Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1401622
60 SAG-AFTRA | Summer 2021 | sagaftra.org News from Locals Across the Country From left, Mariska Hargitay, B Camera 2nd Assistant Emily Dumbrill, Teresa Ting, Christopher Meloni and Jeremy Russial on the New York set of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. VIRGINIA SHERWOOD/NBC New York Is Back in Business T he film, TV and entertainment industries are rebounding in New York. As the city and state reopen, the entertainment and arts industries that breathe life into the city are revving up for a comeback like no other. At this writing, most pandemic restrictions have been lifted; live music has returned; Broadway shows are in rehearsals, gearing up to reopen in September; and film and TV production is back to pre-pandemic levels. Thanks to the efforts of SAG-AFTRA, DGA, IATSE and Teamsters, which worked with the AMPTP to establish the COVID-19 Return to Work Agreement, production began to ramp up safely in New York last fall and has not slowed down since. Production and job counts in the first quarter of 2021 were better than pre-pandemic levels, having outpaced the numbers from the first quarter of 2019. To keep up with the constant changes of COVID-19- era production, New York Local members were sent regular updates about the state of the industry, safety protocols and vaccinations. This encompassed notices and calls to action for legislative efforts to support entertainment industry workers, including the New York state COBRA subsidy, mixed-earner unemployment compensation, the American Rescue Plan and Save Our Stages. The thriving industry is testament to the power of cooperation among unions, studios and government. ● Actors 'Fore' Actors Dennis Haysbert, right, plays in the 11th Annual L.A. Golf Classic on June 14 in Westlake Village, California. The L.A. Golf Classic, which was hosted by Joel McHale, is a major annual fundraiser benefiting the SAG-AFTRA Foundation's assistance programs for SAG-AFTRA members facing life-threatening illness and severe economic hardship. Since 1985, the SAG-AFTRA Foundation has granted more than $27 million in financial aid, health assistance and disaster relief, including $9 million in scholarships, to SAG-AFTRA members and their dependents. ● ROB LATOUR/SAG-AFTRA FOUNDATION Summit Examines Future of Creative Talent O n April 21, Los Angeles County and Beacon Economics brought together legislative, labor, municipal and entertainment leaders from across the state to participate in three insightful virtual panels: The Impact of COVID-19 on Los Angeles' Entertainment Industry, The Future of Screen Industries in Los Angeles, and Diversifying in Disruption. SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris, L.A. Local Board First Vice President Frances Fisher, National and L.A. Local Board member Jodi Long, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, and National Director, Government Affairs & Public Policy Kerri Wood Einertson took part in the half-day symposium, which was emceed by SAG-AFTRA member Parvesh Cheena. The key focus for the day was on diversity, inclusion and equity in the industry, and the theme was woven through all of the panels, videos and keynote remarks. The next event will take place in October, which will focus on workforce development and how the industry will build and nurture a sustainable career pipeline for those wanting to pursue a career in the screen industries. ● Los Angeles New York CHELSEA LAUREN/SAG-AFTRA FOUNDATION