Local 44 News

 All seminars and groups are free of charge

Seminars

Summer 2008 
 

GETTING BACK ON YOUR FINANCIAL FEET
Join us for a NEW workshop on dealing with financial challenges and learning how to better manage your money, possessions, and assets – anything you most value. Topics to be explored: Skills that make us better earners, better savers, better investors. What it means to be accountable to ourselves and our families, and how to create the best economic paths for ourselves. How to happily redirect our energies into low-cost activities. How to decrease levels of economic stress. How to “recast” economic trauma, learn from the difficulties, and convert the learning into possibilities and forward movement. How financial hard times make us feel trapped, even hopeless, and how to break that cycle. Based on years of research by Greg Hicks and Rick Foster, authors of the books Choosing Brilliant Health and How We Choose to be Happy, this groundbreaking program will outline and explore the nine behavioral choices and attitudes we need to effectively manage our finances and, in fact, manage all aspects of our lives. This is a full-day workshop with lunch provided. Participants must commit to the entire day. To ensure the most positive group experience interview is required prior to attending.
Friday, June 20, 2008, 10 AM - 5 PM
The Actors Fund, 5757 Wilshire Boulevard #400; Los Angeles, CA 90036
Info: 323.933.9244 ext. 13
Email: tabas@actorsfund.org 

CHOOSING BRILLIANT HEALTH
Join us in discovering the secret to taking control of your life - even when you feel as though life is controlling you. Based on years of research by Greg Hicks and Rick Foster, authors of the books "Choosing Brilliant Health" and "How We Choose to be Happy" this groundbreaking program will outline and explore 9 behavioral choices the authors have identified that generate healthier, happier and more effective life. Among the many topics of exploration, you will learn: Enhance your sense of well being. Decrease your level of stress. Help you focus your passions and strengths. Recast grief, loss and emerge to a happier place. This program consists of a day-long workshop. Participants must commit to the entire day. To ensure a positive group experience a pre-group interview is required.
Saturday, June 21, 2008, 10 AM - 5 PM
The Actors Fund, 5757 Wilshire Boulevard #400; Los Angeles, CA 90036
Info: 323.933.9244 ext. 13
Email: tabas@actorsfund.org 

HEALING ARTS
Hear from AWP members who have pursued education and training to develop therapeutic sideline and second careers including Massage Therapy, Pilates, Social Work, Personal Trainers, Art Therapy, etc. This event is open to all professionals in entertainment and the performing arts.
Wednesday, June 25, 4 - 6 PM
The Actors Fund, 5757 Wilshire Blvd., #400, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Info: 323.933.9244 ext. 50
Email: ltrotter@actorsfund.org

JOB SEARCH OVER 40

How do you approach the job search when you are over 40? Are there differences? How do you present yourself and where will your experience be welcome? Hear from some AWP members who have found work that values maturity and experience. This event is open to all professionals in entertainment and the performing arts.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008, 4 - 6 PM

The Actors Fund, 5757 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Info: 323.933.9244

Email: ltrotter@actorsfund.org 

WORKING AS A SUBSTITUTE TEACHER
Meet representatives of an agency that hires actors to be substitute teachers in private schools. Learn how to apply, what they are looking for, and the kinds of opportunities that they have. This event is open to all professionals in entertainment and the performing arts.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008, 4 - 6 PM
The Actors Fund, 5757 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Info: 323.933.9244
Email: ltrotter@actorsfund.org 

 Regularly scheduled seminars/meetings

Summer 2008 
 

Are you on the Fence with Life in the Industry?

This a free and confidential group open to all industry professionals between the ages of 27 and 60.The group offers an opportunity to explore with your peers the emotional, spiritual and practical issues of continuing your career in the industry. This is an 8 week group. To ensure a positive group experience an interview is required. 

Wednesday, April 30 - June 18, 1:30 - 3 PM

The Actors Fund, 5757 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Info: 323.933.9244 ext 13

Email: tabas@actorsfund.org

ACTORS WORK PROGRAM ORIENTATION
An introduction to all Actors Work Program services, including group and individual career counseling, job training and education, financial assistance, and job placement services.
Every Monday, 1 - 2:30 PM
The Actors Fund, 5757 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Info: 323.933.9244 ext. 50
Email: ltrotter@actorsfund.org

WELCOME TO HOLLYWOOD
Have you recently relocated to the Los Angeles area? If so, The Actors Fund invites you to join our monthly drop-in group. Connect with other newly transplanted industry professionals and network with your peers. Learn about local resources such as housing, health care and industry supports. No reservation is required. 
1st Tuesday of every month, 1 - 2 PM
The Actors Fund, 5757 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Info: 323.933.9244 ext. 13
Email: tabas@actorsfund.org
 

RESUME WRITING WORKSHOP
Two opportunities each month to learn how to write a targeted resume and cover letter that present you as a viable candidate, whether you are developing a parallel career to supplement your professional income or transitioning to a new career outside the industry. These workshops are free of charge and open to all entertainment industry and performing arts professionals. Participants must attend an Actors Work Program Orientation before coming to the Resume Writing Workshop. 
2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month, 2 - 4 PM
The Actors Fund, 5757 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Info: 323-933-9422, ext. 50 
Email: ltrotter@actorsfund.org


JOB SEARCH
A great addition to your efforts to find sideline or parallel work to support your professional career, these bi-monthly meetings are the place to get support, job leads and referrals. We review specific strategies to boost your job skills and discuss job search techniques unique to people in show business. These meetings are free of charge and open to all entertainment industry and performing arts professionals. Participants must attend an Actors Work Program Orientation before coming to Job Search. 
1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month, 2 - 4 PM
The Actors Fund, 5757 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Info: 323.933.9244 ext. 50
Email: ltrotter@actorsfund.org

 

NETWORK NOW 
Learn how to increase your visibility and opportunities in the business and outside the business by meeting and talking to other Actors Work Program participants. This weekly meeting gives you the opportunity to explore potential contacts for jobs and organizations that are of interest to you, while building a strong network in the entertainment community. Participants must attend the Actors Work Program Orientation before attending Network Now. 
Every Thursday, 2 - 4 PM
The Actors Fund, 5757 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Info: 323.933.9244 ext. 50
Email: ltrotter@actorsfund.org

GETTING AND KEEPING HEALTH INSURANCE
Weekly seminar for members of the entertainment industry and the performing and visual arts communities who want to know their options for obtaining affordable health insurance and health care in the Los Angeles area. Participants will learn to use The Actors Fund’s Access to Health Insurance/Resources for Care website (www.ahirc.org). Registration is required.
1st Wednesday of every month, 1:30 - 3 PM 
The Actors Fund, 5757 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Info: 323.933.9244 ext. 38
Email: aking@actorsfund.org


PERFORMING ARTISTS' MEDICAL CLINIC
The Performing Artists’ Medical Clinic offers free medical services to low-income musicians, dancers, actors and other performing artists. It is staffed by doctors and medical students from UCLA and uses the up-to-date examining rooms and diagnostic facilities of the Venice Family Clinic. Prescription medicines and referrals to psychiatric services are also available at no cost. This service is offered twice monthly. Call The Actors Fund intake line for eligibility criteria and appointments. Income requirements apply. 
3rd Wednesday of every month, 6 - 9 PM

Venice Family Clinic, 604 Rose Avenue, Venice, CA

Info:323.933.9244 ext. 32
Email: dkitowski@actorsfund.org

For more information, please visit www.actorsfund.org

 SSG SCREENING SERIES is FREE by RSVP to everyone in the entertainment community  (Children under 10 years old not permitted except when otherwise noted).================= L.A. HIT - Wed & Fri, Jun 11th & 13th! ALIEN SECRETS Tue, Jun 10th, Q&A/ screening 9pmL.A. HIT (L.A.TAKEDOWN) Wed Jun 11th, 9pm!L.A. HIT (L.A.TAKEDOWN) Fri, Jun 13th, 9pm!TRESPASSING Fri, Jun 27th, filmmakers Q&A/screening 9pm!LA LA LOCO BABY! Sat, Jun 28th, 2:30pm meet/greet/screenings  THE RESISTANCE Sun, Jun 29th, 2:30pm meet/greet/screenings (4 Cast/Crew/Industry screenings 2:30pm, 3:15pm, 4pm & 4:45pm)================= SIGN UP ON NEW COMBINED SSG NEWSLETTER!Screening Services Group - Fine Arts Theatre & Wilshire Screening RoomI’m phasing out SSG SCREENING SERIES event notices from my personal email address. SIGN UP NOW! On Michael S. Hall’s new combined SSG E-NEWSLETTER at:http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?m=1102099479647(SSG Screening Series events are listed on SSG NEWSLETTER after facilities information)================= ALIEN SECRETS – Sci-fi feature narrative documentaryA clever send up of the UFO genre based on Brandon Scott's real life escapades as he explores the UFO subculture with a biting edge and wit. Brandon plays a parody of himself, which takes us on a wild ride that at times seems like a cross between X-Files and Spinal Tap.ALIEN SECRETS Tue, Jun 10th, Q&A / screening 9pmALIEN SECRETS Thu, Jun 12th has been cancelledSPECIAL OFFER for Screening Services Group folks!!!ALIEN SECRETS DVD on sale -10% SSG discount!!! $5 each DVD goes to series!Screening Services Group folks, get a 10% discount on the movie "Alien Secrets". "UFO VIP KEY" to the "Secrets From The Underground" series of interviews with the scientists, experts and abductees from the movie "Alien Secrets" is included with your purchase. This key gives you access to online video research files used to create the movie. Go to: http://www.aliensecretsmovie.com/ssgoffer================= They only stayed one night, and gave LA a heart attack...…Stylized, fun thriller – with a twist - inspired by Michael Mann’s COLLATERAL! …Great soundtrack, performances by lead actor ANUP SUGUUNAN & cast!L.A. HIT (L.A.TAKEDOWN) (95 min) – Action-thriller!L.A. HIT (formerly L.A.TAKEDOWN) Wed Jun 11th, 9pm!L.A. HIT (formerly L.A.TAKEDOWN) Fri, Jun 13th, 9pm! Written, Produced & Directed by K. RAJ SHERIVASTAVA. Din Kalia (ANUP SUGUUNAN) a lonely taxi driver who hears all the good things happening into his passengers’ lives is going through some troubled times. One night he gives a ride to two passengers Russell Law (ASHISH WAHI) and Gus Vincent (KIRTIKAR).================= TRESPASSING - Multi-award winning feature documentary Over nine years in the making, "Trespassing" is a feature-length documentary film that poetically examines our fight for survival.TRESPASSING Fri, Jun 27th, filmmakers Q&A/screening 9pm! Filmed in and around Native American sacred sites in Nevada’s Yucca Mountain, Four-Corners and California’s Mojave Desert, "Trespassing" captures the breathtaking beauty of the natural environment, while documenting the actions of indigenous people and others as they risk relocation, eviction and arrest to prevent further desecration of these lands, the air and the water by nuclear waste.================= LA LA LOCO BABY! Sat, Jun 28th, 2:30pm meet/greet/screenings  Mitch, a rookie LA cop is having nightmares and meets Keiko a girl he believed to be a figment of his dream. An irresistible Japanese na?f and runaway daughter of a Yakuza boss, Keiko reveals surprising skills that save the day. Much to the amazement of Mitch’s jaded Sergeant Diesel; together they bring down the erudite though brutal Kazimir, a disillusioned Russian mobster.================= THANK YOU MEL YIASEMIDE & LA WEEKLY!Thank you Daniele Romer on your kind words for this week’s LA WEEKLY article at:http://www.laweekly.com/special/la-people-2008/bob-nuchow-screen-gem/19039/Hello Bob Thank you for forwarding such an interesting article. It is wonderful to read about your impressive track record of sharing projects that you believe in and that sometimes have a hard time to be rightfully brought to the light.  Your efforts are much needed in a Hollywood where sometimes Studio films and box office receipts tend to be too dominant. MICHAEL S. HALL with his beautiful gem of a theatre and your inviting approach are indeed a unique opportunity for independents and professionals and cinema lovers to mingle and finalize the creative process into marketing tools when more exposure or distribution is needed.  To create a platform where all this can happen in a friendly atmosphere is much appreciated, as well as wonderful happening in our city.  I look forward to seeing you again soon, and I am wishing you and MICHAEL S. HALL the very best. Sincerely,  Daniele Romer================= SUPPORT & BUILD YOUR SSG SCREENING SERIES!Michael S. Hall provides his venues free to filmmakers participating in SSG Screening Series and free admission for the entire entertainment community!In exchange for Filmmakers/cast/crew* Pick up & distribute flyers for their film’s screening! (A MUST for participating!)* Send out email notices to their lists for their films! (A MUST for participating!)* Invite & have film’s cast/crew- industry colleagues, family & friends attend! (A MUST!)In exchange for SSG Screening Series attendees* Send out email notices to your lists for events!================= WSR "The Best Small Room In Town" Ranked Highest by VarietySSG SCREENING SERIES events are currently held at the: WILSHIRE SCREENING ROOM (WSR) - 8670 Wilshire Bl, Suite 112, 1st floor lobby, Beverly Hills, CA 90211 Brown marble building - southwest corner of Willaman Dr. & Wilshire Bl.WILSHIRE SCREENING ROOM (WSR) FREE on-site PARKING: Proceed south on Willaman Dr. from Wilshire Blvd. Turn right into the building and follow the road down to the underground parking gates. In addition, limited meter parking can be found along the street where it becomes available.Click on event title to RSVP or go to:  www.screenitfirst.com/ssg for information and to RSVP on-line for events with the SSG reservation system created by FilmPR.com. The Screening Services Group & Michael S. Hall presents the SSG Screenings Series and is co-sponsored by: AFTRA, Back Stage, cinema without borders, Digital Cinema Society, FilmPR.com (www.filmpr.com) Inktip (www.inktip.com) International Documentary Association, (it) magazine ITVS Community Cinema, Latino International Film Institute (LIFI)  Levine Breaking News (www.lbnelert.com), Next Gen femmes, ScreenPlayLab & Southeast European Film Festival (SeeFilmLA). =================Visit www.studioscreenings.com for all services, facility rental information & screenings provided by Screening Services Group. Get the best! USE UNION SCREENING ROOMS! WILSHIRE SCREENING ROOM - Most competitive rental prices in LA! Screening Services Group on-line RSVP system can be used by groups, studios, organizations renting our facilities as part of the SSG rental packages at the Fine Arts Theatre and Wilshire Screening Room to accept RSVPs for private, preview, premiere & public screenings!  Screening Services Group accepts RSVP's for any screening or Event at either facility - free of charge. We highly recommend the reservation system created by FilmPR.com to purchase for your events at other venues.=================Bob Nuchow, SSG Screening Series producer / Always working to Keep Hope Alive!Cell: (310) 562-4578 bnuchow@earthlink.net (Email this address if you want to be removed from mailing list)The SSG SCREENING SERIES was created and is funded by:Michael S. Hall, President and founder Screening Services GroupWILSHIRE SCREENING ROOM (WSR) 8670 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 112, 1st floor lobby, Beverly Hills, CA 90211  (310) 701-8925 cell (310) 659-3875 office(310) 861-9005 fax(213) 926-5726 cellMichael@StudioScreenings.com Fine Arts Theatre (410 seats) & Wilshire Screening Room (43 seats) - The nation’s highest ranked and most popular screening room.

As reported by Katherine Orloff

Orlando, FL, July 31 -- The 66th Quadrennial Convention of the IATSE wrapped up here today after five days of meetings, highlighted by the re-election of Matthew D. Loeb as International President, James B. Wood as General Secretary-Treasurer and the return of the entire General Executive Board, consisting of 13 vice-presidents, as well as three international trustees and the union’s delegate to the Canadian Labor Congress. All candidates ran unopposed and were re-elected by acclamation.

Throughout the week, President Loeb stressed that the major issues facing the entertainment industry union, which represents more than 110,000 members in over 400 locals in the US and Canada, are digital piracy and the importance of health care reform. The mood among the 840 delegates was overwhelmingly supportive during the course of the convention.

Guest speakers at the convention included Florida Congressman Alan Grayson; Jay Roth, National Executive Director of the Directors Guild of America; Janet Conner of the AFL-CIO; Todd Vradenberg of the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation; Johannes Studinger of the global entertainment industry affiliation of unions UNI-MEI, and two representatives of the UK’s BECTU, General Secretary Gerry Morrissey and Tony Lennon, BECTU President. All were equally emphatic about the need to stem digital piracy. IA President Loeb serves on the board of UNI-MEI.

A highlight of the convention week was a plenary session held by the National Labor College based in Silver Spring, Maryland, which offers classes in the development of union skills and labor leadership, and bachelor’s degrees in several labor areas. The two hour session drew an overflow crowd estimated to be near the total number delegates in attendance at the convention.

In closing on Friday, President Loeb again reiterated his commitment to solidarity among the locals in the US and Canada, and put employers on notice: “There are no divisions between the crafts,” he stated, “and no divisions between the borders. We stand united for the betterment of our members. You take on one of us, you take on all of us.”

The IATSE is an International Union that represents members employed in the stagecraft, motion picture and television production, and trade show industries throughout the United States, its Territories, and Canada.

Charges brought by Local 44 Member John “Jack” Thomas against former Local 44 Secretary-Treasurer Jennings were sustained by the Local 44 Trial Board and the Local 44 Executive Board.

On April 22, 2009, a trial was held, before the Local 44 Trial Board, on a Charge brought by Local 44 member John M. “Jack” Thomas against former Local 44 Secretary-Treasurer Elliot Jennings. In his Charge, Brother Thomas, alleged that Jennings violated several provisions of Local 44's Constitution and By-Laws.

At the April 22 trial, Brother Jennings appeared and entered a “guilty with explanation” plea with the Hearing Board. After due consideration of the evidence submitted by Brother Thomas, at the April 22 hearing, and Brother Jennings’ written statements in support of his “guilty with explanation” plea, Brother Jennings departed the April 22, 2009 hearing prior to its completion and did not present any testimony or documentary evidence to the Trial Board.  The Trial Board sustained the Charge in its entirety. The Trial Board also assessed the following sentence against Brother Jennings:

1. A fine of $500.00 for each violation of the Local’s Bylaws as alleged in the Charge, for a total fine of $1,500.00 and which shall be payable in full within thirty (30) days from the adoption of the Trial Board’s recommended decision, and;
2. that Member Jennings be barred from being appointed to, seeking nomination to or holding any elected or appointed Local 44 office and/or employment in the Local 44 office for the remainder of the present term of office and for the next three (3) successive terms of office as set by Article IX of the Local 44 Bylaws.

At an Executive Board meeting held on June 4, 2009, the Trial Board’s Decision, including the sentence imposed against Brother Jennings, was confirmed in it’s entirety. The Trial Board’s decision, subject to Brother Jennings’ right of appeal to the IATSE International President, is now final.

As reported by Seth Abramovitch from MovieLine.com.

Click HERE to read the story. 

This notification is a reminder that the safety-training deadline for Property Roster classification's “D"- General Fall Protection Safety requirement is 8/31/2009.

As you know, safety training is a critical priority for the motion picture and television industry.  The Safety Pass training program provides Industry professionals with convenient access to safety training appropriate to his or her job classification.

Individuals who do not complete the safety training required for their job classification will be suspended from the Industry Experience Roster and may be considered ineligible for employment. 
Therefore, to maintain your Roster status, you must complete all required courses by 8/31/2009. 

You may register for classes online here, by fax (818.502.9792 ), or mail.  Click here to view a class schedule.  Advance registration for all courses is highly recommended, but walk-ins are accepted on a space-available basis.  If you cannot attend a class for which you have registered, you must notify the Safety Pass office at (818) 502-9932 ext. 102; please notify us of any cancellations as early as possible since "no shows" lose priority when rescheduling. 

All training will take place at 833 Sonora Avenue, Glendale, CA 91201.  As a reminder, only individuals registered for a class will be admitted to training areas, and appropriate attire must be worn in all training areas. 

If you have already been issued a Safety Passport, please bring it with you to class.  If you have not yet been issued a Safety Passport, you will need to present valid picture identification.  

On June 9, 2009, the Screen Actors Guild announced that its members had voted to approve its TV/Theatrical contracts.  The vote counts were overwhelmingly in favor of the agreement which is effective as of June 10, 2009 and expires June 30, 2011.

For the official story from the Screen Actors Guild, click here or go to www.sag.org/press-releases/june-09-2009/screen-actors-guild-members-overwhelmingly-ratify-tvtheatrical-agreement.

AGAINST LARRY LEVINSON PRODUCTIONS
ON WEDNESDAY,  JUNE 17.  9 am to 12 noon.

Larry Levinson Productions pays its workers wages, benefits and conditions that are below area standards for Los Angeles film and TV production.

Local 44, along with all the West Coast Studio Locals, will be demonstrating against Levinson Productions this Wednesday, June 17, 2009, from 9 am to 12 noon.  Location is Levinson's corporate offices on  500 South Sepulveda Boulevard, West Los Angeles, CA  90049-3540. (It's south of Sunset Blvd. on the east side of Sepulveda)

Street parking on Sepulveda Blvd. is suggested.

Let's make some noise to let Los Angeles know Larry Levinson Productions and its various subsidiaries pay below-standard wages!

For more information, call 818-769-2500, ext. 122.