CineMontage

May-June 2014

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5 MAY-JUN 14 / CINEMONTAGE by Scott George T he Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' Scientific & Technical Committee Award recognition that was presented to the Film Laboratories in February (see related story, page 20) was particularly gratifying to me, not only because I am somebody who worked in a laboratory, but so did my family, friends and extended community. I was also fortunate to have had the honor of serving as the Business Representative of Local 683 and represented some of the finest post-production technicians in the industry — and without question, they have demonstrated over the years what it means to be true members of a union. The film labs have a proud tradition that spans over 100 years. We ensured that moviegoers viewed the vision of the filmmakers in its finest glory in movie theatres throughout the world. Though digital advancement has forever changed the iconic business, I think it is important to take this opportunity to celebrate the rich history and the talented and dedicated union members who have worked to achieve the Academy recognition. (Insert applause here.) The change to digital capture has left long- standing industry workflows in flux and in need of a standardized industry practice. We see productions preparing dailies in post facilities, on set at mobile labs, near set labs, and in our cutting rooms. Though the transition of dailies to the cutting room has been a source of concern for many assistants and editors who are faced with impractical workloads, deadlines and ever-growing job duties, we should not forgot that we are far better off as a guild if we secure all post-production work for our membership and ensure that it's being done union. There is no turning back the clock on the digital evolution, and all hands are pointing to dailies workflow continuing its transition into the cutting rooms. The task upon all of us is to address these changes in a way that will benefit our members and alleviate the strain on them. To stay ahead of what is to come, we must continue to seek training and education. We must also assure that our members are the most highly qualified to perform the tasks in this ever-changing digital environment, and offer solutions and recommendations to supervisors in hopes of increasing productivity by allowing people to specialize in this new digital area. Currently, training is offered at the Guild office, through seminars and Contract Services subsidies; all of this is under the purview of the Editors Guild Board of Directors' Training Committee, which consists of board members who work in different crafts throughout the Guild. Your feedback on what training services you need the office to provide is critical in determining the areas that should be focused upon and offered. We must also not let contractual violations slip through the cracks. Don't allow the workflow to be established with fictitious and erroneous timeframes because supervisors have an unrealistic idea of what can be accomplished within a reasonable day. Call your Field Representatives to discuss situations that you feel might need to be addressed in more detail. And don't hesitate to discuss the situation with your fellow members on the I AM THE UNION Facebook page, www.facebook.com/groups/iamtheunion/. Many trades and industries have historically faced technological changes with great success, as the Editors Guild has in the past. There is no reason why this new technology should be any different. Much of our success relies on you, the union members, to inform those of us on staff how the work is changing on your shows and how that is impacting you. We must work together to achieve true success. f FROM THE WESTERN ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WRANGLING WORKFLOWS IN A POST-FILM WORLD THE FILM LABS HAVE A PROUD TRADITION THAT SPANS OVER 100 YEARS. CineMontage_May-Jun_14-3.indd 5 4/15/14 2:41 PM

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