Notes from the Cleveland Council

SAG Awards Party

In January, the Cleveland Council and Conservatory hosted a SAG Awards viewing party at Shula’s 2 restaurant in Independence. The event was very well attended and members had a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and talk shop. Free appetizers and beverages helped provide a welcoming atmosphere as attendees competed for prizes by picking the SAG Awards winners. Next year’s event promises to be bigger and better, so keep an eye on your email inbox when we get closer to the date. 

Email Issues

Speaking of email inboxes, it has come to our attention that some Cleveland Council members are not receiving email notifications from the local. If you have not been receiving any emails, first ensure that your email address is correct in the SAG-AFTRA national database. To do so:

• Log in to SAGAFTRA.org. If you do not have an account, please create one. 

• Once logged in, under "Member Services," click “My Information.”

• Select “Edit Primary Email Address.”

• Ensure that the address listed is correct. If not, edit and save changes. 

If you are still having issues, your SAG-AFTRA email may be going to a spam or promotions folder. Click here for information on adding SAG-AFTRA to your address book. Please contact Kelly Kazor at the local office by email or call (412) 281-6767 ext. *# (star, pound) if you need further assistance.

Film Production News

A bright spot in the Cleveland film production scene is the announcement by Cleveland State University that it will create a school of film, television and interactive media that will be housed in a new building and work with the Greater Cleveland Film Commission. This could help provide more qualified cast and crewmembers to work concurrent film productions in Ohio. 

In other industry news, state representative Kirk Schuring (R-Canton) recently introduced legislation that would increase the state’s annual film production tax incentive cap from $20 million a year to $75 million, while also eliminating the $5 million-per-production cap. 

Increasing the annual cap can not only help draw more productions, but also provide increased incentive availability for smaller, independent productions. We support House Bill 475.

Cleveland Council Family Picnic

Last year's picnic

All members in good standing are invited to attend our second annual Cleveland Council Family Picnic on Aug. 28. It will be held at the same location as our first event, at the Metroparks West Creek Keystone Pavilion. It’s located at West Creek Metropark, 2277 West Ridgewood Drive, Parma Ohio 44134. Click here for more.

As you pull in, it will be the first pavilion on the right. It is a great facility with lots of parking, bathrooms with running water, lights and electricity. We will have the picnic rain or shine, as we will be well protected. Hot dogs, hamburgers, soft drinks and side dishes will be provided. Beer is permitted if you wish to bring a cooler. After the meeting, we will have games and prizes, so come and have some fun! Feel free to bring your spouse, significant other or a friend. 

Committee Chairman Leaving

Cleveland Council Committee Chair Mike Kraft, longtime member and former local president, has announced that he and his wife Kathy will be leaving the Cleveland area and moving to Columbus. Mike has been a member of the Cleveland Council since joining the union in 1981, and has been instrumental in promoting the union on the local and national level. He says if you’re ever in Columbus, try and find him. 

This item was originally featured in the November 2015 local newsletter.