Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/681774
SAGAFTRA.org | Spring 2016 | SAG-AFTRA 49 From left, New York Local President Mike Hodge, U.S. Rep. Jerrold Nadler, President Gabrielle Carteris, Orange Is the New Black's Lin Tucci, Executive Vice President Rebecca Damon and National Executive Director David White at the Rock the City event in New York on April 21. SYMPOSIUM FOR SENIORS T he SAG-AFTRA New York Seniors Committee hosted a symposium given by The Actors Fund to focus on issues affecting senior performers. Moderated by N.Y. Local Board member and Committee Co-Chair Elaine LeGaro, the conversation addressed professional and personal challenges faced by aging performers, as well as the resources available to this population through The Actors Fund, SAG-AFTRA and various government entities. Panelists discussed how to find affordable housing in New York City, dealing with reduced employment opportunities, staying active and engaged with the community, adjusting to reduced mental and physical capabilities, and securing a spot in The Lillian Booth Actors Home of The Actors Fund in Englewood, New Jersey. The meeting ended with a shared desire to make the industry aware of the deep pool of available senior talent, as well as highlighting the market potential of programming aimed at the growing senior audience. New York Missouri Valley FILM INCENTIVE APPROVED IN KANSAS CITY M issouri Valley Local Executive Director Maureen O'Brien had the privilege to speak on behalf of the members of the Missouri Valley Local in favor of the Kansas City film incentive program on Feb. 17. The purpose of the film development program is to increase the number of film and TV productions in the city, increase the number of local jobs in the industry, strengthen the city's national reputation as a place for creative businesses, and promote the unique features, characteristics and assets within Kansas City neighborhoods. The program was approved unanimously by the City Council on Feb. 25. This is a very exciting time for the Kansas City production community and may lead to many opportunities for SAG-AFTRA members. The staff is working with the board of the Missouri Motion Media Association to develop a similar program in St. Louis to present to its city council. The goal is to encourage state legislators to match both proposals and reinstate the Missouri film tax incentive. Members of the Kansas City Film Commission, Kansas City Film and Media Association and local filmmakers. GETTING TUNED IN TO TV CONTRACTS National Director of Television Contracts Beth Millman gives a presentation on the SAG-AFTRA Television Agreements to New Orleans Local members on Jan. 12. The event covered important elements of the contracts, such as terms and conditions used frequently by local series performers and weekly and day performers working under the TV and New Media agreements. New Orleans ROCKING THE CITY S AG-AFTRA elected leadership and staff joined members, industry leaders, labor allies and government officials at the annual Rock the City event on April 21 to celebrate the New York entertainment and media industry. Speakers noted the remarkable growth in New York media and entertainment over the past 10 years, and emphasized the importance of partnerships in building and sustaining a viable industry. Recently elected President Gabrielle Carteris and Executive Vice President Rebecca Damon both attended, as well as New York President Mike Hodge and National Executive Director David White. The event was a partnership between SAG-AFTRA, New York magazine and Vulture.