Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/508104
SAGAFTRA.org | Spring 2015 | SAG-AFTRA 49 Portland Nevada New England CHASE WILSON DENEB CATALAN DON WARNOCK BLART BRINGS JOBS Cast and crew of Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 cheer on set during a day of local filming. "I am pleased that I was able to cast so many Nevada-based union actors for the two-month Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 shoot, which is the first under the Nevada Transferable Tax Credit," said Casting Director Julie Goldman of Goldman & Associates. CELEBRATING ORGANIZED LABOR T he SAG-AFTRA Portland Local shone a bright light on union solidarity Jan. 17, with its first-ever SAG-AFTRA Industry Dance & Social. The nearly 200 attendees were treated to beer and wine and a catered buffet, photo booth and DJ. Wells Fargo provided a lavish build-your-own ice cream station and Working America provided coffee service. The evening's theme was "Winter Wonderland," with volunteers putting together a beautiful display at the AFL-CIO Hall where the local now meets. Attendees included members representing nearly a dozen other locals, several state representatives, Governor's Office of Film and Television Executive Director Tim Williams and Oregon AFL-CIO President Tom Chamberlain. "This was a chance to celebrate our solidarity while promoting awareness of the Oregon Production Investment Fund," said Local President Duane Hanson. "It was truly a special and meaningful evening for organized labor." From left, SAG-AFTRA Portland Local Board members Skeeter Greene, Michele Mariana, Pat Lach and Local President Duane Hanson AUDIOBOOK OPPORTUNITIES EXPANDING O n Dec. 1, nearly 100 New England members attended The Living Story: How to Work in Audiobooks at the New England Conservatory. The panel of experts included accomplished audiobook narrator and SAG-AFTRA member Peter Berkrot; Jane Love, associate executive director of the SAG-AFTRA Washington- Mid Atlantic Local; and Richard Larkin, associate director/labor counsel, news and broadcast. The panel reviewed how to break into the book-narrating business; industry nuts and bolts; the art, effort and attitude of acting for audiobooks; and how to create and submit a demo. In particular, Berkrot reviewed the numerous genres and styles of audiobooks and discussed the rise of in-house studios. Audiobook publishing has grown into a $1.6 billion industry, creating numerous opportunities for professional actors. In recent years, the amount of work for SAG-AFTRA members has increased steadily with the advent of audiobook digital downloads. There are more than 30 SAG-AFTRA agreements with audiobook publishers and producers, covering all types of audiobook work. For more information, visit sagaftra.org/audiobooks. SAG-AFTRA member and audiobook narrator Peter Berkrot