SAG Foundation Comes to Salt Lake City

Our January feature is always Sundance, and this year our activities did not disappoint. 

Members in Utah had a rare chance to experience SAG Foundation programs live during the Sundance Film Festival. On Jan. 30, two popular panels were offered.

The first was a Sundance filmmakers panel on directors. The panelists were Juan Pablo Buscarini, director of The Games Maker, and Kim Farrant, director of Strangerland. Both Buscarini and Farrant had valuable information for Utah actors, including tips for acting for 3-D and a discussion of actors’ motivations.

Next was a Sundance filmmakers panel on producers. Panelists were Brandt Anderson, producer of Don Verdean, and film composer Robert Mardo of the indie rock band Heavy Young Heathens. Also on the panel was Adam Trahan, executive producer of I’ll See You in My Dreams. Trahan gave insight into the career-building process from an artist manager’s point of view. Anderson, a BYU alumnus, discussed positive experiences with his work in Utah.

Members had more activities on Jan. 31. Following the Utah membership meeting, the SAG Foundation offered a Casting Access workshop with Utah’s own casting director, Jeff Johnson (Don Verdean, High School Musical, The World’s Fastest Indian and more). Members enjoyed an intimate Q&A session with Johnson, and then distributed sides for cold readings and critiques.

Finally, following the workshop, there was a Sundance filmmakers panel on the film Tangerine. Featured were director/writer Sean Baker, writer Chris Bergoch, producer Darren Dean, actor Mya Taylor and producer Shih-Ching Tsou. Tangerine was one of Sundance’s most anticipated films, so it was a great opportunity for participants to meet such illustrious panelists.

Special thanks go to Rochelle Rose, national director of performers programs for the Screen Actors Guild Foundation and to the Foundation for providing a stunning experience for the members in Utah.

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