Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1186820
96 SAG-AFTRA | Fall 2019 | sagaftra.org On Location SELF-TAPING IN THE SPOTLIGHT M embers of the New Orleans Local attended the Self-Taping Audition Basics workshop presented by SAG-AFTRA member Sharon Garrison at the University of New Orleans on April 23. The presentation covered fundamentals of preparing for and taping an audition, including analyzing the project breakdown provided for the role, understanding the scene and your character's role in it, memorizing the lines, managing your appearance, using the right lighting and background, choosing the right person to read with you, and selecting the right person to tape your audition. In addition to covering the mechanical requirements of the audition, Garrison noted the importance of appearing emotionally available, actively listening, breathing normally and making eye contact as well as seamlessly acting the role during the audition. She also discussed the pros and cons of self-taping versus using a paid producer to make your tape. The pros include cost savings and quick turnaround times versus better equipment, higher quality and the benefits of an experienced observer who can evaluate your results without bias. New Orleans Sharon Garrison discussed self-taping at the April 23 workshop. LOCAL SPONSORS FILM AND MEDIA CONFERENCE A ugust was a busy time for the SAG-AFTRA New Mexico Local, which was a key participant at the 2019 New Mexico Film and Media Industry Conference. One of the most important industry events in the state, it brought together entertainment unions, industry players, professional representatives, casting directors and virtually every entity that has made New Mexico the go-to location for production in the entertainment arena. With Netflix and NBCUniversal establishing studio presences, the dialogues and discussions were comprehensive. The Local Board was on hand to guide pre-members down the path to membership and to help current members with valuable advice and direction in their careers. SAG-AFTRA-branded swag always draws them in, but the value is the union's presence there and the knowledge that it protects and promotes professional actors. New Mexico From left, front row, Local Board member William Sterchi, Local President Marc Comstock and National Board member and Local 1st VP Mel MacKaron. Back row, Local 2nd VP Michael Miller, Local Secretary Jackie Jones, Local Board member Tom Schuch and Sanford Kelley. MEL MACKARON MEMBERS LEARN SELF-DEFENSE T he Muriel Moore/Danny Nelson SAG-AFTRA Conservatory recently presented two of the most significant and empowering events in its history. At the first, on March 4, stuntman David Morizot brought his AWARE team to teach a women's self-defense class in Atlanta. Morizot has assembled a team of fellow stunt performers that includes Jeremy Conner, Elizabeth Davidovich, Philip Dido, Jasi Jovingo, Keith Meriweather, Samantha McDonald, Joshua Mueller, Jessica Merideth, Steven Rummenie and Nikki Tomlinson, collectively known as Always Watching Always Ready to Engage. The class was followed on June 17 with Joe Corley, a 10th-degree black belt grandmaster, sharing the most practical physical karate movements available, combined with real-life defensive techniques of the principles of Krav Maga for both men and women. At both of these events, you could feel the energy in the room change as self-confidence built. The Conservatory is free to members, and attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to help support the community. Over time, it has provided thousands of pounds of food to the BCM Food Pantry. Atlanta Members practice self-defense with Joe Corley. CAROLANN UTLEY