Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1314367
10 PRODUCTION SOUND & VIDEO – Fall 2020 NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS MEMBERS IN ACTION Many thanks to Ronald Hairston, Chair of the Local 695 Black Caucus, for putting this Zoom Webinar together for our members. The event was held virtually on October 3 and many members Zoomed into an honest discussion on race, gender, harassment, and discrimination, as well as what can be (and is being) done to help break down barriers. The seminar was presented in a Town Hall format, which provided a platform for stories, learning, and shared community. It was well attended by a great cross section of 695 members. The panel was moderated by Deniese Davis, Emmy-nominated producer, best known for her work on Insecure and The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl. Her perspective added much to the conversation. Our on-camera co-host was Television and Commercial Sound Mixer Victor Bouzi, who did a fantastic job keeping the conversation flowing. Panelists included Sound Mixers, Video Techs, Boom Operators, and Utility Sound Techs whose production experiences range from reality and scripted, episodic shows, feature films, and commercials. Each panelist shared their personal stories of working in our industry, the stresses and concerns as a member of a marginalized and underrepresented group and their allies. Special thanks to our panelists: Sound Mixers Veda Campbell, Ada Douglass, Ken Fuller, Carrie Sheldon, Utility and Reality Mixer, and Daniel Martinez; Boom Operators Gregg Frazier, Tim Song Jones, and Yancey Pon; and Video Technician Woody Stubblefield. Job well done! "Local 695's Equity, Diversity & Outreach Committee worked hand- in-hand with the Black Sound and Video Alliance, LA Sound Sisters, and other minority groups as we took the lead in presenting the first 695 Town Hall. With all of our efforts, we had an authentic and organic conversation about race, gender, and sexual orientation. I look Zoom Town Hall: Lifting Up Your Sisters & Brothers in Local 695 forward to the continued conversations and actions we make to bring our members together." –Ron Hairston "I am so proud of my Sisters and Brothers in 695 who are utilizing the wonderful energy of the BLM movement to ensure change and growth amongst our ranks!" –Carrie Sheldon "I never thought my Local would ask me to help facilitate a Town Hall about diversity and inclusion, I knew the numbers weren't fair but I was complacent. After the protests, members stepped up to discuss race, gender, and inclusion and to organize for change. I am no longer complacent in IATSE matters, we are here for change." –Victor Bouzi Local 695 is taking the lead, and continuing to create inclusion, diversity, and a union which represents all … join our Equity, Diversity & Outreach Committee; our Black Caucus; and our new Women's Committee. Contact the Local to find out about being part of this exciting change!