Communications Committee Report

By Andrea Sikkink
Chair, Communications Committee

The local’s activities continue on a strong and united path. Members were offered many opportunities to gather together to learn and strengthen their craft. In May, they learned about diversity and the influence of Asians and Asian-Americans on the film industry. They had the opportunity to attend the Casting Access Project workshops sponsored by the SAG-AFTRA Foundation in June. 

We marched on May Day and rallied with other unions and community groups at the state Capitol, demonstrating unity for workers’ rights. On May 13, local members volunteered at the National Association of Letter Carriers Food Bank Drive to help stamp out hunger. Thanks to fellow member Steve Lowery for the photos.

May Day rally

Volunteer union members pack boxes of food for those in need.

On May 15, the general membership meeting was well attended. The highlight was an engaging talk by Martha Randolph, daughter of actors John Randolph and Sarah Cunningham. Martha discussed her parents’ union activism during a dark time when actors were blacklisted due to their political affiliations. 

Asian History Month was celebrated on May 31 with a presentation that highlighted the huge strides made by Asian and Asian-American actors in both film and television over the years. Thank you to the National Asian Pacific American Media Committee for sponsoring the event. And, thank you to Dennis Chun for narrating the presentation and to local members Brian Kasai, Charles Uyehara, Rachel Yasui and Jana Park for putting together a wonderful program.

Rochelle Rose from the Foundation welcoming the MAC rep.

June 10 and 11 was an incredible weekend. The SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s Casting Access Project came to town with three Hollywood casting directors and members were given the opportunity to audition and do readings with them. There was also a Q&A and a professional makeup techniques session with the pros from MAC cosmetics. And, a big mahalo to Rochelle Rose, national director of programming for the Foundation, for bringing the program to Hawaii.

Stay tuned for more announcements on upcoming classes and opportunities. Get involved. This is your union!