Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1257029
8 NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS Communication Skills on Production The news of the COVID-19 pandemic swept the industry in mid-March, shutting down production completely, until further notice. The loss of work has affected all of us, from the Sound Department to Craft Services. This has also been felt by local businesses that support and service productions, such as dry-cleaners that work with Costume Departments, gas stations that supply camera trucks, and many other vendors that all are so important to our industry. As a result of Gov. Newsom and Mayor Garcetti's "Safer at Home" order, our Local's office was closed. Business agents and staff have been working from home, but have jumped into action to offer guidance and assistance in answering the flood of phone calls. The newly formed 695 FAM Committee offered grocery and prescription pickups for retired members and those in high risk categories. IATSE CARES created a drive- through grocery pickup, which served many of our members. The Motion Picture Fund offered assistance to members in need, and the Actor's Fund helped SAG members during this unprecedented time. The Local 695 Board of Directors has been holding meetings through Zoom, as well as communicating weekly to keep abreast of the changes that are bound to be introduced post COVID-19. COVID-19 NEWS The Local 695 family is being offered the opportunity to participate in an educational seminar taught by Blas Kisic, as part of the 695 education series. Blas explains, "I started this five years ago when I discovered the need to inform sound mixers about the importance of communication skills when making their deals. I held informal mock interviews where we practiced how to communicate with production, with subjects like how to get the best rates for yourself and your crew, how to negotiate for safe and fair working conditions, and how to succeed in procuring the equipment and tools we need to best do the job. This class at Local 695 definitely grew out of necessity. When 695 asked me to teach and share these skills with other members, I was happy to comply." A small group of students gathered at the Local's boardroom in February, where they learned about effective communication skills that come into play every day at work. Discussed was negotiating rates, speaking with producers about equipment needs, a properly staffed crew, interfacing with Camera, Grip, Set Lighting, and the Costume Departments. Also, part of the curriculum was how to bring up safety issues with the proper department head, when to take your concerns to production, contract compliance, and the importance of using good communication skills to maintain a respectful and harassment-free workplace. For more information, contact the Local. Members (left to right): Perry Freeze, Alexander Hutchinson, Steven Harrod, Sara Glaser, and Michael Todd Reckson, learn new skills Women's March LA 2020 January brought thousands of women, the LGBTQIA community, allies, and friends together for this impassioned march through downtown LA. Our IATSE family was well represented by many different locals and craftspeople. Participants marched from Pershing Square to Grand Park/LA Civic Center, keeping with the tradition that started on Inauguration Day 2017. Let's keep up the good fight for equality and democracy for all! The Hollywood Commission Survey Last winter, The Hollywood Commission on Eliminating Sexual Harassment and Advancing Equality, chaired by Anita Hill, announced the launch of "The Hollywood Survey." This internet survey was designed to gage the ethical climate and culture of the entertainment industry. The survey was aimed at people working in all aspects of the film industry, including film crews, actors, directors, writers, stunt people, and more, from past and present. The mission of this anonymous survey was to gather critical data on subjects of workplace harassment. The data will be used by The Hollywood Commission to develop programs that will address harassment and discrimination of all kinds. We look forward to the positive changes implemented by information gained through this survey. 695 Service Pin Ceremony Congratulations to the 164 Local 695 members who reached their ten, twenty, thirty- and forty-year milestones this year! To see the full list of names, please log on to the 695 website.