TEAMSTERS LOCAL 399 QUARTERLY NEWS JANUARY 2016 • ISSUE No 8

TEAMSTERS TEAMSTERS NEW YEAR NEW GOALS LOCAL 399 BRING ON LOCAL 399

AGREETINGS BUSY SISTERS & BROTHERS YEAR appy New Year! I hope you and your loved ones had a great hol- Trainers, Wranglers and Mechanics. Mr. Hoffa’s visit also demonstrated the iday season. Before looking ahead to 2016, I want to take a mo- great relationship we have developed, not only with the IBT, but with our ment to reflect on the year that has just passed into the history books. Joint Council as well. I want to thank all of our Members who came out To begin, when I took office 2 years ago, this Local had been losing mon- to meet and greet President Hoffa. Your presence makes a difference! ey for the previous 3 years. Since then, I have done everything I could to We are now doing more than we ever have to support our Retirees who balance our budget while, at the same time, expanding the services we are so important to this Union. We must not forget our Retirees. provide to our membership. I am very They brought us to where we are today pleased to report that we are back in the and if it were not for them, we would black! Not only did we accomplish this be much worse off today. We must re- significant goal, we did it while providing member the past and not repeat the mis- education classes, events and gatherings takes that were made. We have much to bring our great Local closer together. to learn from them and I look forward HI want to acknowledge you, our Mem- to getting to work with them in 2016. bers, for the support and constructive Looking ahead to 2016, we are fully comments you’ve made to us. Without expecting to be even busier than we you, we would not have been able to were in 2015. We were into permits get to where we are at this moment. on a regular basis last year and I We successfully negotiated and expect that we will be back into ratified a new Casting Director permits this year. Our tax contract. We made the larg- incentive program is in est gains in the Associate full swing and we’re Casting Director wage scales now seeing an uptick since the inception of the agree- in Feature production for ment. We were also able to make the first time in a decade! gains on the pension side for Casting Many TV series are returning Directors. While we did make gains, we from other parts of the country still have much work to do in the next while New Media and Commercials round of negotiations to improve the are also keeping our Members busy. lives of our members working in their The IBT Women’s Caucus will be craft. I want to thank the Steering Com- held in Hollywood this year and mittee for all of their hard work and ef- Local 399 will be an integral part fort in these most recent negotiations. of that event. The IBT conven- Every negotiation is unique for each tion will take place in the summer of the crafts we represent. While we as well. We will keep you updated never get everything we want in a con- on these and all the events of 2016. tract, we made significant movement I’d like to take this opportu- in each of the contracts we negotiated in 2015. Our Members were ac- nity to thank our Members and Staff for your support and tively engaged through the Union meeting/committee process and were hard work and for all of your comments & suggestions to im- listened to by this administration and, most importantly, by the employers. prove our service to you. I wish you all much prosperity in 2016. For the first time in the history of Local 399, I was honored to have our Gener- al President Jim Hoffa, visit our hard working Members at Paramount Studios. He Fraternally, Steve Dayan was greeted on New York Street by an enthusiastic group of Drivers, Captains, Co- ordinators, Location Managers, Casting Directors, Dispatchers, Animal Handlers,

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE 2 PAGE 8& 9 THE BIZ: SPOTLIGHT: Tommy (Vanchat) Tax Credits Bring More Shows Home Tancharoen

PAGE 3 PAGE 10 Hoffa At Paramount Q&A With Steve Dayan PAGE 4 & 5 Electronic Age: Electronic Logging Devices 2015 A Year In Review New Member Orientation PAGE 6 & 7 PAGE 11

California Love: The CHiPs Are Back Retiree Corner: Announcing Retiree News

www.ht399.org in our Newsreel

Visit your Union website: Union your Visit 246 N PERMIT

o PAGE 7

Van Nuys, CA Nuys, Van James R. Hoffa Scholarship Memorial Fund 91602-1262 PAGE 12

PAID

North Hollywood, CA Hollywood, North Events, Announcements, Retirees and

U.S. POSTAGE U.S. Obituaries 4747 Vineland Avenue Vineland 4747

NON-PROFIT ORG. NON-PROFIT Teamsters Local 399 Local Teamsters RELEVANT INDUSTRY ARTICLES FROM TOP ENTERTAINMENT SOURCES THE MOTION PICTURE BUZZ HOFFA AT PARAMOUNT

the International Brotherhood of Teamsters in a relatively short time. I General President James Hoffa visited some of our was honored to have President Hoffa visit with our Members and I look forward to spending more time with him in the future.” Members back in October of 2015. Hoffa was given a The remainder of Hoffa’s visit was spent down in Long Beach showing support and offering empowering words of wisdom to the Port Drivers as TAX CREDITS BRING tour of the Paramount Lot and was even able to take a they battle through their ongoing strikes for fair wages and work. He ad- trip through the Film Archives - an opportunity that only dressed the Port Drivers by promising to help to change the hiring prac- tices and the unlivable wages that are currently major issues these workers few get to witness firsthand. He was met by nearly 100 face. Local 399 has been actively supporting the Port Drivers Strike at each of our Members from various crafts waiting to thank demonstration. Follow the official Teamsters Local 399 facebook page to find out when the next strike demonstration will take place. MORE SHOWS HOME him, shake his hand, and snap a photo. General President Hoffa will be back to Hollywood in 2016 for the Wom- en’s Conference. This will be the first time in history that Hollywood has been the chosen destination to host this prestigious annual event. Local offa’s visit was inspirational and rejuvenated Teamster pride through- 399 will work very closely with the planning committee on this event, as 11 Projects Selected for Second TV Allocation of California’s out our Local. He announced, “It’s a pleasure to come here and see it is a top priority to ensure the success of this monumental occasion. If everybody. It’s just amazing what you do here. This type of work puts interested in getting involved in the 2016 Women’s Conference planning Expanded Film & TV Tax Credit Program Latest Round people to work in good jobs and that’s what this is about. To come here and please email [email protected]. see this thriving place here at Paramount – a real family - I’m so impressed. As we move into 2016 let Hoffa’s words ring true, “Let’s do it together!” Includes Relocating Series from Vancouver Returning Let’s do it together. Keep it up and I am glad to meet 399 Teamsters!” Thank you General President James Hoffa for taking the time to meet Hoffa’s visit was the first of it’s kind for Local 399. Secretary-Treasurer with some of our Members. We appreciate all you do for the International Home to the Golden State Steve Dayan commented, “Having our General President visit Local 399 Brotherhood of Teamsters and will continue to work hard for the legacy, demonstrates the strong relationship this administration has forged with heritage and tradition of Teamsters that we firmly believe in.

PUBLISHED BY ollywood, Calif. - December 21, 2015 ment, and we can get both here at home.” -The California Film Commission today All projects in California’s expanded film H announced the list of 11 projects select- and TV tax credit program are selected ed to receive tax credits under the second based on their jobs ratio score, which ranks TV-specific allocation of the state’s expanded each project by wages paid to below-the- Film and Television Tax Credit Program 2.0. line workers, qualified spending (vendors, The second TV application period (third for the pro- equipment, etc.) and other criteria. gram overall) was held November 30 – December 6, and Of the 21 projects that applied but were not selected for drew 32 applications vying for $42 million in tax credit the latest TV-specific allocation, those with a jobs ratio allocation. scores ranked in the top 200 percent (i.e., twice the avail- The “Existing TV Series” category includes three ongo- able funding) of applicants have been placed on a wait- ing series and two pilots that were selected previously as ing list. Hpart of the expanded tax credit program’s first TV-spe- The expanded tax credit program allocates tax credits in cific allocation (see 6/2/15 Film Commission announce- “buckets” for different production categories, including ment). These five projects TV projects, relocating remain in production, so TV series, independent any additional episodes or ELEVEN APPROVED PROJECTS projects and non-inde- pick-ups from pilots carry TO RECEIVE TAX CREDITS pendent films. This en- over to the latest alloca- ables applicants to com- tion. EXISTING TV SERIES...... 5 PROJECTS pete for credits directly The “Relocating TV Se- NEW TV SERIES...... 2 PROJECTS against comparable proj- ries” category includes the ects. Funding for the cur- series “Mistresses,” which MOVIE OF THE WEEK...... 1 PROJECT rent (first) fiscal year to- will return from Vancou- PILOTS...... 2 PROJECTS tals $230 million, with an ver to California for its RELOCATING TV SERIES...... 1 PROJECT additional $100 allocated fourth season. for the final year of the Based on data provided state’s expiring first-gen- with each application, the 11 approved projects will gen- eration tax credit program. Funding in subsequent years erate an estimated $254 million in direct in-state spend- will total $330 million per year. ing, including $103 million in wages for below-the-line Under both the old and new programs, the California crew members. Film Commission awards tax credits only after each “The expanded tax credit program is working exactly as selected project: 1) completes post-production, 2) ver- intended,” said California Film Commission Executive ifies that in-state jobs were created, and 3) provides all Director Amy Lemisch. “It’s making California more required documentation, including audited cost reports. competitive for high impact television projects that pro- The next application period for California’s expanded tax vide long term jobs for cast and crew members, while credit program is scheduled January 11-24, 2016 and tar- boosting spending at support vendors and service pro- gets feature films and independent projects. viders.” More information about California’s Film and Television Lemisch noted that there are now four relocated TV se- Tax Credit Program 2.0, including application proce- ries participating in California’s tax credit program. They dures, eligibility and program guidelines, is available at include “Mistresses” from the latest application round, http://film.ca.gov/incentives. plus “Veep” (from Maryland), “Secrets and Lies” (from North Carolina) and “American Horror Story” (from Louisiana). Contact: “We can’t wait to bring the ‘Mistresses’ series back to Cal- Erik Deutsch, ExcelPR Group (for the California ifornia where we have access to the best crews, the best Film Commission) direct (323) 851-2455 / cell (310) talent and the best of everything we need,” said Disney Senior VP of Production Gary French. “Our goal is to get 597-9245 / [email protected] superior production and financial value for our invest-

PAGE 2 PAGE 3 A YEAR IN REVIEW

ED DUFFY JACK FISHER 2015 has been a great year for the Membership of Local 399! Increased production as a result of the passage of AB1839 has 2015 “Besides the continuing work that “2016 is going to be a very busy kept our Members very busy with work. As the bill continues to provide incentives until 2019, we will continue to see our Mem- has to be done with our political year for me but I welcome the bers employed, and many productions will continue to move back to the Golden State. As we begin 2016 we wanted to take a and labor leaders, we must work challenges. We are already starting moment to highlight all that was accomplished in the past year. It has been a busy year not only for our Members but also for with the City and County of Los to discuss plans for a 2nd Car Show Angeles to continue to improve that will be bigger and better – our Business Agents who are continually putting the needs of our Members first. Our goal is to be as available for our Members our ability to work on the streets of more details on that later. One ma- as much as possible. You can either reach a Business Agent by phone or set up an in-person meeting if you have any issues or Southern California. With all of the jor goal I have set for myself in the additional productions taking place coming year is to unionize all Prop concerns. Local 399 is ready to take on all the challenges that 2016 has in store, and we will continue to fight to improve our and with the changes in the land- Houses in the Valley. I plan to con- Members wages, working conditions and benefits! scape of the city, I will be working tinue to represent each Member to hard to enforce what is in our collec- the greatest capacity, treating each tive bargaining agreement so that individual issue and concern as a our Members get the full benefits of top priority.” what they deserve and, of course, will be working on creating more MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS: and more jobs for our Members!”

NEGOTIATED / RATIFIED our Drivers at WB receiving more than regulations and conditions for filming in LA. $40,000.00 in meal penalty payments. • Film Commission announced that it had JOSHUA STAHELI • $51,000 in unpaid wages recovered for WB lured the HBO series “Veep” from • Successfully negotiated and overwhelmingly Courier Employees. Maryland, brought “American Horror “I look forward to representing the ratified “The Black Book” and Collaborating • Over $150,000 in additional severance Story” back from Louisiana, enticed LOCAL 399 GOALS FOR Members in 2016 by continuing to on the Collective Bargaining agreements for payments negotiated for WB Employees. “Hindsight” from Atlanta and “Secrets and organize non-union productions and vendors with a major focus on Casting Directors, Commercial Agreements (Over $275,000 in severance paid out Lies” from North Carolina, which recently and Location Managers. stepped-up contract enforcement last year). cut back its long-established tax program. in Commercials.” • AICP Contract was Ratified. • The CFC also conditionally approved the • Second Quixote Contract Negotiated: Fox pilot “Snowfall” and six new series. Organized in 2014 / Renegotiated in 2015 CLASSES / COMMITTEES / EVENTS Splitting $52 million in credits will be • Our Collective Bargaining Agreement has Touchstone’s “Code Black,” CBS’s “Crazy a Skills Training provision that is completely • Expanded education opportunity for our Ex Girlfriend,” Fox’s “Rosewood,” funded by CSATF. Agreements ratified by Members by providing vital classes for Universal’s “Heart Breakers”. And, HBO’s 80% and nearly 90% respectively. The every craft. “Utopia” and “Westworld,” will receive contracts negotiated were some of the best • Continued working with the Driver’s Steering $19.6 million and $12 million respectively. agreements that have been negotiated in years. Committee and the Coordinators Committee • 24/7 Couriers Contract was renegotiated to address member issues. 2016 after it was voted by over 90% to keep the • Hosted many Black Book courses throughout MEMBER NEEDS existing contract. the year and plan to continue to educate the • Negotiated City Walk contract with a 10% Membership about the Black Book. Handled Majors and common carrier issues CHRIS SELL LINDSAY DOUGHERTY raise the first year. • • Hosted DOT courses throughout the year and • Settled up CDL’s and Passenger “2016 I’m looking to accomplish “Moving into 2016, I’m very ex- • The Sony Courier contract was extended for plan to continue in 2016. endorsements. closing the gap even further be- cited to continue representing another year with a 2% raise and MOB • Helped implement new Driver tab on CSATF • Took Members to the DMV for driving test. tween the Producers, CASTF and our Membership, organizing the (Maintenance of Benefits). Helped Members with MPI and Local 399(Members).” unorganized, and implementing web site. • a new Member orientation class • Negotiated and collaborated the ABC TV Hosted 399 Retirement Seminars. More will CSATF issues. Network contract. • to create a stronger and more re- be planned for 2016. • Helped connect Members in need of silient Local 399. One major focus • The First Teamsters Local 399 Women’s Financial Assistance to the Actor’s Fund. for me in this coming year is to Caucus was formed and will be working to • Eliminated the $400,000 deficit, which help plan a spectacular Women’s ORGANIZED plan the 2016 Women’s Conference that will began five years ago, beginning 2016 with Conference. This will be the first of its kind in Hollywood and we take place in Hollywood in 2016. a positive balance of $2,666.09. King Kong Production Vehicles was want to represent our Local well • Hosted FMCS classes such as: Shop Steward Organized. King Kong currently has • and make the IBT proud.” training, Contract Negotiations and Enforce 15 Drivers and 2 Mechanics. King Kong ment, and NLRB training COMMUNICATION WITH MEMBERS provides top of the line production Hosted multiple Society of Financial vehicles and Drivers to Photo Shoots, • Awareness Classes (SOFA) in an attempt Commercials and Music Videos as well as Expanded our Social Media Channels: to help our Members get on the right track • Television and Features. Local 399 Emails, Facebook, Twitter and for retirement. now Instagram. (Urging all Members to • Hosted our first ever Teamsters Local 399 engage in all channels of communication WES PONSFORD CONTRACTS SIGNED Car Show! We will be making this an annual to stay up-to-date with information from “The number one thing for me in event to engage the Membership in a fun the Local.) 2016 is to continue to encourage 135 TV and Film Contracts Signed. family gathering. • Set-up a recurring bill pay option online. all Members to report problems • Members can sign-up once and never need as they happen so that we may • 130 N-AICP Commercial Contracts Signed. work with them to fix any issues • 197 AICP Contracts Signed. to think about Dues again. (Head to ht399.org as soon as possible.” 22 Music Video Contracts Signed. JOBS FOR OUR MEMBERS to sign-up. Please read all information • carefully.) • Passage of AB1839 and the implementation • Callboard launched their new Dispatch MAJOR GRIEVANCES SETTLED of our expanded jobs creation tax credit system to help improve speed and efficiency program that is creating more jobs for our providing even better service to our • $6,000 in Unpaid Wages was recovered Members and bringing more work back Members. for Drivers on “Point Break” the Feature. to California. • Settled many grievances including the WB • Worked with FilmLA, City and County film meal money issue that resulted in task forces to try and improve filming

PAGE 4 “CHiPs” continued THE Film L.A. and the Mayor’s office. I was able to get higher ups to grant us 12 p.m. as long as we facilitated the traffic, so it wasn’t backed up for people CALIFORNIA LOVE: leaving LAX. We were able to satisfy their concerns and get we what needed.” JAMES R. HOFFA The are Back. There are famous on-screen duos all throughout TV history, but from 1977 to 1983, few were as recognizable as blonde haired Jon Baker (played by Larry Wilcox) and his Lati- no heartthrob of a partner, Frank “Ponch” Poncherello (played by Erik Estrada).

As far as location filming goes, they are all over the map. HiPs followed the lives of two motorcycle po- “Help these guys out. Do whatever you can to help “We did the 210 freeway in Glendale at an off ramp where we did rolling lice officers in the California Highway Patrol. them out.’” breaks that were 5 miles long. And we did an exit there at Lowell Ave. where The series ran for 139 episodes over six “They have been very supportive and they we explode a back door and blow up a truck and hover and land 2 helicopters seasons. Each week these officers rode their were able to see the humor in this, even next to the freeway.” motorcycles through Southern California, though there is a bad CHP officer that is “We’re at LAX blowing some stuff up on the 105 on and off ramp that no one keeping Los Angeles streets and freeways killing people, he’s stealing and he’s a CHP has used before. I’m hoping to take them to Ballona Creek and fly a helicopter safe for ordinary citizens. officer. But Ponch and Jon are badass, mo- low and ride motorcycles on a bike trail.” The TV show was set in and around Los An- torcycle-riding CHP officers, and in the end “I truly believe that CalTrans, FilmL.A. and everyone I’m doing permits with geles and featured over-the-top car crashes. it’s less of a Training Day kind of thing and are behind this project and I would say they are bending over backwards to But it was never a “serious” crime procedur- more of a Top Gun.” keep this movie here and make it successful.” al show and included many elements of light “People are going to think that riding a mo- “From CHP to LAPD to CalTrans, DOT -- We have the department of sani- comedy. torcycle for CHP is really cool. The riding tation who has donated property to land helicopters. The Fire Dept. has let Warner Bros. is betting big on the nostalgia stuff and the crashes and the chases are at us use parking that they’ve never allowed before. I’m hoping I can thank all for the series and is enlisting Dax Shepard to the level of what the audience experience C of these different entities in the credits. DWP has been phenomenal as well. write, direct and co-star in a Motion Picture is today -- they are of the Fast and Furious We’re getting what we like to see in terms of cooperation. I think we are also adaptation. type. We amped everything up to keep up doing a good job on delivering on what we promise.” Dax Shepard may seem like an odd choice, with today’s audience but it’s also a comedy CHiPS was also one of the 11 movies (seven studio pictures and three indies) as he is best known for his comedy work and I think it’s hilarious.” Application for the 2015-2016 that will be getting a piece of the expanded $330 million-a-year program that as Crosby Braverman on the NBC come- With the CHP on board it was all go for dy-drama series Parenthood (from 2010 – launch. With the green-light in place, the Academic Year of the 2015). But he also wrote and directed a hot- hardest part of the process was set to begin: rod themed movie, Hit and Run in 2012, featuring Principal Photography. James R. Hoffa Memorial his personal 1967 Lincoln Continental and a Tatum CHiPs is a modest feature film. It’s a mid-budgeted Baja 1000 racer that he keeps in his garage. film. Rick didn’t realize, at first, how much work this Scholarship Fund Shepard is a motorcycle and car-racing enthusiast, would entail for him and his Locations Department. who professionally races motorcycles. He expects to “Well, I drank the Kool-Aid that this would be a be performing most of his own riding and stunts on small comedy and it’s turned into explosions and Application Deadline the show, just like he did on Hit and Run. gun fire galore.” Shepard was born a “gear-head” in suburban Detroit. room and had Dax there. He was the best person to “It’s all location work. There is no stage work. It’s March 31st, 2016 For those who may question his hot-rod chops, when sell his own movie.” all out on the street. We are doing a lot of freeway he was 18 he had the crossed-flags emblem from the “We met at Warner Bros. and they went point by work too.” Corvette tattooed across his back. point. Dax consented to some things because he Making a feature film is never easy, but this one in James R. Hoffa became a Teamsters Member in 1934, Shepard will play officer Jon Baker, while Michael wanted to be as accurate as he could, so he could particular was at an accelerated pace. served as General President for 14 years, and, in rec- Peña is attached to play Frank “Ponch” Poncherello, learn how the CHP works, but on other elements he “We were on a Wednesday through Sunday schedule the role Erik Estrada originated. said, ‘No, that’s comedy and that’s what we’re do- from the beginning to try to maximize the weekend ognition of his tireless service to the Union, was hon- The TV to film adaptation has faced a rocky road to ing.’” work done on the freeways.” ored as General President Emeritus for life. At the No- screen, but when Shepard came aboard, the project “What surprised me was that an institution, and the “I use CHP all over the place, I still pay for them, moved quickly forward. The major question sur- CHP no less, could see that we were going to make there are no freebies but they let me shoot interior vember 1999 General Executive Board Meeting, then rounding the project was how much involvement the the move anyway and it was better to cooperate as and exterior CHP in downtown while they’re open.” Secretary-Treasurer C. Thomas Keegel presented a CHP would have in it. much as possible then to fight it.” “We have a consultant on with us and they have been Location Manager Rick Schuler gives a little context The studio and the CHP had a very frank back and supportive. Had we not had the support of the Com- resolution to establish the James R. Hoffa Memorial on the background of the project: missioner, we would not be shooting at CHP Central forth. They both talked to each and listened to each Governor Jerry Brown signed into law last year. CHiPS qualified for approx- Scholarship Fund. “Before I came on, Warner Bros., had made contact underneath the 10 and 110 Freeway and I wanted to other. imatly $5.1 million in rebates. Since the rebate is based on spending, the final with the media PR people in Sacramento to have a shoot at CHP Central because that’s where the origi- “I think it’s always hard for big organizations to say amount is given out when production wraps and all the paperwork is submitted. discussion on whether CHiPS could nal one was shot.” “They did everything that other projects do to maximize the requirements to The James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund have a relationship with Warner Bros. “We are barely three to four days ahead get the incentive, but they never seriously made any provision to shoot this in like the TV show did.” of what they’re going to be shooting. awards scholarships annually to outstanding high another state. They never took that (idea) seriously, I guess. Would they have “The CHP actually sponsored CHiPS We shoot between one and four loca- gone somewhere else? There was talk of it but I can’t imagine doing CHiPS school seniors. All applicants must comply with the when it was a TV Series, so they dictat- tions a day. It’s a lot, especially for the in another state.” ed some script things, they gave them type of things we are doing. Dax comes eligibility and application criteria. “Dax did not want to, it’s got L.A. written all over it, and we’re trying to show- cars; it was one of those types of rela- out of TV, so maybe that’s what has in- case L.A. again as a place to be and shoot a movie.” tionships.” fluenced this. But we get a lot of loca- “I did recently work on something for Fincher, scouting in Atlanta for two But it became quickly evident that the tions, which is really exciting.” weeks and just said, ‘Ugh, I am not doing this.’ Nobody likes it, everyone is TV show and feature film would be two “It’s been difficult at some level but I’m Head to www.ht399.org for a full list of tired of being out of town.” separate entities. trying to showcase Los Angeles a little “You go to Atlanta and they are doing 26 projects at once. It’s nuts. They “The CHP thought our movie would be bit more than just the usual suspects.” guidelines and eligibility requirements. should be here.” like Training Day, and that it would be Shooting in and around Los Angeles “What I am finding are the crews that are coming back, that have been gone for really bad exposure of CHP.” has posed some challenges. But Rick To receive an application, come down to a long time, seem more respectful of the rules in the neighborhoods because I “We said, ‘No, it’s a comedy, there is and his team have been up to task, every think they understand that if they don’t a rogue CHP who is bad but in the end step of the way. the Local or go to ht399.org. behave we’re not going to be shooting the two characters win the day and the “The 105 Freeway, on a Saturday, said here. It’s a privilege to be here basi- CHP is vindicated.’” they wouldn’t give me past 9 a.m. in the cally.” It’s very difficult to do a movie like this, morning. They’d only give us 6-9 a.m. “It seems busier in town. I’m not sure without the support of the main subject of the film. If because of traffic and construction, and I said I need If you have any questions please email: ‘Yes’ to something that doesn’t picture them perfectly.” if that is commercials or movies, but we the CHP was going to boycott the film, then Warner at least a half day because I’m going to go to the 110 “They understood that we’re in the business of en- need more movies here. I can’t com- Bros. would be in a difficult position to green light connectors by the 105 -- that whole spider web – and [email protected]. tertainment. They could have stopped there and said plain because it allows me more flexi- the film. But Warner Bros. was intent on pushing this we actually filmed on top of that thing.” that’s it. But they said, ‘Come up to the CHP Acad- bility but it’s nice to be doing a feature forward. “That was one location that CalTrans and LAX emy.’” shooting here.” “Eventually they kept meeting with the CHP and “They had us come up to the CHP Academy and we pushed back on. I called some resources I have Wishing all of our applicants brought them down to Warner Bros. We sat in a were blown away by what they do and how they do worked with and nurtured relationships with like it. We met the Commissioner and he told everybody, the best of luck!

PAGE 6 PAGE 7 the way you work, but also due to the team them, or take them anywhere. My wife did. So this will be my Swan-Song, I’m going to working for you.” The credit goes to her that they got this far.” stay with the project until it’s over.” “To do the job you have to get a good group “Maurissa always loved to dance and sing. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. has turned into quite MEMBER of people, a good team, working for you.” She was in a group called Pretty in Pink, with the family affair, as Tommy’s son, Kevin Now that Tommy was officially a Coordina- Chaka Khan’s daughter. They put out a cou- Tancharoen, has directed three episodes tor, his reputation soon preceded him. More ple CD’s but it didn’t really go anywhere. Her and plans to direct three more in the com- Tommy (Vanchat) and more people called him for ing year. work and the entertainment in- “Kevin became a movie director dustry afforded him the rare op- and producer. His first film was portunity to go back home. Fame (2009) when he was 22. He di- Tancharoen “My second project as a Coordi- rected a Britney Spear’s tour, called nator, took me back to my home the Onyx Hotel , when he was only SPOTLIGHT country, to Thailand. The movie 19. He started as a back up dancer SPOTLIGHT Off Limits was called , with Greg- when he was 16.” ory Hines. It was like a Miami Kevin is known for being a cho- Vice in Vietnam. I came back reographer for Britney and also to Thailand on Rambo III and co-creating DanceLife on MTV. In Those fortunate enough to aware of his calm demeanor and went back again on Casualties 2011 he directed Glee: The 3D Con- have worked with, or for, his affectionate laugh. Tommy is of War.” cert Movie. He’s also directed ep- “I got to see my family and they isodes of The Flash and Supergirl. Tommy Tancharoen can tell not an imposing figure. He’s were so proud of me. I came He’s also heavily invested in the de- back to them as one of the Hollywood guys other love is also in writing and acting.” velopment of the Mortal Kombat franchise. you about his radiant charm. not the gruff, lumbering, and stayed at a first class hotel and became a Maurissa graduated from Occidental Col- “I wanted them to be whatever they wanted Boss, a Supervisor in Show-business. A cou- lege, Phi Beta Kappa, where she wrote two to be. I never told them they needed to be a When you meet him in Teamster that many expect from ple Thai magazines even interviewed me.” plays that won the Argonaut & Moore liter- certain thing, or what I wanted them to be.” Tommy would see all of America and travel ary award. She worked as an assistant to Pro- “This is what they wanted to do. We didn’t person, you are immediately a Transportation Coordinator. all over the world. His list of feature credits ducers and learned the ropes. push them in any direction; my wife just include Batman Returns, Almost Famous, Ju- She was a staff writer and story editor for the gave them all the ammunition they needed rassic Park III, Seabiscuit, War - whatever they wanted to do, we of the Worlds, Mission Impos- encouraged them.” sible III, Indiana Jones and the “The sky’s the limit for them. have a good attitude. I treat everyone “I started working for her step father, who was laid off at the studio. It took me almost Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Whatever they want to do, they the way I want to be treated. That’s how was a lawyer. I was like a paralegal, actually a full year to get my 30 days. I finally got The Curious Case of Benjamin will do fine. Everyone loves them,” I approach everything,”Tommy says. driving him to the courthouse and carrying grouped in 1975.” Button, Star Trek, The Hangover says Tommy. Not only is he extremely hard-working but his briefcase and watching him in the court- Tommy made his way to 20th Century Fox Part II and many, many, more. I’m not sure if he realizes this, also extremely intelligent and humble. I room during trial. He was a criminal trial and Spelling Entertainment, where he got After years of big budget block- but that’s exactly what people say think a lot of that comes from his life’s story, l aw y e r.” seniority. busters with the biggest direc- about him. from his work ethic, and from his search for Within two years of getting married, Tom- “In 1979, when Gene Johnson got offered to tors in Hollywood, Tommy The American Dream is an idea the American Dream. my and Mini were expecting their first child, do Heaven’s Gate, he asked me to give up se- finds himself working back that Hollywood has sold for gen- Tommy was born in Bangkok, Thailand. He Maurissa. Tommy needed to work more, to niority at Spelling and go work as a Co-Cap- in TV, as Transportation Co- erations. It started with immigrant was the youngest of five children. His father earn more, for his family, and their futures. tain with him.” ordinator on ABC’S Agents of filmmakers in the 1900’s, who was a municipal electrician, working for the As luck would have it, his mother-in-law Tommy had never really been outside of Cal- S.H.I.E.L.D. were mostly Italian, Irish, German government and his mother ifornia, but he suddenly found “This is my first TV show com- and Jewish. These filmmakers got “Iwas a homemaker. himself driving an SPFX trailer ing off a long string of features. rich selling dreams and built the “I had never really gone across state lines to Montana. A lot of times it took me away studios brick by brick. much outside Bangkok, just He went back and forth, driv- from home, out of town. If you The American Dream promises a few trips here and there. I ing one load after the next. want to stay in town, TV is the prosperity and success to those had never been on an air- “We were in Montana a long only game. If you want to stay who work hard and upward mo- plane until I came to Amer- time on that show,” but “I got with family and stay in town, bility for their families, and the ica in 1968.” to see America and I loved it.” you pretty much have to work opportunity for one’s children to “My mother went to a For- “It was scary, but sometimes in TV.” grow up and receive a good edu- tune Teller. I was her young- you just have to take a chance. “I used to like being out on lo- program Dollhouse. She was a Producer on cation and career without artificial barriers. est child -- she didn’t want Sometimes you have the feel- cation and sleeping in hotels. But that was the Starz series Spartacus: Gods of the Arena It gives them the resources to do better than me to come here. She didn’t ing: ‘If I do this, it might push then. I don’t have any desire to go do any big and is credited as co-writer of the first two you did. want to let go of her baby. me farther and keep me go- productions, anymore. I’ve done it all, not to episodes together with Jed Whedon. This dream does not exist for everyone. It And the Fortune Teller said, ing.’ And when that project brag about it, but I did it and I’ll let someone On April 18, 2009, she married fellow writer doesn’t always work out for everyone. As ‘Let him go, he’s going to be was over, I got another one else have the chance to do it now.” Jed Whedon and their first child, a daughter, a result, many people claim the American fine. He’s going to be lucky in with Gene Johnson and I never “When I finished Hangover II, I Dream is dead, but Tommy Van- everything he does.’” stopped working.” was offered, well, I wasn’t of- chat Tancharoen and the Holly- Tommy was almost 18 years Tommy became a Coordinator fered, I asked my daughter, if wood Teamsters can prove other- old when he stepped foot in in 1985. His first project was I could do the Pilot for Agents wise. Los Angeles. He had the in- called Rampage, about Richard of S.H.I.E.L.D. and then it got “Even being an immigrant, every- tent of going to school and Ramirez, the hillside strangler. picked up to series.” one was welcoming (to me). I’ve getting a degree in interior “When I was working for Gene Tommy’s daughter, Maurissa never had any issues, with anyone design. His brother was an Johnson, and his brother Jerry Tancharoen, co-wrote the TV being racist. My English wasn’t as Architect in Thailand and Johnson, we got to work with Pilot for Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. perfect as it is now, and it isn’t per- the theory was they would a producer, David Salven, and with Jed Whedon and Joss fect now. But it was much worse.” work together once he had he got to like me. When Jerry Whedon. She continues to “We tease each other about it, but a degree. But fate, or luck, wasn’t available to do Rampage work as an executive producer it’s all in fun. I’ve never had any depending on your point of he called me and put his trust and Showrunner on the series. problems with anyone, on the view, had other plans for him. in me.” “Both of my kids are in the crew, or with the Teamsters. The “I went to school for about “I was scared, this was my business, above the line now. Producers and Directors have al- a year and started working first time stepping up and I Producers and Directors, but ways welcomed me.” at night and going to school knew a producer at Universal named Paul hadn’t done anything other than they got in, pretty much, on “Teamsters has given me a good during the day…..and then I started working Mason, and in 1974, Tommy started work- Co-Captain or Captain. He assured me that their own. I can’t say they got income and have done well for more during the day.” ing as a Permit Driver at Universal. he would help me along, and get me through in through me -- their talent me. I’ve been able to afford and “I only asked for my dad to send me $200.00 “I was driving everything, a van, a truck, a it. That was my first job as a Coordinator.” and ability, and who they know support a lot of things I’ve want- once. That was when I got here. After that, I big truck - I went to truck driving school to Tommy quickly realized that you have to -- got them through the door. I ed to do for my family. It’s because sent a lot more (money) back.” get a Class A license. Back then they didn’t be a people person, and that you have to be took them to set once in a while, to see how was born in March 2015. This means Tom- of the Teamsters, good contracts, plus the Tommy’s life changed the moment he saw have much training. At that time, at Univer- political about things, like knowing when to the business works, but they did it all on my is now a Grandfather. great benefits we get. I can’t imagine anyone his wife, Mini. sal, they were so busy, between features and fight a battle and when to not fight a battle. their own.” “I see (Maurissa) more often than before complaining about what we do for what we “The first time I saw her, was at the Mall, at all the TV, that they were hiring off of the “You have to finesse how you approach these “The real credit goes to my wife. She took and I get to see my grand-daughter now m a k e”. a warehouse sale. I didn’t date her until I met street.” p e op l e .” them to all the dance lessons and karate les- more too. It’s a good job and I’m happy to be her again, a year later, just randomly. She was “I worked for a couple days here and there “Your reputation is what gets you to the next sons when I was away on location. I worked working with her. I’m turning 65 now, and Thai, and I’m Thai, and we dated for a few and worked for my Father-in-law on days I project and the next one and the next one. so many hours; I could never take care of I’m hoping to not hang out too much longer. months and got married.” You build that up, because of your ethics,

PAGE 8 PAGE 9 AnnouncingAnnouncing IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY ELECTRONIC NEWS FOR THE 399er RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

ocal 399 is establishing a Retiree Committee this coming year. We LOGGING are looking for dedicated retirees Are you a retired Member of Local 399? r that want to further engage with the Involved with any Local charities? Local and help support our retired Have a question you would like to see answered in our next Newsreel? r Members. If you are interested in Email : [email protected]. joining the Retiree Committee or DEVICES Organizing any events in the not too have relevant information to share FMCSA released the long awaited ELD r distant future? with the Membership, please email mandate requiring commercial motor [email protected]. vehicles to become compliant within What do you feel has been the biggest ac- In regards to Dues, what can the Member- LThe first meeting for the Retiree two years of the publication date. The Have an important announcement or words complishment in the past Quarter? ship expect to see in 2016? Committee will take place early in mandate changes the process by which r of wisdom to share with our Membership? the New Year! We will have more drivers of commercial vehicles who use information in the near future and Successfully negotiating and ratifying the The Membership ratified a By-Law change a driver’s log will record their hours of Let us know! look forward to hearing from you. Casting Director Agreement. The Casting in 2014 that most other Locals already fol- service. Director’s Agreement is one of the most low: when wages are increased, dues go up The clock started ticking on December difficult agreements to negotiate, in part, be- by the same percentage as the wage increase. cause it’s a relatively new agreement. (The first 16th when this was published in the One of the reasons the Local was running large Federal Register. Two years is not very agreement was negotiated in 2006). We were deficits was because our dues structure was not Local 399 would like to thank Dennis Hollis for his tireless and committed work able to make gains in 2015 but we have more keeping up with inflation. In conjunction with far away. Do you want to get caught up developing 399ers and keeping our Retirees connected. We are excited to build work to do for these hard working Teamsters. our Members’ next wage increase, our dues in the last minute rush or would you will go up in the last Quarter of 2016 by $2.00 like to get this right without any addi- upon the solid foundation Dennis Hollis has built. We invite all Retirees to join QWhat do you feel has been the biggest Qper month. tional stress? us as we develop something special and beneficial for our retired Members. challenge in the past Quarter? Head to ht399.org to learn more about the new ELD mandate and require- ments. If you have any questions, or Our attempt to organize the warehouse What plans are in place to help the finan- A A any issues finding the information workers at Cinelease. We went to an cial state of the Local? What strides have “It is time for the 399ers to complete its merger with Local 399. It is NLRB Election but the company chose to please contact Business Agent Chris already been made? now where it should be. When I met with Secretary-Treasurer Steve Dayan hire a Union Buster. Although we had a major- Sell: [email protected]. ity of authorization cards signed, the fear and I am happy to say that we ended 2015 in the last September we talked about some of the function the Union could do intimidation used on the employees proved to black! We have eliminated the $400,000 for Retirees: be successful. The election result was a tie of deficit, which began five years ago, begin- 21 to 21. In order to win, the Union would have ning 2016 with a positive balance of $2,666.09. A NOTE FROM Form a Retiree Committee to advise the Union in Retiree issues needed a simple majority vote. A tie is a loss. • While it may seem like a modest start, during and functions QWe are appealing the results and have filed nu- this same time, we also expanded our services 399er ORGANIZER merous unfair labor practice charges against to the Membership. • Have a Retiree Section in the Newsreel for Retirees Cinelease, however, pursuing charges will take NEW MEMBER DENNIS HOLLIS • Hold a regular reunion for Retirees some time. Question: What are your plans for the • Have a Business Agent dedicated to Retirees A QUnion Hall in 2016? • Have a person who Retirees can contact when they have an issue How was it having James Hoffa visit Par- ORIENTATION with Motion Picture amount and how significant is this for the As many will recall, we renovated the • Sponsor activities like Bowling Tournaments, “Summer BBQ in the Park” Membership? building in 2000. Fifteen years later it’s Bus tour trips, etc. time to do some maintenance work. We It was truly an honor to have our Gener- CLASS • Communicate with the Retirees about the Black Book as it affects A plan to do a variety of projects required to al President visit Local 399 for the first ensure our Union Hall remains in good condi- Retiree issues. time in our history. What Jim’s visit sym- tion for years to come. Included in that plan are The first New Member Orientation bolizes for me is the hard work we’ve put into painting the interior and exterior of the build- Class will be held in the first quarter The Union has begun the process of getting volunteers to become the first strengthening our ties with the IBT. I must also ing and remodeling the Callboard area to give of the New Year. The class will cover Retiree Committee. It is planning on holding the first meeting in the thank Joint Council President Randy Cammack our Dispatchers much needed improvements. next couple months. I hope that many of you would consider being on that for his support and guidance. We are part of the what Local 399, MPIPHP & CSATF Committee. This is an opportunity to be part of something that will help best Joint Council in the IBT and we have the What are you most excited about for the handle for our Members. Q you and your fellow retirees. I am planning to attend the first meeting full support of our General President and Joint Membership in 2016? These three entities at times can be QCouncil 42. confusing to our Members, We would and hope to see many of you there. like to invite New and Established The Union has added a “Retiree Section” to the existing quarterly 2016 is a big year! What plans do you A I’m most excited about the amount of work Members to refresh their knowledge Newsreel and in turn will email the Newsreel to all the 399ers in my have set forth for the Membership in the our Members will have this year. We have database. and learn more about the benefits each ANew Year? more features starting than we’ve had in a of these organizations provide for our Since I had the meeting with Steve, he has committed to holding and long while. New Media productions and Com- Members. paying for the annual Reunions, form a committee and add the Retirees mercials are going strong. We also have more to the Newsreel. The other items we talked about will be handled by the We have much work ahead for 2016! We classes and events planned for this year. I wish If you are interested in attending, continue to form new committees and every one of our Members, their friends and please email Business Agent Chris Committee and the Union. They have started their part; it is time for us meet with the already established ones. loved ones, a very prosperous 2016! Sell: [email protected]. We will begin to do ours. Our newest will be a Retiree Committee. We building a list of those interested prior If you are not getting the Union Newsreels or wish to join the Retiree are working to establish a New Member Ori- Q to announcing the date, time and loca- Committee List please email Amy Gorton: [email protected]. entation Class to help new Members navigate tion of the class. We will be offering The 399er webpage has been closed. Since forming the 399ers in 2007 I CSATF, MPIPHP and understand their re- have done 9 years of Newsletters and held eight years of Reunions. It sponsibilities as Members. We are also estab- this class multiple times throughout Qlishing a Local 399 Scholarship Fund which the year. If you are unable to attend has been an honor and privilege to do so. I wish everyone many years of we will provide more details on in an upcom- A the first class please provide your in- happiness, joy and health. ing Newsreel. formation so we can contact you when the next Class is taking place. Sincerely,

Dennis Hollis” A PAGE 10 EVENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS

Remember, we have qualified mechanics on the books and it’s February 28th, 2016 cheap insurance to hire a mechanic on your show. DOT CLASS r Coordinators and Captains please remember to include Chef / This class will be hosted by the CHP and will consist r Drivers on your run-downs. We have many companies that support the of Interstate and Intrastate logging as well as DOT and industry that we are seeking to organize in the coming months. Motor Vehicle Regulations. To secure your spot please RSVP by emailing Business Reminder to ALL MEMBERS – Drivers, Casting, Wranglers, Train- Agent Chris Sell at [email protected]. ers and Location Managers please remember to call in ALL your shows. r All Transportation Coordinators and Captains are to send in daily When: 9AM rundowns to the Callboard everyday. Where: TBA Remember check your roster status with CSATF. If you are not r listed on the roster in good-standing you are not eligible to work and February 2016 could be losing days towards your seniority. NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION CLASS If you are working on any of the incentive driven shows and The first New Member Orientation Class will be held r have a story to share regarding it’s positive impact on you and/or your in the first quarter of the New Year. The class will cover family please email: [email protected]. what Local 399, MPIPHP & CSATF handle for our There is always a Business Agent available Members. over the weekend. If If you are interested in attending, please email r you have any issues when the office is closed please contact: (818)397-2131 Business Agent Chris Sell: [email protected]. We will The Membership ratified a By-Law change in 2014 be offering this class multiple times throughout the that most year. If you are unable to attend the first class please r other Locals follow – that is that when wages are increased dues go up still provide your information so we can contact you by the same percentage as the wage increase. Our dues will go up in the when the next Class is taking place. last Quarter of 2016 by $2.00 per month. With the industry so busy When: TBD and the majority of our members work- ing, now is the time for you to report any violations to the Union. It’s Location: TBD r great to be busy but we must always make certain that we are enforcing our contracts. Remember, you can call us anonymously to let us know March 25th, 2016 about a violation. Most grievances involve uncovered equipment, meal penalties, forced calls and grouping violations. We are out checking TEAMSTERS LOCAL 399 25TH ANNUAL shows but it’s impossible for us to be everywhere, so please, help us RALPH CLARE GOLF TOURNAMENT help you by letting us know. The Tournament is open to the first 144 players. We cannot hold spots. First paid, first served. The entry fee is $85.00 per golfer. There will also be a buffet served during the trophy presentation and raffle RETIREES E immediately following the tournament. Application forms can be found on our website ocal 399 would like to take a moment to recognize the hard work put forth at ht399.org or you can stop by the Local: 4747 by the Members listed below. Our most recent retirees have devoted years Vineland Avenue North Hollywood, CA 91602 to of service to this Local and we cannot thank them enough for their dedication pick one up. to our Teamster family. We wish them the best of luck in their next chapter and appreciate their contribution to the tradition and legacy of Teamsters Local 399. Time: Registration: 6:00AM V Putting Contest: 7:00AM Dana Avallon Michael Gribnau Dean Mason Tee Off: 7:30AM Lewis Burnett Ellen Hench Thomas O’Donnell L Joseph Campise Michael Henley Terrill Olson Where: Christopher Cannon Gary Johnson Jonathan Slator Knollwood Country Club Howard Chapman Mark Jones Jose Solis 12040 Balboa Blvd Granada Hills, CA 91344 Charles Clark Steve Martin Victoria Sousa E Herbert Gonzalez Roger Youds OBITUARIES

ocal 399 extends our heartfelt condolences for those Members that have COMING SOON passed since October 2015. To those that have lost a Father, Mother, sibling, N spouse or friend, Local 399 mourns the loss with you. The memory of these Members will not be forgotten: PRE-RETIREMENT SEMINAR! Jack Derry Howard Anderson Geoffrey Ryan Ronald Fioravanti Hosted by the Motion Picture Industry James Beckham Howard Stahlman Philip Indovina Pension and Health Plans Robert Benton Larry Turner Deborah Redd Bob Cornell Brian Zenter TEAMSTERS LOCAL 399 L Louis Robb T SCHOLARSHIP FUND CAR SHOW 2016

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