Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/16674
SAG Supports ‘Million Plates’ Campaign funds in light of ever-increasing budget cuts: tax-deductible license plates. Te campaign is called the “Million Plates Campaign for the Arts” because if a million California drivers purchased an arts license plate, it would equate to $40 million that would go directly to more than 300 groups across California, enriching schools and communities. “Every Californian deserves the T chance to channel their creativity into art, and the Million Plates Campaign will help ensure they can,” said Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger at a June 28 press conference at 20th Century Fox Studios, where the actor-turned-governor made films such as Commando, Predator and True Lies. Screen Actors Guild was in attendance to show support for the campaign. “We are excited to be a part of this innovative solution to keeping arts education a reality for the next generation of Californians,” said Jenn Heater, the Guild’s manager of government relations and policy. For more about the plates, visit artsplate.org. Save the Date SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 – Hollywood Holiday Host’s 6th Annual Labor Day Picnic 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Camrose Picnic Area at the Hollywood Bowl, 2101 Highland Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90068. Hollywood SAG members and their guests are welcome. Please bring paid-up membership card for admission, as well as blankets and picnic lunches. SAG will supply sodas and water. Please NO pets or animals with the exception of service animals. More details to follow. actors and great indie filmmakers. More recently, the Writers Guild of America, West has joined SAG’s efforts, adding great writers to the mix. June 23’s party at J Lounge in Los Angeles marked the second year of the collaboration. In addition to SAG’s esteemed hosts, the WGA’s Melissa Rosenberg (Te Twilight Saga) and Katherine Fugate (Valentine’s Day) were on hand to welcome guests. Tis year’s event brought out buzz-worthy filmmakers such as writer-director F Tze Chun (Children of Invention) and indie producer Lisa France (Anne B. Real and Te Unseen), among many others. “Te Los Angeles Film Festival is one of the premiere festivals in the country, and we’re just happy that it happens in our own backyard so that members of Screen Actors Guild and Writers Guild of America, West can come out to meet and celebrate these great filmmakers,” said SAGIndie National Director Darrien Michele Gipson. It’s no secret that SAGIndie knows how to throw a great party, with past hosts having included Eddie Izzard, Jason Lee and Eliza Dushku, but the end result is always stronger ties to the world of independent film. For more details about SAG’s reasonable low budget contracts, visit SAG.org/producerscenter and SAGIndie.org. SAG.org Summer 2010 - SCREEN ACTOR 27 The Actors Fund Recognizes Mitchell for Contributions From left, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Hollywood Executive Director Ilyanne Morden Kichaven, Ken Howard, Annette Bening and Tommy Tune he California Arts Council has come up with a creative way to raise he Actors Fund held its 14th annual Tony Awards party at the Skirball Center in Los Angeles on June 13, with Broadway superstar Tommy Tune serving as host. During the event, Tony Award winner Brian Stokes Mitchell T received Te Actors Fund’s Julie Harris Award, which was presented to him by actor Annette Bening. Te award recognizes not only Mitchell’s theatrical accomplishments, but also his leadership as chairman of the board of Te Actors Fund. Screen Actors Guild President Ken Howard told the audience, who watched the Tony Awards via a live feed from New York, “Chairman Mitchell’s leadership helps ensure that the fund achieves its mission of providing help and support to everyone working in the performing arts and entertainment.” For further information about Te Actors Fund, visit actorsfund.org. SAG Stays Indie-Friendly With L.A. Film Festival Partnership From left, SAGIndie Outreach Coordinator Will Prescott joins writer-director Nathaniel Atcheson, producer M. Elizabeth Hughes and cinematographer Benjamin Kantor, the creative team behind Herpes Boy, about a young man with an unfortunate birthmark who becomes an unwilling viral video sensation. The film was shot under an Ultra Low Budget Contract and stars SAG members Beth Grant, Ahna O’Reilly and Octavia Spencer. or the past five years, Screen Actors Guild and SAGIndie have celebrated their partnership with the L.A. Film Festival by hosting a reception that connects great Bill Dow