Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/216003
On Location ELECTED OFFICIALS GATHER AT SAG-AFTRA FOR HEARING ON CA FILM & TV TAX CREDITS T were joined by Assembly members Richard Bloom, Adrin Nazarian, Cheryl R. Brown and state Sen. Ted Lieu. The state leaders listened intently to testimonials from various presenters in the entertainment industry for expanding the program. Among the presenters was SAG-AFTRA former board member and Los Angeles Government Affairs & Public Policy Committee member Stacey Travis. The California tax incentive was implemented in 2009 and has since employed more than 50,000 cast and crew members and 400,000 background actors. SAG-AFTRA is a proud member of the California Film and Television Production Alliance, along with the Teamsters, IATSE, DGA, WGA, the Producers Guild and the MPAA, and is committed to improving the livelihood of SAG-AFTRA members through efforts to increase work opportunities such as filming incentives. B esides making sure no animals are harmed on the set, American Humane Association provides protection and rescue to thousands of animals worldwide. During the Third Annual Hero Dog Awards in Beverly Hills Oct. 5, eight heroic dogs graced the stage to receive honors and recognition from the association for their unique attributes and contributions to aiding people. Each day, these furry pals help their companions and the community through difficult situations, whether it's leading the blind, sniffing out danger or providing healing through companionship. This year, canines were recognized in the areas of Law Enforcement and Arson, Service Dogs, Therapy, Military, Hearing, Guide Dogs, Search and Rescue, and Emerging Hero Dogs. The winners were selected by votes from the public and celebrity judges. SAG-AFTRA National Board member Esai Morales and Glee actor Lauren Potter were among the presenters. SHEA SCULLIN he California Revenue & Taxation Committee and the Arts, Entertainment, Sports, Tourism & Internet Media Committee held a hearing Oct. 9 with various representatives of the entertainment community to evaluate the effectiveness of the state film and television tax credits program and to explore the critical need for increased funding to remain competitive. The public hearing, led by Assembly members Ian Calderon and Raul Bocanegra, examined metrics and data, as well as provided a venue to hear personal stories of the current production landscape. At its conclusion, it was evident that increasing funding for filming incentives would not only result in tens of thousands of more jobs for Californians in the industry, but also create a ripple effect by bolstering tourism and boosting ancillary businesses. Assemblymen Calderon and Bocanegra HERO DOGS HAVE THEIR DAY Los Angeles SHOOTING ON A SHOESTRING The Los Angeles MOVE Committee hosted Shooting on a Shoestring, Distribution on a Dime, a dynamic evening of conversation Oct. 15 about how to get projects going without having major financing. With committee member Richard Fancy moderating, panelists heard advice on the nuts and bolts from actors and directors who successfully produced and distributed under ultralow-budget film and Web series contracts. Panelists included Joe Tyler Gold, Tammy Caplan, J.C. Calciano, John Alan Simon, Elizabeth Karr, Allison Vanore and Andy Gunn. 72 SAG-AFTRA 72-85_OnLoca_F.indd 72 Back row, from left, SAG-AFTRA National and L.A. Local Board member Esai Morales, Dr. Kwane Stewart of the American Humane Association and SAG-AFTRA L.A. Local Board member Vivicca Whitsett; middle row, SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Local Executive Director Ilyanne Morden Kichaven and Chief Financial Officer Arianna Ozzanto; front, member Lauren Potter (Glee). | Fall 2013 | SAGAFTRA.org 11/13/13 12:10 PM