The Chicago Activator - Aug. 25, 2014

Official E-Newsletter of the SAG-AFTRA Chicago Local

August 25, 2014

IN THIS ISSUE Headshots: Getting it Right New Member Orientation Red Hot Headshot Event

SAG-AFTRA Members Vote to Approve 2014 TV/Theatrical Contracts

Agent Access Labor Day in Pullman Journalists Rights in Ferguson Safety4Media IFP/Chicago Presents Seize the Day White Sox Union Day Holiday Schedule

In national voting completed Aug. 22, members of SAG-AFTRA voted overwhelmingly to approve the 2014 TV/Theatrical Contracts.

Members approved new, three-year contracts covering theatrical, primetime, and basic cable television production under the 2014 SAG-AFTRA Codified Basic Agreement and the 2014 SAG-AFTRA Television Agreement by a vote of 92.12 percent to 7.88 percent.

The new television contract establishes the first industrywide agreement covering performers in both primetime television and basic cable productions.

For further information on the new contract, including a summary of the agreement, go to SAGAFTRA.org.

SAG-AFTRA Chicago Local Conservatory Presents: Headshots: The Good, the Bad and Getting It Right Let the experts help you prepare for the best headshot of your life. They will share tips about makeup, looks that will get you in the door and much more. Please bring your current headshot.

The panel will evaluate as many as possible.

6 - 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8 Kaufherr Members Resource Center (KMRC) 1 East Erie, Suite 660 Chicago, IL 60611 RSVP to kathy.byrne@sagaftra.org or (312) 867-5508.

Park for $11 at 10 East Ontario. Enter on the north side of Ontario between Wabash and State, and then take a ticket. When you sign in, you may purchase a four-hour ticket for $11. You will need both tickets to exit the parking structure. Cash only.

New Member Orientation, Noon - 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10 New members represent the future for SAG-AFTRA. The more knowledgeable they are, the stronger our union and all members are. The goal of the New Members Subcommittee of SAGAFTRA Chicago's Community Outreach, Community Organizing committee is to educate, engage and empower professional actors from the moment they become union members.

The new member orientation event is only one part of that process. Topics covered include every step involved in the union experience, from initiation fees and the dues structure to the correct way to execute member reports and contracts. Other areas include agents and commissions, casting directors, resolving claims, health coverage, set demeanor, committees, staff and a variety of member benefits.

New member orientations are not just for new members. Whether you joined yesterday or 20 years ago, all members in good standing are welcome. Plan now to attend the next new membership orientation and stay informed. The next orientation is noon - 2 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 10. Please call Kathy Nelsen at the SAG-AFTRA Chicago office, (312) 573-8081 ext. 2541, or email Kathy at kathy.nelsen@sagaftra.org to reserve your spot.

Park for $11 at 10 East Ontario. Enter on the north side of Ontario between Wabash and State, and then take a ticket. When you sign in, you may purchase a four-hour ticket for $11. You will need both tickets to exit the parking structure. Cash only.

Red Hot Headshot Event, Saturday, Sept. 13 Do you think you need a new headshot? Is your agent saying, "Hey, it's 2014. Why not get a color headshot?" Do you have a new hairstyle, or less hair or more hair? Are you looking at the old headshot and wondering who this person is? Maybe it's just time for a fresh new look.

Whatever the reason, the SAG-AFTRA Chicago Conservatory has the solution. The Red Hot Headshot Event is back. This is one of the great benefits of being a SAG-AFTRA Chicago Local member. Here are this year's photographers, the times they will be available and links to their websites.

Bryan Swisher, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. bryanswisher.com Nikki B., Grey Matter Photography, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. greymatterphoto.com, select view album.

G. Thomas Ward Photography, (all appointments are booked) thepeoplephotographer.com Maia Rosenfeld, (all appointments are booked) letsdoshots.com Please visit each photographer's website to see samples of their work.

Cost Photographer: $135 for half-hour session, one look, one lighting set-up, one background.

Bring clothing options for one change if necessary and/or time permits. The cost includes one fully realized digital 8x10 image.

Makeup artist: Add a session with your photographer's makeup artist for an additional $50. (optional) Appointments fill up fast. Call Kathy Byrne at the SAG-AFTRA Chicago Local, (312) 867-5508.

The products and services listed herein are provided as an informational service to SAG-AFTRA members and are administered by entities independent of SAG-AFTRA. Any questions must be handled by the provider. This information is not intended to serve as an endorsement by SAG-AFTRA nor is any warranty or guarantee implied.

Agent Access with Gill Hayes Talent Agency Gill Hayes Talent Agency, Chicago's newest franchised agency, will interview SAG-AFTRA members for the purpose of representation the week of Sept.29.

Deadline for submission of headshot and resume - mail or drop off only, no email submissions - is noon, Sept. 24. If selected for an interview, you will be notified by Monday, Sept. 29.

Please, do not submit directly to the agent for this event. Mail or drop off your submission, including headshot, resume and your SAG-AFTRA member number, to Kathy Byrne at SAGAFTRA Chicago, 1 East Erie, Suite 650, Chicago, IL 60611. If you have any questions, please call Kathy at the SAG-AFTRA office, (312) 573-8081, ext. 5508.

SAG-AFTRA Chicago's Casting Access/Agent Access program is an ongoing, cooperative venture for the mutual benefit of Chicago talent agents, casting professionals and SAG-AFTRA members in good standing. It is not a workshop, training or "feedback" program or a guarantee of work or future audition or employment opportunities. It is an opportunity for casting professionals and talent agents to hold "generals" and become better acquainted with the wide variety of talent in Chicago's SAG-AFTRA membership.

Celebrate Labor Day in Historic Pullman Monday, Sept. 1, 2014 Pullman Factory, 11057 S. Cottage Grove 1 p.m. - Walking Tour of Pullman 2 p.m. - Program including:    

The story of the 1894 Pullman Strike History-inspired Battle of the Bands featuring Pullman Military Band vs. the American Railway Union Choir Re-enactments, readings and speeches Music featuring Mark Dvorak

Sponsored by the Illinois Labor History Society, Illinois AFL-CIO, Chicago Federation of Labor, and Pullman State Historic Site, National Parks Conservation Association.

Free parking available, enter at Cottage Grove gate. Bring your own picnic and lawn chairs. Food is also available for purchase.

This event is being produced and administered by entities independent of SAG-AFTRA. SAG-AFTRA Statement on Journalists Rights in Ferguson SAG-AFTRA joins the rest of the journalism community in condemning the arrests and detention of reporters covering the events happening in Ferguson, Missouri. As a union that represents broadcast journalists, including many local St. Louis broadcasters, we strongly support the rights of journalists not to be impeded in their efforts to report the news. Journalists have an obligation to report what is happening in their community, and the world. We ask that law enforcement in Ferguson permit journalists the freedom to do their jobs.

Learn More about Safety4Media In June, SAG-AFTRA launched Safety4Media, a campaign for journalists that tracks safety concerns, acts as a clearinghouse of reports of safety concerns and provides tips and information on how to stay safe on the job.

For more information, go to www.safety4media.org and follow Safety4Media on Twitter@safety4media.

IFP/Chicago Presents 75 Minutes with Joe Swanberg WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 23; Doors open at 6:30 p.m., event begins 7 p.m.

WHERE: Claudia Cassidy Theater in the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St This event is free to SAG-AFTRA members.

RSVP at ifpchicago.org Join IFP/Chicago for the latest edition of its series of conversations with well-known and emerging directors, screenwriters and technical experts of independent cinema.

Joe Swanberg produces, directs, writes, edits, shoots and occasionally acts in film and television. His latest film, Happy Christmas, premiered at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival and was released nationwide on July 25 by Magnolia Pictures. His acclaimed 2013 feature Drinking Buddies debuted at SXSW. Both films were shot in and around Chicago, his home base.

IFP/Chicago's 75 Minutes with ... series has previously featured such filmmakers as John McNaughton, Neil LaBute, Rose Troche, Harold Ramis, Dylan Baker and Joe Chappelle. These intimate talks engage both filmmakers and film enthusiasts alike, providing behind-thescenes reflections and personal insights about the filmmaking process.

This event is being produced and administered by entities independent of SAG-AFTRA.

SAG-AFTRA Chicago Local's Diversity Committee Presents Seize the Day: Brand & Market Yourself To be successful in today's workplace, it is critical that all learn to brand and market themselves. A famous quote supports this: "Luck is where preparation meets opportunity." Branding and marketing yourself creates luck.

Give yourself some leverage. Get educated in all the things relating to branding and marketing yourself. This event is open to SAG-AFTRA and AEA members in good standing.

8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11 Scheduled Presenters: Tony Castillo, Cedric Young and Craig Harris Continental breakfast and a cold lunch are included.

RSVP to Kathy Byrne at kathy.byrne@sagaftra.org.

Park for $14 at 10 East Ontario. Enter on the north side of Ontario between Wabash and State, and then take a ticket. When you sign in, you may purchase a 12-hour ticket for $14. You will need both tickets to exit the parking structure. Cash only.

Union Day at the Chicago White Sox Aug. 31 is Union Day at U.S. Cellular Field. The White Sox are offering specially priced tickets to union members, their families and friends. After a 30-50 percent discount, tickets range from $5 to $25.

White Sox vs. Detroit Tigers 1:10 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31 U.S. Cellular Field This is also a Family Sunday game, including several special activities for kids. Former White Sox manager Tony La Russa will be honored during a pregame ceremony.

More information and tickets are available at whitesox.com/union.

Please note, orders will not be redeemed at the U.S. Cellular Field ticket windows or the White Sox administrative offices.

This event is being produced and administered by entities independent of SAG-AFTRA. Holiday Schedule for Office and KMRC SAG-AFTRA Chicago and KMRC will close at 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, and be closed all day Monday, Sept. 1, in celebration of Labor Day. In response to members' requests to stay informed, The Activator may include notice of rallies, pickets and other actions by unions and the labor movement that have not been sanctioned by the National or Chicago Board of Directors of SAG-AFTRA. This information is provided as a convenience.

The information contained herein regarding workshops, vendors, special offers and the like is provided for informational purposes and is not intended to imply endorsement by SAG-AFTRA of them or the information, material, products or services provided. SAG-AFTRA makes no warranties or representations regarding the use of the material or the quality of the services or service providers.

SAG-AFTRA Chicago: (312) 573-8081 Email: chicago@sagaftra.org Website SAGAFTRA.org/chicago