SAG-AFTRA

Fall 2019

Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1186820

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 85 of 118

84 SAG-AFTRA | Fall 2019 | sagaftra.org On Location From left, influencer and panel moderator Alicia Malone, series creator James Lafferty, cast member Alexandra Park, executive producer Michelle Lang and series creator Stephen Colletti share the ups and downs of self-producing a comedy series. CASTING DIRECTORS TALK SELF-TAPING A s the shortcuts of modern technology become more and more prevalent in the entertainment industry, SAG-AFTRA members have had to adapt to a growing demand for self-taped auditions, which has left many frustrated and concerned. To help demystify the practice, four L.A.-based casting directors participated in an info- packed panel on self-taped auditions at SAG-AFTRA Plaza on July 31. The rise in demand for self-taping has come with the emergence of streaming services, which has led to an eruption of new programming and more opportunities for actors, but less time for casting directors to review auditions. Panelists reassured attendees that every audition received by the deadline is given a fair viewing, and some are kept and catalogued for future roles. The discussion also explored the topics of technical direction, costume and props, slates and reels, and the pet peeves of casting directors. By delivering insider knowledge on what casting directors want to see, panelists helped actors keep focus on their lines rather than camera angles. SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Local Executive Director Ilyanne Morden Kichaven, left, with casting directors Krista Husar (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Tracy "Twinkie" Byrd (Fruitvale Station), Caroline Liem ( Jimmy Kimmel Live!) and Jenny Jue (Inglourious Basterds) prior to the self-tape panel. Los Angeles CONSERVATORY GETS INTENSE M ore than 600 SAG-AFTRA L.A. Conservatory members took over the American Film Institute campus for the annual Summer Intensive weekend featuring back-to-back panels and workshops on July 19–21. Each year, the event grows more robust in attendance and in content, boasting more than 70 classes, panels and more. Subjects covered ranged from classic craftwork such as improv, TV comedy and audition tactics to business, finance and branding courses. This year's most popular events were the opening night multihyphenate panel that discussed self-producing from the actor's point of view, casting director panels and workshops and, as always, the diagnostic one-on-one sessions in which members can choose what they want to work on. Year after year, the program continues to please members and grow. SAG-AFTRA staff and the L.A. Conservatory Committee have already begun work on next year's program and look forward to seeing you there. SAG-AFTRA L.A. Conservatory registration is open now. L.A. Conservatory members pick up practical tips for producing their own projects from a group of successful multihyphenate entertainment industry professionals at the L.A. Conservatory Summer Intensive opening night panel. THE MULTIHYPHENATES EDUCATIONAL SERIES LAUNCHES T he creators and stars of the new comedy series Everyone Is Doing Great, James Lafferty and Stephen Colletti, screened the first two episodes of the show before participating in a Q&A discussion on self-production with fellow cast members and producers at SAG-AFTRA plaza on Aug. 20. Organized by SAG-AFTRA's Entertainment Contracts Department in partnership with the NextGen Performers Subcommittee, the event marked the second installment of the department's new educational series The Multihyphenates, which aims to showcase the talent of SAG-AFTRA members who create their own content. Everyone Is Doing Great follows the lives of two former stars of a hit television series who struggle to reclaim their previous level of success while navigating the perils of life in Los Angeles. Throughout the discussion, the team explained the genesis of the show, how they crowdfunded an entire season and their experiences executing it on a shoestring budget under the SAG-AFTRA New Media Agreement.

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of SAG-AFTRA - Fall 2019