BY BELINDA BREMNER
Actors–both union and pre-union–should be aware that AFTRA has updated their agency franchise regulations. It may be a bit confusing, but a visit to www.AFTRA.org or a careful read of the AFTRA newsletter should make things clearer. Local and national AFTRA offices will also be happy to answer any questions. The gist, according to AFTRA, is this: "There will now be two form contracts under the AFTRA regulations–the standard AFTRA exclusive agency contract and the new standard exclusive contract for commercials only." The former covers all areas except commercials, and the latter covers commercials exclusively. Franchised agents should now be using the new form contracts.
Does an actor’s pre-union status prevent him or her from registering with a union franchised agent? ABSOLUTELY NOT! No one is born with a union card. Everyone must earn it by booking union jobs. And how does one book union jobs? Through a union franchised agency.
Up until the time that you do join the union, you are free to take non-union work if you choose to. I personally do not see the appeal, cache or career advancement of appearing in Eagleman spots, but then I wouldn’t want to believe I was building an acting career by consuming pig rectums on "Fear Factor" either.
One must also realize the career destroying dangers of buyouts and the "working without a net" peril. Of course there are agents who will strive to keep you from ever joining a union, especially if you’re really good and making them 20 percent. It is in their best interest, even if it isn’t in yours.
So, yes, you may seek representation from union franchised agencies even before you have earned your card. Be sure you keep tabs on your union status, as well as knowing–AND KEEPING TO–the rules.
It’s only appropriate, since this is the season preview issue, to remind actors to keep their agents apprised of audition and performance schedules as well as the theatre’s MRE policy, if they have one. Let them know of conflicts such as matinees, a change in your appearance like the addition and maintenance of facial hair or dyed hair, MRE blackout periods, etc.
It’s very exciting to have Robert Altman in town to shoot The Company. The Illinois Film Office reports that it is generating a great deal local employment. Liar’s Club and Barber Shop both open tomorrow.
As you know, Tenner Paskal is casting The Company , as well as a slew of commercials.
Claire Simon is casting the independent film Belzer’s Science, as well as conducting searches for movie of the week Romy and Michelle–The Prequel (oh, come on, you just knew it had to happen), Girl Next Door, School of Rock (for Paramount) and the inevitable film about the Quecreek coalminers. They too are busy with commercials, including a campaign for Electrasol.
Lily’s reports that there were commercial bookings for Christopher Gehrke, Maria Akl, Julie Ortiz, Mia Park, Rula Gardenier, Bob Weagant, Joe Yau, Jenny Januszewski, Declan O’Connell, John Zinn, Roslyn Alexander, Lezlie Rice, Dan Lougheed, Patrick Sarb and Evelina Navarro. Vince Civito and Scott Meyers booked voice-overs. Perry Williams and John Scheidt had film bookings. And industrials went to Tricia Guzinski, Marvin Goldsher, Audrey Fisher, Jerry Gilmore, Maren Lindow, John Zinn and Vanessa Gorr.
Our very deepest condolences to Jane Galloway Heitz and Amie Richardson on the death of Bill Heitz. His was a long career in television, starting with WBGH in Boston, then with both NBC and WTTW, as well as HGTV. Whether working with the networks, freelancing or running his own shop, his work was always pioneering, professional and uncompromising. Not only did he win Emmy's, he won the respect, admiration and affection of those with whom he worked in this often difficult and desperate business. Many say it was his unstinting professionalism, his skill working with colleagues, his voracious appetite for learning and innovation that generated such regard. All agree that he loved what he did. As he put it himself, "No one should be so happy with what they have chosen as their life’s work." He was–and the world is–better for it. Something to ponder as I write this over Labor Day weekend and in the days running up to the anniversary of Sept. 11. We must love what we do. We must love who we are, though all the while striving to be wiser, better for the sake of others. We must not forget to, as The Teacher said, "Love one another." That should be easy to remember.
Peace.