionals. The new number is: 800/503-6737.

Note: This no-cost service is for employment purposes only. (It is not available for fan-based inquiries.)

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Submission Instructions:

As part of Screen Actors Guild and ABC Entertainment Television Group’s ongoing effort to discover and nurture a new and diverse pool of creative talent, and in keeping with SAG’s efforts to provide access for our members who have historically been underrepresented in the industry, Screen Actors Guild’s Affirmative Action / Diversity Department is pleased to partner with ABC Entertainment Television Group in their Talent Showcase series. The next showcase is scheduled to be held in New York City in October, 2004.

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The 11th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards will be held three weeks earlier next year -- on Saturday, February 5 at the Los Angeles Shrine Exposition Center.

The show will be televised on Turner Network Television (for the eighth consecutive year) and produced by Jeff Margolis Prods. in association with SAG.

The SAG Awards is the only show where the award recipients are selected solely by actors. The ceremonies will honor performances from 2004 in five film and eight TV categories, including ensemble awards.

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As SAG is preparing for its new billing cycle, the "Pay Dues Online" functionality of the SAG 24/7 website will be temporarily unavailable from April 12 through April 15, 2004.

Agreement secures better pay and benefits for working actors, as well as historic alignment of unions’ bargaining power; unions now turn attention to fall negotiations

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Los Angeles --- SAG members learned more about their union’s latest resources and had their questions answered at Sunday’s Hollywood branch membership meeting at the WGA Theater in Beverly Hills. Those in attendance heard reports on runaway production and background performers (how to file a claim) as well as an in-depth presentation on identity theft by specialist Jay Foley (founder of the Identity Theft Center). The recent TV/Theatrical Contract Extension, which passed overwhelmingly on March 18, was also discussed.

After a concentrated lobbying campaign led by Screen Actors Guild, NY Gov. George Pataki signed the Child Performers Education and Trust Act of 2003. This law will provide safeguards for a child’s wages and ensure education standards for thousands of children working in New York’s entertainment industry.

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Join Jane Kaczmarek, Sean Astin, Benicio Del Toro, Jenna Elfman, Elijah Wood, Amanda Bynes, Elliott Gould, Dan Castellaneta, Ed Asner, Barbara Bain, Mimi Kennedy and thousands more by introducing children to the wonderful world of reading and literacy.

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Take advantage of the SAG Foundation's expanding library of celebrity interviews from its "Conversations" and "Roll Film" events. Come in and watch the interviews for free. Learn from them, take notes, and improve your craft. The room is available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on regular business days.

Here's what you need to do:

First call Bob Nuchow at 323/549-6488 or Lloyd Davidson at 323/549-6649 and set up an appointment.

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What you should know about VITA

VITA is a two-hour self-help program. In workshop sessions, members complete their own tax forms assisted by trained volunteers.

Before scheduling an appointment to attend VITA, you need to pick up a VITA Packet. Complete the forms before coming to the appointment. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is offered to qualified members of:

Screen Actors Guild (SAG)

American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA)

Actors Equity Association (AEA)

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