Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1339408
31 SAG-AFTRA SPECIAL ISSUE 2021 // SAGAFTRA.ORG ///// PUTTING IT TOGETHER ENSURING THE SHOW GOES ON T he past year has truly been a test of the industry's endurance, resiliency and innovation. It has also been a testament to the importance of actors. Even as the world slowed down and lockdown measures were put in place, the talent that actors bring to our screens gave us a sense of connectedness. Yet, with productions delayed due to the pandemic, actors themselves have experienced uncertainty in their careers and personal lives. Through everything, the Screen Actors Guild Awards ® stayed focused on its tradition of recognizing the memorable acting performances that brought so much comfort and laughter during these difficult times. Despite obvious challenges in producing an awards show during this time, the member-led SAG Awards Committee — which consists of Chair JoBeth Williams, Vice Chair Daryl Anderson, Jason George, Elizabeth McLaughlin and Woody Schultz — have endeavored to make this year's show a truly unique experience. "I think being creative is something that we naturally gravitate toward, and even with the challenges of the past year, it's something we keep returning to," said Williams. "It's been interesting and inspiring to approach something that is so familiar to us and the membership in a fresh way." Multiple SAG Awards ® - recipient Sean Hayes and Todd Milliner, with their Hazy Mills Productions, return for a second year to partner with Avalon Harbor Entertainment and SAG-AFTRA's SAG Awards staff. The experienced team never doubted that this year's show would go on. "The industry considers the SAG Awards ® a crucial part of the awards season. It was also important to our members to continue to have their work acknowledged by their peers. This COVID world has challenged us to think more creatively in producing a new version of the show," said Executive Producer Kathy Connell. Connell's sentiment is echoed by her fellow team members. "We felt the responsibility to create a show that looked and felt different, but still imbued the same tone," said Supervising Producer and National Director, National Programming Jon Brockett. Added Director of Awards Jen Coyne-Hoerle, "We tried to be really open and honest about the challenges we were facing, and we received some great feedback from our industry partners that CONTINUES