Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/422151
62 SAG-AFTRA | Fall 2014 | SAGAFTRA.org On Location NATIONAL BOARD MEMBER APPOINTED AFL-CIO VP S AG-AFTRA National Board member Richard Shavzin has been appointed to the Illinois AFL-CIO Executive Board as vice president. Shavzin was elected after Nancy Sellers, a former president of the Screen Actors Guild's Chicago Branch and a National Board member for nearly 20 years, stepped down. Shavzin authored Resolution 55, which encourages Illinois AFL-CIO member unions to employ union actors, directors and crew when they record a TV, radio or online commercial, or when they create an industrial film. The resolution, which was passed by the Illinois AFL-CIO Executive Board at its convention on Oct. 1 and 2, is another way SAG-AFTRA is continuing to strive to organize new work opportunities for members. From left, Illinois AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Timothy Drea, SAG-AFTRA National Board member and Illinois AFL-CIO Vice President Richard Shavzin and Illinois AFL-CIO President Michael T. Carrigan. Chicago Focus on Diversity ProACT hosted a stellar panel for its diversity workshop in September. Moderator Shalitras Flowers, left, welcomed, from left, producer M. Legend Brown, Richards Group Business Affairs Director Sara Sax, Film/TV production assistant Chris Telles, casting director Tisha Blood, and Dallas screenwriter/producer Carolyn Hodge (not pictured) for a lively discussion on storytelling and casting in today's TV, film and commercial markets. This event's unique conversational tone allowed performers the opportunity to openly converse with potential employers on the challenges and changes happening in media today. All confirmed the need for media to accurately reflect the diversity of today's America. Dallas-Fort Worth LOCAL REPRESENTS AT FILM FEST T he San Diego Local was a proud sponsor of the San Diego Film Festival Sept. 24-28, which included a Night of the Stars gala and tribute ceremony honoring several performers and industry leaders for their contributions to cinematic excellence. The American Legacy Award was presented to actor Saginaw Grant. The award statuette, a "nalwodi" (meaning "strength" or "power" in Apache) golden eagle sculpture, was designed by artist and San Diego Local Secretary Ruben Chato Hinojosa, who is also a member of the SDFF's Native American Advisory Board. The festival featured a slate of Native American films as part of its programming. The Gregory Peck Lifetime Achievement Award went to Alan Arkin, and the Cinema Vanguard Award to Beau Bridges. Local President Martin Alvillar, National Board member Don Ahles and Hinojosa all attended key events, and Local Board member Casey Robinson volunteered at the festival. SAGindie was also a sponsor of the SDFF this year, and National Director Darrien Michele Gipson attended. From left, San Diego Local President Martin Alvillar, Beau Bridges and National Board member Don Ahles. San Diego