Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1332040
1 2 2 P E R S P E C T I V E | J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 M I L E S T O N E S Marjo Bernay: A True Pioneer B Y C H U C K P A R K E R , A R T D I R E C T O R S G U I L D I A T S E L O C A L 8 0 0 N A T I O N A L E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R It is with heavy hearts that our union, the Art Directors Guild, IATSE Local 800, reports the passing of Marjo Bernay, trailblazer, groundbreaker, innovator, feminist and labor activist. Marjo Bernay lived a vibrant life that influenced countless individuals for the better, both in the entertainment industry and in her community. Marjo followed in her father Josef Bernay's footsteps and became a union leader as a Business Agent of the Illustrators Matte Artists (Local 790) and Set Designers Model Makers (Local 87) from 1979 until they merged with the Art Directors Guild in 2008. She was also Business Agent for the Story Analysts (Local 85), and eventually retired from the Art Directors Guild as manager of awards and events in 2013. An indomitable force, Marjo was a giant among labor executives, fiercely advocating for below- the-line workers on the West Coast, all while developing positive relationships with studio labor relations executives who admired her spirit and respected her intelligence and commitment. Always upbeat and positive, Marjo was the master of working a room, with the confidence and strength to match her amazing charm and sense of humor. Bernay's leadership was acknowledged widely and she held an impressive list of honors. A former Trustee of the Set Designers Council and member of the Board of Directors of the Art Directors Guild, she was appointed by various elected officials to the California Film Commission, the Los Angeles Film Development Committee and to the Los Angeles County Film Commission. Yet she was especially proud of her service as a Trustee of the Motion Picture Industry Pension and Health Plans, where she was the first woman from the labor side to chair the health plan. Bernay accomplished all of this during a time when there were very few women in executive positions. Along with her contemporaries, she led the charge to expand opportunities for women and helped foster female participation in the IATSE as a member of the Executive Committee of District 2 and the first Chairperson of the District's Women's Caucus. More than an executive, Marjo often said the union was her family and the members her children, vividly engaging with the details of their lives. She was also a great lover of art, travel and, of course, the Raiders football team. She was passionate about animal rescue, and she loved her puppies. C O N T I N U E D O N P A G E 1 2 6