SAG-AFTRA Now & Then - TV Changed Everything.

 SAG Union Now & Then - TV Changed Everything.

Before email-letters. when SAG Awards were mostly nominees in Motion Picture films.
#SAG-AFTRA  #ATAS  #AMPAS  #MPA #NARAS



(WestHollywoodToday.blogspot, December 31 2023) Updated MAY 22 2024
By Karen Ostlund
                                                                         

The 80s and 90s talent-agencies used to tell their actors; “Try to say something for free - two separate scenes, in a Motion Picture film - so you can start to pay SAG Union, and we can raise the salaries, and take a commission”.
Non-Union extra-work in Motion Picture films were considered "too little money” to take a commission from.

TV production and TV Stations had their own rates and salaries, regardless of Union cards.
Each booked actor had to go to their agent and sign a two-three page contract, before every job.
Today, all film-productions offer to pay SAG-rate the first 5 days, after that, the work goes over to contract, without SAG-rate.
In 1982 casting director offered actors for the first time, to use their SAG card for better pay in "Daytime Soap", “Commercials" and “Independent film".
US productions only, inside and outside the country. Actors did many other work as well, in foreign productions, without need of a Union card.
Both Union and Non-Union actors were welcome to the same casting, but they needed an agent to send them out to castings and do the billing for them. Only extra-work listings can be done by the actor alone.
Talent-agencies usually chose a personal manager or publicist, when the actor/performer get famous.
In LA, many talents hire a publicist, to get help finding an agent, and to be presented to the press, at red carpet events.

In the past, Motion Picture casting directors used to give TV actors a hard time, because they used Commercial agents with minimum height requirements linked to model agencies, to build a resume.
Most Motion Picture actors build their resume with work from theater companies.
TV actors were considered ‘beautiful people” with 2-3 expressions, compared to Motion Picture film actors.

In the 90s New York, the qualifications to be a member of AFTRA Union, was to prove on-air work in the radio. After become a well-known voice in a radio station, these RADIO-AFTRA members did appearances in TV-shows and presented LIVE shows for musicians in the Recording Academy (RecordingAcademy.com)
SAG Union members were then paying off the initial membership-fee with vouchers and 1 % interest.

The membership-fee guaranteed once-a-year meetings with MPA’s  five studios, to talk about salaries and overtime.Talent agencies used to have casting-magazines laying around, with a report inside, what was said during the meetings with MPA and Unions.
If a Union gives better pay, the actor needed to apply for a Tax ID after one year of payments, but the same actor can have Tax IDs in other countries too.
In Europe, talents-agencies withdraw tax on every pay-check given to the actor, but if the actor applies for Tax ID and file tax return, some tax-money get returned to the actor.
They consider, "actors-models-singers-dancers" under the Law of "sports athletes” - which talent can be measured.

Motion Picture Association (MPA) was an American trade association since 1922, representing the five major film studios in US: Universal Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures, Walt Disney Pictures, and Columbia Pictures (SONY Studios). They had yearly meetings with all Unions.

Summer 2012, SAG-AFTRA became the 2nd RSVP-list, 150 seats to ATAS (TV Academy) in North Hollywood for “For-Your-Consideration" panels, because SAG Awards January 27 2013  will feature Television nominees. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/19th_Screen_Actors_Guild_Awards
In 2012, there was space for everybody.
                                                                    

In 2016, Motion Picture Studios and their TV-Plus division had reach equal size, with help from Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
For example, Paramount Studios expanded their ParamountPlus division and Walt Disney Studios did the same with their DisneyPlus.

Same year (2016), SAG-AFTRA staff tried to locate paid SAG memberships without contact information as emails or phone numbers, before AFTRA  merged with them in March 30 2012.
They forgot that these SAG members had a 2nd card, an Academy card in MPA or AMPAS, because it was only used for work in Motion Pictures films until 1982.
The Union card was then seen as a "better-salary-card” and the Academy card was a "film-industry-event-card".

In 2017, some AMPAS members moved their memberships to ATAS (TV Academy) to enter a lottery to attend the panels of TVPlus division of Motion Picture Studios. 

Same year in 2017, members from Recording Academy (NARAS) moved over to TV Academy’s Peer Groups in Sound, Sound Editors, Music, and Commercials, https://www.emmys.com/academy/organization/peer-groups.
Suddenly, there was, and still is today, a large group of Television professionals, which group can be divided into 5 groups: ATAS (TV Academy), SAG-AFTRA, AMPAS-Plus, MPA-Plus and NARAS (Recording Academy).

                                                                       

The 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike could have been avoided, if the once-a-year meetings with MPA's five studios had continued, but COVID-19 pandemic came up and interfered, starting January 2020. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_SAG-AFTRA_strike
FOOTNOTE: SAG members in New York remember they watched SAG Awards already in 1989 in SAG headquarters. Their offices were closed for a few years before AFTRA merged with SAG and reopened in March 30 2012. Listings from meetings between MPA and SAG are from before closure. The 1st Annual SAG awards was moved forward on the internet.

More info:
ATAS (Academy of Television Arts and Sciences).
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy_of_Television_Arts_%26_Sciences

AMPAS (Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences).
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy_of_Motion_Picture_Arts_and_Sciences

AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists)
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Federation_of_Television_and_Radio_Artists

SAG (Screen Actors Guild)
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screen_Actors_Guild

MPA  (Motion Picture Association)
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motion_Picture_Association

NARAS (National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences)
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Recording_Academy

NATAS Unveiled Their 50th Annual Daytime Emmy Statue at The Hollywood Museum’s Daytime TV History Exhibit.

 NATAS Unveiled Their 50th Annual Daytime Emmy Statue
at The Hollywood Museum’s Daytime TV History Exhibit.
 #NATAS   #TheHollywoodMuseum  #DaytimeEmmys 
 
(WestHollywoodToday.blogspot, December 14 2023, Photos by Karen Ostlund)
                                                                      

The Hollywood Museum and Donelle Dadigan (Founder/President) with Adam Sharp (NATAS President) unveiled the "Daytime TV History Exhibit", December 13 at the Hollywood Museum. The opening coincided with the 50th Annual Daytime Emmy® Awards. With the approval of The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS), this event was the unofficial nominee pre-reception for the upcoming Daytime and Children & Family Emmy® Awards.

                                                                           

"The Bold & the Beautiful" and “General Hospital" costumes.

Participating TV shows with contributions received, included costumes, props, scripts, and Emmy statues from “The Young & the Restless", “The Bold & the Beautiful”, “Days of Our Lives", “General Hospital",  “After Forever", and “The Bay,” as well as other programs representing Court Room Dramas, Children’s Programing, Talk Shows, Game Shows, Animation, and Entertainment News, as well contributions from this years Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement recipients, Maury Povich and Susan Lucci.
                                                                        

“Days of Our Lives” costumes.

NATAS unveiled their commemorative 50th Annual Daytime Emmy Award, that each of 2023 winner will be receiving this year.
                                                                     

Emmy nominees and talents attending included: Finola Hughes, Donna Mills, Sharon Case, Peter Bergman, Bob Eubanks, Kevin Spirtas, A Martinez, Cary Christopher, Carolyn Hennesy,  Alley Mills, Cassandra Creech, Kristos Andrews, Avery Pohl, Evan Hofer, Michael Learned,Chiara D’Ambrosio, Bianca D’Ambrosio, Brook Kerr, Jophielle Love, Mike Manning,Jennifer Chandler, Katelyn MacMullen,  Tina Huang,George Chakiris, Brandon Beemer, Belinda Jackson, Verneccia Etienne, Lucy Yalenian, Carson Boatman,Rib Hillas, Jessie Harrison,Bob Lambert, Tamara Cltterback, Johnny Whitaker, Brandon Barash, Jennifer Chandler , Bonnie Burroughs, Petrie Hawkins Byrd, Dee Wallace, Sofia Mattsson, Hudson West, Najee De-Tiege, John R Lindstrom, Kate Linder, Bob Bergen, Daniel Ross, Jen Lilley, Ruta Lee, Wendy Riche, Dan Feuerriegel, Nasir Kenneth Ferebee, Gina Yates, Sonia Blangiardo, Cheryl Davis, Artisha Mann-Cooper, Celeste Fianna, James Preston, Terea Cilla, Gregori Martin, Patrick Blood, Randy West, Bob Boden and Marty Krofft’s daughter’s Deanna, Kristina and Kendra Krofft.

                                                                            

Sid and Marty Kroffts costumes.

The Hollywood Museum is located in the historic Max Factor Building is the official museum of Hollywood and a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation showcasing more than 10,000 Authentic Show Business Treasures, spotlighting 100 years of Hollywood history - from the Silents to Talkies, Hollywood's Golden Era and Film Noir, Television and its Pioneer Years, through the rebellious 60s, special effects 70s, evolving 80s, involved 90s, technological 2000s, and beyond to current day heartthrobs! The Hollywood Museum's exhibits showcase the best in film, network and cable television, and new digital platforms featuring iconic and fan favorites! The Hollywood Museum offers visitors the most extensive collection of Hollywood memorabilia in the world - featuring the glamour of Hollywood legends and stars - past, present and in the making.  TheHollywoodMuseum.com
                                                                         

Cast of "The Bay".

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) is a service organization dedicated to the advancement of the arts and sciences of television and the promotion of creative leadership for artistic, educational, and technical achievements within the television industry. It recognizes excellence in television with the coveted Emmy® Awards for News & Documentary, Sports, Daytime and Daytime Creative Arts programming, as well as achievements in television Technology & Engineering. TheEmmys.tv
                                                                          

Fran Drescher costumes.

NATAS consists of more than 18,000+ broadcast and media professionals represented in 19 regional chapters across the country. Beyond awards, NATAS has extensive educational programs including regional student television and its Student Award for Excellence and the National Student Production Awards for outstanding journalistic work by high school students, as well as scholarships, publications, and major activities for both industry professionals and public viewing.
                                                                              

Karen Ostlund next to Emmy statues of "All My Children" and "The Bay".

64th annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration returns to LA Music Center.

 64th annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration returns to LA Music Center Dec. 24.
 By Karen Ostlund           #PBSSocal          #HolidayCelebration
                                                                           

The Music Center Dorothy Chandler  LA.

LOS ANGELES (WestHollywoodToday.blogspot, December 7, 2023) — The Music Center,  announced the performers for 64th annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration, a one-of-a-kind, free holiday spectacular that has been a Los Angeles holiday tradition since 1959.
                                                                          

Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles.

The two-time Emmy Award-winning L.A. County Holiday Celebration  returns to The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion to celebrate its 64th anniversary with a free, live, in-person holiday spectacular.

The annual event will feature 23 music ensembles, choirs and dance companies from the many neighborhoods and cultures of L.A. County.
Those who can’t make it to The Music Center on Dec. 24 will be able to watch the event live on PBS SoCal, livestream online at pbssocal.org, or catch a PBS SoCal encore broadcast later in the evening. KCET will also rebroadcast on Christmas Eve and again on Christmas Day. Entrance to the in-person event is free, and seating is available on a first-come, first-seated basis.
                                                                      

Jewish culture revival band Mostly Kosher.

This year, features a line up of diverse L.A.-based artists and performing arts groups who will showcase their talent, artistry and holiday traditions, colorful costumes and global sounds from China, Korea, Japan, India, Mexico, France Ukraine, Bulgaria. The show will also feature local artists from L.A. County,  West L.A. and Culver City to Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley, and from the Antelope and San Fernando Valleys to Downtown L.A,  the South Bay and South Los Angeles.
                                                                       

Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea.

Returning audience favorites include two-time GRAMMY® award-winning Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea; 10-piece Latin jazz band Gabrielito y La Verdad; the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles; Jewish culture revival band Mostly Kosher; high energy JazzAntiqua Dance & Music Ensemble; and internationally renowned Japanese drummers TAIKOPROJECT in a collaboration with Indian-inspired Blue13 Dance Company.                                   

Japanese drummers TAIKOPROJECT.

Among this year’s newcomers are Carnegie Gospel Choir, recently returned from Carnegie Hall; America’s Got Talentquarter-finalists Divas and Drummers of Compton; the Hiza Yoo Korean Dance Institute; Mexican folklórico companyTécnica Arte y Folklore; and Bulgarian dance ensemble XoroTroptzi.

Entrance to the in person event is free, and seating is available on a first-come, first-seated basis. Doors open at 2:30 p.m.                                             

Mexican folklórico company Técnica Arte y Folklore.

The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is located at 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012. Parking is free in The Music Center parking garage.
• Free in-person event: Sunday, Dec. 24 from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. No tickets needed.
• A live broadcast of the show airs on PBS SoCal on Sunday, Dec. 24 from 3 p.m.–6 p.m.
• Live streaming at pbssocal.org
• An encore broadcast will follow immediately on PBS SoCal on Sunday, Dec. 24 at 6 p.m.
• Two encore broadcasts will air on KCET: Sunday, Dec. 24 at 9 p.m. and Monday, Dec. 25 at 12 p.m.
• Following the live broadcast, the Holiday Celebration will remain available to stream on-demand on the pbssocal.org website, as well as on the free PBS App.
                                                                         

Blue13 Dance Company.

• Performing artists from across Los Angeles County
• Sponsored by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors
• Produced by The Music Center and PBS SoCal in association with CDK Productions
• Directed by Emmy® award-winning producer/director Kenneth Shapiro
• Live telecast, streaming and encore broadcast on PBS SoCal; streaming and encore broadcasts at   KCET

The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
135 N. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
FREE parking in The Music Center parking garage.

 More info at HolidayCelebration.org

Vkind Studios launched plant-based recipes and tips for plant-based baking.

Vkind Studios launches plant-based recipes and tips for plant-based baking for the holidays.

WestHollywoodToday.blogspot, December 4 2024– By Karen Ostlund

                                                                      

Vkind Studios, producers of “Peeled”, the first-ever all-vegan cooking competition, presented their plant-based recipes from their "Immersive experience" last month at The Magic Box, together with Chef Doreet's life enhancing book,"The Uncooking Show" launched December 3 2023. https://www.theuncookingshow.com/your-downloadable-gift/
                                                                                 

                                                           
When the Vkind Experience (VKX2023) took over the Magic Box in downtown Los Angeles November 11 and 12, the immersive 2-day event featured more than two dozen food and vendor partners, including the revolutionary Mellody Bee-Free Honey, Yo Egg's custom quail-sized mini vegan egg, Konscious Foods' sushi, Miyoko's dairy-free cheese, as well as a full selection of libations from Vegan Wines and vodka from Herathe Dog.

                                                                              

"You can't tell the story of plants without showcasing their immense versatility," said Vkind founder Star Simmons. "We want our guests to taste, touch, feel, and see just how powerful the plant world really is. And we're so thrilled that we get to promote so many visionary brands and products".

Plant-based recipes now released from the show:

https://www.vkindexperience.com/vkx2023-recipes/

Products from Vkind's brand partners featured more than 20 chef-crafted and plant-based  whole-food dishes served inside the venue's 11 immersive experience rooms. "It's incredible to have so many delicious options for our chefs to work with," said chef Chris Tucker,. "Our brand partners are proof that plants are indeed the future of food."
                                                                             

The multicultural VKX2023 explored plant-based food from all seven continents as well as the worlds of fungi, oceana, and more. The event's networking area featured lifestyle brand partners including beauty label Ecco Bella and fashion labels Nikki Green and Aiya ayiA.
                                                                           

 Vkind Studios has also produced a short documentary, "The Next Girl," winner of the 2023 8 & Halfilm Award for best narrative short, winner of the Dubai International Cine Carnival's 2023 best international short film, and an official selection in the Cannes World Film Festival - "Remember the Future", among others.

VKind’s tips for vegan and plant-based baking for upcoming holidays:

• Plant-Based Milk: Replace dairy milk with a variety of plant-based alternatives like almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk. Each brings its unique flavor profile to your creations.

• Egg Replacements: Bid farewell to traditional eggs and welcome substitutes like flax eggs, applesauce, mashed bananas, or commercial egg replacers. These alternatives provide the binding and leavening properties essential in baking.

• Plant-Based Butter and Oils: Swap out dairy butter for plant-based alternatives or opt for heart-healthy oils like coconut or olive oil. These additions ensure richness and moisture in your baked goods.

• Sweeteners: Embrace natural sweeteners such as maple syrup, agave nectar, or coconut sugar. They add sweetness without the need for refined sugars.

• Flour Varieties: Experiment with a diverse range of flours, including whole wheat, almond, coconut, or even chickpea flour. Each imparts a unique texture and flavor to your creations.

• Understanding Leavening Agents: Baking soda and baking powder are vegan-friendly leavening agents that help your treats rise. Adding one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar per tablespoon of baking powder, activates the leavening agents, to give the baking goods a better rise.

• Flax Eggs for Binding: Combine ground flaxseeds with water to create a flax egg, an excellent binding agent in recipes like cookies and cakes.

• Balancing Moisture: Vegan baking often requires adjustments to maintain the right moisture content. Add extra liquid or reduce flour as needed to achieve the perfect balance.

• Plant-Based Frosting and Toppings: Elevate your creations with dairy-free frostings made from plant-based butter, organic powdered sugar, and non-dairy milk. Explore fresh fruits, nuts, or coconut flakes for delightful toppings. Vkind.com