President's Report -  Greg Smith

Congratulations to all those who worked on the production of “Late Autumn” and thank you for your contributions to its successful conclusion!

I’d also like to wish those embarking on “Leverage” the best of luck. It’s an impressive looking show and Local 488 is proud of our members who contribute to making it that way!

The producers of “Late Autumn” asked that I pass along their gratitude for the crew’s professionalism and dedication.

In fact they were so pleased with the 488 crew and in particular Bobby Riggs’ efforts to harmonize the concerns of production, the teamsters and our own membership that they contributed $5,000 in 488’s name to the training trust. This essentially serves as our entry fee to this program which gives us access to existing training courses as well as the potential to tailor course content to suit our needs. We have more work to do on this to establish our ongoing participation in the program but this gift is a significant first step toward fulfilling my goal of having a training and qualifying program for our members.
Most of you probably know that the Los Angeles locals, as well as others around the country, are already required to enforce training and competency standards of their members. It’s unquestionably wise for us to prepare for this rather than have to scramble to respond to it. Not to mention that education and training obviously makes for a stronger, better qualified and more confident crew person.
I look forward to seeing you all soon!
Good day.

NORTHERN  BA REPORT by Bob Riggs

The news I’m the most excited about is the $5,000.00 donation to the IATSE Training Trust Local 488 has received from the producers of the recently wrapped show “Late Autumn”. I want to thank President Greg Smith for working with me on obtaining this generous donation. It is a strong testament to our crew that this producer thought so highly of his experience filming here that he sought for ways to help advance our interests. We all owe Producer Steven Nam a thank you.

This donation will allow Local 488 to join with IATSE Locals 15, 887 and 28 and provide training and education opportunities for our members. The Training Trust has a full time administrator to run the program and dedicated classroom space for the various programs. I’m looking forward to help develop programs that benefit our members and all members of the IATSE in the Northwest.

Even with the very rough start, by all accounts “Late Autumn” seemed to be a success and a nice bit of business for us in a traditionally slow period. The rough start was due to the uncertainty of how production companies are treated by our local Teamsters in regards to staffing and the highest fringe rate in the country. I’m afraid that until Local 174 indexes their rates, staffing and fringe to the production’s budget in a similar fashion as the IATSE does, Western Washington will be an afterthought for producers.

It looks as if we might be headed into a slow period for production in Washington State for what I hope is only a short time. Amy Dee has been in Los Angeles working hard to land a series for Seattle, but there is nothing concrete at this time. “The Hit List” has wrapped in Spokane and while NXNW has some projects that look promising, again nothing concrete. I’m also concerned that NXNW and Washington Film Works seem to be more and more at odds with each other. It’s a difficult balance and both parties have been open with Local 488 in all aspects. We support Amy and Film Works and we need NXNW to succeed and grow. I’m hopeful that all parties can and will work to find win-win scenarios for all concerned.

Commercial market seems to be slow but it’s always hard to tell since, as always, so few members call in their work. Hard to ensure hiring and correct benefit payments if the officers don’t know about the job. One job that did get called in is the return of Jetliner Films as they try to wrap up a 3 year project on the Boeing Dreamliner.

It’s a busy time for our Scenic Painters with everyone working and having a hard time to fill calls for extras. I would love to have an organizational effort to take in more painters but that can be difficult when the work is so seasonal. Any ideas?

This is a big year for contract negotiations with contracts up at the Fifth Avenue, Seattle Opera and Seattle Rep to name a few. I’m looking forward to getting input from all the units to see what we can do in what is still a rough time for our theaters. I’m hoping to advance training and technology issues even if we are stymied on economic issues.

There still seems to be a little bit of heartburn with some scenic painters over some issues from our recent election. There never was a plan to install an un-elected, but paid position to oversee the theaters and negotiations. It was in reality, a discussion to have someone be a point person to channel issues back to me in areas I’m unfamiliar with. I plan on doing this with all departments and crafts, we used to do this with unit meetings and we need to do it again. To be clear on the first issue, I do have someone do some office work for me when I’m on the road. Local 488 does not pay for these services, I do and will continue to do so as long as I feel this is needed.
A long newsletter that I hope finds everyone well. Stay active in your union, your schools, your community and your country. Most of all, stay active and engaged with your families, friends and loved ones. Take some time to be involved and make a difference. As always you can reach me anytime at: bobriggs@iatse488.com or by phone at 360-239-8218.

Peace out and smoke them if you got them.

SOUTHERN BA REPORT by Charlie Carlsen

 The southern region has slowed down in terms of scheduled productions. We consistently talk to interested projects, but Leverage continues to be the only game in town. Leverage, in their third season, continues to employ many 488 members from throughout our jurisdiction. They have an ambitious schedule, as normal for a series, but also intend on producing a pilot along the way. If all goes as planned, a small feature will be added at the end of the season this summer.
There is much anticipation that NBC will shoot a movie of the week in Portland this April. The 20 day production, “In my shoes”, scouted and met with several department head prospects last week. I was hoping to know their decision before this mailing, but final decisions have yet to be announced.
There is an effort underway to bolster the Oregon film incentive. Possibilities range from increasing the overall percentage for all productions to adding extra incentives for the twelve to $20 million budgeted projects. These productions have shown to have large builds and a greater diversity of 488 hires. We have a strong ally in the Oregon Legislature, Tobias Read. Representative Read has been an active advocate of film and he chairs the committee that will undertake changes to our incentive program. Three members on his committee will be key votes in the future of our incentive. I am asking this Local and other industry groups to financially support his ongoing campaign. Anyone who wishes to learn more on how to support Representative Read encouraged visit tobiasread.com.
Local 488 no longer has a contract at the RA Reed facility. The company changed entities early last year which removed their contractual obligations. Finances at the new company have prevented us from being able to secure benefit payments for our members there. We have a friendly agreement to renew contract discussion on a show by show basis when and if finances improve.
It has been a busy first quarter for the new 488 officers. Besides coming to terms with the duties and processes, we have moved the Portland office and upgraded our computers. As we get our feet underneath us our proficiency steadily increases. I have been involved in the administration of this Local for 18 years and believe the current slate of officers is the strongest, most cohesive team we have ever fielded. There is immediate response to member concerns, International communications, and work place issues. I look forward to the upcoming committee work, the renewal of unit meetings, and the revision and distribution of the much needed “new member handbook”. Now if only I could remember my passwords…