Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1401622
sagaftra.org | Summer 2021 | SAG-AFTRA 61 Wish Comes True for Young Director G eorgia wish kid Zach Breder proved that an entertainment professional is never too young to start working under the protection of a union contract. The 16-year-old, who has been through 10-plus heart surgeries, just wrapped his first film, made under SAG-AFTRA's Micro-Budget Agreement, thanks to just one wish. Breder's wish to direct a movie is being granted thanks to the collaboration of Make-A-Wish Georgia, Trilith Studios, Georgia Film Academy, SAG-AFTRA's Atlanta Local and a community of more than 250 people. His film — a story about aliens and a search for a lost uncle — hurdled multiple barriers to get to the finish line. From Breder's own recovery from a heart valve replacement to the shutdown of the industry due to the pandemic, this wish is an example that hope can be created, even in the hard times. Between April and June, a united pool of talented filmmakers, with credits that include Ozark and Stranger Things, came together from across the state of Georgia for the production of Breder's film. From the outset, the teen made clear that he felt working under a union contract was just as vital an element to add to his resumé as the scripting and directing skills he picked up from top industry professionals. ● Top, Zach Breder, left, reviews a shot with 1st AD and mentor Dan Kelly. Bottom, he directs SAG-AFTRA member Rodney Rowland, left, and pre-member Brayden Huffmaster. Atlanta Massachusetts Set to Keep Film Jobs Alive O n May 25, hundreds of Massachusetts film and television workers rallied at the State House in Boston for the elimination of the expiration date on the state's film and TV incentive program. Members of the SAG-AFTRA New England Local, IATSE and Teamsters joined forces to call on the state to make the incentive permanent. After three years of active advocacy, including rallies, letter-writing, phone calls, videos, social media, panel discussions and Zoom gatherings, on July 16, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker signed the fiscal year 2022 budget into law — with the incentive included. SAG-AFTRA applauds the governor's decision to sign the budget as unanimously passed by the Legislature, making the film, television and streaming incentive permanent in the state. This law ensures that thousands of small businesses and families that depend on the growing film, television and streaming industry can continue to live and work in Massachusetts. The production tax incentive has created a vibrant film industry in the state, and making it permanent opens the opportunity for increased production, more jobs for SAG-AFTRA members and increased economic development for the state of Massachusetts. ● New England SAG-AFTRA New England Local members Trent J. Brice Miller, left, and James L. Leite passionately wave signs at the State House on May 25, calling on the state's film incentive to be made permanent. MAKE-A-WISH GEORGIA X2