Happy Spring!
Spring is here, and I hope all of you are finding more time outside to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. A 2005 study from the University of Michigan linked spending 30 minutes or more outside in warm, sunny, spring weather to higher mood and better memory. Researchers found that being outdoors led to participants being more open to new information and creative thoughts. So get outside and get creative!
What a difference a few months can make! As our industry beings to transition out of COVID restrictions and the ending of the public health emergency, there is much to share.
- The joint unions (SAG-AFTRA, DGA, IATSE, IBT Motion Picture Division, Basic Crafts) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers have reached an agreement regarding the expiration of the COVID-19 safety agreement and its related protocols on May 11, 2023.
- Our Atlanta Local office is open for business. The local staff has been back in the office since earlier this year, working hard to support our local members.
- Recent W&W member meetings were incredibly well attended and highly productive. Thanks to all of the many local members who attended and shared their proposals for the upcoming TV/Theatrical negotiations. Our local has been well represented in the process thanks to all of you!
In preparation for transition from the necessary resource conservation protocol during the pandemic, the Atlanta Local Board has been working hard to engage our local membership in valuable and relevant member events as soon as possible.
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming.
- The SAG-AFTRA Atlanta Local Muriel Moore/Danny Nelson SAG-AFTRA Conservatory, in conjunction with the Diversity Committee, presents a Q&A with Los Angeles-based Casting Director Sherrie Henderson and her associates from Dream Big Casting. Coming May 15.
- Leading Ladies: A Conversation With Women Taking the Lead in the Entertainment Industry. Coming this fall: a diverse group of industry professional women will engage in a conversation, sharing their experiences and offering inspiration and practical advice that members can use for their own journey.
- New Member/NextGen Committee in-person meet and greet this fall.
But wait… there’s more! I couldn’t be more happy to announce that we have a date for our first in-person membership meeting in over three years: Monday, April 24. And we are excited to announce that George Pierre, Atlanta based casting director, will be our guest speaker. If you can’t make this one, don’t worry; we are working to host future casting director and special guest events for our local members.
Please watch for upcoming emails on all of the events above and how to register.
I want to thank all of you for your patience and understanding during what has been an unprecedented time for all of us. I am confident that as we move into spring and summer, and restrictions on the locals are lifted, you will continue to see more progress in local member engagement opportunities.
If you have questions about any of the above information or need to contact our local staff for any reason, please send an email to atlanta@sagaftra.org.
On-set emergency number: (844) SAFER SET / (844) 723-3773
It’s your union!
In solidarity,
Eric Goins
Atlanta Local President