by Martin Levenstein, Guild 2nd Vice President

Guild Participates in D.C. Panel on Union Work

On March 1, Assistant Executive Director Paul Moore and Business Representative Norman Gay traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in a panel discussion sponsored by the DC Independent Film Festival. Entitled "Working with Unions," the presentation was designed to introduce D.C. and Virginia producers to the value and feasibility of union production. In addition to the Editors Guild, S.A.G. and the IATSE Mid-Atlantic Studio Mechanics (Local 487) also participated, as did representatives from Media Services, an area payroll company, and entertainment law firms that service union production. The basic purpose of the panel was to let producers and filmmakers know that the unions exist and to explain that they are flexible and willing to find ways for low-budget productions to be made under a union agreement. Moore said he "came away from the panel discussion with a sense that most audience members were not familiar with the various low budget agreements that would allow these companies to work union." There was also discussion of deferred compensation and the legal aspects of low-budget filmmaking. According to Gay, the event was very well received, with many questioners showing an interest in working union, and many expressing surprise that it might be possible for them to do so.

Paul and Norman have been in the District of Columbia and Virginia often in the past several months, attending gatherings and meetings to make our Guild and the benefits of working union known to producers in the area. Moore and Gay's focus is to help producers and independent filmmakers feel comfortable about working union and to build relationships that will grow over the years. They are also approaching editors and talking to them about the benefits of union membership. They've only been at this for a short time, but they are obviously having success and gaining respect.

First Negotiations with New York Times TV

In a critical election held this past December, editorial employees at New York Times Television won the right to Guild representation. On February 22, the Guild and the representatives of NYT-TV had their first sit-down negotiation to work out a contract. The Editors Guild submitted comprehensive proposals that covered standard working conditions such as job descriptions, hours, pay rates and overtime. Executive Director Ron Kutak, Paul Moore, National Organizer Tris Carpenter, and members Pamela Arnold and Matthew Rovner represented the Guild. Arnold worked as an editor and Rovner as an assistant editor at NYT-TV last year, and Rovner has returned this year. Both were among a seven-member committee from the shop that helped write the proposals that the Guild presented. The negotiations were expected to resume on April 17, when NYT-TV will submit counterproposals.

Retirees Luncheon

The first Eastern Region Retirees Luncheon, held last year, was a great success. Over 70 people attended, including retirees and their guests, active Guild members and office staff. Many retired members told me how exciting it was to renew old friendships and meet current members. For my part, it was terrific to talk shop and realize that while the tools have changed, the basic mind of the editor has not. Our problems haven't changed either: not enough time or resources, but more than enough producers. Our second luncheon will be held Monday, May 13, at Gallagher's Steakhouse on West 52nd Street. If you wish to attend, please contact the N.Y. office. Former Local 771 President Ted Troll will be helping us get in touch with our retirees.

Report Your Jobs!

In Local 771, we had a constitutional requirement that members report their jobs. This was necessary to ensure proper dues billing, but it was also a way for the union to know what work was being done in our area, and where the cutting rooms and production offices were located. We no longer have that rule, but it would still be a great help for the office staff to know when and where you are employed. Please call Sandy at (212) 302-0700 and let her know. Often, shows that should be done union, such as East Coast Council or other IA contract work, try to go off the IATSE radar during post-production. This can happen with sound work on low-budget films, after the production guilds have disappeared and production offices have closed. The Editors Guild wants to help you get the many benefits of working under contract -- but we can only do that if we know what is going on.