Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/48976
FOR MEMBERS Donating Residuals to the SAG Foundation Q: Dear Screen Actors Guild Foundation, I'd really like to give something back to a profession that's been good to me. I have 23 residual checks totaling about $60, and was wondering if I could donate them. Many are under a dollar. I know it doesn't seem like much, but my guess is every dollar helps. Can you remind me what the process is for donating small checks to the Foundation? Can I automatically send all my residuals checks under $1 to the Foundation? That would mean an ongoing gift, and I think I'd feel pretty good about that. Sincerely, Anxiously Waiting Donor A: Dear Waiting, Thank you for your interest in donating your residuals to the SAG Foundation! And, you're right, small residual checks do add up to a big help, so no check is too little. There are a few ways you can donate your checks: 1. You can take your residuals directly to an AFTRA-SAG Credit Union branch in Los Angeles and they will deposit it into the SAGF account. They will notify us so we can acknowledge you for your tax-deductible contribution. 2. You can endorse the back of the checks, and the next time you are in the neighborhood of SAG national headquarters, you can drop them off at our offices. 3. You can endorse the back of the checks and mail them to the Foundation at 5757 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 124, Los Angeles, CA 90036. 4. If you want to donate only residuals that fall within a certain range, such as those less than $5 but not any exceeding that amount, unfortunately those checks can't be automatically processed at this time — but you can take the steps above to manually donate them. However, if you're ready to have all your residuals donated automatically, give us a call at (323) 549-6708 to find out how to deed your residuals checks. Please don't hesitate to call if you have further questions or need additional information. Go to sagfoundation.org/ getinvolved to find out other ways to be a part of and support the Screen Actors Guild Foundation. Thank you, SAG Foundation Funded by grants and donations, the nonprofit Screen Actors Guild Foundation's free programs assist, educate and inspire actors to reach their fullest potential in career, life and community. Celebrate the actor — support the SAG Foundation! Visit sagfoundation.org or call (323) 549-6708 for more information. The SAFETY ZONE Keeping Young Performers SAFE F or all actors, safety on the set should be paramount, but even more so when child actors are performing. Under no circumstances can a child background actor be asked to do scripted or pre-planned stunts. All scripted stunts must be performed by a stunt performer. For non-scripted stunts, there are limited situations where a child background actor can perform stunts, but there are always special considerations. Every child is different in age, size, levels of physicality, maturity and endurance, and producers need to consider these factors before asking minors to engage in activities that could involve some risk. The most important thing to remember is that the child's guardian or parent needs to assess each situation and do what is best for the child's well-being. Before the action begins at rehearsal, the director or the first assistant director, stunt coordinator and safety professional should talk with the minor, the minor's guardian and the studio teacher to discuss what the stunt will involve. Once again, the child's parent or guardian must determine the best course of action and needs to give written permission before the minor performs any stunt work. If the child actor or guardian has any reservations at any point in the process, they can request additional safety accommodations, request a re-evaluation or decline to perform the stunt. The first A.D., stunt coordinator, studio teacher, medic and guardian should all be present during rehearsals, and if any changes are made, they should be discussed and, if needed, a new rehearsal should be arranged. If a shoot involving minors includes special effects such as smoke, fire, water or heavy machines, it is critical that qualified technicians and medical personnel be present. In the event animals are on the set, an animal handler must be present, and the child actor should interact with the animal only under the handler's supervision. Even when a shoot involves no stunts, safety remains a priority. The guardian should always monitor the child; long hours and extreme conditions can take their toll. Plan ahead: If the time will be spent in a cold environment, bring warm clothes, if it will take place in direct sunlight, bring sunscreen, and always ensure the minor has had enough rest. Safety on the set depends on preparation, vigilance and a thorough understanding of what is expected. Get informed by reading the latest safety bulletins at csatf.org/bulletintro.shtml, and stay safe. Also, contact SAG at (323) 549-6855 or your local Branch office to let the Guild know of any hazardous activity involving a young performer. Safety should always be the highest priority. HELP FOR MEMBERS: Emergency financial assistance in times of crisis is available for eligible SAG members through the SAG Foundation (sagfoundation.org). Members in New York and east of Omaha, Neb., should contact SAG Motion Picture Players Welfare Fund (SAG.org/mppwf), (212) 221-7300, ext. 119. 28 SCREEN ACTOR - Fall 2011 SAG.org