Latest Michigan News of Interest

Dear Members,

Before I update you on recent and relevant activities in Michigan, I want to add a word about the process toward the potential merger. I was honored to have been a part of the successor union task force. During the meetings at New York, Los Angeles and Silver Springs, Md. I witnessed a group of dedicated volunteers like I have never seen before. For hours, days, weeks and months, the SAG and AFTRA members toiled over the proper merger agreement — always considering the welfare of the membership on the whole. Their diligence and fortitude should be commended. Now — what’s up in Michigan?

From left, Peter Nelson, Carrie Jones, state Sen. Randy Richardville, Steve Lemberg and Patty Kahn

INCENTIVES

On Saturday, March 10, I attended the Uptown Film Festival in Birmingham. The festival hosted an excellent panel called Filming in Michigan: Trends and Updates with panelists Carrie Jones, director of the Michigan Film Office, Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville, Raleigh Studio CFO Steve Lemberg, CPA Patty Kahn of Kahn & Company, and filmmaker Peter Nelson (most recently, Sparkle). Public Act 291 of 2011 became law on December 21, 2011 (formerly Senate Bill 569 with Senator Richardville as the primary sponsor). Now known as the Film and Digital Media Assistance Program, this is an incentive with some very competitive terms, provided enough money is appropriated to the fund. Senator Richardville reported that the program’s present amount of $25 million is not sufficient in his opinion, and that he is doing whatever he can to see an increase. Others from the panel discussed Hollywood producers’ perceptions of Michigan, and the procedures for film applicants.

WEST MICHIGAN ACTIVITIES

The film community in the west side of Michigan continues to host a variety of activities, and I recently attended two of my favorites. On January 27, I went to Grand Rapids for the annual meeting of the West Michigan Film and Video Alliance. This is an organization where members successfully network with each other regarding all sorts of matters, including job openings, needs for equipment and assistance with individual projects. The annual meeting always promises important information and fun with food and raffles. And on February 26, I returned for the Oscar Night America Party, which benefited the Waterfront Film Festival. With a long red carpet, the party’s own paparazzi and evening gown attire, the event boasted a true Hollywood atmosphere.

LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES

Many of you have been following legislative activities from Michigan and our neighboring Midwest states. It was a sad time when Indiana’s so-called “right-to-work” law was enacted on the evening of February 1, 2012. In Michigan, there are nearly 100 bills that attack collective bargaining, including one with “right-to-work” zones. We will continue to monitor activities and activate a call to action if needed, especially if it deals with “right-to-work” in Michigan. Remember, the definition of a “right-to-work” state is incorrectly understood by so many. While touted merely as a state statute that prohibits making membership or payment of union dues a condition of employment, “right-to-work” is really a “freeloader” system. Non-members work under union contracts, enjoy all of the benefits of those union contracts and by law do not have to pay a dime for the union’s services. “Right-to-work” is wrong for Michigan and SAG members across the country.

My best to all of you and a good merger outcome,

Marcia Fishman
Detroit/Philadelphia Branch Executive Director

 
Than McClure and CADET

This item was originally featured in the March 2012 local newsletter.