Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/754215
72 SAG-AFTRA | Fall 2016 | SAGAFTRA.org On Location ON THE MOVE I t was a busy summer in the Ohio- Pittsburgh Local, with a number of television and major film productions shooting in the Cleveland, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh areas, and a bevy of activities for members in the local. The Cleveland Council held its second annual family picnic on Aug. 28 and recognized longtime member Mike Kraft for his service to the Council and the Ohio-Pittsburgh Local. More than 40 members came out for the Pittsburgh Labor Day Parade, one of the largest in the nation, on a sunny but mild day. This year, the parade included special visits from Vice President Joe Biden and vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine. After the parade, members got together for good food and great conversation at the local's annual Labor Day picnic. The local also spoke to classes and organized union casting days for student films at Point Park University. LOCAL ABUZZ IN UTAH S AG-AFTRA Regional Education & Outreach Liaison Cynthia Williams paid a fruitful visit to Salt Lake City Aug. 2–4. She gave a presentation on Low Budget and New Media contracts to local filmmakers and visited Utah Film Commissioner Virginia Pearce. She also introduced herself to faculty and staff at the University of Utah and met with casting director and SAG-AFTRA member Jeff Johnson. Finally, it was time to party when she hosted a mixer for Utah's SAG-AFTRA members at the bar and bistro Twist. Those in attendance included David Leisure from the Empty Nest television series, Pietro D'Alessio from web series Proper Manors and SAG-AFTRA Arizona-Utah Local Board member Billy Holden. Utah also had recent set visits from SAG-AFTRA Regional Set Relations Representative Joel Reamer. Activities are hopping in Utah! Arizona- Utah SAG-AFTRA Regional Education & Outreach Liaison Cynthia Williams, center, with members Members in the Ohio-Pittsburgh Local's Cleveland Council enjoy the Council's second annual family picnic. Ohio- Pittsburgh PROS SHARE CASTING TIPS A t the Sept. 12 conservatory at the Lyric Stage in Boston, casting directors Julie Arvedon Knowlton and Ashley Skomurski offered insight into the world of corporate, educational, industrial and commercial casting. The casting directors, from the newly created Slate Casting, explained that casting is different for all jobs and it always depends on the look, ethnicity, age and gender that the client seeks. In New England, roles between men and women generally split 50-50. The speakers reminded attendees to be prepared for auditions by learning sides (if given in advance), researching the product (if there is one), dressing well, and always bringing a headshot and current resume, just in case. Teleprompter skills are always a plus, and attendees were encouraged to practice with teleprompter apps. Finally, Knowlton and Skomurski emphasized the importance of being available as well as remaining happy, positive and ready to go. New England Casting directors Julie Arvedon Knowlton, left, and Ashley Skomurski of Slate Casting VOICEOVER EVENT PROVIDES INSIGHT S AG-AFTRA member and voiceover coach Leonard Dozier held a sold-out voice acting workshop on Oct. 2 at Portland's Black Diamond Studios. Themed a "big tent" event, for union and pre-members alike, the course was an introduction to the skills required to work, and the nuts and bolts of breaking in to the business. Dozier reported afterwards that it was one of the best groups of actors he had ever taught; they exhibited professionalism and interest, and posed "whip-smart" questions during the Q&A. Members from the Oregon Media Production Association were also in attendance. Portland Leonard Dozier addresses the class at the Oct. 2 workshop.