Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/508104
48 SAG-AFTRA | Spring 2015 | SAGAFTRA.org On Location MARGARITA CORPORAN New York A DISCUSSION OF RACE O n the evening of Feb. 23, The Collective Initiative presented a panel discussion titled The Incredibly Sticky, Uncomfortable, Minefield-Laden Subject of Race that addressed diversity and inclusive casting. The panel, open to all SAG-AFTRA members, took place at the SAG-AFTRA New York Local office. A full house of members got a broader understanding of diversity and inclusive casting practices from the perspectives of staff and performers with diverse backgrounds. The panel was moderated by SAG-AFTRA member Mellini Kantayya and included SAG-AFTRA's National Director of EEO & Diversity Adam Moore, along with members Victor Cruz, Rick Younger and Gameela Wright. O n March 3, the MORE Committee hosted Acting on Camera: Using Your Instinct not Your Intellect with Jerry Coyle. The seminar, rescheduled from January due to snow, took place in the boardroom at the SAG-AFTRA New York Local office and gave members the opportunity to see how their natural reactions and interactions can inform their on-screen performance. MORE ACTING ON CAMERA SEMINAR UNIONS JOIN FORCES FOR DIVERSITY PANEL R epresentatives of the WGA East, DGA and SAG-AFTRA presented a panel Feb. 26 at the Cardozo Law School examining low budget agreements and diversity initiatives. Topics included a breakdown of the various low budget agreements and the diversity in casting incentive, as well as a discussion about the various diversity reports from the past year from the major entertainment unions. The audience enjoyed a lively Q&A session at the end of the presentation. Speakers included DGA Assistant Executive Director Neil Dudich; SAG-AFTRA Director, Theatrical Contracts Stephanie Perry; SAG-AFTRA National Director, EEO & Diversity Adam Moore; WGAE Senior Legal Counsel Ann Burdick; and producer Derrick Tseng. The event was organized by the Diversity Committee of the Entertainment and Sports Law Section of the New York State Bar Association. Jerry Coyle works with members on a scene. From left, SAG-AFTRA members Rick Younger, Victor Cruz, Gameela Wright and Mellini Kantayya LABOR LEADERS CELEBRATED T he SAG-AFTRA New York Host Committee hosted a Rock the City celebration of New York labor leaders on March 9. More than 100 guests attended, representing labor unions, local government, and the entertainment and new technology industries. SAG-AFTRA President Ken Howard, National Executive Director David White and New York Local President Mike Hodge spoke to the group about the importance of solidarity and strong partnerships in sustaining New York's recent economic growth. The evening presented an opportunity for New York Board members and staff to meet and connect with key players in the local entertainment landscape and to develop strategies for creating and expanding job opportunities for SAG-AFTRA members. SAG-AFTRA New York Local President Mike Hodge, center, with, from left, SAG-AFTRA Executive Vice President Gabrielle Carteris, former SAG New York President Bob Kaliban, SAG-AFTRA New York Local Board member Maureen Donnelly and SAG-AFTRA President Ken Howard CLICK HERE for more photos.