A Message From the SF-NorCal President

Fellow SF-NorCal SAG-AFTRA Members,

Happy 2023! There is momentum in the air!

Opening Up and Staffing Up

After almost three years, our physical SF-NorCal office has reopened. Our staff has been shored up with both new and returning personnel, production is on the increase, broadcast contracts are seeing successful negotiations, and outreach and in-person events are in the works.

On Monday, Jan. 30, we began the process of reopening the office at 350 Sansome St. in San Francisco. We are looking at revamping the physical space to include a lobby area where members can gather for various events, such as meetings, social gatherings and conservatory events. The intention is to name it the “Charlie Holliday Member Center” in honor of Charlie, a longtime leader, board member, teacher and mentor.

Additionally, after operating with minimum staff during the pandemic, SF-NorCal Local leaders are happy to welcome our fabulous new and returning staff. I want to give a huge shout-out to the staff members who have held down the fort for our Local over these past few years, and I look forward to in-person events where the members can get to know our entire top-notch team. You can find a list of staff and contact information on the SAG-AFTRA website.

Moving Forward

We are thrilled to be working with the leadership at the San Francisco Film Commission and the San Francisco film office, Film SF. The film office has a new executive director, Manijeh Fata. Manijeh’s enthusiasm and knowledge of the industry were evident at her swearing-in ceremony on the Mayor’s Balcony at City Hall on Sept. 21. Additionally, the San Francisco Film Commission has welcomed former broadcaster and SAG-AFTRA member Carolyn Tyler to their ranks. We are excited about the work the Film Commission and Film SF are doing. An increase in production shooting locally is greatly anticipated for 2023.

TV/Theatrical - The contract for film, television and streaming entertainment will be renegotiated this year. Thanks to everyone who has participated in the wages and working conditions process — your input is invaluable!

Commercials - Along with the national Commercials Contracts, the San Francisco-Northern California Regional Commercials Code has been updated to reflect new terms and increased rates.

Broadcast - Updated and forward-looking contracts have been negotiated by member leaders and our dedicated and skilled broadcast staff. Currently, there are 11 open contracts with four contracts having been negotiated and ratified in 2022.

Local Member Honored

Congratulations to Bob Butler, KCBS Radio reporter, longtime member of the SF-NorCal Board, former VP of our local, and currently serving his third term as SAG-AFTRA vice president, broadcasters, on being chosen to receive the prestigious SAG-AFTRA Howard Keel Award.

SAG Awards Viewing Party

Yes! We are planning a fun-filled gathering to watch the awards, eat, drink, be merry and celebrate our industry! We’ve secured a lovely venue in the Union Square area. The event is always free for members (no-host bar), with a nominal fee for guests. So, save the date: Sunday, Feb. 26! And, in the meantime, for eligible SAG Awards voters, enjoy For Your Consideration screenings, whether they be in person, via mailed screeners or virtual!

On behalf of the entire San Francisco-Northern California Local Board, members, officers and staff, I wish you all a healthy, happy, productive 2023. I look forward to seeing you all in person in the very near future, on set, in the office or at the SAG Awards viewing party!

Looking forward,

Kathryn Howell
President, SAG-AFTRA San Francisco-Northern California Local