Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1486263
116 SAG-AFTRA | Fall/Winter 2022 | sagaftra.org On Location Intentional Connecting D uring resource conservation, in-person meetings may be on hold, but that doesn't have to stop us from connecting with each other. Two New Orleans Local members did just that by way of Australia! Unbeknownst to them, both worked on the same TV show, Young Rock, at different times. Their mutual shooting location Down Under and production wasn't discovered until Local Board member Diana Boylston recognized a name in the credits: Luke Hawx. She decided the two needed to meet in the Big Easy to swap stories from their shared and separate experiences. They were able to connect via social media and met at a WildKat wrestling event, and they learned they had much more in common than just their passion for performing. Moral of the story: Reach out and find each other! Until we can officially meet in person, take the initiative and connect with your fellow members. Talk about what you need. Talk about solidarity. Talk about how you can help each other. ● New Orleans Local member Luke Hawx, left, and Local Board member Diana Boylston. DIANA BOYLSTON SAG-AFTRA Portland Local President Michelle Damis, right, greets participants at the Portland 48 Hour Film Project kick-off event on July 29. CHRISSE ROCCARO Local Connects With Indie Producers A fter a two-year absence, the Portland 48 Hour Film Project came back roaring in July — and the SAG-AFTRA Portland Local was happy to once again sponsor the event. "Working with the 48 Hour Film Project gives us a chance to interact with producers and filmmakers who may not be familiar with our union, and [may] not understand how easy it has become to work with us," Portland Local President Michelle Damis said. "The 48 Hour Film Project Waiver allows our members to work on these projects, and it gives these producers the chance to get familiar with the contract process. It really is a win-win!" In addition to playing a role in the project's kick-off event, where participants draw their genres from a hat, the Local also conducted a happy hour with project producers, aided in judging the completed films and had a presence at all project screenings. ● Supporting the Love of Filmmaking I t was "Lights! Camera! Action!" at the I Love Film mixer held in the heart of California's historic Gold Country. The event drew nearly 90 vendors offering information to several hundred attendees, including San Francisco-Northern California Local members Buddy Rahming, Nick Fenske and Donna-Lisa Otto. Filmmakers, industry insiders and performers packed the El Dorado County Fairgrounds Main Hall to sample free locally crafted menu items and peruse booths offering information on everything from potential film locations to local media contact opportunities. But the highlight of the night may very well have been the chance for local talent to connect with industry insiders, nonprofits, production companies and independent filmmakers like the folks at Capital Film Arts Alliance, California Capital Film and Magma Creative. The evening closed with a guest speaker, location manager Donny Martino Jr., who recently spent time in the area scouting locations for Top Gun: Maverick. Martino answered questions about movie scouting methodology, his favorite craft services items and more. It was a great ending to an event packed with local talent. ● Portland San Francisco-Northern California member Donna-Lisa Otto, left, with El Dorado Film Office Executive Director Kathleen Dodge at the I Love Film event on Sept. 9. San Fran- NorCal New Orleans