Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/964761
SAGAFTRA.org | Spring 2018 | SAG-AFTRA 49 WAXING POETIC ABOUT TAXES T o paraphrase Shakespeare's Hamlet, "To incorporate or not to incorporate, that is the question." The SAG-AFTRA Atlanta Local Board, in conjunction with its EEO and Diversity Committee, hosted a Jan. 30 tax panel to discuss the new federal tax law as it relates to performing artists. The panel consisted of local CPAs Ted Fricke, John Thomas and Grace Lopez Williams. The panel compared historic entertainment tax accounting practices against the new tax code. Depending upon annual income and the volume of ordinary business deductions, members may have to incorporate to continue to capture certain tax advantages that will no longer be available to those who do not incorporate. Bottom line — and the new federal tax law is all about the bottom line — is that every performing artist and individual in the film industry ought to seek advice from a tax professional before creating their own tax strategy for 2018, as every situation can be so different. "Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous 'fortune'" is up to you. Atlanta THE PORTLAND LOCAL IS ON FIRE T he Portland Local Board is focused on its mission: to educate the membership, expand work and energize the region. That's why 2017 saw several SAG-AFTRA events helping members to connect with their union, industry professionals and each other. In September, the SAG-AFTRA Foundation's Casting Access program allowed members to work with Los Angeles casting directors Kerry Barden and Jason Kennedy, as well as local casting directors Eryn Goodman and Simon Max Hill. This was followed by a membership mixer in October. "We got together just to have fun," Portland Local President Robert Blanche said. "An active membership that knows and cares about each other is the foundation of a strong local." The Portland Film Festival also heated up with Local Board members and stunt performers Michelle Damis and Kirsten Foe joining Jayson Dumenigo of the Action Factory for a blazing demonstration of stunt safety, while Contracts Administrator Chris Comte educated attendees about SAG-AFTRA contracts. Several events are already in the hopper for 2018 to support the local's informed, busy and growing membership. Jayson Dumenigo, left, and Kirsten Foe at the 2017 Portland Film Festival. ROBERT BLANCHE Portland Members get the latest on the changes to tax law at the Jan. 30 panel discussion. LOCAL WELCOMES SPECIAL GUEST S usan Bernecker was a special guest at the New Orleans Local's annual membership meeting on Dec. 4. Bernecker is the mother of John Bernecker, a stunt performer and member of the New Orleans Local who lost his life working on set in July 2017. Susan Bernecker shared wonderful stories about John's love for the entertainment business and how he helped others pursue their dreams as stunt performers. She showed the members her son's impressive demo reel. His extensive stunt credits include The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2; Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri; Avengers of Justice: Farce Wars; 24: Legacy; Get Out; and over 90 other shows. She finished by sharing information about the foundation established in his honor. New Orleans Susan Bernecker, left, with New Orleans Board member and stunt performer Olga Wilhelmine. Tributes to John Bernecker with photos and videos can be found at livelikejohnbernecker.com.