Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/821178
SAGAFTRA.org | Spring 2017 | SAG-AFTRA 59 INVESTING IN SUSTAINABILITY T he Colorado Local, in co-sponsorship with the Colorado Film & Video Association (CFVA), presented a tutorial and panel discussion on Dec. 2 titled SAG-AFTRA Contracts Made Simple: The Reel Deal About the Theatrical Low Budget and New Media Agreements. SAG-AFTRA Regional Education & Outreach Liaison Cynthia Williams presented the tutorial and took questions from the dozens of members, educators and filmmakers in attendance. Her presentation was complemented by insights from the panel, which emphasized the wisdom of producing under a union contract and using SAG-AFTRA performers. The evening was moderated by CFVA president Patrick Hackett, well-known in the state for his work as an independent producer, production manager and director. The evening's panelists included producer, director and SAG-AFTRA member Chris Byrne, indie producer and SAG-AFTRA member Michael Haskins, DGA member Denise Strong, and actor, director and writer Sheila Ivy Traister, who currently serves as the SAG-AFTRA Colorado Local President and National Board member. Colorado CELEBRATING THE YEAR'S VICTORIES M embers from the Seattle Local gathered together on Dec. 5 to reflect on their victories from 2016 and plan for the new year. Reflecting on 2016, Seattle Local President Rik Deskin said, "This was a fantastic year for our local. However, there is always organizing work, member involvement and educational outreach to be done. The labor movement, more than ever, across every trade, must come together to organize for the future." This past year, the Seattle Local organized and lobbied to renew and increase the state's film incentive, the Local Board approved the corporate/educational waiver and bargained to include more than 70 broadcasters into the SAG-AFTRA Health Plan. Members in the Seattle Local, which includes Alaska, Idaho, Montana and Washington, look forward to organizing for a stronger future in 2017. KEEPING MEMBERS ENGAGED F ollowing up on the New Orleans Local's successful Cash and Cans food drive, which benefitted the victims of the flooding in Louisiana, local members once again joined forces to help the community — this time to collect toys for children shortly before Christmas. SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris and National Executive Director David White got to witness some of that community spirit when they joined members at the annual membership meeting held at the Loews Hotel in New Orleans on Oct. 17. The meeting also featured special guest Robert Vosbein, president of the Louisiana Film Entertainment Association. Members found the meeting informative and engaging, in particular calling out the presentations from Carteris and White, as well as Vosbein's enlightening discussion of the Louisiana tax incentive program for filmmakers. Seattle Local members show their SAG-AFTRA cards at the membership meeting and holiday party on Dec. 5. Seattle New Orleans Moderator Patrick Hackett, left, with panelists Sheila Ivy Traister, Chris Byrne, Michael Haskins and Denise Strong SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris and New Orleans Local President Diana Boylston with fellow members and staff at the 2016 annual meeting.