SAG-AFTRA NY

Formerly NY Actor/StandBy NY • Winter 2013 • Volume 2 • No. 1 New Media Rescues Soaps Welcome home, All My Children and One Life to Live! You were sorely missed.

By Janette Gautier

etween 2009 and 2012, New York month in Connecticut. Programs actors lost our last four daytime dramas: will be 30 minutes in length Guiding Light, As the World Turns, and shown on Hulu and iTunes All My Children and One Life to Live. via The Online Network, with BAMC left New York after 40 years for a supposedly episodes becoming available in new life in Los Angeles, unfortunately, a year and April. Also reported in the press a half later, it was cancelled. Just last year I wrote is that many of the contract a fond farewell to OLTL, which was canceled in players are returning to parts that January 2012 after more than 10,000 episodes made them fan favorites nationwide, and hundreds of thousands of jobs for actors. We including Debbie Morgan, Darnell thought soap operas would never be seen here Williams, Thorsten Kaye, Jill Larson and again. I’m delighted to say we were wrong! Vincent Irizarry of AMC; Erica Slezak, Robert Prospect Park Productions, which acquired the Woods, Hilary Bailey Smith, Kassie DePaiva rights to All My Children and One Life to Live, (see interview on page 6) and Robin Strasser of has announced plans to bring them to the Internet. OLTL. Fans are rejoicing and so is SAG-AFTRA. Agreements have been reached with Both One Life to Live and All My Children were SAG-AFTRA and other unions. According to the creations of Agnes Nixon. In 1968, Nixon said she various press reports, shooting starts later this was “tired of the restraints imposed by the WASP-y, noncontroversial nature of daytime Young Performers Get drama.” Using Lesson In Negotiating classic soap opera page 3 formulas, she UPDATE: Legislative emphasized the page 4 ethnic and socio- economic diversity BROADCAST SPOTLIGHT: Christine Nagy of 106.7 LiteFM of the people of page 5 Pine Valley and Llanview, Penn. “I AM A NEW YORK ACTOR” Fans will be elated Kassie DePaiva page 6 to learn that Nixon will be acting as Hurricane Sandy Hits Home an advisor for for Traffic Reporter her shows’ new page 9 incarnations online. UPDATE: Audiobooks – Janette Gautier is page 10 a SAG-AFTRA National and New York Local Tribute to Martha Greenhouse Board member. page 11 SAG-AFTRA NY

NEW YORK COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

Ed Fry Co-Chair

Liz Zazzi Co-Chair

Sam Freed Anne Gartlan Mike Hodge John Metaxas Jeff Spurgeon ValerieMacon Sharon Washington MEMBERS SHOW LOVE FOR 30 ROCK AT SAG AWARDS New York-based comedy 30 Rock garnered two trophies at the 19th Annual SAG Awards in January. EDITORIAL STAFF Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series recipient Tina Fey, second from Richard Baldwin left, poses with, from left, SAG-AFTRA New York Co-President Mike Hodge, New York Co-1st Communications Coordinator Vice President Rebecca Damon and National Co-President Roberta Reardon. Alec Baldwin was the recipient for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series. Bernadine Goldberg Manager, Member Outreach

Victoria Pistone Q+A: Graham & Hodge Manager, Communications ////// ew York Co-Presidents Holter Graham and Mike Hodge discuss the state of our union since the historic merger, which will reach its one-year anniversary at the end of this month. N.Y. Local NCommunications Co-Chairs Ed Fry and Liz Zazzi had a chance to interview them together.

CO-CHAIRS: Thanks for talking with us. We are other in the best traditions of the union. We held the now coming up on one year since the two former first merged membership meeting, seeing who we organizations were formed into one new are now and what we want to achieve together. We union, SAG-AFTRA. What do you see as settled into a regular schedule of New York our most significant accomplishments? Local Board meetings, getting to know each other, identifying differences, developing QUESTIONS? MIKE HODGE: The first thing is, new policy, generally getting our work “We did it.” But the more important done. With TV and film, seeing that we’re COMMENTS? discovery is how different we were as as strong as ever with more opportunity all COMPLIMENTS? organizations. AFTRA had autonomous the time. We’ve prepared for the commercials local offices. SAG was a national organization contracts negotiations. New York’s last two We’d like to hear from you! with branches and divisions with some autonomy. daytime shows are back and will begin their new Send them and your SAG-AFTRA attempts to marry the best of both lives as pioneer online dramas under a deal with suggestions for philosophies. For instance, we have complete Prospect Park. And we’ve worked with New York topics you’d like to see covered in autonomy over how we want to govern ourselves dancers who were pivotal in helping the union future issues to — our Local Constitution and Rules of Procedure achieve its first-ever music video agreement. This have been completed and are being utilized, which doesn’t mention any of the committees that have [email protected] means we can decide our schedules and governance. gotten to work, as well. Like I said, quite a bit. But our finances are centralized, which means they Please write can be invested to greater value, giving our finance There have been noticeable staff changes in New NEWSLETTER department a greater economic efficiency. York. How are all the members in entertainment, in the subject of your email. broadcast information and entertainment, and HOLTER GRAHAM: Quite a bit. We wrote and sound recordings doing as a result? GRAHAM: Cover art - hand & cell phone: adopted our new Local Constitution. With Hurricane Change is never easy, and it has hurt me Victor Zakharevych/Thinkstock.com; Sandy, the strongest hands reached out to help each continues on page 10 >>> hand & tablet: ekinyalgin/Thinkstock.com

2 // SAG-AFTRA NY // SAGAFTRA.ORG N.Y. Young Performers Get a Lesson in Collective Bargaining

hile SAG-AFTRA members and rehearsal under the staff were busy preparing for watchful eyes of Gadea the 2013 commercials contracts and Touretz, who made Wnegotiations, the next generation of negotiators sure the agreed upon was being groomed at a seminar titled Let’s working conditions Make a Deal: Young Performers “Mock” were being upheld. Negotiation Workshop. Hosted by the New The final product, York Local’s Young Performers Committee, called Work Together, the event was held on Saturday, Dec. 8 at was set in a subway the local office at 260 Madison Avenue. car stopped between Sponsored by a grant from the Screen stations by a depressed Actors Guild-Producers Industry Advancement train conductor Cooperative Fund, the event was coordinated who was too sad to by the co-chairs of the New York Local Young continue driving. The Performers Committee — Alan Simon, New passengers attempt to York Local Co-President Holter Graham and cheer up the conductor, From left, Kezia Dacosta, Katya Savina, Victoria Pannell and Lee Bryant — along with Manager of Member ultimately learning Alestair Shu rehearse their dance moves for the performance. Outreach Bernadine Goldberg and Manager of that they need to work Communications Victoria Pistone. together to get the best results. far the union extends over what I do and how The day began with a panel of industry After the show, it was time to get “paid.” much I’m protected as a union member.” experts who gave The young performers “When I started in films as a young performer, career advice for young “It’s been really cool received their negotiated someone explained Coogan laws to me the day performers. The panel to see how far the compensation of fruit I signed with the union, and I’ve felt protected consisted of Carly Hugo, union extends over and candy, but two of the ever since.” said Graham. “The kids at the event producer at The Group what I do and how dancers discovered they had astonished me with their focus and dedication Entertainment; Denise received only half their due to each other. SAG-AFTRA Senior Advisor Simon, acting and career much I’m protected in chocolate coins. After the John McGuire said he may frame the mock pay coach at Simon Coaching as a union member.” situation was remedied, they schedule our kids came up with, because even Group; and Victoria Kress, — Isabelle Goodman were asked what they would seasoned negotiators could learn from it.” head of the youth division at do if that happened on a Committee Co-Chair Simon said, “We thank Don Buchwald and Associates. real job. Kezia Dacosta immediately responded, the IACF for their sponsorship of these ongoing After the panel, the mock negotiating “Call the union!” seminar events these past almost 20 years. It commenced. The young performers, who Parents and children were equally enthusiastic has helped us to educate our young performers ranged in age from 7 to 17, were separated into about the day. Young performer Isabelle on being both better union members as well as three teams, each led by a SAG-AFTRA staff Goodman said, “It’s been really cool to see how better business people.” mentor. The three guest panelists represented the management side. The teams were assigned to negotiate a specific aspect of a short MOCK NEGOTIATION performance the young performers would give > PAY RATES Three-day rate: Clementine at the end of the day. Day rate: One bag of chocolate coins Scale: A box of raisins The red team was led by Business Residuals: One bag of chocolate coins Series Regular: Cherry candy Representative of Theatrical Contracts Jackie cane and a bag of fruit snacks Ultra-low budget film:One box of raisins Gadea and negotiated what the performance Stunt: Cherry candy cane or fruit snack topic would be. The green team was matched Extra: A box of raisins (scale) REHEARSAL BREAKS with Business Representative of Commercial > and Industrial Contracts Justin Touretz, and Day-player: One bag of chocolate coins • All breaks are five minutes negotiated the working conditions for the Singer/Dancer: Two bags • Performers 13 and older, breaks of chocolate coins hour-long rehearsal. The blue team worked at 30 minutes and 50 minutes with Senior Manager of Television Contracts • Performers 12 and under, Steven Meicke, and negotiated the pay scale for > PRINCIPAL PERFORMER one additional three-minute the performance, consisting of a “budget” of PAY SCALE break at 15 minutes various candy and fruit snacks (see sidebar). Week: Two bags of chocolate coins • 30-minute mark break: PARTY TIME! After lunch, Co-Chair Graham directed the

WINTER 2013 // SAG-AFTRA NY // 3 Legislative and Public Policy

he landscape of our work and non-union alike, in New York state and coverage in either health plan and are is defined not only by our beyond. If you have questions regarding the currently extending it through COBRA, see collectively bargained contracts new rules, contact the New York Local legal if this unique N.Y. program will work for Tbut also by legislation and public department. you. http://www.dfs.ny.gov/consumer/cobra/ policy. Washington, Albany, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo cobra_entertainment.htm Trenton and Hartford can have has a new proposal regarding the Hurricane Sandy relief was finally passed as much impact on our work as film and television tax incentives that by the Congress. For those in need, links to the contracts we negotiate. will be included in his budget. His assistance of all kinds can be found on the Great news on the young proposal extends the current program N.Y. Local webpage at www.sagaftra.org/ny. performer front. Final rules for the through 2019, with modifications. We And nationally, as part of the January Child Performer Education and Trust Act remain hopeful that the state Legislature will “fiscal cliff” agreement, Congress passed have been posted on the NYS Department of continue to invest in our industry, adding jobs a one-year extension of U.S. film and Labor website. This marks the end of a very to our local economy by building on our past television incentive, known as Section 181. long process to fully implement the act that success. We will keep members informed as These incentives are designed to encourage was passed in 2003. Among other things, this important proposal moves through the domestic production of film and television, the act deals with work permits, mandatory legislature. and operate in addition to any active state trust accounts and set instruction for working The New York State Continuation incentive program. young performers. The legislation was Assistance Demonstration Program for As always, our strength is your voice. the first of its kind by any state outside of Entertainment Industry Employees, otherwise When you receive “Get Active” alerts, please California and marks a significant milestone known simply as the COBRA Program, respond. When we speak with one voice, in the protection of young performers, union continues to operate. If you have lost health decision-makers listen.

ACTORFEST N.Y. SAG-AFTRA made its first official appearance at Actorfest New York on Nov. 17. The trade show, held annually by Backstage, allows attendees to collect information about a variety of organizations and services for professional actors, and gave both members and members-to-be the opportunity to ask questions about the union. Representatives of the MOVE and MORE committees — Stuart Green, Verania Kenton, Joyce Korbin, Keith Randolph Smith From left, N.Y. Local Co-2nd Vice Presidents Liz Zazzi and Jim Kerr, National Co-Presidents Ken Howard and Roberta Reardon, N.Y. Local Co-1st Vice President Rebecca Damon, N.Y. and Joan Valentina — were in Local Co-President Mike Hodge, and National Board member Sharon Washington attendance to represent SAG-AFTRA. Holiday Open House a Success AG-AFTRA celebrated its first holiday for the N.Y. Host Committee, it was the season as a merged union at the N.Y. first year the event was held for the new SLocal Host Committee’s Holiday Open union. “One of the things I absolutely House, held on Dec. 13 in the Leon Janney love about service in SAG-AFTRA is Boardroom of 360 Madison Avenue. More meeting and interacting with our members,” than 550 members came to the party, which said Hodge. “The N.Y. Host Holiday was attended by SAG-AFTRA National Celebration is one of those wonderful Co-Presidents Ken Howard and Roberta opportunities to do that. I really want to Reardon, N.Y. Co-President Mike Hodge, give a great big thanks to the committee Keith Randolph Smith and Joan Valentina and members of the New York Local Board. for staging such a wonderful event which speak to attendees at Actorfest While this is the fifth annual holiday party gets bigger and better every year.” New York.

4 // SAG-AFTRA NY // SAGAFTRA.ORG BROADCAST SPOTLIGHT: Christine Nagy By Liz Zazzi acknowledge me was thrilling.” Then LiteFM (106.7 FM), ave a backup a sister station of Z100, was plan,” cautioned transitioning from a mostly her parents, music morning show to include “Has then-Montclair State talk, info and entertainment. University freshman Christine Christine was identified as Nagy declared her passion the perfect host. “Elvis Duran for acting. “As if a career in taught me how to do a morning broadcasting was any less show. He’s mentored so many challenging,” she laughs. “I of us,” including former jumped right in.” intern, now Z100 personality She credits MSU for TJ Taormina, whom she calls preparing her for the the “next big thing.” Christine professional world. “I was currently shares LiteFM hosting wooed by NBC when I duties with Bob Bronson. “I love graduated, hired to do my incredibly supportive team. Shadow Traffic and Weather. Producer Jamie (Megargee), They were eager to groom me Bob and the crew are amazing!” as a TV news correspondent, I asked Christine about her but I was drawn to radio. typical day. “I’m up at 3 a.m. and I was more suited to the at the station at 4:30 a.m. because immediate and personal I write the news, entertainment connection, the spontaneity news, sports, traffic and weather. where I could improvise — as I check the news feeds and also actors do.” It was early in her think about what’s trending, career that Christine realized so I can determine what will the importance of her union: lead the banter. We’re live at Shadow Traffic reporters 5:30 a.m., and even while the were targeted for elimination listeners hear music playing, by producers, but AFTRA Bob and I are talking about the prevailed. “I have a medical next live segment. We’re off and pension plan thanks to the air at 9 a.m., but there’s no my union.” decompression. We’re prepping While at Shadow Traffic, and recording national feeds,

Christine was invited to LauraDesantis-Olsson /Olsson Photography answering emails and responding a launch party for Q104’s on social media.” She describes (104.3 FM) new format, switching from classical music to pure rock. her downtime as anything but. “I’m always taking in information and She researched and “dressed the part,” impressing honcho Bob Elliott. processing how I’ll talk about it the next day.” She was hired to co-anchor the morning drive on Q104 for two years, As hard as she’s worked to achieve her successes, Christine modestly and then iconic Z100 (100.3 FM) asked her to join the “Morning Zoo,” says, “I am so lucky. Few broadcasters are able to start and maintain a reporting news and entertainment news, and commenting on the latest career in a major market. I started in N.Y. and I stayed here. I love my job, trends. Her knack for spotting future superstars would include Adele and and I work down the hall from an idol — Jim Kerr!” Lady Gaga (“an early Z100 fan who taped our shows!”). To budding broadcasters she advises: “Create content. Do podcasts. Her stint with Z100 lasted more than eight years, while she Feed your passion.” Smaller markets where hopefuls could hone their simultaneously explored other opportunities, from hosting at Caroline’s skills are a thing of the past. “Media is constantly evolving. I have a on Broadway to returning to her first passion, acting. “I played Tina YouTube Channel, and Twitter and Facebook accounts, both personal and in Tony ’N Tina’s Wedding for two years and realized I didn’t want to for the station.” She maintains that the human connection is essential. close that door.” So, Christine took a hiatus to perform in plays and “Some of the feedback I get is so touching. I feel like we keep each independent films. But radio still beckoned, and she found herself other going. People will always need entertainment, information and freelancing on Sirius XM on the Martha Stewart Channel. “Once again, a companion. A computer can make a playlist for you, but nothing can I did my homework and was able to ‘improvise’ my skills as a home replace the interaction that a listener has with a person.” décor expert.” It was at Sirius XM that Christine met her idol, Howard Stern. “He is simply the best interviewer,” she stated in a BBC Radio — Liz Zazzi is a SAG-AFTRA National and Local New York 1 interview. That endorsement made its way to Stern’s Sirius XM Board member and co-chair of the New York Local program, and Christine felt she’d achieved a career dream. “Having him Communications Committee.

WINTER 2013 // SAG-AFTRA NY // 5 Ed Fry Interviews Kassie DePaiva “I AM A NEW YORK ACTOR”

assie DePaiva is an actress and singer best known for her longtime role as Blair Cramer on the daytime drama One Life to Live. Canceled from broadcast television in 2010, OLTL is coming back online this year. I spoke to Kassie by phone about her career, our union and the prospect of returning to her iconic character in a new format.

ED FRY: Kassie, thanks for talking with us. EF: I read you were on the road as a backup singer. What was that like? You’re a New Yorker now but you come from KD: Yes, I got a job singing backup for Bobby Womack. We opened for the Kentucky? Temptations, B.B. King, Aretha Franklin and Patti LaBelle. At the Beacon here KASSIE DePAIVA: Yes. I grew up in Kentucky, in New York, Ron Wood came and played with us. We played with the Stones singing a lot in church and talent shows, wherever in London. Sly Stone was on the road with us for a year. It was a great time. A I could. I never thought of it as an actual career or real eye-opening time! When I came off the last tour, I wanted to sharpen my profession, but when I was a senior in high school, acting chops, but I let my music slip. Once you get into one thing, it really takes I auditioned for Opryland in Nashville. I made discipline to keep both in top form at the same time. $200 a week! And that is when I joined AFTRA. I did a George Burns TV special in Nashville, EF: So, your music led to acting? and because I was one of the girls on the show, I KD: Yes, and it fl owed so naturally into my work as anactor. My fi rst job in joined the union. It was a huge moment, the real daytime was on Guiding Light. My character, Chelsea Reardon, was a singer. beginning of my professional career. My character on One Life To Live for 19 years, Blair Cramer, was also a singer and owned a club. So it’s all intertwined quite nicely. I’ve put out three CDs. My EF: You went to Indiana University, fans know I sing. It’s worked out well. transferred to UCLA, studying theater, and then joined the USO? EF: Any special infl uences? KD: Yes, I was part of a four-part harmony group. KD: Well, Kentucky, of course. And church had a big infl uence on me musically. A band I had worked with had done a tour with Growing up, church was a huge support for me as a singer and as a human being. the USO, so we just went down to the USO and I still think some of the best songs are the old gospel songs. asked if our group could do something. We ended up doing a 49-day tour in the Far East. We were EF: With all of this music in your life, I understand your son was born deaf. in the DMZ in Korea, in Okinawa and Japan, KD: Yeah, a little twist of fate. He was born deaf but not diagnosed until a and fi nally Hawaii. It was fantastic and very year later. It was certainly an emotional challenge. I found out my son had rewarding. hearing issues, and I was right in the middle of a contract negotiation. I didn’t know if I could do it all because my fi rst priority is my son. But once you deal with the loss and mourn it and get active, it becomes just a part of life. He has implants now, and you would not know he has hearing issues. He has beautiful speech. I’m a very proud momma.

6 // SAG-AFTRA NY // SAGAFTRA.ORG EF: How’d you feel about merger? KD: I think it’s good. With so much being shot digitally, we need a single voice. It doesn’t matter what camera you put in front of me. I’m going to do the same quality of work and I would like the same quality of protection for my work day. Just because I’m shooting in Stamford doesn’t mean I want to work longer than 10 hours or go without eating. There have to be parameters and protections. The union has been great about that. The trick, of course, is to stay ahead of the game, which is changing by the minute.

EF: During merger, we talked about the need for an adaptable union. Do you think the Prospect Park deal for OLTL is a good example of that? KD: I think it’s a beginning. We can’t compare things to what we’ve had because we can’t go back. We can only go forward. There are solutions out there to our biggest questions, so let’s be as positive about it as possible.

EF: You have any advice for performers coming up? KD: It helps to be at the right place at the right time. A lot of that is God’s grace. But you have to be ready, knowing your craft so that, when that door opens, you can walk through with confi dence EF: And you’ve been quite active, advocating on behalf of the hearing and stand tall and show your stuff. That is a impaired. lifelong challenge. KD: Yes, I’ve tried to raise awareness of the issue, done congressional caucuses to advocate for newborn screenings. There is no doubt my son’s EF: Great advice. situation has made me a better parent and a better human being. KD: I don’t think my success as an actress is entirely due to what you see on the TV. It is also EF: And now you’re going back to work, with OLTL moving online. what I bring behind the camera; to the company Was the fan base instrumental in getting the show back on? I work with, being professional. You can have all KD: Absolutely. OLTL always had a very loyal fan base. I know SAG-AFTRA the talent in the world, but if you’re hard to work worked out a deal for this new format. Hats off to Prospect Park, the producer, with, you might work for a day or week, but inside for trying, because it’s about jobs. Not just actors but crew, everyone. a hard-working company, if you don’t play well with others, you won’t be playing. EF: We make the same point to legislators when we talk to them about production incentives. EF: That seems like it would apply to the KD: There are jobs for set-builders and costume designers and stage crew. union, as well. And all the money the show spends in the community, from food to fl owers. KD: Yes, it is all about community. Whether TV brings in a lot of money to the towns they shoot in. you’re in an ensemble or active in the union. Some sit back. I like being up on stage and EF: You’re someone who has always been very well informed about the getting things done, no matter what it is. business of our business. So I wanted to get your take on where you think things in TV are headed. — Ed Fry is a SAG-AFTRA National and KD: Our deal is a new frontier for entertainment. My feeling is that it’s New York Local Board member and Co-Chair of the defi nitely the future and it’s great to be on the front line; [it’s] exciting to be New York Local Communications Committ ee. a part of entertainment history. So much change in the way people watch. Look at Netfl ix, their new series House[ of Cards] released all 13 episodes at once. We even have a new term: binge watching. People can watch whatever they want whenever they want, as much as they want.

WINTER 2013 // SAG-AFTRA NY // 7 SAG-AFTRA NY Has First Health Fair

AG-AFTRA members fi lled the analysis from the Harkness Center Eddie Cantor Boardroom at for Dance Injuries. Information was 260 Madison Ave. on Monday, also available on a number of topics, SNov. 26 for the fi rst SAG-AFTRA New including the AFTRA Health & York Local Health Fair. The event, Retirement and SAG Pension & Health hosted by the Healthcare Safetynet plans, yoga, dental health, podiatry Committee with support from the and nutrition. All members who MOVE and MORE committees, was attended were offered complimentary originally scheduled to take place sandwiches and healthful snacks. in late October but was rescheduled During the course of the day, due to Hurricane Sandy. National information seminars were offered Healthcare Safetynet Committee Co- in the Virginia Payne Conference Chair Cathy Lilly, who spearheaded Room. Renata Marinaro of The Actors the event said, “It’s exciting to Fund presented Getting Affordable have our bigger union. It makes it Healthcare in NYC, Brad Lamm and possible to create a larger health Maria Hendrickson of Caron New fair and provide a greater array of National Healthcare Safetynet Committee Co-Chair York hosted Understanding Drug and Cathy Lilly, center, with MOVE Committee member Peter free resources. Thanks to those who Alcohol Addiction, and Adrienne Kilcommons, left, and MOVE volunteer Stan Krajewski, right made this possible: the N.Y. Local Spags of Pacifi c College of Oriental elected leadership, Manager of Medicine offered Autumn Health and Member Outreach Bernadine Goldberg, N.Y. Local Co-1st Vice Stress Relief Tips From Oriental Medicine. President Rebecca Damon and her MOVE and MORE committee One of the biggest draws was the free fl u shots provided by The Actors volunteers; plus a shout-out to Healthcare Safetynet Committee members Fund, supported by the SAG Motion Pictures Player Welfare Fund and Maura Herbert, Bridget Benson, Tom Ligon and Andrew Rogers.” the AFTRA Foundation. Janet Pearl and Dr. James Spears from the Al Free services for members included chair massages, reiki sessions, Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic were on hand to give the shots, which were BMI and glucose tests, ear seed auricular therapy, and posture and gait administered in a private room.

A LETTER FROM THE NEW YORK More to Celebrate LOCAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

irst let me say that the merger has been looks on track to be a great year for local F great for those of us who like to walk. production. We currently have 13 scripted TV I’ve gotten plenty of exercise shuttling shows in production, and 10 confi rmed pilots JAE JE between our 260 and 360 Madison locations. are on the way. Our local tax incentives, not But joking aside, these past 11 months have to mention our local talent, continue to attract SIMMONS been truly rewarding for me in getting to major fi lm and television productions. work with the legacy AFTRA and legacy You can fi nd casting information about all SAG staff and members. Their passion these local opportunities in the Production course give us a call! and commitment to the new union and to Show Sheet, available at either New York Speaking of deals for SAG-AFTRA organized labor in general is inspiring. offi ce, and online. I would like to encourage members, beginning March 1, the Museum I’m very pleased to announce the all of you to make use of the New York of the Moving Image will be offering free promotions of three New York staff Local Web page at http://www.sagaftra.org/ general admission to all SAG-AFTRA members. RoseAnn Badamo has assumed ny. You all know it is there, but you may not members. Check out the announcement on the title of director, administration and know how much information is available to page 12 for details. human resources. Noah Marmar and Nancy you. The Local site is updated weekly and Finally, the next printed publication you Kelly, both former fi eld reps, will be moving includes a list of upcoming events, a selection receive from SAG-AFTRA will probably be indoors: Noah will be a manager in the of deals and discounts for SAG-AFTRA the national magazine. Look for information Sound Recordings Department and Nancy members, and much more. The website is about the upcoming election calendar, and will be a broadcast business representative. also a great resource for basic information on make sure we have your current mailing Please join me in congratulating all three! contracts and pay rates. While we are always address so your ballot can fi nd you! Don’t As for the issue of separate offi ces, rest happy to answer your questions by phone, forget to notify the AFTRA Health & assured that fi nding a unifi ed offi ce space for you can save time by visiting the website fi rst Retirement and SAG Pension & Health plans, the New York Local is a priority for 2013. In and looking up the information there. If you as well, of any address changes — they need the meantime, I’m happy to report that 2013 don’t fi nd what you’re looking for, then of to be notifi ed separately.

8 // SAG-AFTRA NY // SAGAFTRA.ORG Hurricane Sandy Hits Home for Traffic Reporter By John Metaxas

nlike most reporters, Tom Kaminski keeps a certain distance between himself and the stories he covers U— literally thousands of feet. But in the 24 years he has flown in the WCBS Newsradio 880 helicopter as the traffic reporter for the New York all-news station, he says he’s never covered a story that has hit as close to home as Hurricane Sandy. “This, I think, ranks right up there.

Certainly it’s the biggest story I’ve covered CourtesyKaminski Tom WCBS / Chopper 880 Kaminski Tom photo: Martin Untrojb since 9/11,” says Kaminski. As the traffic Jet Star Roller Coaster and Tom Kaminski, inset reporter, Kaminski says his main job is to get commuters from point A to point B during the the intersection on Shrewsbury Avenue. In were not prepared to see that.” station’s crucial morning and afternoon drive Mantoloking, an entire bridge was washed out, Kaminski’s family fared better than many times. But when big news breaks, be it 9/11 or and a house, lifted from its foundation, was others in the storm. His home lost power and the regionwide blackout in 2003, Kaminski left deposited at one end of the bridge. And in his son did not go to school for two weeks, shifts into his role as a news reporter. His eye- Seaside was perhaps the yet he was in a position in-the-sky vantage point gives his listeners a most compelling image: “This, I think, ranks to host relatives whose unique perspective on the news. The roller coaster was on homes were uninhabitable. Kaminski’s chopper was grounded for a its side in the ocean waters. right up there. Kaminski says he feels for day when the storm knocked out power at his But it was over Spring Certainly it’s the the thousands who saw their Linden, N.J., airfield. “We literally couldn’t Lake that Kaminski, who biggest story I’ve homes destroyed or severely get the hangar door open,” he says. But when describes himself as a damaged, and he says New he finally took off two mornings after the born-and-bred “Jersey covered since 9/11.” Jersey has lost something storm hit, he saw the extent of the devastation. guy,” says his job became more: “The shore is not going “Words were thrown around in that cockpit personal. “I proposed to my wife in the sand to be there as we remember it. As Governor that we could never repeat on the air,” he says. off the boardwalk in Spring Lake under the Christie said, ‘My shore is gone.’” “We couldn’t believe it.” streetlight. I flew over it and the boardwalk Kaminski says he appreciates the privilege Kaminski and his pilot chose to head straight was gone, the streetlight was gone.” Kaminski he has to tell stories from a point of view most down the Jersey shore that morning, where the recounts that as he started to tell the story journalists will never have. But he says the storm had first hit land. Passing South Amboy, live on the air to WCBS morning anchors and images of Sandy are “something I hope never he saw that the New Jersey Transit railroad fellow SAG-AFTRA members Pat Carroll and to see again.” bridge had been washed out. In Keansburg, Michael Wallace, “I started to choke up on the — John Metaxas is a SAG-AFTRA boats from the marina had been tossed into air. It really hit me, the amount of damage. We New York Local Board member

12-12-12 The Concert Staff Retirements for Sandy Relief Longtime SAG-AFTRA staff members Ralph Braun and Jerry Rutkowski said farewell to the union this SAG-AFTRA New York Local and winter, announcing their retirements. Ralph was hired National Board members Frank Simms and Elaine Caswell and SAG-AFTRA by AFTRA in 1990 and would eventually become member Tawatha Agee performed head of the Sound Recordings and Commercials with Roger Waters at 12-12-12 The department in the New York Local. Hired in 1988, Concert for Sandy Relief. The concert many members will remember Jerry from the raised $50 million for the Robin Hood more than 20 years he spent on set as a field Foundation, which will distribute the representative. Please join us in wishing both Ralph money to victims of Hurricane Sandy. and Jerry much luck and happiness in the future.

WINTER 2013 // SAG-AFTRA NY // 9 We’ve come a long way, baby!

with more than note, with agreements being approved by the 20 producers and SAG-AFTRA National Board with Blackstone publishers, bringing Audio in Ashland, Ore., and Tantor Media/ union-covered Studios in Old Saybrook, Conn. Thanks to audiobook work to the miracle of digital technology and the narrators around union-guaranteed protections for home- the country, as well studio recordings, these agreements — along as improvements with many of the others — will create work RichardFerrone in successor opportunities for members everywhere, Audiobook narrators celebrate the signing of a new contract. agreements with including locals with fewer opportunities Audible and others. away from the major production centers. By Richard Ferrone None of this would have been possible These achievements help all of us. and Holter Graham without the New York narrator The agreement with Tantor came eginning with the community’s staunch commitment to after a completely narrator-driven work B landmark first contract union coverage and organizing. What stoppage (supported by both members with Audible.com in late 2008, started in New York has spread with and nonmembers) went into effect in mid- AFTRA, and now SAG-AFTRA, great success to other locals as well, in November, with a willingness to pursue a “no has continued to organize audiobook work particular Los Angeles, thanks in large part to contract, no work” order if necessary. It was for members nationwide, adding millions the work of Steve Sidawi, organizing director, and is an amazing story of member organizing of dollars in member earnings and Health Western Region. True patriots have also that has resulted in a first contract of which & Retirement contributions. Spearheaded stepped up in San Francisco; the Twin Cities; we can all be proud. by staff members Jane Love, Rich Larkin Maine; Washington, D.C.; and elsewhere. — Richard Ferrone is a SAG-AFTRA and Ralph Braun (recently retired, but Their grassroots activism and bravery have National and NewYork Local Board member, and chair of the National Audiobook Narrators deeply valuable to the process), this effort opened doors for all of us. Steering Committee. Holter Graham is has resulted in new SAG-AFTRA contracts This year started on an incredibly high co-president of the New York Local.

Q&A — CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 focusing exercise all at once. We started with SAG-AFTRA’s mission statement. We are personally to lose people. The first months were learning and defining our identity as a union: a period of understandable uncertainty. But We protect, provide opportunity and organize every month the new structure settles into itself work. Creating jobs is a process we carry in our more, and staff becomes familiar, more like one hands, and we will do it best together. efficient family. I think we are all better served in this new structure. Looking forward, what do you consider the greatest challenge and greatest opportunity HODGE: A significant number of staff from for the union in New York? both legacy organizations decided to take HODGE: We continue to evolve. For the the severance package that was offered when elected, it’s getting everybody on the same merger happened. While we were very sad page. For members, especially the background to lose them, I do know our current staff is community, we need to find a way to level the working very hard to make sure that members Mike Hodge, left, and Holter Graham playing field and create more jobs even though don’t suffer because of it. we have more television jobs here than in the running our meetings via Roberts’ Rules. I 30-plus years I have been in New York. The leadership of N.Y. has undertaken a understand legacy AFTRA was a little more facilitated process of looking at our new relaxed. Many from legacy AFTRA ask, “What GRAHAM: Jobs. We’re artists. We’re composition, our mission and local work kind of local are we going to be?” I think we’ll craftspeople. It is our work, our labor. We are opportunities. Care to comment on that serve our members best by using the SAG- our jobs. And SAG-AFTRA can create jobs, process? AFTRA mission statement as our guide: we will protect jobs, expand jobs and bring non-union HODGE: It’s been fascinating. With labor honor our diverse work categories and members, jobs back into the fold, helping new members expert Sue Schurman, we have had surprising as well as protect the same around the world. and longtime members alike. It’s a big tent, and discussions, like how structured and specific we want to keep everyone inside it as busy as legacy SAG had been about things like strictly GRAHAM: Frankly, it is like therapy and a possible. Jobs. Period.

10 // SAG-AFTRA NY // SAGAFTRA.ORG