My Spring Trip to Minnesota

By Kathy Byrne, Director of TV/Theatrical, SAG-AFTRA Chicago Local

Kathy Byrne and Andrew Peterson

What a pleasure it was to travel to Minnesota in late March to attend the Twin Cities Actors Expo. The purpose of my trip was to conduct a seminar at the expo on the SAG-AFTRA low-budget agreements, but the weekend wound up being much more. It was so great to meet and spend time with so many SAG-AFTRA members and filmmakers who have already used the agreements and had glowing reports of how easy the process was and how amazing the professional talent was to work with.

I asked Andrew Peterson, the executive director of IFP/MN to join me on the panel so that the discussion could also encapsulate the state of independent film in Minnesota. Andrew, who is also a filmmaker, was very positive and encouraging of the SAG-AFTRA low-budget agreements. The conversation grew to also include the need for the Minnesota state tax incentive program to grow so that Minnesota can attract the type of productions that were once so prevalent. The packed house of actors (union and pre-union) and filmmakers seemed energized to help in those efforts in whatever way was needed. All were encouraged to keep an eye on Minnesota Film & TV’s website for more information on how to help as the process moves along.

My portion of the presentation included sharing with pre-union performers how they can benefit by working with professional actors on these projects as well as an overview of how the low-budget agreements work. We discussed the working conditions on set, the need for professionalism and the pay structure for the various agreements. There were plenty of questions to round out the one-hour presentation that seemed to be over in a flash.

Members Elena Giannetti and Peggy O'Connell

The SAG-AFTRA information table appeared to be the most popular spot at the expo. We had many visitors, from beginning actors who did not even know what SAG-AFTRA was to a former member inquiring how to become a member once again. Members Peggy O’Connell, Elena Giannetti, Shirley Venard, Barry ZeVan, Tony Saffold and Peter Moore were phenomenal ambassadors for SAG-AFTRA in sharing what a union actor is and should be. I am in awe of their passion. We gathered dozens of names and emails for future actor meetings and/or filmmaker seminars. And, in our spare time, Elena and I even worked on “flipping” a short film to a union contract!

Thank you Minnesota members for your hospitality! Hope to see you again soon. 

This item was originally featured in the May 2014 local newsletter.