Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/555596
SAGAFTRA.org | Summer 2015 | SAG-AFTRA 39 BUSY SPRING IN SAN DIEGO The members of the newly formed CPM/WBEZ/Vocalo content creation unit in Chicago MEMBER ENGAGEMENT PAYS OFF A fter a musical welcome by the Chicago Singers Committee, the June 1 local annual membership meeting began with an update on the union's outreach and engagement efforts. Members learned how they can get involved and heard about the exciting and innovative things their union is doing. A special panel was assembled for the evening's discussion of the Illinois Film Tax Credit and how it has created opportunities. Moderated by producer and SAG-AFTRA actor Mary Kay Cook, the panel included members Ta'Rhonda Jones (Empire) and Christian Stolte (Chicago Fire), along with industry pros Sanaa Sayyed of Simon Casting, producer Christina Varotsis and Mark Hogan of IATSE Local 476. On June 30, the content creation professionals at Chicago Public Media reached an agreement with management on their first union contract. The unit includes anchors, hosts, reporters, producers, editors and those who create digital content. Participating in significant numbers at each stage of the process, the bargaining unit took an active and critical role in the success of the negotiations. See story on page 15. NASHVILLE STUDIO GETS MAKEOVER Nashville Local member Terri Minton, right, is among the first to use the union's recently renovated members' studio. The expanded studio features an updated writers' room, Pro Tools audio booth and the newly created self- taping center that allows actors and musicians to create audition reels and performance demos. The expansion was designed to provide Nashville members a state-of-the-art creative space and help defray the production costs of video auditions. The studio is available to all paid current members on a first-to-reserve basis. Nashville S pring was busy in the San Diego Local, with local members continuing to enjoy monthly Third Tuesday informal mixers at a local diner, and participating in two events in March and May, thanks to the SAG Foundation and the SAG-AFTRA National Spanish Language Media Committee (SLMC). On March 18, local members filled the room to hear a SLMC-sponsored panel presentation in English and Spanish on the business of voiceover work by voiceover pros Hernán de Béky, Raquel Elizabeth Ames and Candy Silva. On May 9, more than 100 local members took advantage of the SAG Foundation's free members-only Casting Access Program at the San Diego State University School of Theatre, Television and Film. Three Los Angeles casting directors provided six workshops, focusing on cold reads and how to book co-star roles. Local members were enthusiastic about both events, and invited the SLMC and the SAG Foundation to come back soon to San Diego. Members at the March 18 voiceover workshop San Diego Chicago