Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1251534
sagaftra.org | Spring 2020 | SAG-AFTRA 28 Union Helps Expand Smoke Regulations Protecting Minors M inors on set in Georgia — even those not covered by a SAG-AFTRA contract — will be better protected, thanks in part to the efforts of SAG-AFTRA's National Field Services and the Atlanta Local. The union worked with the Georgia Department of Labor to tighten regulations concerning the use of atmospheric smoke, fog and haze on sets with minor performers. Under the new rules, which went into effect Feb. 3, children under the age of 2 may not be exposed to atmospheric smoke at all, while there are daily time limits for exposure of older children: 30 minutes for those between the ages 2–9, 60 minutes for those between 9–16, and 90 minutes for those between 16–18. Although productions previously had to disclose the compounds being used, there is now an additional requirement that they use an aerosol particle-monitoring device to ensure the levels are consistent with allowable standards. Last year, when the Georgia Department of Labor wanted to revamp its regulations for minors on set, SAG-AFTRA stepped up, sending representatives to hearings and other meetings, and sharing information on the protections in its contracts and beyond. SAG-AFTRA input was crucial because the union's representatives visit sets around the country every day and advocate for performers' issues and concerns. With the success in Georgia, SAG-AFTRA will continue to push for enhanced protections for performers around the country. I t seems like only yesterday SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris and National Executive Director David White made their way into the booth to record what would be the first SAG-AFTRA podcast. More than one year later, the podcast draws listeners with special guests and discussions about important issues that affect the media industry and the careers of SAG-AFTRA members. Since its first episode, "Making the Revolution," the podcast has grown to nearly 50,000 downloads. The most popular episodes include "Stacking Auditions in Your Favor," a live recording of the Los Angeles MOVE Committee's Audition Strategy and Job Clarity panel; Carteris' Actor to Actor interview with the 54th SAG Life Achievement Award recipient Alan Alda; and "Social Media Superstars on the Future of Entertainment," where streaming service Zeus co-founders Amanda Cerney and DeStorm Power talk about their network's partnership with the union. The podcast covers a rich variety of subjects, including the effects of technology on creative work, the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on members' lives, and fun and informative episodes with insight from musicians, puppeteers, and stunt and background performers — and even the occasional throwback episode featuring archival Actor to Actor interviews. Visit sagaftra.org/podcast, tune in to new episodes every other Tuesday and be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts or TuneIn. Also check out our Spanish- language podcast. SAG-AFTRA Podcast Celebrates 1-year Anniversary SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris and National Executive Director David White interview puppeteers Jennifer Barnhart and John Tartaglia for the podcast.