A Letter from the Executive Director

Dear Members,

I wholeheartedly agree the passing of the film incentives bill is certainly a cause for celebration. SAG-AFTRA was at the forefront of the crusade and it’s gratifying to see that our legislators realize its economic value.

That said, we can’t rely solely on the incentives to improve the production landscape in our market. It’s going to take more than a new law to change the way the industry relates to the local entertainment unions. We should use the incentives (and the merger) as a springboard to create the change we all want. Let’s participate and educate.

The union needs to demonstrate to the stakeholders in this market that we mean business; that we’re willing to foster cooperation and that it’s worth taking those few extra steps and filling out a few more forms to hire quality union talent. As David White, the national executive director of SAG-AFTRA stated so succinctly, we need to be “easy to work with, hard to fight.”

The staff and leadership of the SAG-AFTRA Denver Local are willing to lead the charge, but we’ll need your support. It’s not enough to just show up at auditions. If you haven’t done so lately, I encourage you to get involved in the community: Support SAG-AFTRA seminars and conservatories, participate in industry functions and rallies, attend local film festivals, etc. Make your presence known! The non-union talent does.

None of us should accept the notion this isn’t a “union town.” It was and it can be again. As a member of SAG-AFTRA, it is important that you become familiar with the contracts that have been negotiated to benefit you. There are agreements to cover just about every category of work, and most often the rates are competitive with non-union quotes. Let’s not let the industry define us — let’s work together to define the industry.

On another note, I’m seeing more and more online services targeting performers, and I’m sure you’re wondering, “Shouldn’t I cover my bases and sign on to these just in case?” Some of these sites are legitimate and some are not. I would recommend you do your research before submitting for any project online. If anyone asks you for money —beware. If a company wants to post your picture, get more information, get references and verify the credibility of the company or individuals involved. Please don’t just assume that information conveyed by any online service is correct.

When in doubt, always check with the union and make sure a project is being covered under a SAG or AFTRA contract before accepting a job. I’m only a phone call or an email away: (720) 932-8193/8228 or julie.crane@sagaftra.org.
Have a great summer and watch for information on industry events, educational forums and updates brought to you by your new SAG-AFTRA!

Julie Crane, Denver Local Executive Director

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