Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/555596
38 SAG-AFTRA | Summer 2015 | SAGAFTRA.org On Location TAX INCENTIVE RALLY A SUCCESS M ore than 100 SAG-AFTRA New England Local members, along with hundreds of members of IATSE, the Teamsters and other production industry professionals, converged at the Massachusetts State House on May 12 to urge lawmakers to oppose House Bill 62, which seeks to repeal the Massachusetts film and television production incentive program. Union members and allies rallied outside the statehouse, sending a message that film and television projects made in Massachusetts create jobs. Rally participants then gathered inside the statehouse for a brief speaking program before meeting one- on-one with state senators and representatives to discuss the industry's contribution to the local economy and to urge them to oppose the bill. The lobby day, along with thousands of emails, handwritten letters and calls, made an impact on the debate. No changes were made to the incentive program during the budget process. However, advocacy efforts continue through the legislative session, as the bill sits in the Joint Committee on Revenue. AGENTS AT THE CONSERVATORY SAG-AFTRA member Ronald Johnson and his son Jeremy Johnson, an IATSE member, at the statehouse New England Houston-Austin LOCAL ON THE MOVE T he Houston-Austin Local has been very busy. The local hosted Swan Day, Coffee Talks, an improv workshop and more. Member webinars included a presentation on the union's outreach and engagement efforts and the Commercials Organizing and Recapture Initiative town hall. Meanwhile, Austin hosted casting director workshops with regional casting directors Meagan Lewis, Beth Sepko and Kim and Brad Burton, plus SAG Foundation Casting Access programs with Christian Kaplan (20th Century Fox), Randi Hiller (Walt Disney), Joseph Middleton (Paramount), Meg Morman, Sunny Boling and Paul Weber. Atlanta T he Muriel Moore/Danny Nelson SAG-AFTRA Conservatory celebrated its third anniversary May 4 with its most successful event to date. Atlanta Agents on the New Atlanta, a roundtable of Atlanta franchised agents, drew an audience of more than 450. Moderated by conservatory Chair Clayton Landey, the conversation covered topics including how the changing market has affected representation, agency support for SAG-AFTRA in this right-to-work-for-less state, local hire, online casting and self-taping, and social media issues. The franchised agents, both old and new, shared their wealth of knowledge, not only giving of their time and energy, but showing their deep commitment to the Atlanta market and the talent they serve. Their passion and commitment to excellence was tremendously motivating. Agents present to members at the May 4 conservatory event. Marc Isaacs shares tips with actors at the April 15 Houston Conservatory improv workshop.