Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/377629
SAGAFTRA.org | Summer 2014 | SAG-AFTRA 35 From left, panelists for Safety on Location: Preventing a Disaster, Mike Fantasia, Joe Spano and Kurt Lott. TAX INCENTIVE IN THE SPOTLIGHT A bill to expand California's film tax incentive has been a hot topic statewide, with members and staff working together to promote the passage of AB 1839. The bill was a major topic of discussion at the 2014 California Locations Conference, presented by the California Film Commission and the Film Liaisons in California Statewide, and held June 28 at the Hollywood Museum. In his welcome address, SAG-AFTRA member Danny DeVito expressed the need for better incentives. He spoke of his Los Angeles- based career and how the show on which he stars, It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, has created nearly 3,000 jobs over 10 seasons. Actors Sharon Lawrence and Matthew Modine, along with other industry professionals, also expressed the urgency of expanding California's film and TV tax credit program. Also at the conference, a panel on set safety, Safety on Location: Preventing a Disaster, featured former SAG Hollywood Division Board member and stunt expert Kurt Lott, and was moderated by member Joe Spano. As productions constantly strive to create more elaborate and innovative stunts, the issue of safety becomes increasingly vital to the livelihood of performers. The panelists examined how to overcome the challenges faced by crews and performers while creating exciting stunts and effects safely. RALLY DRAWS SUPPORT FOR FILM BILL T he Northern California Rally for Film Incentives was held June 14 at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. More than 600 people from entertainment and labor organizations came out to show their support for AB 1839, the bill in the California Legislature to increase the state's production tax incentive program. The keynote speaker was SAG-AFTRA member Danny Glover. Four members of the state assembly also spoke, including the bill's sponsor, Raul Bocanegra. He was joined by bill co- sponsors Marc Levine, Rob Bonta and Ian Calderon. On Aug. 20, a busload of members and staff headed to Sacramento for Mobilization Day at the Capitol to show their support for the bill. Local member broadcaster George Rask of KRON 4 served as the emcee for the event. Assemblyman Raul Bocanegra with member Danny Glover SAG-AFTRA member Danny Glover. Four members San Francisco- Northern California the 2014 California Locations Conference, presented by the California Film Commission and the Film Liaisons in California Statewide, and held June 28 at the Hollywood Museum. Los Angeles N.Y. HEALTHCARE SAFETYNET COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS AT BLOOD DRIVE T he SAG-AFTRA New York Healthcare Safetynet Committee volunteered at a performing artists blood drive on May 24. Members were invited to donate blood at the drive, run by the American Red Cross. Committee Chair Cathy Lilly applauded the event and its organizers saying, "Cheers to [SAG-AFTRA member] Bill Rapp's annual efforts in creating New York Performing Artists Blood Drives." From left, N.Y. Healthcare Safetynet Committee member Noelle Teagno, SAG-AFTRA member Bill Rapp and Committee Chair Cathy Lilly. Committee Chair Cathy Lilly applauded the event and its organizers saying, "Cheers to [SAG-AFTRA member] Bill Rapp's annual efforts in creating New York Performing Artists Blood Drives." New York To support AB 1839 and sign the petition to encourage state officials to pass the bill, visit filmworksca.com/petition. To download a letter template to tell your elected representative in Sacramento that you support AB 1839, visit filmworksca.com, click on "Take Action," then click "Write a Letter."