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90 SAG-AFTRA | Fall 2015 | SAGAFTRA.org On Location Atlanta HONORING LABOR SAG-AFTRA Philadelphia Local members turn out in force for the 2015 AFL-CIO Philadelphia Labor Day parade. The delegation marched, danced and sang their way through the parade route and joined thousands of union brothers and sisters for a fun day of music, food and celebration. Philadelphia LOCAL IS ABUZZ WITH ACTIVITY I t has been another busy month of meetings, seminars and panels, with staff and Local Board members reaching out to pre-members and the industry at large. Events like Get Connected, which boasts monthly attendance of more than 800 industry people, featured the local's Indie Outreach Committee and a presentation by Local Executive Director Melissa Goodman and Local President Ric Reitz on the benefits of union membership and protections. Local membership has surged in recent years due to the dynamic influence of incentivized production and similar organizing opportunities. Local members also enjoyed several workshops and forums hosted by local casting directors and working actors through the local conservatory, with a full-blown actors conference on Nov. 1, featuring local talent agents and union speakers. From left, Atlanta Local staff member Briana Franklin, 2nd Vice President Jon Hayden, Local Executive Director Melissa Goodman, Local President Ric Reitz and Secretary Yolanda Asher at a Get Connected event for local members and pre-members. DOUG MILLS THE BACKGROUND ON BACKGROUND WORK T he SAG-AFTRA New England Local hosted casting director Billy Dowd for its Sept. 21 conservatory held at the Lyric Stage in Boston. A 30-year veteran of the industry, Dowd casts for projects in New England as well as across the globe. Recent local productions include Ghostbusters, Manchester- By-The-Sea, The Way Way Back and the SAG Award winner and Emmy Award winner Olive Kitteridge. Dowd specializes in casting background talent as well as stand- in and photo doubles. He offered attendees his personal insight into the casting process and best practices for on-set decorum. Dowd encouraged performers to always attend open casting calls and to keep their online profiles and photos up to date. He suggested that resumes include principal film, television, online and theater work, as well as stand-in jobs, stunt work and special skills. He also added that, as long as actors note that they have experience in background work, there is no need to list these jobs individually. Billy Dowd of Billy Dowd Casting New England