Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/94610
For Members NAVIGATING SOCIAL MEDIA S ocial media has exploded in the last several years. And every day, more and more SAG-AFTRA members are finding creative ways to use social media to enhance their craſt. A member's presence and utilization of social media is oſten voluntary and personal, but sometimes it is at the direction of their employers. In late September, for example, Fox Television and Twitter teamed up to premiere the third season of Raising Hope on the social media outlet. Presented without commercials, the broadcast on Twitter's video platform was the first time a full episode of a television series was officially released on Twitter, rather than the network promoting the program online aſter it aired on television. For broadcasters, employers in television, radio and other media are looking to assign SAG-AFTRA members to perform work on various social media platforms, and they are inserting language in personal employment contracts covering these assignments. SAG-AFTRA has been negotiating minimum conditions and standards related to work in social media to protect members' interests when they perform this work, including but not limited to, workload and journalistic priorities as well as ownership and control of social media accounts. But a performer's personal social media account and their opinions and views can sometimes collide with an employer. Jason Biggs, for example, who is lending his voice to Nickelodeon's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series, posted some comments on his personal Twitter account that many considered lewd and disrespectful. While Biggs' tweets were made on his own account, people took notice of them aſter Nickelodeon promoted his Twitter feed for fans to follow. Nickelodeon, along with Disney Channel and Cartoon Network, are known for monitoring posts by cast members to ensure their messages do not harm their shows and productions. Even before a performer is cast or a broadcaster is hired, employers will search the social media universe to review postings, which can lead to offers being taken off the table if the studio or network doesn't like what they find. What many don't consider is the millions of dollars networks and production companies invest in developing their shows. Excited actors working on sets may give in to temptation to share specifics or spoilers via Facebook, Twitter or other social media before a program airs or a movie premieres. Studios and producers frown upon sharing of such things as plot twists, specific guest stars, unofficial or unapproved set photos, season clihanger information, "set gossip" and more. PUPPY LOVE S AG-AFTRA was honored by the American Humane Association on Sept. 12 at the association's New York event Super Heroes Among Us for its role in protecting animals in the entertainment industry. SAG-AFTRA Co-President Ken Howard presented Betty White with the National Humanitarian Medal and the Legacy Award at AHA's second annual Hero Dog Awards on Oct. 6 in Los Angeles (leſt). he evening honored dogs who save lives and assist people with disabilities, as well as the people, such as White, who make the organization's work possible. Far left, 2012 Hero Dog honoree Gabe is a military dog that has completed more than 210 combat missions and has saved lives by detecting explosives. He is pictured here with Sgt. 1st Class Charles Shuck. The Hero Dog Awards were broadcast on Nov. 8 on the Hallmark Channel. 24 SAG-AFTRA | Winter 2013 | SAGAFTRA.org Actors have been fired and/or banned for leaking these details, which can cause irreparable damage to their career and professional relationships. As these social media outlets become more popular, SAG-AFTRA is working with members to make sure that whatever is asked of them to do, it is reasonable and fair. SOCIAL MEDIA ETIQUETTE QUICK TIPS • Don't share too much personal or workplace information. • Take a step off the soapbox every now and then. If every posting is a political viewpoint and you're not a politician, then you've gone overboard. • Curb your complaints. Griping about work may seem harmless, but the Internet version of Telephone Line moves at the speed of light. • Avoid cryptic messages. If you're the only person who understands what you're posting, then you probably should just keep it to yourself. • Double check your photos before sharing. Ask yourself, would you want to share this picture with your parents or kids? Source: PC World Michael Rueter