Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1012073
sagaftra.org | Summer 2018 | SAG-AFTRA 43 OFFICERS LEAD MEMBERSHIP MEETING From left, New York Local vice presidents Liz Zazzi and Ezra Knight, Local President Rebecca Damon, and vice presidents Jim Kerr and Maureen Donnelly. The five New York Local officers led the annual membership meeting on May 15 at the DGA Theater. Reports covered diversity committees, the #AdsGoUnion campaign, initiatives to prevent sexual harassment and much more. Joseph C. Riley Awards were presented to Felisa Kazen and France Iann for their many years of dedicated committee service. SAG-AFTRA MEMBERS ON A ROLL From left, members Matthew Gray Gubler, Jay Ellis, Molly Ringwald, Paul Lieberstein, SAGindie's Michael Sladek and New York Local Board member Nick Fondulis toppled pins at SAG-AFTRA and SAGindie's annual Tribeca Film Festival bowling party on April 23. The festival continues to be the place to find the best in independent film, and SAG-AFTRA members represented! BACKGROUND ACTORS FRONT AND CENTER Members of the New York Background Advisory Committee join President Gabrielle Carteris, EVP Rebecca Damon, and Director, Theatrical Contracts Stephanie Perry on April 11 before hosting Background Actors Front and Center: An Evening with Casting Directors. More than 130 members heard a panel of experts give encouraging advice and useful tips for booking background work and observing professional standards. ALL SMILES AT THE BROADCASTERS' ROAST From left, ABC Radio's Lynda Lopez; Associate Executive Director, Labor Counsel Richard Larkin; and New York Board member Cheri Preston attend the SAG-AFTRA broadcasters annual black-tie Inner Circle Political Roast. The event is a chance for New York's movers and shakers to poke a little fun at themselves. New York CAMERA TURNS TO SELF-TAPING M ichigan Local and National Board member Peter Tocco led a self-taping seminar on March 6. Tocco discussed artistic aspects to consider when self-taping and provided technical instruction and practical advice for Michigan members. Key takeaways were the importance of creating a professional- looking submission and making sure that talent can be clearly seen and heard. Tocco brought his self-tape home setup, including a neutral background wall-covering, portable lighting, camera and tripod. One member allowed Tocco to share a self-tape audition, which was critiqued by the group. Tocco's goal with the seminar is to help Michigan members adapt to the ever-changing production landscape in a small local and increase the number of callbacks and bookings. Special thanks to Productions Plus - The Talent Shop for hosting local members for this dynamic evening. Michigan ERIC W YDRA Michigan Local Board member Phil Elam receives instruction from Peter Tocco at the self-taping seminar.