The 22nd SAG-AFTRA Convention Shows Progress

The marked differences between the first and second SAG-AFTRA conventions were evident from the outset. Numbers were the same. The sense of purpose was the same. The sense of union was palpable.

We all knew that there would be a change in operation and outlook once we merged. The first convention at the Marriott in 2013 showed us in transition as we adapted our outlook and operations to our new reality. Not that there was friction, but there were challenges as we attempted to work through the past to reach a new future.

The Sheraton Universal site of the 2015 Convention held no ghosts from the past. The confidence and relaxation of our leaders were matched by the collegiality of the delegates. While there were differences concerning the proposed constitutional amendments, discussion was brief and to the point: All of the amendments were passed with overwhelming majorities. A similar efficiency was displayed concerning the 32 proposed resolutions. The Constitutional Amendment and Resolution Committee, the committee tasked with screening submissions prior to the presentation, demonstrated a willingness to work with delegates to offer resolutions consonant with the constitution. Delegates were cooperative in altering or withdrawing submissions. Of the 32, a few were ruled out of order and another few were withdrawn. The others were submitted to the convention for a vote. Though they did not all pass, the lack of animosity was notable.

The current issue of our national publication, SAG-AFTRA, will provide further details.

More important than the daily workings of the convention were the strides we have made since the merger:

• The union has realized operating surpluses for the two prior fiscal years;  

• The number of new members is growing;

• Residuals are being paid more promptly;

• There has been significant progress toward the merger of the health funds; and

• A prudent reserve of funds is being built.

From left, John Wilmot, George Sanchez and Charles Ferrara at the national convention.

Additionally, our members have worked under contracts totaling $1 billion in the past two years.

The focus of the convention, however, was not on the past. It focused on the future. The three-part theme of the convention was Educate, Engage and Empower. 

The need for these goals was best demonstrated by the presentations of National Executive Director David White and writer/producer Linda Obst, the keynote guest.

Our industry is changing dramatically. Linda, in a dynamic and funny conversation, reminded us that box office has not fueled production for many years. DVD sales were where profit was to be found. Streaming services by Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime and the like have almost killed DVD sales. Movies are no longer made for home consumption but for the international market. The demographic is not 18-30-year-olds, but what will sell in Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Europe. This is why blockbuster super hero films are the dominant product. Producers know they will sell. Mid-range and smaller films are increasingly going to TV. The cable channels and streaming services, not the local movie houses, are where we will find our work in the future.

The world is going digital. Interactive media and audiobooks are the biggest areas of growth for performers. These markets will not come to us. It is up to us to organize them. One small example of this that happened at the convention was when each delegate was asked to record a message for Droga5 to thank them for being a leader in digital ads and express our excitement at working with them in the future. Click here for more.

We were all asked to show support for members working in digital media by posting these messages on social media: #performancematters and #iAmOnBoard2015. You can keep up to date with developments in these markets by signing up to receive notices at sagaftra.org/interactive. There are a number of things each member can do to further the aims of our union:

• Fight for more union commercial work by signing the statement of support at sagaftra.org/bestinthebiz;

• Upload photos and videos and share your story at sagaftra.org/mystory or tweet them using the tags: @sagaftra #sagaftramember #mystory; and

• Support recording artists by supporting the Fair Play Fair Pay Act of 2015 and joining the action at musicfirstcoalition.org.

These acts will serve to engage and empower. There is one further effort we can make by joining the President’s Task Force on Education, Outreach & Engagement to support the A Call to Arts initiative. You can demonstrate your support by pledging 10 hours of mentoring in the arts before Dec. 31. Start an A Call to Arts account at sagaftra.org/acalltoarts.

If you are uncomfortable with this level of involvement and do not feel you can engage in these activities, you can still do your part to advance the SAG-AFTRA cause simply by showing your SAG-AFTRA card. It was not handed to you. You earned it. You deserve it. And you deserve the power of united action.

Written by By George Sanchez, Convention Delegate

George Sanchez is a longtime member of legacy AFTRA and legacy SAG and a local board member of SAG-AFTRA.

This item was originally featured in the winter 2015 local newsletter.