Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1157135
54 SAG-AFTRA | Summer 2019 | sagaftra.org On Location TAKING THE LEAD IN A CHANGING BROADCAST INDUSTRY M ore than 40 members of the San Francisco- Northern California Local met for the third Women in Broadcast luncheon on May 18 in Oakland. The lunch was attended by a cross-section of SAG-AFTRA's local broadcast membership, from anchors and reporters to music DJs, announcers, producers and board operators. The focus of the event was to discuss challenges and opportunities for women in a fast- changing broadcast industry and collaborate on issues outside the workplace. Members enjoyed the opportunity to share their stories and forge connections with their fellow union members. The San Francisco-Northern California Local plans to work with members to plan future events aimed at building a stronger broadcast community. SAG-AFTRA members gather in solidarity at Scott's Seafood in Oakland. San Francisco- Northern California WORKSHOPS OFFER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES T he Houston-Austin Local is focused on helping performers hone their acting tools. To that end, the Houston Conservatory invited social media expert Heidi Dean to present a March 24 workshop on marketing and promotion for actors. Members of all ages and varying technical skills traveled across south Texas to learn the art of social media in today's workspace. Performers learned the value of positive social media and its importance to their brand as professionals. There were lots of questions, lots of answers and lots of new Twitter and Instagram users. Meanwhile, on April 27, Austin members and producers were treated to an extensive course on production management given by Randy Polk, a retired media production professor from the Jack J. Valenti School of Communication at University of Houston. The Austin Conservatory hosted this event at the Austin Public TV studios as part of its ongoing season of workshops. Houston-Austin SCENE STUDY WORKSHOP WITH GILDA GRAHAM O n May 18, the Nevada Conservatory hosted a scene study workshop at the Indie Film Factory, which proved to be an excellent venue for the intimate group. Presented by acting coach, producer and screenwriter Gilda Graham, the workshop offered SAG-AFTRA performers the opportunity to work on scenes from a range of films. They were challenged to perform the scenes in different ways and, in some instances, it was the small changes that produced the most dramatic effect. This was particularly evident when one actor was asked to imagine the person he was talking to was someone he cared about. The difference in his performance was visible and palpable. The camaraderie between the actors enabled them to feel comfortable receiving constructive feedback in an encouraging and fun environment. Nevada AUDIOBOOKS HIGHLIGHTED O n April 28, more than 35 members traveled from around the state to attend the annual membership meeting in Phoenix, graciously hosted at the American Federation of Musicians Local 586 building. Members enjoyed lunch and connecting prior to the meeting. During the meeting, information was provided about contracts, national initiatives and ways to increase union presence and activity locally. Members asked thoughtful questions of local leadership and staff. Immediately following the meeting, National Director, Organizing Steve Sidawi updated members about the union's efforts on audiobook organizing and provided information on the contracts available to cover this work. Member and audiobook narrator Sean Pratt provided an introduction to the industry and how to get started. Arizona-Utah Members learn about production at Randy Polk's April 27 presentation. Sean Pratt GILDA GRAHAM SAG-AFTRA members at the scene study workshop.