Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1541667
122 SAG-AFTRA | Fall/Winter 2025 | sagaftra.org On Location Background Advisory Committee Gives the Inside Scoop on Commercials Extra Work New York Background Advisory Committee Chair Avis Boone; New York Local President Ezra Knight, back row center; members of the committee; and staff pause for a photo at part two of the committee's Background Actor Empowerment: Make the Most of Your Business educational series on Sept. 15. The moderated panel discussion, Commercial Extra Work: Industry Professionals Give the Inside Scoop, featured commercials assistant director Henriette Ohno and first assistant director Shane Kalman, both Directors Guild of America members; Background Inc. commercials extras casting director Jennifer Feraday; and SAG-AFTRA Commercials Contracts Executive Director Tracy Hyman. This informational discussion provided insight on how SAG-AFTRA members who perform services as extra performers can professionally navigate working alongside production staff on a commercial set. ● SAG-AFTRA Shows Solidarity in New Jersey New Jersey State AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech addresses convention attendees at the New Jersey State AFL-CIO Convention at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. SAG-AFTRA participated in the convention, which took place June 17 and 18. Gov. Phil Murphy, U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, Wowkanech and AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Laurel Brennan addressed the attendees, speaking to the theme of the convention, "The New Jersey Labor Movement is Rising to Meet the Moment." ● SAG-AFTRA Strong and Healthy New York Health Care Safety Net Committee members, from left, J.R. Carter, Tania Villanueva, Committee Chair Cathy Lilly and Stephanie Ho staff the desk at the committee's annual Health Fair in the New York office on Sept. 16. Free services for members included flu shots, cholesterol and glucose tests, reiki sessions, dental information and free HIV screenings. Informational seminars were also offered by the Entertainment Community Fund, the Harkness Center for Dance Injuries, and pediatrician and actor Dr. Salwa Khan. Healthy food and beverages were also offered to all of the attendees. ● New York Perfect Picnic With Plenty of Sunshine Members smile as the sun shines bright at the New England Local's first-ever family picnic, held at Larz Anderson Park in Brookline, Massachusetts, on Aug. 16. Members turned out with their kids, friends and partners, and brought great vibes for mingling, snacking, playground adventures, pond strolls and some fiercely fun cornhole competitions. A raffle for local casting classes was a crowd favorite, with three lucky winners. The Local looks forward to making this family picnic an annual tradition. ● New England New York & Philly