Empowering SAG-AFTRA’s Military Veterans

On Oct. 9, the SAG-AFTRA L.A. Local Military Committee hosted a panel in the James Cagney Boardroom at SAG-AFTRA Plaza, offering an in-depth discussion on various programs and resources available for military veteran performers.

The panel, moderated by L.A. Local Board member and L.A. Military Committee Chair Jane Austin, featured L.A. Local Military Committee member and long-time Hollywood Post 43 member B.J. Lange, L.A. Local Military Committee member and L.A. Film School Entertainment Business Instructor Donna Lloyd, L.A. Local and National Board member Shaan Sharma, and Veterans in Media and Entertainment Executive Director Karen Kraft. Additionally, SAG-AFTRA Entertainment Contracts staff members Michael Simon and Sheldon Coure were on hand to provide insights into the signatory process and how SAG-AFTRA staff collaborates with producers to navigate the contracts process.

Funding options for projects were a key topic, with recommendations to explore platforms like GoFundMe and the importance of finding producing partners through initiatives in the industry, including Veterans in Media and Entertainment. The discussion also highlighted unique challenges faced by veteran performers with disabilities and emphasized the need for strategies to support these programs, including a strong call to show up.

The group discussed the benefits of pursuing unionized projects despite the perceived simplicity of non-union alternatives, emphasizing the long-term advantages of union membership and working on union productions.

The panel ended with a discussion on enhancing communication about resources available to veterans in the entertainment industry.

To find military resources visit the Los Angeles Local Resources page. To learn more about how to get involved with the Los Angeles Local Military community, email lamilitary@sagaftra.org.

Top photo: From left, L.A. Local Military Committee member and long-time Hollywood Post 43 member B.J. Lange, L.A. Local and National Board member Shaan Sharma, Veterans in Media and Entertainment Executive Director Karen Kraft, L.A. Local Board member and L.A. Military Committee Chair Jane Austin, L.A. Local Military Committee member and L.A. Film School Entertainment Business Instructor Donna Lloyd, SAG-AFTRA Entertainment Contract Representatives Sheldon Coure and Michael Simon.