Philadelphia 2012:02
ASK THE EXPERT
Ask the Expert is a new item where Branch members pose questions and we get the answers from the SAG experts. This issue we ask Zino Macaluso, national director/senior counsel, Agency Relations, one of the most common questions we get from new SAG members.
Question: Is there a SAG talent agreement I need to sign with my agent?
Answer: SAG-franchised agents can only sign performers to SAG-approved agency contracts, which are available to the agents free of charge off of the SAG website. Any nonconforming contract used by our franchised agents are null and void and have no effect by virtue of the protective language inserted into SAG’s Agency Contract, Rule 16(g). No SAG member should sign any contract that is not SAG — please note that AFTRA contracts do not cover SAG work. If you are represented by a SAG-franchised agent in Philadelphia, make sure that the only contracts that you sign are SAG-approved to not only protect your rights, but those of the agents as well.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Reinaldo DeJesus,
Shawn Gonzalez,
Raquel Merediz,
Joinece Abbott Pratt
WELCOME TRANSFER-IN MEMBERS
Dick Balduzzi, Cory Beauregard, Jon Bergholz, Traci Black, Chelsea Blaine, Patrick Bresnyan, Bev Brown, Alexandra Chando, Bridget Connors, Erik David, Thomas Farley, Andrew Fiero, Erica Ford, Ashley Greenfield, Betsy Lynn George, Carolyn Gouger, Julie Griffith, Jo Haden, Susan Johnson, Nathaniel Kahn, Nathan Lavezoli, Shannon Malone, Lisa Manero, Joe Mallon, Eric Steven Mills, Anisha Nagarajan, Noelle Nettl, Jennifer Nool, Kristie Nolan, Stephen Pelinski, Jennifer Pena, C.W. Pyun, Armand Reiser, Jason Roth, Tony Venturella, Jonah Wanicur, Rand Wilson, Julia Yorks
Gene Crane, Broadcast Pioneers photo by Jerry Klein
CRANE’S CORNER
by Gene Crane
Editor’s note: Gene Crane is a Philadelphia Broadcast Pioneer. At WCAU-TV in Philadelphia, his long career included everything from kiddie show host to weather anchor to the voice of WCAU. Gene is also the proud father of another TV legend, David Crane, co-creator of Friends. Here Gene shares with us his turn on that program.
As soon as Friends became a hit, we made sure our twice-a-year visits to California were on Fridays so we could attend production that night. We would arrive at the studio at about 5 p.m., when rehearsal would begin; the enthusiastic live audience was already on hand with long lines outside hoping to get in. I asked David, "What's tonight’s story?” He said, "Look on the cast page." And there I was...man...GENE CRANE! It was a scene in which Joey is trying to sell Phoebe a lousy-looking Xmas tree. I had two lines, but it was such fun. By then, I knew the cast quite well, and they although it was quite amusing.
That was about 15 years ago, and I'm still getting residuals. Big bucks! $19, $27, $37! I got one recently for European exposures; about five countries involved..$17! One of them was for 1 cent!
MEMBERSHIP HAS ITS BENEFITS
Screen Actors Guild members and SAG-franchised agents who may be in the market for supplemental insurance are now eligible to receive the lowest rates Aflac offers on various supplemental insurance options — just one of many benefits SAG members enjoy.
Unlike health insurance, Aflac pays cash benefits when a triggering health event occurs, which can help with things major medical insurance doesn’t pay, like mortgage payments, rent, groceries, car payments or other bills and expenses. Aflac will pay cash benefits regardless of any other insurance coverage, and is available to all SAG members and franchised agents, regardless of qualification for other insurance programs. Call Aflac’s toll-free line at (800) 788-4031 for more information.
You can find plenty of other moneysaving deals and special offers at SAG.org. Log on and check out the Deals and Discounts tab to learn more.
The Guild does not endorse any particular insurance agency, carrier, coverage, plan or product. You should review the terms of all coverage carefully and evaluate each carrier using your independent judgment.
SAVE THE DATE
Folks, it's that time of year again. Be sure to join me in our efforts in showing support for education by participating in the annual Read Across America campaign. Contact your local elementary schools and volunteer your time to read to students. It's a wonderful thing and the kids love it! Document the cause buy taking a picture holding your SAG card so that we can highlight your event in our next newsletter (Read Across America Friday March 2, 2012). send your jpeg photos to ftraynor@sag.org.
DUES REMINDER
If you haven’t done so already, please pay your dues today. If you are not an active paid-up member in good standing, you will not be able to serve on the council or committees in the future. You must also be paid to date to register on iActor, the Guild’s online casting program, which is now being used by casting directors nationwide. If you have any questions regarding your dues, please contact the Membership Department at (800) SAG-0767, prompt 2, or (212) 944-6243.
In this issue of Philadelphia Spotlight: The Philadelphia Branch gears up to VOTE YES on the SAG-AFTRA merger, 5 Questions for Jill Whelan, The SAG Awards Viewing Party and Branch actors-turned-SAG signatories bring their dreams to the screen using fellow Branch actors.
A Message from Branch President John Wooten
On January 27 and 28, the national boards of SAG and AFTRA overwhelmingly approved the merger agreement to form one union. Now the decision is in your hands. Ballots will be mailed on February 27 to all eligible AFTRA and SAG members to vote on this historic change for your union. Many of us are members of SAG and AFTRA, which means our ballots will have two boxes for us to vote, one for each union. Please check Yes in both boxes if you are a dual cardholder and return ballots promptly.
Members, we are charged with a duty and responsibility to stand united, stand strong and stand certain for the protections of our great body. The present time marks a point in history as to where we stand, not only as key players in the entertainment industry, but as a nation of workers entitled to fair treatment, fair pay and fair say. Your elected leadership has worked hard to bring the merger to this point. They have continually worked to secure your interests and future careers as professional actors. Now the rest is up to you — your “yes” vote can make this merger a reality.
I challenge you to know the facts when voting. Do not depend on the opinions or personal agendas of others. Do note, however, the actual climate in which we work, attempt to earn a living and provide for our families. Cast your vote with intelligence, wisdom and courage. The SAG-AFTRA One Union website is now live at sagaftra.org. Click the link to get full details about the proposed merger of SAG and AFTRA.
One,
John Wooten
SAG Philadelphia Branch President
A Message from SAG National Board Member Helen McNutt
Here we go again! This time we had better get it done. The National Board of Screen Actors Guild has voted and a merger agreement with AFTRA has been made. It is now up to the membership to vote in favor of this agreement. If you have any questions, visit sagaftra.org or call (855) SAG-AFTRA, (855) 724-2387.
SAG and AFTRA members in Philadelphia met with AFTRA National President Roberta Reardon and SAG New York Division President Mike Hodge February 13 for two merger informational sessions.
For me, it is a no-brainer. Too many of our members are working a little in SAG and a little in AFTRA but not enough in either one to attain medical or pension benefits. I know change is difficult. Thinking that you can’t change is wrong. Thinking that there is no need to change is tragic. According to Winston Churchill, “There is nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction.” We have been at this for so long we must trust that we are headed in the right direction. If nothing ever changed, there would be no butterflies.
I just want to echo what John Wooten reported above: Many of us are members of SAG and AFTRA. This means you will get to vote twice on your ballot — once for SAG and once for AFTRA. Please exercise your right to vote in both unions by voting YES and check each box and return your ballot promptly.
A Message from North Region Executive Frank Traynor
The New Year has been busy, with special Tri-Union events for Branch members and a SAG Foundation Agent Access event. Many more workshops and SAG Conservatory events are in the works, so stay tuned for details on those events. A busy January saw old friends and new members and their families and friends join together at Dave and Buster’s in Philadelphia to root for our fellow actors during the Branch’s SAG Awards Viewing Party. Below is a little more on all those events and photos.
Members gather for financial advice with Sandra Karas.
Sandra Karas, member of SAG, AFTRA and Equity, presented What Are You Worth? Financial Advice for Performers: A Seminar with Sandra Karas. The seminar for union members in the entertainment industry focused on basic financial and long-term planning tips. Sandra currently serves as Equity’s secretary-treasurer and director of the VITA Program of Equity, AFTRA and SAG.
Sylvia Kauders and Forrest McClendon
SAG Philadelphia Council Vice President Sylvia Kauders (AFTRA and AEA member too) fresh off her VISA Super Bowl commercial, hosted a special evening with Broadway sensation Forrest McClendon, titled How a Broad Street ‘Barrymore’ Became a Broadway ‘Tony’: Talkin’ the Talk with Forrest McClendon. McClendon, who received a Tony Award nomination for his Broadway debut in the production of The Scottsboro Boys is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
From left, Mrs. Ray Claro, MaryAnn Claro, Franz Reynold, Pat Yorks, MG Eisenhart and Lucy King
Franz Reynold of the SAG Foundation organized the Agent Access event in Philadelphia in January. This event was designed to provide SAG members with an opportunity to meet with local SAG-franchised talent agents. Our host for the event was Tom Ashley, CEO of Philadelphia Soundstages and Invincible Pictures. Our agents were Patricia Yorks (Agency Connects), MG Eisenhart (Reinhard Agency), Lucy King (Models on The Move and SAG Agent of The Month for January) and Maryann Claro (The Claro Agency).
More than 200 Branch members, along with their families and friends, industry leaders and Branch signatory producers gathered at Dave & Buster’s in Philadelphia to enjoy The 18th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards. Council member Sara Jane Blazo chaired the committee that made this event possible. Joining Sara Jane on the committee were fellow council members Harvey Jaffee and Mike Kraycik, and members John Mitchell, Susan Austin, Mike Russo and Cyndy Drue. We thank them all for their hard work that made it easy for members to have a great night. The night included a surprise birthday celebration for National Board member Helen McNutt.
Goodies from the SAG Awards Viewing Party
Helen McNutt cutting her birthday cake
Working with SAG: Working with SAG spotlights Branch signatories and their SAG projects.
From Script to Screen – Backwards
by Sarah Megan Thomas
As both an athlete and an actress, I have always wanted to write a sports film. One of my favorite films growing up was Bend It Like Beckham. I loved how that film gracefully combined sports with romance, yet also had an important theme, something to say. So when I decided I was going to sit down and write a film two years ago, I knew the genre!
The specific idea for Backwards came from something that happened with a teammate while I was a rower at Williams College. A fellow rower left school to train for the Summer Olympics. After numerous hours of hard work, she literally just missed the boat; she was named first alternate. I thought, “Now there is an idea for a script!” No one talks about how that must feel; to get that far and be so close. Most sports films have a happy ending where the team wins the game, but none that I have seen tell the story of what happens when you’ve spent your life working towards a dream and you don’t make it? How do you move forward from that? I thought this was a theme that could resonate with people everywhere, especially in these tough economic times.
Once I had my idea, the only dilemma was that I didn’t exactly know how to write a script. Sure, as an actress, I had read many scripts, but I had never written one. So I went to Barnes and Noble, bought a dozen books about screenwriting, and started reading. Then, of course, I bought Final Draft.
From there I spent a year developing and writing my script. I had readings with my family, readings with friends who are actors, and then readings with my family again. The honest feedback of others was invaluable as I was shaping my script. The most painful advice I got: “Cut the first 10 pages!”
When the script was in good working form, I put on my producer's hat and started raising money. The money I raised came from meeting with many people in many different walks of life, showing them the script, and selling them the idea. When one person said no, I asked them if they knew another who might say yes. I did not have any actors attached at this point, other than myself, so I had to pitch with my script and my passion for the project.
Once funding was in place, I went to casting director Stephanie Holbrook and her assistant, Allison Shomer, to cast the film. The tricky aspect of any sports film is that you need to cast people who are both good at the sport and comfortable in front of a camera. We read many real rowers and many non-rower actresses for the two lead high school rowers in the film. It was a very long process. In the end, we decided on casting one real rower with no acting experience and one athletic actress with no prior rowing experience. We trained the actress how to row well enough for the camera and gave acting lessons to the rower. It turned out great! For the minor rowing parts, we cast real rowers from the National Team (some of who may be rowing in the 2012 Olympics), as well as high school kids from Philadelphia.
When it came to casting the lead male role, we needed a guy-next-door type, someone who is athletic and warm. To me, James Van Der Beek seemed like the perfect candidate. We made an offer to James. He read the script and jumped on board. We also made offers to Margaret Colin and Glenn Morshower for key roles. Both accepted. When casting the smaller acting roles, we used a combination of local Philadelphia talent and New York talent.
I always knew the film would shoot in Philadelphia, my hometown. Not only is there an amazing rowing culture in Philadelphia, but there is also a tax incentive in the state of Pennsylvania, and I had connections in Philadelphia, which were useful in securing locations, boats and other resources. When it came to location scouting, I pulled many favors. We shot in my old high school. We shot on Boathouse Row, where I rowed in high school. We even shot in my parents’ house!
We just completed post-production on Backwards last week. As I look at the finished film, I am thankful for all the hard work from everyone who worked on the film, especially our SAG actors.
To learn more about our film, check out our Facebook page and our website.
Make Your Own Movie
Editor’s note: Multitalented Branch actors are turning into SAG-signatory producers, creating work for other Branch actors. We caught up with a few Branch filmmakers, who gave us updates on their projects.
Deer Crossing stars Jennifer Butler, left, Warren Hemenway, Laura Lynn Cottrel and SAG Council member-at-large Christopher Mann. Photo Courtesy of Laura Lynn Cottrel
On January 28, 2012, more than 300 cast and crew, along with family and friends, piled into the Radisson Northeast for the East Coast screening of the long-anticipated Potent Media crime drama Deer Crossing. It appears director Christian Grillo did exactly as he intended — to disturb and entertain his audience. The night ended with a large ovation of claps and cheers!
On the set of Battle. Photo by LB Photography
Branch actor and now SAG signatory John Jillard Sr. of ROP Entertainment is hard at work on his film Battle. Jillard wrote, produced and is starring in this project where not only his character, a boxer, changes, but Jillard lost more than 100 pounds to play the character in different stages of his life and struggle. Battle is about a soldier returning home, where he finds himself with no family and no money and no place to stay. Over the next eight years, he becomes homeless, overweight and depressed, before getting the chance to change his life. SAG council member Brian Anthony Wilson stars with Jillard and Billy Vargus. Battle is being directed by Vaughn Goland.
Tom Walton and Vaughn Goland. Photo courtesy of PhilaDreams Films
Dreams, now in production, is a modern drama that follows the lives of different people who are each following their dreams in life. The SAG-signatory film comes from SAG Branch actors-turned-writers, producers, directors and DPs of photography Tom Walton and Vaughn Goland.
Valerie Bauer, Tisha Tinsman and Frank Lisi. Photo courtesy of Frank Lizi
The Red Corvette, a SAG-signatory production, premiered at the New York International Film Festival. Lead actress Valerie Bauer won Best Actress in a Feature Film. The project was created by SAG actors to employ other SAG actors under a SAG contract. SAG Branch actress Tisha Tinsman served as the film’s assistant director. Frank Lisi, a SAG actor-turned-SAG-signatory-producer (DreamQuest Entertainment) directed the film. SAG actor and signatory Sonny Vellozzi (creator of the SAG New Media Series Finders Keepers) was director of photography on the project. SAG Council members-at-large Chris McMullin and Brian A. Wilson are in the cast along with John Mitchell and Stosh Zona (click here for full cast and crew). The film was recently selected to premiere at the New Jersey Film Festival.
Producers and members mingled at the mixer
From left, Stephen Felt, Laura Seltzer, Richard Butterfoss, Palmer Enfield, David Starr, Roseanne Capaccio and David Martino
Branch-signatory producers invited SAG members to join them for a mixer. Philadelphia Entertainment Network (PEN) is a group of entertainment industry people that work in and around Philadelphia. The network meets bimonthly for face-to-face networking with an industry guest speaker to talk about the business side of show biz.
Jill Whelan
5 Questions for…Jill Whelan
Most of us remember Branch actress and improv instructor Jill Whelan from her long-running ABC hit The Love Boat. We caught up with the busy actress, teacher and mom to ask her five Questions.
1. Many fans remember you as Vicki Stubing from The Love Boat and Lisa Davis from Airplane. What stories can you share about working with these great ensemble casts?
Jill Whelan: I knew when I did Airplane, because of the nature of the film, there was no in-between when it came to the film's success. It was either a hit or a huge flop. All of the actors felt the same way at the time, and because of that we just had fun. We played, and what made us laugh in rehearsal is what ended up on film. The Love Boat was a family. That's what happens when you work with the same people day after day for 10 years. You share very personal life experiences; the birth of children, marriages, divorces, birthdays, deaths...all those shared experiences are what bonded us together and keep us close to this day.
2. You worked with so many legendary actors, was it hard not being a fan on set or do you get over that pretty fast?
JW: I was so young when I began working with these legends that I didn't grasp the scale of their fame as I do now. I was definitely in awe, because I was a huge old movie buff, but it wasn't until I was an adult and worked with Dick Van Dyke that that kind of 'starstruck' affected me. I worked with him on his series, and by then I had had my first child, Harrison. Together, Harrison and I watched all the great musicals like Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang over and over, so when I began to work on the show, I was gob smacked...couldn't remember my lines, tripped over Mr. Van Dyke, etc. I am sure he thought I was a complete idiot! I am thankful that kind of distraction did not happen to me as a kid, because I am sure I would have had a lot fewer scenes with anyone of legend status!
3. You are a long-time improv instructor who helped us kick off our SAG Conservatory. What attracted you to improv?
JW: Improv is so much fun! It is all about listening and responding to what you hear, which is the basis of acting. It is a great tool for any actor, and becoming a huge part of the creative process in many films and television series. It is also a great way to flesh out characters, help actors in auditions and learning to listen.
4. As a mom, what were your favorite films or TV shows you made sure to share with your kids?
JW: Disney films, Princess Bride, Harry Potter, Young Frankenstein, Chronicles of Narnia...and so many more!
5. Do you remember when you earned your SAG card and how that felt?
JW: I was so young, I didn't know how lucky I was until I got older...but I know how lucky I am to have it and I am very proud to be a part of such a fabulous union!
On the Road and in the Branch
Branch members turned out at the PA Film Industry Association (PaFIA) gathering featuring guest George Parra, an accomplished assistant director and producer. Parra has worked on more than 50 feature films covering all genres, from big action films such as Terminator 2, The Rock, and XXX, to studio classics such as Ghost, The Mask of Zorro and Any Given Sunday. His success came from smaller, more independent films, which have always been more appealing to him, such as Election, Sideways and The Descendants.
Mr. Parra has collaborated both as an assistant director and now as a producer, with directors including Alexander Payne, Peter Yates, Oliver Stone, James Cameron, Michael Bay, Rob Cohen, Martin Campbell, David Ellis and more. Now a member of the Producers Guild of America, Mr. Parra has been steadily producing a number of films for various companies, as well as developing his own projects. In 2011, he has been involved with feature films Warrior and The Descendants. Mr. Parra was an executive producer on the feature film The Silver Linings Playbook starring Bradley Cooper, Robert DeNiro and Jennifer Lawrence, which filmed in Philadelphia in the fall of 2011. The movie is directed by David O. Russell.
From left, David Raynor, PaFIA Program Chair; Diane Heery, PaFIA Secretary; and George Parra
George Parra with Heather Seok, executive director of PaFIA
Philly's The Good Wife actress Renee Fishman, left, plays the part of court stenographer on the hit CBS drama; Helen Chong, right, plays Jeanette the elevator receptionist at Lockhart and Gardner. Photo courtesy Helen Chong
AEA members
Actors’ Equity Association members in Philadelphia met with their national leadership recently and invited SAG to attend. SAG member Tom Helmer serves as Philadelphia AEA Liaison Chairman. Several SAG members were honored for their longtime AEA membership and service to the union.
The Philadelphia SAG Conservatory Committee met recently to plan Conservatory events for 2012. Chaired by Council member Mike Kraycik, the committee includes Council Vice President Sylvia Kauders, Ruth Weiman, Susan Austin, Gary Gustin, Dan Rush and Donna Dundon, all pictured below. Stay tuned for a full slate of workshops designed for Branch actors to sharpen their skills.
PHILADELPHIA BRANCH CONTACT INFORMATION
Frank Traynor, North Region Executive
Screen Actors Guild
1800 JFK Boulevard
Suite 300
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 760-8535
Fax: (866) 226-6983
frank.traynor@sag.org
Marcia Fishman, Philadelphia Branch Executive Director
marcia.fishman@sag.org
