Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1251534
15 SAG-AFTRA | Spring 2020 | sagaftra.org Dear Member, A s I write this letter, the world has changed. We are all grappling with the seismic shift thrust upon us as a result of the global outbreak of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. Around the globe, countries and communities have established a cycle that is now familiar: 1) initial outbreak, 2) containment, 3) expanded testing and other therapeutic measures, 4) reopening society, 5) re-containment to deal with COVID-19 clusters that emerge as a result of reopening … REPEAT CYCLE. We are all searching for, hoping for, praying for the vaccine. Where will these efforts take us? How will this story end? No one yet knows. All of this leads me to a message that blends sobering thoughts with sadness, pride and ultimately (I am a natural optimist), hope for the days that lie ahead. First, a quick overview of the state of the industry: For now, we are in widespread lockdown in most, though not all, areas of work. Entertainment and commercial production typically involves many people gathering closely together each day to accomplish myriad, complicated tasks that lead to magic on a screen. As of today, we are still figuring out how to undertake such activity safely, so that each production doesn't become a petri dish for the virus. Unions, studios, advertising agencies, independent producers — we are all debating how to do this while keeping watch over the things we are charged to protect: health, jobs, budgets, etc. We are all feverishly working to complete protocols to allow this work to flourish once again. Broadcast news, video games, audiobooks, podcasts, music and other voiceover work that can be done solo and/or in a professional's home is, not surprisingly, thriving. This speaks to the resiliency of our membership and contract areas, and we are grateful for all opportunities for members to continue to earn an income and pursue their passion. We are also grateful for the work itself. I know that I speak for all when I express great pride in our broadcast news journalists who are on the frontlines daily to ensure we know what is happening in the world around us. Their work is more necessary than ever and we are all so appreciative for their courage and professionalism! Similarly, what would the "shelter-in-place" process look like without television, movies, podcasts and video games? It would be far worse than we can imagine. We must send our sincere thanks for our members who we watch and listen to as they bring stories and characters to life for us. The work of our members is critical to the effort to get us through this terrible storm and will be essential to our ability to understand this fearsome era when we look back on it years from now and try to comprehend its meaning and the lessons we must take from it. Finally, I am so grateful to my colleagues on staff who have endured the difficult impact of reduced budgets and have risen to the challenge of keeping the organization running smoothly while we handle negotiations, develop safety protocols, process residuals checks and keep working members safe. So, amidst the profound grief that I have felt during this time for the shocking loss of life we have witnessed and some have personally suffered — and for the economic wreckage that we have experienced around the world — amidst that pain, I have found rays of gratitude, pride, laughter and inspiration. And I remain hopeful about the days that lie ahead. We will get through this pandemic and rebuild our industry and communities. Together. In unity and looking forward, David White D AV I D W H I T E " We are all feverishly working to complete protocols to allow this work to flourish once again. "