BULLETIN Hollywood CALIFORNIA Chartered Local 728 Studio Electrical Lighting Technicians Vol

Home , Gone (NCIS), Hiatus (NCIS), Mark Harmon, Seek (NCIS)

includedBonus Article in online THE version ! BULLETIN hollywood CALIFORNIA Chartered Local 728 studio electrical lighting technicians Vol. 23; No. 8 May 15, 1939 the only iatse local dedicated to set lighting 2013 Full color version available at www.iatse728.org NCIS

Behind the Scenes America’s #1 Show Emphasizes Family NCIS lead actor Mark Harmon (‘Jethro’ for all you fans), is flanked by Local 728 members on the set of the hit television series. From left to right are: Joey Krattiger, John Fine, Rigging Gaffer Paul Ary, Phil Marlett, Vincent Ary, Jared Orefice, ACLT Brian Bozile, Director of Photography Bill Webb, Alex Szuch, CLT Jim Krattiger and Bill Krattiger.

Photo Courtesy of Alex Szuch Bringing Work I.A.T.S.E. Local 728 Back to Hollywood Hollywood, California President What We Must Do Pascal M. Guillemard Vice President Greg Reeves by Pascal Guillemard, Business Rep-Secretary President Patric J. Abaravich Treasurer-Call Steward R. Bruce Prochal

ontinuing the discussion of runaway It’s not that we haven’t done anything. Executive Board jobs, it’s high time to direct our frus- We’ve sent dozens of B.A.’s to Sacramento James Bradfield tration and anger over the dwindling for years to lobby for a more competitive Branch Brunson C Larry K. Freeman amount of good paying film and television program. But our opponents within the state work available in Southern California and aim are ill-informed public service industries Darryl Herzon it at those that can bring real change; our State with powerful lobbyists working for them Gina Isaacs Greg Langham and Local legislators. and so far they have stymied our efforts. Roger L. Lattin Last month, Local 728 members decided to These necessary public service industries Iain O’Higgins invest in this fight and voted to allocate savings take money out of the state coffers. Steve Mathis money from our Treasury. This will be used, Our industry creates high paying jobs David Watson along with funds from other area IA Locals, that feed a state economy. This is why so Karen Weilacher in a public relations and lobbying campaign to many other states strain to offer incentive bring attention to our plight and bring about programs? Last year, New York had a $300 Sergeant-At-Arms meaningful change to California’s tax incentive million incentive and they estimated that Richard McConihay program. the direct payroll outlay to entertainment Parliamentarians Business Rep Patric Abaravich has been get- industry workers was $3 billion. Alan M. Rowe ting the ball rolling with other IA Locals. Their While you and I are arguing about why Raymond J. Poblick efforts are gaining real results. there are fewer jobs, many paying far less Safety & Training Together we are pushing the message on than scale, we’re also contributing fewer dol- Alan M. Rowe, Director stages, locations and on the Facebook forum lars to the state economy through the loss “2012 IATSE Contract Group” (re-purposed of state income tax revenue on our earnings. Shop Stewards to be a Hollywood Local’s discussion page) Entertainment-supported industries are CBS - John L. Murray that California must have a more competitive Fox - Gina M. Isaacs suffering as well. Many of these businesses Paramount - Frank Valdez incentive program. specialize in serving the unique needs of our Sony - John Jacobs Tax incentive programs in many other states industry. Universal - John Kennedy such as New York, Louisiana, New Mexico, IATSE locals in southern California have Warner Bros. - North Carolina, and Georgia have buried a combined membership total of 42,000. Gary M. Andersen California’s weak, un-competitive program. Now is the time to stand in solidarity and California has the world’s 8th largest economy, aim our voices right at those who can make CLC Delegates yet our state legislators have allowed other states a difference. Patric J. Abaravich to steal our industry away. 728’s 2,400 active and retired members Dennis k. Grow We must make the public and our legislators must join with each other in this fight and Pascal M. Guillemard understand that this loss of production work talk about this with our friends, families and Rick Kelley denies our state’s economy and the people of fellow IA members on set. Iain O’Higgins California the benefits of billions of dollars in There are two bills in the State Assembly S. Cricket Peters revenue. New York again raised the stakes by that were introduced by Van Nuys State Greg Reeves increasing their tax incentive to $438 million. It Assembly member Adrin Nazarian. AB 286 Alan M. Rowe Office Staff includes money for production and post-pro- & AB 1189 that essentially extend our State’s Sean Harkess duction. California’s program is $100 million. It program from 2017 to 2022 and increase it Julianna Bessey pales in comparison to other states’ programs, in the next couple of years to $200 million. Claudia Smith many of which have tiny economies compared I wrote to Assemblyman Nazarian and ex- to ours. plained that this is too little, too late and will State tax incentive programs take money not compete with the New York incentive The Bulletin away from state spending programs and should program. Our dialog is ongoing. Publisher be banned. But that’s not about to happen The fight to bring Hollywood back to Margie Stites anytime soon. Meanwhile, there comes a point Hollywood is now. Editor where we either stand up for ourselves, or live Pascal Guillemard with the consequences of our silence. - Pascal Guillemard PAGE 2 Union Spotlight Upgrading the Local’s Deceased Software Will Give Members Brother Jef Conrad, 51 years old, a member since October 10, 2012, passed Optimal Online Services away on August 18, 2013.

First Notice by Patric J. Abaravich, Business Representative, Secretary Christopher Anderson, Craig Caserta, Casey DeSmet, Zachariah W. ith the move to Magnolia making the switch will enable us to have Ettlinger, Dana Hill, Axel Boulevard a couple years real-time integration between members Lanzenberg, Greg LeFevre, ago, the Local took a huge and the new database. Upgrading to this Lorne MacDougall,Robert W Roy Miller, Tyler Sander- step in upgrading member services and more sophisticated, yet intuitive, system son, Eric T. Tolzmann and the way we conduct the business of the will allow members to login to a secure Christopher M. Zorc members. The reality is though, the portal on the website, view and edit your technology we are using on the sets is work history, make dues payments securely Second Notice light years ahead of the technology we online, and the ability for members to add Cole DePerna, Matthew Garber, Harrison Lippman, use to keep all of the members’ data or remove themselves from the availability Daniel Low, Jason Predock, on. list. Jason Seagrove and Jef- frey J. Webster. One of the issues we have run into The Executive Board is taking the time New members is that while we are trying to move to go over the RFP’s we are receiving and a Congratulations to the quickly into creating more online ser- decision will be made soon. While this im- following new members who vices that put you in control, we have portant upgrade has to happen, there is no were sworn in on: Septemer discovered that we are running our sys- fast track … we could do that but there’s 10, 2013, Wadsworth pe- tems on outdated software. Although it no guarantee that it won’t fall apart in a ters and Bryan Mazur; on Sept. 14, Garo hernandez; serves a purpose, it’s not user-friendly week. We’ve looked at five or six software and marc-Antoine Serou; both ways – from the Local to the engineering companies and building all of and on October 1, Thomas members and from the members back this for us – no matter who we are using – Arizmendi. to the Local. While we are ahead all costs about the same amount of money. of other locals, we are missing some The great news is that once we build the MEETING NOTICE critical software tools in order for us platform we can add to it. What we have ATTENTION to have an upgraded system that will now works, but it’s clearly not sophisticated ALL MEMBERS allow us to completely interact with our enough to build upon all of the 21st Centu- The next members online. ry interactive, time-saving communication General Membership tools our members want. We also have a Meeting will be held I’m happy to report that we have couple of committees trying to work on at 9:00 a.m. (sharp) on been investigating and getting quotes applications to make us integrated with on making the software upgrade Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013 smart phones, tablets and other devices, happen. Making an interactive website and another committee investigating what IATSE Local 728 – having members update their infor- it will take to have a virtual call board. 1001 W. Magnolia Blvd. mation directly, paying your dues online Burbank and the eventuality of a virtual call The technology is moving fast and PLEASE BRING YOUR board – all hinge on the platform we these upgrades to our membership-wide UNION CARD have here at the Local. system will provide you with real-time access to the Local and give us a com- IATSE LOCAL 728 I have sent many RFP’s (Request for pletely updated platform in order to serve 1-800-551-2158 Proposals) for a total interactive website you best. We are really excited about these 1-818-954-0728 integration. Not only will this stream- changes and will keep you informed as Fax: 1-818-954-0732 www.iatse728.org line the processes in the office, but decisions are made. [email protected]

PAGE 3 America’s #1NCIS Show Emphasizes Family

Photos courtesy of member Alex Szuch

Alex Szuch, Jon Marshall, Steve Tyson, Rigging Gaffer Paul Ary, CLT Jim Krattiger, ACLT Brian Bozile, Jared Orefice, Joey Krattiger Phil Marlett, and John Fine

ow in its 11th season, NCIS is Filmed at Valencia Studios in Santa close to the camera we have designed the proud spinoff of JAG and Clarita on six stages and an exterior or fabricated. One of the things we holds the distinction of being back lot used to replicate Washington, emphasize is a lot of hand held lights Nthe most-watched entertainment D.C., NCIS rotates the same directors that have multiple globes to eliminate TV series in America. According to every year and has become a well-oiled g e l u s e .” Nielsen ratings and an article recent- machine. In the early seasons, long Fabricating practically every light ly published in the New York Times, hours and script delays plagued the is headed up by fixture’s man Bruce “NCIS has become bigger than its show. Now, the crew can look forward Rake. “Whether fluorescent, tungsten parent ever was: new episodes of the to 50-hour weeks, and ready scripts or LED, Bruce does all of the exper- series had an average of 21 million- leaving time for scouting and rigging. iments, then the circuitry, soldering viewers last season…” In the nine-day/episode schedule, the and finite electrical work to make it Like the multi-generational series group is out on location roughly three happen. He’s very talented,” Krattiger (Jag, NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, and the days. said. “Our UPM Mark Shields noticed talk of even another spin-off (more on The core crew consists of seven … he doesn’t second-guess the money that later), many of the lighting crew members with day players added as used on fabricating.” on this CBS gem are a generational needed. “It’s a great group of guys. “Bruce is our McGyver,” Bozile spin-off. “Most of my crew is second, Everybody pitches in, everyone knows emphasized. “He can make anything third, or fourth generation and I really what to do, and they get the job done,” out of nothing. And a lot of times, take pride in that,” CLT Jim Krattiger ACLT Brian Bozile said. it’s at the spur of the moment. He’s noted, whose father, Bill, is a retired “One of our great challenges is 360 incredible. He’s one of the best fixture Local 728 member. “I was born and degree shots,” explained Krattiger. guys around.” raised here and I’m a proud sec- “Our DP Billy Webb is a very talent- When new day players come on- ond-generation member, but fourth ed steady cam operator. We’ve had to board, they quickly get a tour of the generation in the business. Both of my design lights to invert the power to a vast lighting shop and a show-and-tell grandfathers worked at the studios.” battery pack to do 360 degree hand- of all of the unique lights used on the His big brother Bob is also a member. held shots. And every light we use production. “We have a phenome-

PAGE 4 nal crew that explains what we have and why we use them,” Krattiger said. “Early on we started designing the lights – turning a fax machine or a copy machine into a light. We progressed with the technology and now we’re using LED’s. Our designs keep changing with the technology.” That included the show going from tape to Genesis HD in season seven, then the switch to Alexa in season nine.

Family First Rigging Gaffer Paul Ary says that among many things, one of the best CLT Jim Krattiger aspects of the show is working with his best boy, Vince, who also happens to be that found Ary away from home – and occasions later in his career where he his brother. “You know where you’ll be many times out of the country – for had the chance to work with his boys working tomorrow, and with whom,” long stretches. on different productions. And although he says. “My family didn’t see me for his sons, and now his grandson, Joey, For Ary, he’s had the pleasure of months,” he recalled. “My wife made are all in the business, he does point out working with the same production the difference. She said, ‘the kids have one fact: “I was working 14 and 16 hour company and at the same studio for to have a dad.’ So, I went back to the days. My kids never saw me … I missed 21 years. “I’ve been on NCIS since the basics … back to my roots … back to out on a lot of stuff with them.” (Edi- beginning and before that I was on JAG television.” tor’s note: To learn about the sage advice … I have four children, when I started Because of JAG and NCIS Ary says Bill gave his sons when they got into the on JAG my son was one; he’s now 20 he’s had the ability to be there for business, go to the expanded, full-color and moving out.” his family and watch all four of his version of The Bulletin online at After graduating from college, Ary children grow up. He hit the double www.iatse728.org.) jackpot working with Krattiger and a production that puts a huge emphasis NCIS is the dichotomy. The set has a on family. “It’s worked out great for huge emphasis on family. “Our slogan me. Jim’s focus is whatever the family is ‘family first.’ That’s No. 1 no matter needs to be stable is the most import- what – doctor’s appointments, baseball ant thing, and Mark Harmon sees it games – we cover for each other so that that way, too. I know I’ve been bless- your family comes first,” Krattiger said. ed. This show has been successful and “My dad wasn’t there for those things, it’s family oriented, and it’s worked out but in our generation, your family great for me and my family.” comes before the job. As long as we are And with two decades of time on in town and doing a TV show that’s the case. We have a big crew and it’s some- Rigging Gaffer Paul Ary the tight-knit productions, he’s seen the full circle of life. “I’ve watched thing that keeps our guys really happy.” said it was his brother-in-law Curt everyone’s kids grow and I’ve watched With many seasons under their belts Foster, the chief at Fox Set Lighting, people die. From children being born and little crew turnover, Bozile said who talked to him about the benefits to family and friends passing away, the production hums like clockwork. of working in the entertainment in- I’ve seen the whole scope of life from “We get the job done and everyone has dustry. “I found I could work with my beginning to end.” a good time.” But more importantly, hands and my brain and it worked for “when family things do come up, every- me.” While he started out doing mainly How Times Have Changed one pitches in 110 percent” to cover for television, a stint at the Fox lamp dock Before retiring, third-generation the absent crew member. led to several years of feature film work member Bill Krattiger enjoyed several “The benefits of the show are end- Continued on Page 8

PAGE 5 Call Steward Smooth Sailing! Information by R. Bruce Prochal, Call Steward-Treasurer Any Local 728 member representing the producer in filling calls or need- ing assistance, should contact the “ ... Heartbreak searing, always fearing Local office during normal business Never caring, persevering hours. The Local’s normal operating hours are 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sail on, sail on, sailor ...” Monday through Friday. From the Beach Boys “Sail on Sailor” If you need to hire prior to 8:00 a.m., after 6:00 p.m. or over the weekend, please phone the Call Steward at 818-438-0728. reetings everybody! As always, I show needs the Local to intervene or assist Members seeking weekend work hope this article finds all of you in in a situation on that show, the Local will should call the Steward at the Local Ggood health! not be walking into the situation without on Friday to put your name on the any information on the show. Weekend Availability List. Let us get right into this month’s theme This time of year is when it is busiest. Anyone who hires off roster or … “Smooth Sailing!” The Local has attempted to make it as easy hires any member who is not cur- I chose this title primarily because the as possible to report your show to the Lo- rent with their dues without first town is in the midst of the current 2013 cal. Let me review what you need to do. calling the Call Steward, shall have - 2014 Television Production Season and Here is what I need from you (generally charges filed against them and shall everything from my perspective seems to the Best Boy or Rigging Gaffer) to report be subject to the assessments levied be operating smoothly. a show to the Local: by the Trial Board if found guilty. Keep in mind that unless a member 1). At least, call the Local to report the Our present contract work week calls me to report a problem, I do not show. consists of any five (5) consecutive know of anything troublesome that may 2). Send an email to the following: days out of seven (7) consecutive be occurring on any specific show. How- [email protected] or fax (818) days. ever, if there were a problem on a show, 954-0732 with: more than likely, our Business Agent a). The name of the Show least report the show to the Local. would be the first one called. b). The name of the Production Compa- Well, I think I have said enough for this Getting back to the 2013 - 2014 Televi- ny with contact information (address and month. With your continued help and the sion Production Season, just because this phone number) reporting of your shows and where you is a busy time for television production, it c.) The name of the Payroll Company are working, we can all keep everything does not mean it is a time for our mem- d). The Filming Location “Smooth Sailing!” bers working on motion picture features e). The Lighting Technician Rate ($xx.xx) If you have more questions and/or or television productions to stop reporting f). The Contract (BA-Basic Agreement, want to talk to me, please call me at the your shows and/or your work.\ National Low Budget (NLB Tier 1, Tier 2, office. Reporting your shows and/or where Tier 3) and so on. Until next time … RBP you are working to the Local is important Even if you do not have all this infor- because in the event a member on that mation, the most important thing is to at

Local 728 Holiday Party December 7, 2013 Montrose Bowl tt 7 p.m. until ?? tt Food tt Drink tt Family tt Friends Details coming soon! Save the DateSave the Date!Save the Date

PAGE 6 Technical Ability One of the most important aspects of having a Successful Career by Alan M. Rowe, Safety & Training Director

was pleased to see so many of us at the having a successful career in the motion ing Program that offers classes in every- recent membership meeting. Before picture/television industry. It was true thing from Basic Electricity to Underwater the meeting, many of us were (and still then and with recent innovations, it is Lighting. You name it and chances are we I even more important now. Today, the set have resources to help you improve your are) upset that so much work has left Los Angeles and overcome by the feeling of lighting technician has a whole new set of skills with it. You just have to be proactive helplessness that is being felt in many parts skills to master and the future holds even and do it. of our industry. What was really inspiring more technical advances for us. Electronic The benefits of being proactive apply to about the meeting was that the members dimmers, DMX and newer control proto- safety as well. Accidents very rarely happen who attended decided that listening to the cols, LEDs, moving lights, application of as the result of one thing going wrong complaints about the problem was point- electrical theory, and 480V power are just a and almost never happen without warning. less and instead took action and voted few of the common skills that we have to Usually, a “near miss” will occur before to be proactive to commit Local 728 to know to be successful. an accident and if we are paying attention changing this situation. This is big. All Some of these skills we can learn and being proactive towards the safety of around us we see people who sit back and through on-the-job training, but that ourselves and our co-workers, an accident complain and wait for other people to do is only part of the picture. Many of us can be avoided. Everyone who goes to the work. On September 15, 2013, Local received on-the-job training before getting work needs to be able to go home in the 728 said no more and voted to proactively into the local and picked up some really same or better condition than they were go after the people who are responsible for bad habits and don’t know it. While I was when they went to work. No job is worth productions fleeing California - our state working on a non-union show in Denver, an injury and nothing is worth the risk of politicians. our Best Boy tied into a 480V panel and an accident. This is really heartening and being while he wondered why the colors on the I cannot over-stress how important it proactive benefits us in so many ways. This conductors were not the usual colors, he is that we do all we can to avoid accidents, is especially true in both safety and training. never stopped to ask anyone or for that both in and outside of California. The Take a look at someone that you work with matter meter the circuit. Fortunately, the IATSE has entered into an Alliance with and admire. Chances are that they weren’t crew caught the error before anyone was USITT (United States Institute of Theater born being a great gaffer, best boy, rigger, injured. In that world where so many of us Technology) and OSHA. While this is or programmer, they had to work hard to began our careers, there are no resources primarily focused on the theatrical side of earn it. like we have with Local 728. There were no the entertainment industry, the IATSE is Ron Dahlquist recently gave me a copy “old timers” to show us how things were forming a close relationship with OSHA. of our very first training manual from done and there was no training program. This can be a great advantage for us but we 1966. This quote is from the introduction We figured it out and right or wrong, must also be aware that we will not escape and still rings true almost 50 years later: taught the next guy. their scrutiny if anything goes wrong. If “If a word of advice may be included, Most of the people who are successful this happens, then we run the risk of losing please consider that, as in any endeavor, in any endeavor act proactively and seek our ability to do the job as we have safely your continued employment and possible out and take advantage of the resources defined it. promotion will depend on your technical and opportunities that are available to It pays to be proactive. By taking the ability, your personal conduct, and your them. Being a member of Local 728, you initiative, Local 728 has started the ball appearance. The latter two, though fre- have lots of resources to sharpen your rolling towards getting our politicians to quently minimized, reflect your attitude skills and improve your career. First, there listen to what we have to say and make Cal- towards yourself and your job. You will is a wealth of knowledge among the mem- ifornia a production-friendly state. You can be working closely with groups of people bership. Our members pioneered electrical take the initiative and sharpen your skills whose assessment of you and decisions distribution for the entertainment industry to become a better and more valuable set favoring you will be made principally on and a great deal of the products we use lighting technician; and by being proactive these factors.” were influenced by our members. Most of about safety, you can protect yourself, your Fifty years ago, Local 728 stressed to them are very happy to share their knowl- crew, and our industry. new members that their technical ability edge and experience. All you have to do is was one of the most important aspects of ask. Local 728 also has a very active Train-

PAGE 7 Studio Electrical Lighting Technicians I.A.T.S.E. Local 728 1001 W. Magnolia Blvd. Burbank, California 91506

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NCIS: America’s #1 Show Emphasizes Family First Continued from Page 5 less. The cast and crew are phenomenal,” an article in the New York Times, the year and should air in the spring. The ar- Krattiger pointed out. “Mark Harmon potential show would be set in New Or- ticle adds that if CBS execs like what they is a wonderful person. He’s part of the leans “with its rich setting of music, fun see, it could order NCIS: New Orleans, or crew and acts like it, and the other and debauchery, is a magnet for military a similarly named show, for the 2014-15 actors have all followed suit. The other personnel on leave. And with fun comes season. thing is we are on a private lot and actu- trouble. It is a natural backdrop for a Another generation just may be added ally have the AD and Mark’s dog run- unique character-driven spinoff.” to the bloodline. ning around the set. It’s pretty unreal. The article The dog thing started a couple years ago points out that and really opened up my eyes to how this would be good we have it.” the third version Like Jim, the next generation of Krat- of NCIS which tigers have been exposed to the won- could overload ders of TV and movie making. “That’s its audience. another awesome thing about this set. However, there Kids from cast and crew come on the were three very show. It’s a real family atmosphere. My successful C.S.I. son wants to be a gaffer.” shows on CBS for years. A two-part Another Spinoff? New Orleans is In late September, deadline.com scheduled to be reported that CBS is developing another produced after possible NCIS spin-off. According to the first of the ACLT Brian Bozile Bill Krattiger Bonus Article A Retiree’s View on Family and the Business

got into the union through a friend I I was working on the film The Cowboys with went to elementary school with. He John Wayne and we got back from New Mexico was on hiatus and came to work at and I took my boys on the set and they got to meet the service station I owned in North John Wayne. That was kind of exciting for both of “IHollywood. Come to find out, I was selling the them. I could see then how easy it was for young station and the studios were hiring. My friend, kids to get mesmerized by movie making. But I Bob, was in lighting and his dad, Ed Bernam, did don’t think my boys realized how much work there lighting … guess it was kind of a family thing … was until they started in the business. I was work- but because I knew him I could get in. ing 14 and 16-hour days. They never saw me … I missed out on a lot of stuff with the kids. I thought it would give me something to do for a year and it ended up being 36 years. Actually, When my boys started in the business I gave I’m third generation in the business – my grandfa- them some sage advice. I said, “Look, if you’re ther was a painter and my father was a machinist. going to be an electrician, you have to stick your I didn’t follow them into the business right away. finger in the socket and see if there is juice. Instead When I got out of high school I joined the Air of running to the truck and getting a meter, just Force. I was a bomber mechanic in the Strategic stick your finger in it.” And they did it! Air Command. I served for seven years and when I got out there wasn’t any work so I went to work Over the years I’ve worked for my older son, at the service station. Bob, quite a few times on commercials and features, and all three of us – me, Bob and Jim – Back in the 60s pretty much all the family worked on the feature film Havana together. And members got in if they wanted to work. Over the of course, I’ve worked with Jim as a day player on years there’s been many times on a production different shows throughout the years. I think it was that I’ve recognized a last name and found out all good working with family members because that I had worked with that person’s dad. we all got along great. Now, my granddaughter is trying to get into the makeup union and my This business is very interesting. Once you get grandson, Joey, is in the business. Joey’s thing was on a set and see how things are going, it’s mind he wanted to work with his dad, uncle and me. He boggling. You’re there creating with producers, thought it would be pretty neat if the four of us directors and actors … it’s not like going into an could work together. office or a factory; it’s always something different. I really didn’t care for gaffing. I’d just as soon be It’s kind of neat how it’s all gone full circle … in the back of the camera. The job I usually did and enjoyed was fixtures and specialty lighting ” effects.