Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/821178
58 SAG-AFTRA | Spring 2017 | SAGAFTRA.org On Location REEL TO REAL A SUCCESS IN BALTIMORE T he Washington-Mid Atlantic Local was proud to sponsor the Maryland Film Industry Coalition's annual Reel to Real fundraiser again in November. The event, held this year at the Baltimore Museum of Industry, was a great success, having been named among the top 10 fun things to do in Baltimore that weekend by The Baltimore Sun. Local Board members and staff attended on behalf of the WMA Local. The Maryland Film Industry Coalition is a nonprofit alliance of business and labor leaders, representatives of educational institutions, government entities, nonprofit organizations, arts advocates and other individuals who recognize the importance of film and television production to the state's economy and to its citizens. The coalition was the leading force behind the enactment of the Maryland Film Production Employment Act in 2011 and its work continues to grow a meaningful incentive program in the state. The fundraiser was the seventh annual Reel to Real dinner and auction. SAG-AFTRA Washington-Mid Atlantic Local Associate Executive Director Jane Love serves on the coalition's board. MICHIGAN BOARD MEMBER RETREAT Michigan Local members can take comfort knowing that their fellow leaders on the Michigan Local Board have a thirst for studying and learning best practices toward becoming effective leaders. Recent board meetings have included educational sessions focusing on techniques for brainstorming and problem-solving, along with key attributes for good leaders. With continued enthusiasm for such materials, the board members participated in a leadership retreat on Dec. 4. One activity involved problem-solving around the preparation of a meal and was facilitated by a professional chef. All members left the retreat with new and enhanced leadership skills. CHUCK YEATON EDUCATION AND ENGAGEMENT T his fall, the SAG-AFTRA Nevada Local presented two great member-focused events: Background Actors 101: An Informational & Educational Review with SAG-AFTRA Director, Background Actors Fatna Sallak-Williams, and a Nevada member mixer with Regional Education & Outreach Liaison Cynthia Williams. The background actors presentation took place immediately preceding the fall membership meeting and focused on the contractual rights of members working under the television and theatrical agreements. The event was well attended and Sallak-Williams covered topics such as on-set etiquette and filing claims. She also provided some great tips and tools on how to navigate the SAG-AFTRA website to locate show sheets, contract rates and more. A lively Q&A followed, allowing members the opportunity to have their questions answered by the head of the background department. A few weeks later, a dozen members of the local participated in an informal get- together at a local Italian restaurant. They mixed and mingled, ate tasty appetizers and enjoyed the chance to meet and engage with Williams, who was visiting from Los Angeles. Nevada members and SAG-AFTRA Director, Background Actors Fatna Sallak-Williams participate in a special background actors presentation and Q&A. Washington-Mid Atlantic Local Board members and staff at the Reel to Real fundraiser. Local leaders at the Dec. 4 retreat Nevada Washington- Mid Atlantic Michigan