Playback
August 2010
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TELEVISION AND RADIO ARTISTS
SCREEN ACTORS GUILD
CHICAGO
Chicago AFTRA/SAG Welcomes
New Executive Director Eric Chaudron
Kathy Byrne hired as Director of
TV/Theatrical and Freelance Contracts
The Chicago AFTRA Local and Screen Actors Guild Branch
have a new executive director, Eric Chaudron. On hand since April
5, Chaudron oversees the daily operations of Chicago AFTRA/SAG
as well as the administration of all national and local contracts covering work done under the Chicago office’s jurisdiction and serves
as chief negotiator for all AFTRA Local union contracts, including
local broadcast station contracts.
Succeeding longtime Chicago Executive Director Eileen
Willenborg, who is retiring after 15 years of service to members
in Chicago, Chaudron said, “I am thrilled to be joining AFTRA
and SAG during such an exciting and challenging time. These are
vibrant unions with long histories and seemingly unlimited futures.
Eileen and her team have done an outstanding job for AFTRA and
SAG members in Chicago. She leaves a strong foundation and I
look forward to building on that success.”
Chaudron previously served as executive director of the
California Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust,
whose members’ work patterns are very similar to those of freelance
actors. He was formerly director of organizing/representative for the
Motion Pictures Editors Guild (IATSE Local 700) in Hollywood
and a field representative for the Central Labor Council of the Los
Angeles County Federation of Labor. Most recently, he was in private practice concentrating on plaintiff’s side employment law, labor
law and criminal defense.
“It has been my profound honor to serve our AFTRA and SAG
members in Chicago as their executive director,” said Willenborg.
“While I am stepping down from my position, I will continue to
work part-time with Eric and the unions’ elected leaders during the
transition in staff leadership. Eric is a talented, energetic attorney
who is committed to the labor movement and to addressing the
issues that will shape working members’ careers in the future, particularly the impact of digital media and new delivery platforms on
their work and earnings potential.”
Willenborg will continue to serve members as senior advisor to
Chicago AFTRA/SAG, a part-time position.
Chicago AFTRA/SAG Hires Kathy Byrne
Chicago AFTRA/SAG has hired Kathy Byrne as the new director of television/theatrical and freelance contracts. She will oversee
the AFTRA and SAG television agreements, administer the Guild’s
theatrical contracts, including the student film and low budget
agreements, and focus on creating more work opportunities for
union performers.
“Kathy’s extraordinary background—19 years of experience
with the Chicago Film Office—not only gives her the expertise
needed to succeed in this job, her contacts and knowledge of the
city’s entertainment industry make her the perfect candidate,”
Chaudron said. “I am certain Kathy will prove to be a very valuable
asset to Chicago’s AFTRA and SAG members.”
In addition to her duties with the Chicago Film Office, Byrne
has worked with the Mayor’s Office of Special Events coordinating
the Chicago Outdoor Film Festival since 2006, and working on
Mayor Daley’s Holocaust Remembrance Day and the Memorial
Day Commemorative Ceremony since 2008.
“While it’s always hard to leave a place you have called home
for so long, I look forward to new challenges,” said Byrne. “It has
been an absolute privilege to serve the production community, and I
look forward to that continuing in my work at AFTRA/SAG.”
Byrne succeeds Assistant Executive Director Kit Woods. Woods
retired at the end of June after serving AFTRA and SAG members for
33 years, first in Atlanta, and then in Chicago (from 1991 forward).
“I have total confidence in the new team of Kathy Byrne and
Eric Chaudron,” said Woods. “They are primed to meet the challenges of this evolving and often bewildering industry. Over the past
33 years, I have worked with many AFTRA and SAG members who
have made this job exciting, rewarding and yes, challenging. I salute
the hundreds of elected leaders and volunteers that sacrifice much
of their lives for others. Collaborating with you on various W&W
committees, working to improve member services, organizing and
outreach programs, and toward potential merger, are the highlights
and give me the most pride.”
Star of AFTRA Annual Membership Meeting is Music
This year’s AFTRA Annual Membership Meeting was
an opportunity to thank, enjoy, honor and learn. After Chicago AFTRA President Craig Dellimore called the meeting
to order, members of the AFTRA/SAG Singers Committee
set the tone for the meeting with a wonderful rendition of
The Star Spangled Banner. They also performed One Voice,
written by AFTRA members Butch and Brenda Stewart of
Joy Art Music for the 2009 convention. When the applause died
down, the Stewarts were presented with a crystal award to thank
them for this stirring song.
The next thank you went to Buddy Guy and Mavis Staples for
their participation, which contributed to the success of the convention. Guy’s son and daughter were on hand to accept the award.
Chicago AFTRA Vice President Richard Steele accepted for Staples.
Above, l to r: Singers Committee Chair Wendy Morgan,
Brenda Stewart, Greta Pope, and Butch Stewart at
Chicago AFTRA membership meeting.
Members then had the opportunity to honor Herb Kent “The
Cool Gent” for his 65 years in radio. A broadcasting icon, Herb was
inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1995 and in December
set the Guinness World Record for “having the longest career by a
deejay” in radio history.
Larry Pecorella, creative director and composer, and Bonny
Dolan, executive producer and artist liaison, from Comma were the
special guests for the educational part of the meeting. The discussion of the trends in music for the Internet, television and radio was
enlightening for singers and other members alike.
Chicago AFTRA Vice
President Richard Steele (left)
and Herb Kent.
CHICAGO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
I write this
column in my
new capacity as
senior advisor
to the Chicago
AFTRA Local
and SAG Branch. Your new executive
director, Eric Chaudron, graciously allowed me to write a last Playback column
to Chicago AFTRA and SAG members. I
appreciate this opportunity, but must admit that I am facing this task with swirling
emotions—happy, liberated, sad, amazed,
anxious, and on and on. I’ve been involved
in the labor movement for almost 35 years
and have been a union lawyer for more
than 25 years, the last 15 as your executive
director. Where the years have gone has
simply become a question that cannot be
answered. (Eric Chaudron is introduced to
AFTRA/SAG members on page 1.)
I decided to step down as Chicago
AFTRA Local/SAG Branch executive director about two years ago, after my 60th
birthday. At first I thought that I would
retire altogether, but after careful deliberations with your elected representatives on
the AFTRA board and SAG council, we
decided that I would resign as executive
director, but would work part time for a
year during the transition period.
Writing this column has given me
what feels like a terminal case of writer’s
block. I was stuck for weeks over whether
to reflect on our shared past, or to prognosticate on the future of AFTRA, SAG
and the labor movement in general. Since
the copy deadline is imminent and the
question still unresolved, I’ll cop-out and
do a bit of both.
Eileen Willenborg
A critical strength of any union on
all levels—national and local—is that a
vibrant and respectful tri-partite partnership exists among rank and file members,
their elected representatives and their
paid staff. I believe Chicago AFTRA and
SAG members, leaders and staff have
effectively created a dynamic atmosphere
in which we trust each other enough to
risk experiments as we work creatively and
inclusively to represent the best interests of
our divergent membership. The Chicago
members and elected leadership rightfully
demand that their unions aggressively
organize work opportunities, vigorously
negotiate, administer and protect their
contracts, and work tirelessly to improve
the value of union membership for every
category—broadcaster, actor, singer. Their
expectations challenged me and my staff
SAG Branch PRESIDENT
There can
be no question
that our contracts can be
confusing to
even the most
veteran performers, agents and casting
directors. Nowhere is that confusion more
evident than in the delineations between
the terms “first refusal” and “hold.” Here
are the facts:
“FIRST REFUSAL”
1. Is a professional courtesy working
relationship between parties (i.e., performers, agents, casting directors);
2. Is a confirmation that the person
requesting “first refusal” is interested in the
performer for a future engagement;
3. Does not preclude the performer’s
acceptance of other employment;
4. Does not require the performer to advise the requester of the “first refusal” prior
to accepting other employment; and finally
5. Is not legally binding on anybody.
A “first refusal” (and/or “check availability”) is not an engagement of the performer or an employment agreement, and
the performer is not entitled to compensation. A performer who has accepted a “first
refusal” is free to accept other employment with or without notification to the
requester of the “first refusal.” In recogni-
also sat at the bargaining table with Eileen
many times. Her toughness as a negotiator
is one reason that WBBM Newsradio 780
has such a strong contract, one that we are
fighting to protect. And I am sure there are
several other shops and individuals who
can attest to Eileen Willenborg’s prowess as
an advocate for her members, whether they
are AFTRA or SAG.
And that’s another thing about Eileen’s
tenure as executive director. She has presided over what is arguably the most successful joint AFTRA/SAG office in the nation.
We have been exemplary in balance and
cooperation, even when tensions between
the sister unions were high. In Chicago,
we got along just fine. In all, it’s quite a
legacy Eileen has built for herself—and
this office.
So, you can understand why Chicago’s
AFTRA and SAG elected leadership were
in disbelief—make that denial—when
Continued on Page 4
Todd Hissong
tion of the “professional courtesy working
relationship,” casting directors are expected
to notify performers who have accepted
“first refusals” of final casting decisions as
promptly as practicable, but failure to do
so does not violate any obligation under
the contract. In the same spirit of professional courtesy, performers are expected
to notify the casting director if they have
accepted another engagement on any dates
involved, but failure to do so does not
violate any obligation under the contract
and there shall be no reprisal against a
performer who fails or omits to do so.
“HOLD”
The industry and unions have agreed
that if a performer is asked to “hold” a day,
AFTRA LOCAL President
I’m trying
to find a delicate way to say
that our now
“former” executive director—
Eileen Willenborg—nags. Perhaps I should
say that Eileen offers gentle, persistent
reminders about things that need to be
done. It might be a phone call that should
be made, or something that needs to be
written or signed. The bottom line is that
Eileen Willenborg doesn’t let anything
slip through the cracks. It’s just one of the
qualities that have made her a wonderful AFTRA exec for considerably more
than a decade. Eileen’s experience, insight,
advice and good humor have carried me
through my first term as local president.
Frankly, if my term on the board were my
only contact with Eileen, it would be more
than enough to earn my praise. But, I have
colleagues daily. This partnership has made
Chicago the “can-do” Local and Branch in
both unions.
I really don’t think this is hubris on
my part. Consider, if you will, the following partial list of “firsts” that have come
out of Chicago in the past 15 years as a
result of the member, leader, staff partnership in which I have been fortunate to
work.
1. On the broadcast front we
organized nine stations between 1998 and
2004. This improved AFTRA’s market
density and strengthened the union’s
presence in Chicago. In 2001 our Local
successfully passed a ban on non-compete
clauses through the Illinois General
Assembly. (We weren’t the first Local to do
this, but we were the first major market
state to do so.) Non-compete clauses in
or time on a day, this constitutes a definite
booking and a session fee is due whether
the performer is used or not. Use of the
term “hold” is binding and requires payment. Specifically, if the casting director
uses the term “hold,” or other words that
imply that kind of commitment, the agent
and performer should treat it as a booking
and convey that to the casting director by
saying, “I will treat this as a booking.”
Seems pretty straightforward, right?
Unfortunately, people still have a tendency
to mix up the two terms. A good agent
will be certain there is no confusion, and
a savvy, educated actor will do the same.
And if anybody is still confused they can
always call the office for clarification at
(312) 573-8081. That’s what they’re there for.
Craig Dellimore
Eileen told us she was serious about that
retirement talk we’d heard from her before.
She couldn’t really leave, could she? Eileen
was forced to nag…I mean…“gently remind” us that we had to begin the process
of selecting a replacement. In the end,
I believe the executive committees and
the board and council made an excellent
choice of a new executive director in Eric
Chaudron. Those of you who have not yet
met him—I believe—will be impressed.
And, it turns out, Eileen could NOT
bring herself to make a clean break with
AFTRA/SAG. Eileen will be with us,
beyond the transition, assisting Eric in his
mission for at least a year. I suspect Eileen
will be heavily involved in our efforts to
more aggressively organize among freelancers. That’s one of the biggest issues facing
this local, and AFTRA as a whole.
Chicago has held the first of its nationally run seminars on such organizing
EDITORIAL BOARD
on April 24. AFTRA National President
Roberta Reardon and Director of Organizing Phil Denniston spent a day with a
core group of local leaders and staff, going
over the challenges and some possible approaches to making sure more of Chicago’s
freelance work is union work. It will be up
to that cadre of AFTRAns to spread the
word—and the deeds. The sessions being
held at locals across the nation represent a
real turning point for this union. It was at
the direction of the convention delegates
last summer that AFTRA committed more
resources and personnel to organizing.
Revenue from the higher initiation fees is
dedicated to organizing. And we will also
benefit from the work that will result.
So as we say “thanks” to Eileen
Willenborg for bringing this Local this far,
we also know that our former exec is a part
of AFTRA’s future. And for that, we are
grateful.
Please send submissions to:
MEMBERS Craig Dellimore Paul Meincke
Todd Hissong
Nancy Sellers
STAFF Eric Chaudron Linda Swenson
Letters to the Editor are always welcome. Those selected for publication may be edited
for space and clarity and must be signed and limited to 150 words. Union policy dictates
that Board members who express their personal views in this column are not to use their
official union titles in the signing of letters.
PAGE 2
®
AFTRA/SAG
One East Erie #650
Chicago, Illinois 60611
Attn: Publications Committee
or to [email protected]
®
Members of the Jury,
I present Exhibit E
Where does one start about this
business of show? How about where it
begins for many of us? At a commercial
audition. You spend a handful of hours
picking out just the right shirt or shoes
or nail polish. Then you get to develop
the character’s motivation when there
are only two lines—or three words. As
you turn a script about nasty side effects
into cocktail party chatter, how do you
portray a “real” person blithely discussing
bodily dysfunctions with ease??
Okay, okay—enough of the fun
part. Let’s get to the business part. There’s
an audition sign-in sheet at each and
every audition. This commercial audition
sheet is officially known as Exhibit E. You
absolutely, positively have to sign in and
sign out. Your name and talent agency
AFTRA
Local Officers
Craig Dellimore, President
Richard Shavzin, 1st Vice President
Richard Steele, 2nd Vice President
Craig J. Harris, 3rd Vice President
Joe Wright, Treasurer
Don Stroup, Recording Secretary
National Board
Dan Frick
Nancy Sellers
Craig Dellimore, National Vice President
Board of Directors
Bernie Allen
Paule Anglin
Bob Baron
Tony Castillo
Erik Cervantes
Charlotte Davis
Craig Dellimore
Mercita DeMonk
George Elliot
Dan Frick
Herb Graham
Parker Gronwold
Byron Harlan
Dick Kay
Dennis Kelly
Karen Lockwood
Julie Mann
Mark McCarthy
Wendy Morgan
Greta Pope
Harry Porterfeld
Kathleen Puls
Gail Rastorfer
Richard Steele
Maureen Steindler
Don Stroup
Bernie Tafoya
Pat Vern-Harris
Betsey Means Wills
Joe Wright
Cedric Young
must be legible. You must use your union
membership number NOT your Social
Security number. You must indicate your
actual call time, your time in and your
time out—legibly.
Wow, all that information and legible too? Is this all really necessary? For
the business side of your career, it does
make a difference. If by chance you were
there over an hour and it was your first
or second audition, you should be paid.
The minimum you will receive would
not only cover your parking expense, but
you’ll have enough left over for a tall bold
roast or a chai latte.
M-O-N-E-Y. Isn’t that enough to
motivate you to complete an Exhibit E?
After all the time you’ve already invested,
isn’t it worth a couple more minutes to
complete a single line on an 8½ x 11
form? Dig your union card out of your
pocket, check your watch, and fill in the
blank. Currently, the minimum due for
commercial audition overtime is $37.
That’s not a bad rate of return for five
minutes of your time, is it?
However, if your actual call time and
time out are more than an hour during
your first or second audition, but your
name isn’t legible, you didn’t include
your membership number, or you didn’t
sign out, you can kiss that $37 good bye.
Thirty-seven dollars. It won’t pay for a
vacation. Heck, it might not fill your gas
tank, but why give it away?
Please take a moment and figure out
how much it costs to go to a commercial
audition. Then, think about the number
of times you were called at 2 p.m. but
didn’t get into the room until 3:10 p.m.
and didn’t get out until 3:30 p.m. Right
there—$37—but, only if you legibly
filled in all the blanks on that Exhibit E.
Completing an audition report form
should be a habit. It’s just something you
always do. You sign in, you sign out, and
you make sure that it is legible. Just do it.
It may not be the fun part or the creative
part, but it is part of the business of your
job in show business.
If you have any questions about
the Exhibit E, please call the Freelance
Department at the AFTRA/SAG office,
(312) 573-8081.
Chicago Welcomes SAGIndie
On March 2, Chicago welcomed
SAGIndie National Director Darrien
Gipson for a full day of events benefiting
local union members.
First up: “Demystifying SAG Low
Budget Contracts,” a breakfast workshop for filmmakers. Gipson presented
regional producers and directors with the
process of signing SAG low budget agreements from start to finish. The free workshop was provided as a service to educate
and strengthen Chicago’s filmmaking
community, and to highlight the benefits
and ease of casting professional SAG
actors. Chicago’s AFTRA/SAG office and
the COCO committee sponsored the
event at the Kaufherr Members Resource Center, (kmrcchicago.com). Then
Chicago Assistant Executive Director Kit
Woods was also on hand to answer the
filmmakers’ questions.
Later that evening, Gipson attended the inaugural Female Filmmakers Night at the Midwest Independent
Film Festival, (midwestfilm.org). With
their monthly First Tuesday events, the
Midwest Indie is the nation’s only yearround film festival dedicated to showcasing and celebrating regionally produced
cinema. SAGIndie was the presenting
sponsor of the female filmmakers event,
which featured an exciting program
of short films by Midwestern women.
Before the screening, Gipson moderated
an interactive producers panel, featuring Tracy Baim (executive producer of
Hannah Free), Barbara Wallace (executive producer-writer of State of Romance)
and Amy Weber (director of Annabelle
and Bear). The topic: “Getting Your Film
Made.” These powerhouse filmmakers
shared their experiences and insight with
the packed crowd of diverse film professionals and enthusiasts.
Union organizing and outreach is so
important in creating opportunities for
our SAG and AFTRA members. Through
events like these, filmmakers are given
the resources to create and showcase
their work. Thanks to Darrien Gipson,
SAGIndie, and our AFTRA/SAG office
for strengthening Chicago’s vibrant and
diverse filmmaking community.
SAG
Branch Officers
Todd Hissong, President
Ilyssa Fradin, 1st Vice President
Bill Borah, 2nd Vice President
Craig J. Harris, Recording Secretary
NATIONAL BOARD
John Carter Brown
Todd Hissong
BRANCH COUNCIL
Roslyn Alexander
Bob Baron
Sean Bradley
Mary Kay Cook
Molly Glynn
Shirley A. Kelly
Jane McCreedy
Elaine Opsitnik
Eileen Parkinson
Regan Rohde
Nancy Sellers
Stephen Spencer
Maureen W. Steindler
Alma Washington
Cedric Young
Peter Moore (MN)
Matthew O’Toole (MO)
Joe Parnell (OH)
Ann Wilkinson (IA)
Committee Chairs
Standing Committees
Agency
Tony Castillo
Dan Frick
Broadcast Steering
Craig Dellimore
COCO
Ilyssa Fradin
Conservatory
Stephen Spencer
Alma Washington
KMRC
Jane McCreedy
Michael Joseph Thomas
Singers
Wendy Morgan
Diversity
Tony Castillo
Cedric Young
Emerging Media
Tim Dadabo
Seniors Radio
Players
Connie Foster
Parker Gronwold
Ward
Proposal for Multi-Media Journalists
Hits Chicago Market Negotiations
In the last issue of Playback (February 2010), we reported on the growing
trend of broadcast employers seeking to
require newspersons to become multimedia journalists (MMJs). These are also
known as “one man bands” by many in
the industry.
While most in broadcast news hear
and read about different companies
trying out MMJs as part of their news
team, no one sees MMJs as a viable
replacement to a solid reporter plus
cameraperson crew, particularly in large,
urban markets. So some may be surprised
to learn that in recent negotiations,
WGN-TV laid out a proposal that calls
for MMJs and, further, the proposal went
so far as to demand that AFTRA give up
exclusive on-air jurisdiction!
This proposal is particularly stunning
when another union, IBEW Local 1220,
has historically had exclusive jurisdiction
over cameras at WGN-TV. IBEW members were quite shocked, to say the least,
at management’s proposals made in the
AFTRA negotiations. However, to stir
the pot further, the company went so far
as to assign an AFTRA member to carry
a handheld camera which, of course, immediately triggered a grievance from both
unions.
On a positive note, though, WGN’s
actions have brought AFTRA and Local
1220 closer together in protecting our
mutual jurisdictional boundaries.
As it stands at the time of this printing, the IBEW is pursuing its grievance
and has filed for arbitration for resolution
of its claim of exclusive jurisdiction on
cameras. If the IBEW prevails at arbitration and the arbitrator rules that cameras
are IBEW’s exclusive jurisdiction, the
company would not be able to negotiate
with AFTRA over assigning our members
to carry cameras. If the arbitrator does
not give Local 1220 a clear-cut victory,
AFTRA will pursue its grievance claims
that the company may not unilaterally
assign AFTRA members camera duties
and must negotiate with the union over
the right to do so.
In the meantime, AFTRA members
will stay out of the camera carrying business and support its sister union in its
fight.
PAGE 3
Chicago Executive Director continued
personal services contracts restricted a broadcaster’s ability to find another job in Chicago after she/he leaves
or is fired from a job. We actually passed the bill twice because we had to override then Governor Ryan’s
veto. Former Local President Dick Kay rallied his broadcast colleagues to support AFTRA’s campaign and
testified at a crucial committee hearing in Springfield. Politicians knew we were serious because of the
support expressed directly by countless broadcasters—who didn’t give up their First Amendment rights just
because they became journalists! Another symbol of the Chicago partnership was the unwavering support of
freelance actors during our Telemundo organizing campaign. Maybe it had something to do with getting to
don our outrageous NBC Peacock costume and handing out flyers on Michigan Avenue!
2. The Chicago Strike Force, composed of more than 100 AFTRA/SAG freelance performers,
aggressively and effectively waged the six-month commercials strike of 2000 within our market and
throughout the Midwest. We held a large march and rally, complete with a Dixieland band, before the
strike began to signal to the advertising industry how serious we were; we closed down entire buildings in
the Loop for days at a time; we disrupted every scab TV commercial shoot we could find (who remembers
scattering bird seed that attracted Chicago’s union-supporting pigeons to a commercial shoot for GM,
which forced the production company to keep cleaning the inevitable droppings off the cars?); we picketed
non-union casting calls; we disrupted corporate annual meetings in Chicago; we traveled to Wisconsin
and Ohio to picket GM plants; and finally, in the coup de grace, we stopped the assembly line at the huge
Torrence Avenue Ford plant for two days. The strike ended three days later. And this is just a gloss on all of
the activities of the Chicago Strike Force, which was front and center and at the union office almost every
day of the six-month battle.
3. The partnership of rank-and-file members, elected leaders and union staff created the Kaufherr
Members Resource Center, the first state-of-the-art resource center for actors in AFTRA or SAG. Thanks to
a generous bequest from the late Jerry Kaufherr, an AFTRA/SAG voice actor and elected leader whose talent
and body of work is still remembered with awe by his peers, we were able to open the KMRC in June 2001.
The fully equipped audio and video studios, the computer center, the rehearsal/meeting space, the film/
script library and the schmooze room are a hub of union activism that have been developed and supported
by members for the benefit of the union brothers and sisters. As we hoped, establishing the KMRC has
inspired locals and branches across the country. The AFTRA Nashville Local, the SAG Florida Branch,
the San Francisco and Georgia AFTRA/SAG Locals/Branches, among others, have all opened facilities for
members and in 2008 the SAG Foundation followed the KMRC model with a complete resource center for
Hollywood actors.
4. The other achievement of which I am very proud is the role AFTRA and SAG members and staff
played in the Illinois Production Alliance, which is largely responsible for passing Illinois’ 30 percent state
tax incentive program. This helps Chicago and Illinois attract motion picture, television and new media
scripted entertainment production to our market. The Illinois program also incentivizes advertisers and ad
agencies to produce commercials in Chicago. My remaining goal is the development of a full-service sound
stage complex in Chicago so that we can become an entertainment media production center, rather than
a location destination. While this has been an elusive target, I am hopeful that a project to create a studio
complex in the former Ryerson Steel Plant will come to fruition. Then, the IPA and the Illinois General Assembly will have to nurture the growth of a production complex with investor and infrastructure tax credits.
I will borrow a line from Field of Dreams: “If you build it, they will come!”
Now, for the prognostication that I promised you so many paragraphs ago! Obviously, Chicago
AFTRA/SAG must preserve and grow the partnership among the rank-and-file members, elected representatives and union staff. My most fervent wish for Eric Chaudron is that he enjoys the same relationship with
members and leaders that has been so important during my tenure.
AFTRA broadcasters face myriad challenges as their employers simultaneously cope with the devastating Great Recession and expand delivery of news, music and information to new media platforms. If
AFTRA is to remain a viable force in the broadcast arena, we must gain jurisdiction over each new way
of disseminating our members’ “products”—in home, out of home, on the Internet, or on the pump at
your local gas station. The employers have dug in their heels and refused for the most part to grant us this
jurisdiction—but AFTRAns must create the leverage to pressure management in to recognizing the union’s
role in emerging technology.
On the AFTRA/SAG freelance side of our equation, putting work being done in new media under
union contract is equally important. Scripted entertainment is moving away from distribution at movie
theatres and on television to new platforms at an almost frightening pace. Short-form entertainment (webisodes) will be the next step in the evolution of performers’ work. These will be available on the Internet, on
smart phones and, someday, probably on wrist watches! The unions also must win the fight against piracy of
actors’ and singers’ work, something that will impact all freelance performers.
Finally, I can’t avoid the “m” word... AFTRA and SAG will never realize the full potential of their power
if they continue separately. There has to be a path to successfully bring together AFTRA and SAG members
into a new union so that workers in the media industry—that’s all of you, regardless of your category—have
the leverage to face down employers who will use any tactic to undercut our strength and erode or eviscerate
your contracts and financial security. If there is another attempt to bring AFTRA and SAG members under
one union umbrella, I’ll be there on the phone banks urging Chicago members to once again vote YES for
strength and for the future!
I can’t end this column without acknowledging the absolutely tremendous staff that works for Chicago
AFTRA/SAG. Your union staff is comprised of dedicated, hard-working women and men who never stop
thinking about what they can do to make members’ professional lives better. Having such a talented staff on
which I relied every day of the past 15 years has allowed me to get outside of any one role in the office and
be more creative in how I approached my job because I knew that the nuts and bolts of the unions were in
their expert hands. It has been a joy to work alongside them as their colleague. The staff made me a better,
more effective executive director—pure and simple. I couldn’t have done the job without them. They made
me look good over and over again, and they deserve your continued recognition and support!
So, my friends, with that I say farewell—not goodbye. It has been the most profound privilege and
honor of my life to have served you and your interests for the past 15 years. I hope that you will give
Eric Chaudron the same support and encouragement you have blessed me with and that he takes Chicago
AFTRA/SAG to the next level.
Onwards!
PAGE 4
A look back at 15 years...
Clockwise from top:
June 2005 Willenborg speaks at street dedication honoring SAG member Irma P. Hall.
March 10, 2000 Chicago members rally in support of commercials contracts and a fair contract for
performers in television and radio commercials.
June 2005 Roger Ebert honored at 10th annual joint membership meeting.
April 2006 Willenborg named Labor Woman of the Year by the Chicago Federation of Labor. Pictured with Rosetta Daly and CFL President Dennis Gannon.
August 1997 Chicago celebrates AFTRA’s 60th anniversary. Mayor Richard M. Daley declares
September 16 AFTRA Day.
June 2003 Carol Marin and Ron Magers reunite again to emcee Dick Kay roast
at 9th annual joint membership meeting.
October 2002 Our version of the NBC peacock at the Rally For Equality, drawing
hundreds to NBC Tower in support of Telemundo broadcasters.
April 30, 2001 After 37 years with Chicago AFTRA/SAG, Grace Fair retires.
July 2009 Chicago hosts AFTRA national convention. Willenborg receives
George Heller Memorial Gold Card, AFTRA’s highest honor.
June 2008 Chicago holds SAG 75th anniversary Gala, raising more than
$40,000 for the KMRC and SAG Foundation.
February 1998
Dick Kay and Fern Persons at AFTRA
membership meeting honoring long-time
Chicago members. Along with Persons and
others, the honorees included Studs Terkel,
Russ Reed, Jack Bivans, and Jack Brickhouse in
one of his last public apperances.
Center: October 18, 2000 Willenborg speaking with a reporter as the Chicago Strike Force,
with support from Teamster Locals 705 and 142,
disrupted deliveries to Ford’s Torrence Avenue
assembly plant bringing operations to a standstill. Management sends home or cancels shifts
of 2,200 UAW members, with pay.
Casting at Columbia College
New signatories
For information purposes only, following is a list of new signatories to the indicated
contracts. It is NOT TO BE USED TO VERIFY SIGNATORY STATUS of a potential
employer. Please call the office for this purpose.
Drury Lane Productions
100 Drury Lane
Oakbrook Terrace IL 60181
A-RC 09-12
Miller Builders
AKA Miller Productions
6310 N Port Washington
Milwaukee WI 53217
AIM 09 Ext to 05-08 Agreement
Key:
S-IE–SAG Industrial/Educational
S-TVC–SAG Television Commercials
A-RC­–AFTRA Radio Commercials
A-TVC–AFTRA Television Recorded Commercials
A-NBIE–AFTRA Non-Broadcast Industrial/Educational
A-IM-AFTRA Interactive Media
AKPD Message and Media
(FKA David Axelrod & Assoc)
730 N Franklin St. Ste 404
Chicago IL 60654
A-RC 09-12, A-TVC-09-12, S-TVC 09-12
ASGK Public Strategies
(FKA ASK Public Strategies)
730 N Franklin St. Ste 404
Chicago IL 60654
A-RC 09-12, A-TVC 09-12, S-TV 09-12
CONSERVATORY
Work the Perk! I keep saying that a big part of the Chicago AFTRA/SAG
Conservatory mission is about members helping other members, providing opportunities
for learning techniques and sharing tools that really help empower all our careers. Our
unique situation in Chicago allows us the perfect venue for these opportunities—the
KMRC (Kaufherr Members Resource Center.)
Every union actor and broadcaster in Chicago has the opportunity to say what they
want and need from their conservatory. You don’t have to come to committee meetings
to impact the Conservatory (but your input is welcome!), you just have to come to the
events that interest you and participate. I am heartened by an e-mail I received from a
participant in our recent DIY Film Workshop—a six-week long program that gathered
together actors and broadcaster members that were interested in pursuing their own
short film projects. She was reaching out to other members of her workshop to see if they
wanted to attend a local filmmaker event.
That’s the beauty of the Conservatory—the benefits outlast the few hours of the
workshop, and an engaged, active community continues to grow.
Stay tuned to The Activator (Chicago AFTRA/SAG’s e-newsletter) for upcoming
Conservatory events at the KMRC! Remember, all AFTRA/SAG Conservatory programming is a benefit of your union membership and is offered to all AFTRA and SAG
members in good standing. Work the perk!
- Stephen Spencer, Committee Co-Chair
KMRC
Do you want to have a role in guaranteeing that the KMRC continues to be a valuable resource for Chicago’s AFTRA and SAG members? Put your ideas and energy to
work. Join the Kaufherr Members Resource Center Committee.
Your input is important to the KMRC and the many members who use it. Whatever
your skills or areas of interest, your help is needed. There is always much work to do.
Meetings are at noon on the fourth Wednesday of the month at the KMRC. To attend,
please call the AFTRA/SAG office at (312) 573-8081.
SENIOR RADIO PLAYERS
The Sweetest Sounds? No, Just the Most Appropriate.
Audiences attending the AFTRA/SAG Senior Radio Players’ performances of old time
radio scripts are inevitably fascinated by the activity taking place on stage to the left of
the actors (stage right). That’s where the sound effects team, led by Koni Shaughnessey, is
hard at work.
Shaughnessey, Mary Tofoya and Rick Johnston truck in an amazing pile of equipment: tubs to be filled with water, boxes of gravel, a wind machine, a thunder sheet,
a device that uses caps to simulate gun shots, toilet plungers, coconut shells, an old
fashioned telephone, door buzzers, a light switch, and their most used items—a miniature
door and hard soled shoes. Shaughnessey is delighted when a script calls for a small dog
yipping—one of her vocal specialties. When a sound can’t be done live—such as a mammoth explosion or a railroad train rushing by—the sound effects folks bow to modern
times and plug in recordings.
Like the drummer of a visiting band, they have to set up and later tear down their
equipment. This may help build muscles, but by mid-evening, after several hours of
schlepping and rehearsing, they are pooped. Nevertheless, being a vital part of a radio
production is a bright spot in their busy lives.
Shaughnessey has been at it since 1994, inspired by her devotion to old time radio
and the ingenuity of Larry Youngberg, a colleague whose talent includes the design and
building of sound effects contraptions. She estimates she’s been responsible for sound
effects on at least 300 shows. She also has a full-time job in the non-broadcast world and
spends most Saturdays as a member of the support staff of the WDCB radio show Those
Were the Days, founded 40 years ago by the recently retired Chuck Schaden. These days,
Steve Darnall is the programmer and host of the program.
Attend the AFTRA/SAG Senior Radio Players next show on Wednesday, October 6,
in the Chicago Cultural Center’s Claudia Cassidy Theater. They will perform two scripts,
The Enormous Radio and Shop Around The Corner. Tuesday, You’ll witness the teamwork
and ingenuity of the folks who make the noises that make the shows complete. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show starts at 7. Here is some sound advice: though admission is free, seating is on a first come, first seated basis, so please make it a timely visit.
- Herb Graham
PAGE 6
Recently, an agent for a well known Los Angeles talent agency wrote to his clients
about the new reality of working in TV pilots. One sentence caught our eye: “For my
developmental and semi-working actors, please be realistic about your expectations and
focus on your craft and getting me the marketing materials I need to do my job.”
In January 2009, Columbia College Chicago began offering Advanced Casting. This
class is taught and mentored by Carrie Houk. With credits that include more than 20
years of casting countless commercials and theatrical projects—including Crime Story,
King of the Hill, Truman, Election—Houk’s goal is “for the students to be prepared and
knowledgeable enough to cast indie films or be an associate casting director on larger
projects.” Some of her students are already meeting that objective.
Advanced Casting supports the six spring and four fall practicum films, as well as
eight Directing III projects each semester. Practicum films are financed by Columbia,
have full crews, mirror the industry from pre-production to post, and emphasize creative
collaboration. Finished films are screened for cast and crew in the modern projection
facility on Columbia’s Film Row Cinema. Scripts are developed the semester prior to
production in the Advanced Development Practicum, a joint screenwriting and producing class. All production positions, including the director, must apply and go through
an interview process, after which production teams are assembled with assistance from
faculty.
Houk’s aim is to have one casting director for every director. Her students learn the
rules of casting, are taught how to prepare deal memos, how to break down a script, how
to write audition notices, how to read resumes, and how to conduct auditions according
to industry standards. Students learn to “dig deep” for the best performer for each role.
For AFTRA and SAG members, working with students on these projects can keep
you focused on your craft, provide you with a professionally produced DVD to use as
a marketing tool, and is an opportunity to help train the next generation of industry
professionals.
Anyone wishing to register for audition opportunities should send headshot, resume
and contact info to:
Becca Knights
Columbia College Casting
1104 South Wabash
Chicago, IL 60605
Union Plus Offers Union Safe Programs
As an AFTRA or Screen Actors Guild member, you always can rely on Union Plus
to provide great benefits, rain or shine. In challenging economic times, these discounts
and programs can be even more valuable. Check out the Union Safe program at
unionplus.org for an overview of the benefits offered.
Credit counseling: Members and their families can get free credit counseling
services, budgeting advice and no-fee debt management and bankruptcy counseling
benefits. Call (877) 833-1745.
Prescription discount: Members can get a free online prescription discount card
to save on out-of-pocket prescription costs.
Foreclosure prevention: If you’re worried you might lose your home, call the
Union Plus Save My Home Hotline at (866) 490-5361 any time, day or night, to avoid
foreclosure.
Unemployment Lifeline: In our business, being out of work is nothing new. But
everywhere you go, hardworking families are struggling to get by, and too often, they
don’t know where to turn for help. That’s where the Unemployment Lifeline comes in.
Unemployment Lifeline is sponsored by Working America and the AFL-CIO. It is a
one-stop guide that links workers to the resources in the areas they live, connecting
them with everything from unemployment offices to veterans’ services to childcare. It
also offers the opportunity to talk to others and share support and lessons learned. On
this site you can find local resources, discussion boards, cost saving tips and advice.
More resources are constantly being added. Make sure you pass this information
on to your friends and family members who could use some help.
Congratulations Nicholas!
Chicago AFTRA member Nicholas Sandoval has won the Chicago Federation of Labor
William A. Lee Memorial Scholarship for 2010. A graduate of Carl Sandburg High
School, Nicholas will attend the University of Illinois.
Nicholas Sandoval with the CFL’s (l to r) Jorge Ramirez, Robert Reiter and Dennis Gannon.
Chicago AFTRA/SAG CONSERVATORY Presents
YOUR HEALTH AND FINANCIAL FUTURE
Meet national experts from your SAG – Producers Pension
and Health Plans and AFTRA Health and Retirement Funds.
They will address frequently asked questions!
Monday, September 13
6 – 7:15 p.m. SAG P&H
~ Refreshments ~
7:45 – 9 p.m. AFTRA H&R
KMRC, One East Erie, Suite 660
Georgian Broadcasters Visit with
Chicago AFTRA Members
Through a program sponsored by the U.S. Agency for International Development,
and locally facilitated by the International Visitors Center of Chicago, 10 broadcast journalists from the Republic of Georgia visited the offices of AFTRA/SAG Chicago as part
of a tour to learn about the American broadcasting system. They came to AFTRA to learn
more about issues confronting broadcasters in the workplace and the benefits of collective
representation.
While at AFTRA, the women journalists had the opportunity to ask questions and
swap stories with Local President Craig Dellimore and member Felicia Middlebrooks,
(above) both from WBBM Newsradio 780. In the exchange, Dellimore and Middlebrooks heard about the efforts of the Georgian Republic to build a broadcast news system
that served the public interest yet wasn’t a mouthpiece for the government. They learned,
too, about the challenges that the women faced with no workplace protections such as a
40-hour work week or 8-hour work day. The women spoke about working many weeks
without days off and days that lasted well beyond 16 hours. It was a rare occasion indeed for
both groups. One of the visiting broadcasters is also a renowned jazz singer in Georgia and Europe.
She met with members of the Singers Committee and enjoyed the opportunity to perform
with two of them while in Chicago.
unclaimed checks
The Chicago AFTRA/SAG office has unclaimed checks.
If you can help locate any of these performers, please call (312) 573-8081.
Ahrens, Michael
Arana, Viviana
Arnold, Tiffany
Brown, Ndidi
Carmody, Jaclyn M
Chrones, Asia
Crow, Cheryl
Denney, Mike
Everett, Alexander
Fillmore, Brent Z
Fisher, Edith (Edie)
Ford, Logan
Han, Joseph
Herman, Nathan Samuel
Johnson, Barbara A
Lennes, Nels J
McGreevy, Jane
Mejias, Jose
Monroe, Tarus L
Moran, Brendan
Nelson, Melissa
Nelson, Ricky
Olivia, Lorraine
Parks, Nelson
Perez-Brayfield, Alicia M
Reed, Shanay
Riddle, Harold
Salter, Alexandra
Singletary, Julius L
Steward, Kelly
Sullivan, Tim
Woodard, Fines
Board/Council Actions
Board and Council Actions are the property of Union Members whose negotiating interests are
often best served by confidentiality. This summary does not reflect sensitive issues or routine
activity i.e. approving minutes or receiving reports. Members are welcome to examine full minutes of all meetings at the office during normal business hours.
Joint AFTRA Board/SAG Council January 19, 2010
Approved
To REMAIN in the current office space,
declining AEA’s offer to share their newly
acquired building.
To DONATE $250 from each union to a
labor-related charity for Haitian earthquake
relief.
AFTRA Only:
To APPOINT Mike Ward as AFTRA CoChair of the KMRC Committee.
To REINSTATE a dues-paying non-member for a $200 fee and ask the applicant
to write a letter about the decision to
reinstate.
To APPROVE the following contract
Summaries: 1) The Oprah Winfrey Show;
2) Oprah & Friends Radio Network; 3)
Dr. Oz.
SAG Only:
To APPOINT Tony Castillo as SAG CoChair of the Agents Relations Committee.
Joint AFTRA Board/SAG Council March
23, 2010
To HAVE a Joint AFTRA/SAG Membership Meeting in June this year.
To Donate $40,000 to KMRC.
AFTRA Only Vote:
To APPROVE The Betty Mitchell Sick &
Benefit Fund Trustees’ vote to consolidate
the funds with the AFTRA Foundation,
under three conditions:
1) The AFTRA Foundation will have a
separate line item for Betty Mitchell Sick &
Benefit Funds;
AFTRA Board December 8, 2009
Approved
TO SPONSOR the AFTRA Foundation’s
AMEES Awards for $500.
SAG Council January 11, 2010
Approved
To AFFILIATE Chicago’s SAG Motion
Picture Players Welfare Fund with the Actors
Fund.
To ASK that the current Initiation Fee for
members joining in Chicago be extended
while the issue is studied.
SAG Council February 22, 2010
Approved
The Minutes from January 11, 2010 meeting.
To REVIEW the KMRC-Conservatory’s DoIt-Yourself Film workshop.
SAG Council March 15, 2010
Approved
To HAVE a Joint AFTRA/SAG Membership
Meeting in June this year.
To ACCEPT the proposed changes in the
Chicago Branch Rules of Procedure.
2) We retain complete control over the disbursement of the funds, and;
3) We have a representative on the (AFTRA
Foundation Board) group that is being assembled from the other Local’s funds to serve
in an advisory capacity.
To DEPOSIT 50% of the Those Were the Days
yearly fee to the KMRC and 50% to The
Betty Mitchell Sick & Benefit Fund.
Reserve now. Space is limited. To RSVP and submit your questions
(by August 20, 50 word maximum), e-mail Latisha Wagner at [email protected].
Work the perk! Like all AFTRA/SAG Conservatory and KMRC programming, this
event is a benefit of your union membership and offered to all AFTRA and SAG
members in good standing. Please bring your paid-up membership card.
Calendar
Wednesday, August 25
Noon, KMRC Committee Meeting
KMRC One East Erie Suite 660
Thursday, August 26
6-8 p.m., Networking Night
KMRC
Friday, September 3
Monday, September 6
Office & KMRC close at 1 p.m.
Office & KMRC closed, Labor Day
ednesday, September 22
W
Noon, KMRC Committee Meeting
KMRC
Thursday, September 23
6-8 p.m., Networking Night
KMRC
Monday, September 27
SAG Annual Membership Meeting
KMRC, details TBA
Office & KMRC close at 1 p.m.
Office & KMRC closed, Columbus Day
Friday, October 8
Monday, October 11
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
and Internet sites
Chicago AFTRA/SAG
Office: 312/573-8081 Fax: 312/573-0318 800/599-1675
Hotline: 312/867-3710 E Mail: [email protected]
AFTRA: AFTRA.com SAG: SAG.org
Chicago Singers: aftrasagsingers.com
KMRC: kmrcchicago.com
AFTRA/SAG Senior Radio Players: seniorradioplayers.com
Illinois Film Office Hot Lines: 312/814-9605 (casting) 312/814-7155 (crew)
SAG Residuals Payment Info Center: 800/205-7716
SAG Young Performers Hot Line: 323/549-6030
SAG P&H questions: 800/777-4013 SAGph.org
AFTRA H&R questions: 800/562-4690 AFTRAhr.com
SAG/AFTRA Federal Credit Union: 800/826-6946 aftrasagcu.org
SAG Foundation: 323/549-6649 SAGFoundation.org
AFTRA Industry Program for Alcoholism & Drug Abuse (AIPADA) 800/756-HOPE
Equity Hot Line: 877/AEA-1913
New Broadcaster Members
Rev. Ed BaconDisc Rod Blagojevich
Bob Brynteson
El Pitufo
Nick Friedell
Gonzo
Johana Londono
Belen Newsome
DJ Alex Perez
Jerry Riles Marcela Saldana
Wild Wayne
Jockey
Actor Announcer
Disc Jockey
Sportscaster
Announcer
Announcer
Announcer
Disc Jockey
Sportscaster
Disc Jockey
Announcer
XM-Satellite
WLS-AM
WLS-AM
WNUA-FM
WMVP-AM
WNUA-FM
WNUA-FM
WVAZ-FM
WNUA-FM
WGN-TV
WNUA-FM
WGCI-FM
PAGE 7
Networking Night at the KMRC
Want to meet other members, share ideas, and maybe learn
something, too? The fourth Thursday of every month is
Networking Night at the KMRC. The night usually has a specific
focus, but there’s always time to get to know each other and
hear about what everyone has been up to. The topic of the
month is announced in The Activator.
Past offerings have included Ask the Agent with Vanessa Lanier
of Grossman and Jack Talent; How to Network with AFTRA/
SAG member Kathy Corday, author of THE NETWORKING FIELD
GUIDE: Essential Social Skills for Business; and member Michael
Issac brought everyone up to speed with Facing Facebook:
Social Networking for the Working Performer.
Networking Night at the KMRC
6 - 8 p.m., fourth Thursday of the month
Kaufherr Members Resource Center
One East Erie, Suite 660 Chicago, IL 60611
Playback
August 2010
American Federation of Television
and Radio Artists/Chicago Local
Screen Actors Guild/Chicago Branch
One East Erie Suite 650
Chicago, Il 60611
Office: 312/573-8081
Fax: 312/573-0318
800/599-1675
Hotline: 312/867-3710
E Mail: [email protected]
AFTRA.com
SAG.org
NON - PROFIT
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
CHICAGO, IL
PERMIT NO. 7794
Dated Material
Please Expedite
Willenborg Honored at Joint Membership Meeting
Members, staff and
special guests surprised
Eileen Willenborg and
celebrated her tenure as
Chicago’s AFTRA/SAG
executive director at June’s
joint membership meeting.
The evening included
congratulatory messages
from AFTRA President
Roberta Reardon, SAG
President Ken Howard and
many others.
Photos by Tony Castillo
L to R: Margret Blackshere, former head of IL AFL-CIO; Dan Moore, DGA;
Sally Fletcher, Fletcher Camera; Richard Moska, Chicago Film Office; and
Betsy Steinberg, Illinois Film Office.
Photo by Andy Lorenc
Working Families Demand Wall Street Reform, Jobs
On Wednesday, April 28, more than one thousand working families, small
business owners and community activists marched through Chicago’s financial district
demanding Wall Street banks pay to rebuild jobs and the economy they helped destroy.
At the request of the AFL-CIO and the Chicago Federation of Labor, several
AFTRA and SAG members volunteered to dress up in gowns and tuxedos to portray
greedy bankers and unaware idle rich and add a bit of street theater to the rally.
The march originated at the office of Goldman Sachs, the firm that has become
symbolic of the Wall Street culture in which profit-seeking led to risky behavior that
ultimately contributed to the crash of the economy, and moved east along Jackson Blvd.
to the heart of the financial district before arriving at Federal Plaza.
AFTRA Annual Membership Meeting
Buddy Guy’s daughter and son accepting his award from Chicago
AFTRA President Craig Dellimore. See story on page 1.
Do you read The Activator?
What breaking news did you miss? Did you hear about all of the events presented
by the KMRC including trainings, workshops and A Coversation with SAG President
Ken Howard?
Print newsletters are great, but you can’t beat e-mail for quick communication.
Stay informed. Subscribe to The Activator, the Chicago AFTRA/SAG e-newsletter.
To add your name to the official Chicago e-mail list (union business only and the
list will not be shared), send your name and union ID number to lswenson@aftra.
com with “add me” as the subject.
Thought you were on the list but haven’t seen a copy lately? There is a new issue
of The Activator every couple of weeks. If you haven’t received one this month, or
if you’ve changed your e-mail address, please re-subscribe today!
The Activator Online
Past issues of The Activator are now available on the Chicago page of the AFTRA
and SAG websites. Don’t know how to find the Chicago page? For SAG, go to SAG.
org, under Divisions and Branches and select “Chicago.” In the column on the left,
select “Newsletters” for past issues of The Activator and Playback. On AFTRA.com,
select “AFTRA Locals” from the column on the right. Click again for a list of Locals
or use the map to select “Chicago.” Publications are included under News and
Information.