SOUND RECORDINGS NOTES
Payola consent decree a victory for AFTRA members
Proposed FCC settlement includes minimum airplay for independent artists.

The Federal Communications Commission is about to approve a settlement on the practice of payola that follows recommendations made last month by the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. Click here to read the press release>>

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 VOICEOVER PERFORMERS HAVE A STRONGER VOICE WITH AFTRA
AFTRA signs on for VOICE 2007
AFTRA is pleased to sign on as a Premiere Sponsor for the Voiceover International Creative Experience that will hold its first annual event in Las Vegas, Nevada, March 27-31, 2007, at Palace Station Hotel. Click here to find out how voiceover performers have a stronger voice with AFTRA and to register for Voice 2007>>

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DIVERSITY IN ACTION AFTRA recognizes Women’s History Month 2007

From Local and National Presidents to leaders within the many contractual and standing committees, AFTRA women have been at the forefront of change, diversity, and equality on behalf of all working women in our industries. AFTRA is proud to recognize Women’s History Month. Click here for details>>

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PENNSYLVANIA MEMBERS UNITE TO STOP MEDIA CONSOLIDATION
AFTRA members call for limits on big media
Four AFTRA Pittsburgh members and one from Philadelphia trekked to Harrisburg, PA, on February 23 to testify at a special public hearing called by the Federal Communications Commission, which  is considering loosening restrictions on media ownership and TV-newspaper cross ownership. Click here to read the full story>>

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H&R PREMIUMS DUE
AFTRA H&R premiums due March 15
Have you received your AFTRA Health Plan Premium invoice? Remember, premiums for the July 1, 2006, quarter are due no later than June 15. If you have not received your premium invoice by now, call the AFTRA Health Fund immediately at 1.800.562.4690 or visit the AFTRA H&R website>>

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LOCAL BRIEFS

BOSTON
Presenting the April AFTRA/SAG Conservatory: Tax Planning & Preparation!
Click here for details>>

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CLEVELAND
AFTRA Cleveland Annual Membership Meeting—March 26
Election for Board Members, Officers, and Convention Delegates. Special Presentation of the FITZ AWARD to former Executive Director and longtime member Ken Bichl, and a posthumous presentation to former President Dean Griffin. Click here for details>>

Hot Pizza / Cold Readings—March 19
	Focus on Film Auditions with Rohn Thomas. Experienced Film Actor and Instructor at Kent State University. Click here for details>>

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DALLAS
Third Thursday ProAct Mixer—March 15
	Texas Motion Picture Alliance applications will be available. Come enjoy free appetizers and try our own specialty drink, THE ORGANIZER. Click here for more information>>

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HOUSTON
Mark your calendar! Back in the Game Day—May 12
Learn about the newest technologies in voiceovers, online resume postings, and what casting directors really want. A photographer will be on site shooting headshots! Click here for details>>

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LOS ANGELES

AFTRA Los Angeles hosts free breast cancer early detection screenings for qualified AFTRA women—March 15
	AFTRA Los Angeles is pleased to host its annual, free, breast cancer early detection screening program for women in AFTRA households who meet certain state-mandated qualifications. Click here for more information on the eligibility requirements and to learn how to schedule your appointment>> Don't delay, early detection is important!

 

 

 

 

 

Scene Study Class begins April 12—submissions due March 30
AFTRA LA is pleased to welcome back Robin Brown for a four-week scene study class beginning April 12 and continuing through May 3. The instructor will select students from those headshots and resumes submitted by March 30. All submissions should be sent to AFTRA Los Angeles Member Services, Attn: April 12 Scene Study Class, 5757 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90036. Click here for more information on these and other upcoming classes>>

Sight Singing Classes resume April 10—register by March 26
Beginning April 10, AFTRA Los Angeles is pleased to again offer sight singing classes. These classes, held in AFTRA's Frank Maxwell Boardroom, are geared to professional singers and will be held on Tuesdays (basic), Wednesdays (intermediate), and Thursdays (advanced) from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. for eight weeks beginning April 10, 11, and 12 and ending the week of May 29. A fee will be charged to cover the instructor, and you must register on or before March 26, 2007, for the upcoming session. Click here for more information on the class topics, the instructor, and how to register>>

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NEW YORK
AFTRANY presents AFTRA@Work—“If It’s Tuesday, it must be AFTRA.”
AFTRA's goal for you is work, and for many years, AFTRANY has run various educational seminars and outreach programs to help you achieve that goal. The AFTRA@Work seminars give you the opportunity to learn from the best in the business—top performers with real-world experience and advice. Some seminars are tailored to the specific needs of broadcasters, while others are tailored to freelancers; some specifically for on-camera work, others primarily voiceover. The seminars are open to all AFTRA New York Local members as a benefit of union membership and all are free of charge!

AFTRA@Work March 2007 Schedule

March 20
NUTS & BOLTS INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH—PART I
The NY Local’s Industrial Steering Committee presents the first of our two evenings devoted to the AFTRA Non-Broadcast/Industrial contract.

 March 27
FROM IMPROV TO STANDUP
The ins and outs of comedy.

AFTRANY Broadcaster Mentoring Program—March 24
The AFTRANY Broadcaster Mentoring Program is a series of seminars about various subjects important to students who want to become broadcasters, hosted by the professionals in the industry.

March 24, 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

Mentor critique of individual resumes, cover letters and thank you’s.
Moderator and Mentors to be announced.

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PHOENIX
AFTRA Phoenix presents “Creating Character Continuity in Film and Episodic Television” —March 24
OK, you booked it, but are you winging it? Trusting luck? Do you consider yourself an intuitive actor? Do you wait for inspiration to hit like a thunderbolt once you are on the set? Then, you are not prepared! Weave a lifeline of success with Elaine “E.E.” Moe Artistic Director of The Megaw Theatre/Megaw Actors Studio, Inc of CA/AZ. Saturday, March 24, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Click here for more information>>

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SAN FRANCISCO
AFTRA Spring General Membership Meeting—March 19
Click here for more information>>

Visit the San Francisco Member Media Center—it’s up and running!
Come in and record your demos, update your information, register for the AFTRA Broadcast Talent Review, and much more. Contact AFTRA SF for more information>>

Saybrook Research Center Presents—March 30
The Saybrook Research Center presents "Women in the Entertainment Industry, the Un-American Activities Committees, and the McCarthy-Era Blacklist" - Friday, March 30, 7:30 p.m. Free, limited seating, RSVP required. Click here for more information>>

Celebrate labor and civil rights leader Cesar E. Chavez—March 31 – April 23
Start with the holiday breakfast on Friday, March 30, 8:00 a.m. -10:00 a.m., then participate in the Cesar Chavez holiday parade on Saturday, March 31 at 11:00 a.m. Assemble for the parade at 24th Street and Potrero. For more information, click here to visit www.CesarChavezDay.org>> 

Expo 2007—April 9
Expo 2007, 7:00 p.m. - 10 p.m., sponsored by Theatre Bay Area, at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. This once a year event is a great opportunity for members who are pursuing careers in the performing arts, film and television industries. Exhibitors include trade unions, theatre and dance companies, industry related businesses such as headshot photographers, photo labs, theatrical supply companies, acting and voice-over teachers, printers, graphic designers and more. Click here for more information>>

AFTRA SF staff notes
The AFTRA SF Broadcast Department welcomes new Broadcast Assistant Elaina Karen, replacing Michael Bracamonte who has been promoted to Business Representative for AFTRA freelance agreements.

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PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY

Protect yourself from the growing problem of identity theft. Avoid using your Social Security number on any public document. Use your AFTRA Performer ID Number (that's the number on your AFTRA Membership Card, not the number on your AFTRA Health & Retirement Card) whenever you fill out audition sign-in sheets, member reports, or send correspondence to the union. Do not put your Social Security number on resumes or headshots. If you can't find your AFTRA Membership Card, call your AFTRA Local.

 

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UPDATE YOUR RECORDS

Please remember to keep your contact information-including email-current with your AFTRA Local and AFTRA H&R. You can update your information by requesting a multi-use change of address form from your Local office. You can also update your information online at AFTRA.com, click on the "Members Only" button, fill out your information, and check a box to automatically forward your address change to AFTRA H&R!

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AFTRA MEMBERS SAVE MONEY WITH UNION PLUS

As an AFTRA member, you take advantage these and many other benefits, discounts, and services available through Union Plus. 

Online Tax Preparation Services
April 15th just got a little less taxing. With the Union Plus Online Tax Preparation Service, AFTRA members and their families can use an online income tax return preparation tool to prepare and file their taxes - at half the cost of similar services from H&R Block® and Quicken®.   

Health Club Discounts
Things are shaping up for union members. Get the lowest rates on new memberships at your choice of over 2,000 fitness clubs, including select Bally Total Fitness, World Gym, and Lady of America locations. Union Plus has partnered with GlobalFit to provide these healthy living programs for you. To locate a participating club in your area, call GlobalFit at 1.800.294.1500 or click here>>

Dell Computer Discounts
Whether you're a student, parent, or retiree, computers can make your life at home easier - and fun! Surf the net, balance checkbooks and do school research quickly and easily. The Union Plus Computers & Tech Program, in conjunction with Dell, now offers up to 12% discount to union members on selected products purchased through Dell. To browse Dell selections and order: The discount prices are listed online or quoted by sales reps by calling 1.800.695.8133. When ordering over the phone, you must reference member ID: PS16626766.

Avis & Budget Rental Cars—Discount Car Rentals
Need a rental car? Enjoy up to 25% discount savings on Avis and Budget rental cars for union members—from Union Plus. Union members enjoy up to 25% in savings via rental car discounts from Budget and Avis. Whether it's a car, van or SUV, working families can drive in style for less. Avis and Budget rental car savings vary depending on the type of car or vehicle, time of year, location and length of car rental. Click here for more information>>

Click here to visit the Union Plus website and see the full range of all the extra advantages you enjoy as an AFTRA member>>