Utah 2008:03

UTAH BOOSTS FILM INCENTIVES

By Marshall Moore,
Director of the Utah Film Commission

The 2008 Utah State Legislative Session concluded on March 5. The Utah Film Commission is pleased to announce that the Motion Picture Incentive Fund (MPIF) was appropriated at a total of $5.5 million, which is an increase of $1.5 million from the previous year. This is the highest appropriation our fund has ever received in its five-year history.

This past year, the Utah Film Commission was able to use the $4 million dollar appropriation for 11 films generating $37 million in production revenue.

Although this year’s session saw many requests that did not receive funding, in the last hours of the session the MPIF received an increase of $500,000, raising the total amount to $5.5 million. The Legislature has shown an exceptional amount of confidence in the MPIF, the Utah film industry and the economic impact the combination has had on the state in previous years. The Utah Film Commission would like to thank Gov. Jon Huntsman, the Utah Legislature, Executive Director of the Governor's Office of Economic Development Jason Perry and Motion Picture Association of Utah officials Don Schain and Charlie Evans for their tremendous efforts in securing this funding.

This new appropriation will allow us to sustain jobs for hundreds of film professionals in the coming year. It will also be a springboard of significant change for the future that will allow us to attract a wider variety of projects to the state.

The Utah Film Commission would like to thank you for representing the industry with your great work ethic and enthusiastic efforts behind and in front of the camera. You are the reason that filmmakers continue to return to Utah making us, as Governor Huntsman said, “a premier film destination."

If you have any questions or comments, please contact our offices at (801) 538-8740.

ANOTHER HANDY KEY TO UNLOCK JOBS

Many of you know of the film digests, the small brochures that summarize each of our low budget agreements. They have recently been reprinted by SAGIndie and are available upon request. E-mail Branch Executive Director Don Livesay at dlivesay@sag.org and ask him to send you copies. They are intended not only for you, but also for producers who you think might be willing to use you in an upcoming film.

One of the best lines you may ever say is, “I am a member of Screen Actors Guild, and I know a way you can hire me.” Have a digest on hand, so when that opportunity presents itself, you’ll be right on cue.

(Susan Dolan, Marshall Moore and Bob Trim.)

SAG TAKES CENTER STAGE AT FOURSITE FILM FESTIVAL

By Susan Dolan
Utah Branch President

On March 8, I had the pleasure and honor to sit on the filmmakers panel at the Foursite Film Festival with producer-director-writer McKay Daines, Utah film Commissioner Marshall Moore and MPAU representative Bob Trim. The panel was moderated by Foursite Film Festival founder and director Scott Halford. There were a good number of filmmakers in attendance with questions for us.

I was able to promote our SAGIndie contracts leaving the filmmakers with copies of our digest. I encouraged them to look for our members on iActor and let them know that Utah actors are not only talented but also desire to work in their films. I promoted our talent as professionals who will make their jobs easier and more efficient because professional actors know how to find their marks, come prepared with lines and are able to concentrate with an entire film crew working around them. They seemed very interested in getting the best actors for their projects and the opportunity to use our contracts.

I encourage you to audition for any films that are using our low budget contracts, even if the work is below your usual pay because the films have the possibility of upgrading to a higher contract. The contracts also get new filmmakers accustomed to hiring professional actors -- instead of their sisters, brothers, etc. -- and you get earnings to count toward your pension and health. The agency I'm signed with frequently opts not to work on projects of lower pay scale, but you can receive an e-mail blast with the audition information. If the work is going to be covered by a SAG contract of any kind, I encourage you to attend.

FOCUSING OUR PASSION

By Don Livesay
Utah Executive Director

When it comes to jobs, actors tend to sharpen their focus on what they need to do personally in order to maximize opportunities to work. Many times that involves honing skills with classes or having new pictures taken. With Screen Actors Guild, it means organizing. In a so-called right-to-work state, jobs don’t fall into our laps. We need to create an environment where, in order for producers to hire the best actors, they need first to become signatories. Our track record is pretty good in turning non-union projects into union ones, but even when we do, producers don’t necessarily hire members...

The 2007 numbers are not in yet, but looking at earnings for 2006 in Utah, are you aware that there were more than four times the number of non-members who had SAG earnings than members with earnings? Does that startle you? Does this incite a certain passion in you?

It should. It means that when you work the chances are that many of – if not most of – the actors you work with will not be members of SAG.

Here’s how to focus that passion and help turn that disturbing ratio around:

1. Become actively involved by encouraging non-members to join. Members are the best advocates for joining the union. We covered this at our last membership meeting. On your next job, make a point of introducing yourself to others. Find out who isn’t a member and tell them that the best move they can make is to join. Make sure to give them the office telephone number, (800) 724-0767, or the website address, www.sag.org.

2. Become an iActor by signing up to the free online casting service for SAG members only. When producers can’t find what they need within our membership ranks, guess who they are inclined to hire? Use this member-only benefit that will put you a step ahead of the non-members who compete against you. (See the article below.)

3. Always be on the alert for projects that are non-union. Let the office know so that we can follow up and help the producer learn about us, find out how easy it is to go SAG and, most importantly, discover the value, dollar for dollar, in hiring the very best performers around.

Let’s all be working for more work in 2008. It’s worth our passion.

WHAT CASTING DIRECTORS WANT TO KNOW ABOUT iActor

Casting directors are on iActor daily, digitally sourcing and then clearing talented Screen Actors Guild members for work in SAG-signatory productions. They find particular value in iActor's ability to offer access to regional SAG actors, no matter where you live. We are getting great feedback on iActor's content-rich database. But they have some notes for you.

Many of you aren't listing a contact number on your resumes, so that means they can't reach you for an audition. The number one rule from the casting community is that contact information is a crucial element of your iActor resume. It's just as important as a beautifully presented headshot, up-to-date credits and a full representation of your skills and talents.

Please make sure to list your current contact information, either a service number or your representative's, so you won't miss that important work call.

We've also noticed that many of you aren't marking your resumes "viewable," so as far as the casting community is concerned, you aren't seen. It's extremely important to complete the final step in completing your iActor resume. You have to mark it "viewable."

iActor liaisons are ready to help you at (310) 549-6789 or webhelp@sag.org.

SCREEN ACTORS GUILD MISSION STATEMENT

By Don Livesay
Utah Executive Director

At a recent meeting of producers, a question was raised about what we do in representing members. Since what I do is one of my favorite topics, the answer was fairly simple. But for those of you who would like something official to view, our mission statement is printed below. It sums up very well what we strive to do every day in representing members. As a member, you should be familiar with this information and be ready to help your union help you.

Screen Actors Guild is the nation's largest labor union representing working actors. Established in 1933, SAG has a rich history in the American labor movement, from standing up to studios to break long-term engagement contracts in the 1940s to fighting for artists' rights amid the digital revolution sweeping the entertainment industry in the 21st century. With 20 branches nationwide, SAG represents nearly 120,000 working actors in film, television, industrials, commercials, video games, music videos and other new media. The Guild exists to enhance actors' working conditions, compensation and benefits and to be a powerful, unified voice on behalf of artists' rights. Headquartered in Los Angeles, SAG is a proud affiliate of the AFL-CIO.

Screen Actors Guild represents its members through:

* Negotiation and enforcement of collective bargaining agreements that establish equitable levels of compensation, benefits, and working conditions for performers.

* The collection of compensation for exploitation of their recorded performances and protection against unauthorized use.

* The preservation and expansion of work opportunities.

NEW 75TH ANNIVERSAY GEAR AVAILABLE

Visit thesagshop.com for the latest in must-have, union-made merchandise. Check out the new Screen Actors Guild 75th anniversary items including T-shirts and polos. Get ready for spring and warm weather with a new camisole or cap and demonstrate your good taste and union pride.

WHAT IS UTAH'S REEL REPORT?

Utah's Reel Report is the official e-newsletter for the Utah Branch. It is published quarterly, and it is designed to keep our Utah members informed of news and upcoming events.

Your comments and suggestions are welcome. Please send them to Utah Branch Executive Director Don Livesay at dlivesay@sag.org.