Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/681774
52 SAG-AFTRA | Spring 2016 | SAGAFTRA.org On Location EXPANDING STUDENT OUTREACH T he Washington-Mid Atlantic Local has recently increased its outreach to local film programs. Business Representative Jess W. Speaker III has been visiting classes of next generation filmmakers to explain the benefits of using SAG-AFTRA members. Speaker has continued to build upon the local's successful relationship with universities such as Georgetown, Howard and Towson. He has also found success in developing new relationships with other area universities, including Stevenson, Virginia Tech and Hollins. Not only does Speaker's presentation explain why students should hire SAG-AFTRA members, he walks them through signing their film and debunks the myths that becoming signatory is a time-consuming process involving a lot of paperwork. Locally, one of the newest programs is the joint film program between Johns Hopkins University and the Maryland Institute College of Art. Thanks to Olga Rodriguez-Aguirre, national director of theatrical contracts, SAG-AFTRA created a JHU/MICA Student Film Agreement to overcome the obstacles preventing students in this program from using the Student Film Agreement. Washington- Mid Atlantic Business Representative Jess W. Speaker III with students from Towson University's Electronic Media and Film Department. JOSEPH A. KRAEMER Ohio- Pittsburgh LOCAL ON THE MOVE T he Ohio-Pittsburgh Local Conservatory Committees have been busy putting together events to help actors develop professionally. The local teamed up with Women In Film and Media for another Talent Showcase in Pittsburgh on Feb. 27, where performers had the chance to perform in front of local agents and producers. With the start of the new year, the local was the only one to hold three simultaneous SAG Awards viewing parties on Jan. 30 — in Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Columbus — in what has become one of the members' favorite events of the year. Cincinnati members enjoyed a social evening on Nov. 9, where local Casting Director Lynn Meyers provided valuable insight on the industry during an open discussion with performers. On Oct. 26, Ohio member and tax preparer Melissa Kidd gave members tips on tax deductions and recordkeeping to help them manage their business. Local SAG-AFTRA members with fellow member and tax preparer Melissa Kidd, third from the right, at the tax seminar on Oct. 26. MICHIGAN MEMBERS GET A CALL TO ARTS M ichigan members received a "call to arts" when a teacher from Hillel Day School called looking for mentors for an eighth-grade project. After the students read Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, they were asked to write and perform newscasts on Caesar's death. They asked SAG-AFTRA broadcasters and actors to serve on a panel in order to advise the students on how they could improve on their news stories. Local President Jayne Bower and actor Phil Elam enthusiastically answered the call. From the school's thank-you notes, students wrote, "We hope you know that your great insight on our video impacted us greatly" and, "We valued your opinions and will save the reviews for future reference." Members Phil Elam and Jayne Bower at school. Michigan