Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1251534
81 SAG-AFTRA | Spring 2020 | sagaftra.org Local Helps Launch Catalyst Content Festival T he Twin Cities Local turned out in force for the inaugural Catalyst Content Festival. The festival took place in Duluth, Minnesota, from Oct. 9–13. The local sponsored the Zeitgeist Lounge and co-hosted a contracts workshop alongside SAGindie. Member ambassadors also helped to organize a table read workshop. "The strong support Catalyst received from SAG-AFTRA members was a vital component of what was a successful TV and film industry week in Duluth," said the festival's executive director, Philip Gilpin Jr. "[We] look forward to growing an even stronger relationship with SAG-AFTRA in the coming year so that more talent can find pathways toward full-time employment in the industry we all love." ● Twin Cities Bargaining Committee Celebrates Recent Successes M embers of the WHYY bargaining committee celebrated another successful round of negotiations in downtown Philadelphia on Feb. 20. The unit has already achieved a number of important tentative agreements with the station. While it will take some time for final ratification, the hard work undertaken shows progress toward a fully binding, collective bargaining agreement for union broadcasters, the first for the station since voting to join SAG-AFTRA on Oct. 30. ● Local Celebrates Presidents Day with Annual Picnic I t was a beautiful day in the Sunshine State as Miami Local members, family, friends and guests gathered at Greynolds Park on Feb. 7 to celebrate Presidents Day with its annual picnic. Attendees enjoyed the lively company and the delicious BBQ food and, as in the past, members brought their musical instruments to play and gathered to dance. This year's improv band also included an electric guitar player. Three dogs were also part of the celebration, including one whose hair was organically dyed a shocking pink color. Picnic-goers also celebrated two birthdays, had fun with the traditional industry trivia game and won SAG-AFTRA prizes. Members are already looking forward to next year's picnic. ● Philly WHYY's shop stewards, from left, Laura Benshoff, Larissa Sapko, Karen Smyles and Sam Brieger. From left, SAG-AFTRA Twin Cities Local Board member Paul Cram, member Shelli Place, MN Film & TV Executive Director Melodie Bahan and Twin Cities Film Festival Chair Casey Lewis meet in the Catalyst Content Festival's SAG-AFTRA Lounge. Members, family and friends at the Miami Local's annual Presidents Day picnic Miami