Words from the National Board Representative

My Fellow Members,

As we look back on 2015, I can say that our Michigan Local has had some setbacks when it comes to work, but we have also enjoyed some success stories as well. Yes, the film incentive is gone for now. One day I hope it will return, but let’s not dwell on the past. Moving forward for 2016, your Michigan local will be exploring ways to get more advertisers to film their commercial spots in our great state. Recently, some of your local board members, as well as local IATSE members and representatives from the Michigan Film Office, met to discuss that very topic. Too soon to tell if this will pan out, but the fact that the film office was willing to meet and talk about the topic is a good sign.  

More good news followed at the end of 2015 with the announcement that significant progress had been made toward the merger of the health plans of SAG and AFTRA into one health plan. Hopefully, this will make it a bit easier for some members to qualify for health coverage. And finally, many of our members enjoyed working on the latest Pure Michigan campaign set to air later this year nationally. Avalon Films, which produces these commercials, is committed to using Michigan talent for all of the spots. Our local has honored this great studio in the past for staying true to hiring Michigan actors first! Keep them on your radar; they are a wonderful company to work for. 

As we push forward into 2016, I hope all of you work more than you did last year. Our profession is never easy. We move forward on talent and a belief in ourselves. Remember, anyone can call themselves an actor, but only a few can call themselves SAG-AFTRA actors. Those of you who work in this business as union performers know exactly what I’m talking about.

See you on set!

Peter Tocco

This item was originally featured in the January 2016 local newsletter.