Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/964761
46 SAG-AFTRA | Spring 2018 | SAGAFTRA.org On Location VOICEOVER WORKSHOPS ON CUE I n November, the Michigan Local was treated to three workshops led by voiceover artist Paul Liberti. The workshops focused on video game voiceover character building; TV, radio and film promo techniques; and 21st century contemporary commercial voiceover. Liberti led group instruction and exercises at the sessions, which were held at Studio on the Pond in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Attendees also had the opportunity to get individual time in the recording studio, with one-on-one coaching and immediate feedback. The sessions were so popular that there was a waitlist for them. Members came away with techniques and tips to enhance their next auditions, their next bookings and their craft in general. Many thanks to Liberti for traveling in from New York City for these fantastic sessions and to Studio on the Pond for donating the use of its recording booth. Michigan Local President Eric Wydra practices voiceover technique at the November workshop. THOMAS SIMPSON Members show their cards at the Dec. 2 New Mexico Local membership meeting. COMMERCIALS CODE A HIT WITH MEMBERS T he New Mexico Local Board, with assistance from the Locals Administration staff, facilitated a lively and engaging presentation on the New Mexico Regional Commercials Code at its Dec. 2 membership meeting. The members were enthusiastic about the new contract, which offers an industry-friendly approach to producers and may increase employment opportunities for SAG-AFTRA members. Strengthened by new members from the board and the membership at large, the local organizing committee is developing multiple strategies for reaching out to ad agencies and advertisers in the area to educate them on what the union now offers. The Local Board also presented certificates of appreciation to outgoing long-time board members Roy Costley and Cliff Gravel, who have served New Mexico members for decades. Each has contributed uniquely, both at the local and national levels. Finally, the local has repopulated its Diversity Committee under the leadership of new board member Saneh Boothe and presented a diversity panel for the industry at New Mexico Film & Media week on Feb. 10. New Mexico PHILADELPHIA LEADERSHIP TRAINING L ocal leaders met in Philadelphia in November to discuss planning for 2018. Topics included determining the audience, the message and how to connect the two. They broke into small group discussions and then reported back to the large group. The only complaint from group members was that they ran out of time. A follow-up training is planned for April. Philadelphia