Welcome SAG-AFTRA Hawaii
By Becky Maltby
Merger. That word can now be filed away. Somehow it felt inevitable this time as the vote grew closer, ballots were readied, debates sprang up on social networks and phone banks went to work. In Hawaii, we were cautiously optimistic, and on March 30, 2012, both local SAG and AFTRA boards, along with our phone volunteers, were invited to the union office to watch the results streaming live on the Internet. Whatever the outcome, we would experience it together, in solidarity. Most of us forgot our laptops, but thanks to Scott Rogers and Brenda Ching, we were covered. Coffee brewed, and we munched on fruit, muffins and other goodies as we listened to that sleepy elevator music from both computers while the folks in L.A. got it together. The mood was good. But when the results were finally announced — SAG 82 percent; AFTRA 86 percent in favor of merger — our cheers alerted the musicians and neighbors down the hall that it was time for a photo op. It was a great way to start the day, and a delightful beginning to our new joint venture.
Partnering with the University of Hawaii Academy of Creative Media
By David Farmer
In early March of this year, I had the honor and pleasure of participating in professor Joel Moffett’s ACM screenwriting class as a Screen Actors Guild actor for table readings.
I come from a theater/film/fine arts/law education and experience background. I also was taught in my early years at UH and Mid-Pacific Institute soon after first arriving here from NYC in 1966. After my years studying at Carnegie Tech and with Sandy Meisner and working at La Mama E.T.C. and other venues, I became drawn to teaching studio art and art history, for it seemed to offer a wonderful vehicle to truly educate by doing. Joel fulfills that calling in ways to which I could only aspire, but never achieved.
As a result of my teaching experiences in the 1970s, I appreciate the unique challenges of working with local students, challenges that Joel meets and totally disarms. Joel’s awesome talents and huge appetite and aptitude for teaching are already well known. His insight into the elements of a successful screenplay is incredible, and he imparts it in an extremely individualized way to his students, whom he obviously knows well and for whom he genuinely and deeply cares. He is that rare film person who understands what an actor needs to make the actor’s craft in film truly succeed — what is the behavior, what does the character want, what are the obstacles? He imparts these tools organically and effectively, both one-on-one and to the larger class simultaneously.
He is also that rare teacher who instructs and EDUCATES by bringing forth and eliciting the thinking and creativity of his students. His praise for student work is generous and sincere; his criticism is clear, insightful and never demeaning. He demands much of his students, but obviously no more than he demands of himself. His energy and enthusiasm fill the room and ignite within his students eyes.
My energy and enthusiasm for my craft were reignited as well, and I wholeheartedly recommend that my fellow SAG-AFTRA member actors also participate in this project that gives far more than it takes in time and energy. It’s yet another way to keep one’s craft sharply honed and ready for action.
UH Table Reads Program an Excellent Opportunity
By Dennis Chun
Interesting characters to play, exciting new scripts, and a chance to work on your acting techniques while surrounded by the most creative energy — in short, an actor’s dream: This is the SAG-AFTRA table reads with the University of Hawaii Academy of Creative Media. Having had the privilege of participating in two table reads, I strongly urge all SAG-AFTRA actors to consider taking advantage of this program the next time it is offered.
In each session, an actor is given up to five scripts and characters to read. After the read, the actor is given the chance to comment before the discussion is turned over to the students.
The chance to work with the passion of professor Joel Moffett and his extremely talented students is most inspirational and should not be missed. To see the creative process from the writer’s viewpoint only adds to the actor’s ability to create. It is these young writers who in the future will write the stories and roles for us to work.
My deepest appreciation goes to Brenda Ching, professor Moffett and the students of the ACM for providing this opportunity to their fellow artists. Hopefully, this program will continue to grow and provide us all more opportunities to grow and develop our talents.
Battleship in Hawaii
The long-awaited release of the movie Battleship was met with great enthusiasm overseas. Prior to the USA premiere, many of the Hawaii-based “old salts” and other principals who appeared in the movie were invited to a special preview at the Ward Center Theatre. Shown waiting in line are:
Mickey Graue, who was upgraded from background to principal playing the kid at bat at the baseball game.
Don Dailey, Sandy Keating, Marty Kogan, Lynne Halevi and Colby Haines.
SAG-AFTRA Merger Vote Announcement
Several Hawaii SAG and AFTRA board members, along with the Get Out the Vote phone bank volunteers, gathered in the Musicians board room to await the live announcement of merger voting results.
Brenda Ching, executive director of the SAG-AFTRA Hawaii Local, was prepared for the positive results of the merger vote with the appropriate signage for the office door. Thanks, Brenda, for being the consummate professional, always a step ahead.
SAG-AFTRA Local Hawaii Board of Directors
Rolf Burton, Co-President
Glenn Cannon, Co-President
Lynne Halevi, Co-Vice President
Scott Rogers, Co-Vice President
David Farmer, Co Secretary-Treasurer
Kevin Lye, Co-Treasurer
Jean Simon, Co-Secretary
Zulma Aguiar
Regina Bailey
Dennis Chun
Katherine Cleveland
Sally Ewing Davis
Colby Haines
David Isei
Pamela Larson
Marc Alan McClellan
Rebecca Maltby
John Nordlum
Richard Rodrigues
Lisa Romano
Charles Uyehara
Local Executive Directors:
Brenda Ching
Bill Thomas
Office:
949 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 105
Honolulu, HI 96814
Ph: 808-596-0388
Fax: 808-593-2636 / 800-305-8146
