WRITER’S STRIKE\/SEATTLE-SAN FRAN\/WRAPUP\/CONCERTS\/COMMENTS<\/p>\n
I. WRITER\u2019S STRIKE BEGINS-HOW YOU CAN HELP
\nII. FILM MUSIC TO SEATTLE\/VIDEO GAME MUSIC TO SAN FRAN
\nIII. WRAPUP OF OCTOBER 22nd MEETING
\nIV. CONCERTS AND EVENTS
\nV. COMMENTS<\/p>\n
====================<\/p>\n
I. WRITER\u2019S STRIKE BEGINS-HOW YOU CAN HELP<\/p>\n
Every day this week there have been quite a few picketers outside of 20th
\nCentury Fox studios on Pico Blvd. This strike could go on for months. The
\nlast writer\u2019s strike had Local #47 striking in sympathy.<\/p>\n
Should you find yourself with a few free hours and are near one of the major
\nStudios, our brothers and sisters in the Writer\u2019s Guild could use our support. <\/p>\n
If you\u2019re working in the studios in the coming days, when crossing picket lines
\nplease consider the following:
\n1)\tSay hello,
\n2)\tIdentify yourself as a Union musician, and perhaps
\n3)\tSpend a little time on the picket line after your session.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
You can see picketing locations and times by going to the Writers Guild
\nwebsite at www.wga.org and clicking on STRIKE PICKET LOCATIONS
\nin the center of the page.<\/p>\n
Additionally, you can sign a petition in support of the striking workers here:
\nwww.petitiononline.com\/WGA\/petition.html<\/p>\n
Currently, picketing is scheduled for:
\nCBS RADFORD STUDIOS; CBS TELEVISION CITY; CULVER
\nSTUDIOS; DISNEY STUDIOS; FOX STUDIOS; HOLLYWOOD
\nCENTER STUDIOS; NBC BURBANK; PROSPECT STUDIOS;
\nPARAMOUNT STUDIOS \/ RALEIGH STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD;
\nRALEIGH STUDIOS MANHATTAN BEACH; SONY PICTURES
\nSTUDIOS; SUNSET GOWER STUDIOS; UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
\nand WARNER BROS. STUDIOS.<\/p>\n
Thank you for supporting our colleagues in the WGA.<\/p>\n
====================<\/p>\n
II. FILM MUSIC TO SEATTLE\/VIDEO GAME MUSIC TO SAN FRAN:
\nTHANKS RMA!<\/p>\n
W all know that one of the major causes for the film music work leaving for
\npoints north, south, east and west (including Seattle of course) is largely because
\nthe organized recording community has made it economically and\/or practically
\nunfeasible to do business here any longer.<\/p>\n
We recently had conversations with recording colleagues in the San Francisco
\nbay area. They are describing the video game work using the new AFM buyout
\nagreement as happening \u201chand over fist.\u201d <\/p>\n
It seems the RMA\u2019s stunt with the Simpsons Video Game sessions (Advocating
\nthat members not play the VG sessions under the new AFM contract, leading to
\nhalf the orchestra canceling, and thus forcing the project to go to San Francisco.)
\nis the blunder that just keeps on taking from us. It has led to composers\u2019 fearing
\nthe RMA and it\u2019s apparent ability to sabotage future sessions. Now THAT\u2019S
\nmaking production \u201crun away\u201d. Thank, RMA.<\/p>\n
====================<\/p>\n
III. WRAPUP OF OCTOBER 22nd MEETING<\/p>\n
Though the Committee\u2019s recommendation for Secretary-Treasurer was not
\nelected, the rank and file still got a great deal done in funding anew the
\nadvertising for our services and putting in accountability for getting certain
\nsteps done. It\u2019s the closest thing to a win-win for the RMA and rank-and-file
\nwe\u2019ve had.<\/p>\n
People seemed somewhat encouraged by the Website demo, but the
\nmost common comment we got was, \u201cHow much money did we spend
\nto get to this point?\u201d Still, it is a step in the right direction.<\/p>\n
The Referral Service Committee (Chairperson Lisa Haley, Marcy Vaj, Ed
\nVodicka and Kirk Smith), did a great job of passing motions in
\nthe member services direction. <\/p>\n
FIRST RS COMMITTEE REPORT SHELVED FOR THREE YEARS<\/p>\n
It\u2019s worth noting that the first report by the original referral service
\ncommittee was submitted three years ago (2004) and was promptly ignored
\nby the administration. Your votes on October 22nd hopefully guarantee they will
\nnot be ignored again.<\/p>\n
We\u2019ll be giving you updates on what the administration has and has
\nnot done.<\/p>\n
MAKING A LIST, CHECKING IT TWICE<\/p>\n
It was interesting to see Sandy DeCrescent and others from the RMA making
\nlists of who attended the general meeting and, perhaps, who did not. There were
\nobvious \u201crequests\u201d made of RMA members to attend solely to assure a certain
\nresult in the election. <\/p>\n
Whether this bloc really wanted to help transact Local business or not is more
\nthan evidenced by the fact that almost all of the RMA members left the moment
\nthe vote was over. Further, some people were so disconnected from the true
\nnature of the vote that a couple actually wrote in “Kathy” Lashinsky. .<\/p>\n
If you have other comments or observations on the meeting or feel we have
\nleft out something of import, please let us and our readers know! <\/p>\n
========================================<\/p>\n
IV. CONCERTS AND EVENTS<\/p>\n
Los Angeles Pierce College Department of Music
\nPresents<\/p>\n
THE LOS ANGELES PIERCE SYMPHONIC WINDS
\nUnder the direction of maestro Steven Piazza<\/p>\n
“A Salute to Our Veterans” plus LA Winds Jazz Ensemble<\/p>\n
Two concerts this Sunday, November 11
\nAt the Pierce College Performing Arts Theater
\n 6201 Winnetka Ave.
\nWoodland Hills, CA 91371<\/p>\n
Concerts at 1PM AND 4PM.<\/p>\n
The concert will feature works by Milhaud, Camphouse, GIllingham, Sousa, and the
\nLos Angeles premiere of Charles Fernandez\u2019 \u201cSoldier\u2019s Farewell\u201d.<\/p>\n
Tickets for 2007\/2008 season are available for both the 1:00pm
\nand 4:00pm concerts. Single tickets are $15.00 and can be purchased at the
\n box office on the day of the concerts. For more information contact tickets@lawinds.org<\/p>\n
———————-<\/p>\n
ASMAC presents <\/p>\n
THE SOUNDS OF MOTOWN\u2026 from Detroit to Los Angeles<\/p>\n
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
\n11:30 cocktails, 12noon buffet lunch, 1pm panel<\/p>\n
The Motown sound has made a dramatic impact on almost all music today\u2026
\nand we have four (maybe 5) of the individuals who were integral players in
\nthat transition\u2026 it all started in Detroit\u2026 and the rest is history. Join us
\nfor an exciting panel at our November luncheon \u2013 behind the scenes, impact
\nand stories.<\/p>\n
The Panel will include:
\nMarvin Augustus
\nDavid Blumberg
\nSylvester Rivers
\nAnd will be moderated by composer \/ arranger \/ songwriter \/ producer \/
\nkeyboardist Clarence McDonald <\/p>\n
And we may have a surprise guest panelist!
\nJoin us\u2026. You\u2019ll be glad you did! <\/p>\n
Catalina Bar & Grill
\n 6725 West Sunset Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90028
\n (1 BLOCK E OF HIGHLAND \u2013 north side of street \u2013 corner of McCadden)<\/p>\n
Cost: ASMAC Members & Students $30 \u20ac Guests and all walk-ins $35
\nParking: Valet $3.00 , Enter on McCadden – west side of Catalina\u2019s \u2013 lot at back<\/p>\n
Please make reservations by Tuesday morning, Nov. 13th @ 818\/994-4661<\/p>\n
Or by email to asmac@theproperimageevents.com <\/p>\n
———————<\/p>\n
TONY JONES AT LACMA
\nNovember 16, 2007
\n6:00 PM – 8:00 PM<\/p>\n
Tony Jones brings his sextet to LACMA for the fourth year. His eclectic
\nmix of original jazz and covers of songs from the 1960’s in a jazz
\nframework is very appealing.<\/p>\n
Tony Jones – vocals & percussion
\nJeff Colella \u2013 piano
\nChuck Manning \u2013 saxes
\nJamie Findlay – acoustic and electric guitars
\nRyan McGillicuddy – bass
\nDave Derge – drums<\/p>\n
Drummer Tony Jones, no stranger to all manner of rhythms himself,
\nleads a powerhouse group. Jones will play percussion and sing (hear
\nwhat he does with Nick Drake\u2019s dreamy “River Man”) –Kirk Silsbee,
\nL.A. CityBeat<\/p>\n
Los Angeles County Museum of Art<\/p>\n
5905 Wilshire Boulevard<\/p>\n
Los Angeles<\/p>\n
323-857-6000
\nwww.lacma.org
\nhttp:\/\/www.lacma.org\/programs\/FridayNightJazz.aspx<\/p>\n
http:\/\/www.cdbaby.com\/cd\/tonyj
\nhttp:\/\/www.myspace.com\/tonyjonesvocalproject<\/p>\n
——————-<\/p>\n
Los Angeles Pierce College Department of Music
\nPresents the<\/p>\n
SAN FERNANDO VALLEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
\nJames Domine, Music Director<\/p>\n
In Concert
\nSaturday Evening Nov. 17, 2007 at 8 pm
\nPierce College Performing Arts Theater<\/p>\n
Beethoven Piano Concerto #5 in Eb major (The Emperor)
\nMark Richman, pianist<\/p>\n
James Domine\u2019s Legend for Orchestra
\nInaugural Performance<\/p>\n
General Admission: $25
\nStudents & Seniors: $20
\nChildren under 12: $15
\n For ticket information and group rates call
\n(818) 347-4807
\nvisit our web site: www.sfvsymphony.com<\/p>\n
========================================<\/p>\n
V. COMMENTS<\/p>\n
The comments below are the views of the contributors and not
\nnecessarily those of the COMMITTEE.<\/p>\n
——————–<\/p>\n
Last time we printed this member comment:<\/p>\n
NEWS FLASH! RMALA\/PMG WINS THE RACE TO THE BOTTOM!!<\/p>\n
The top contractor in LA put a call out for a 1 hour demo
\nsession that paid a grand total of $25.00. It paid benefits, too.
\nLeslie is right. You Beck objectors had better re-join the union
\nbefore it gets worse! And stop working buy outs for $75.00 an
\nhour. That’s shameful! RMALA\/PMG is going to take all the work
\nfrom you guys anyway. Hopefully, when that composer makes
\nit big he won’t go to Prague like U know who in the late 80’s.<\/p>\n
That comment prompted this comment from long time Local 47 member.<\/p>\n
Dear Committee:<\/p>\n
This person who made reference to the above demo session is obviously
\nquite disgruntled. Wow! Anyway, as we all know there are two sides to
\nevery story so here\u2019s the rub on the above referenced $25 demo as I was
\nat the session. I can\u2019t be 100% sure this is the one he is making reference
\nto (as he does not give the details) but I\u2019ll give it a go as this information
\nshould get out because it is important anyway.<\/p>\n
A one hour demo session call was indeed put out by Sandy\/Peter for the
\nfollowing purpose: Steve Jablonsky, (already \u201cbig\u201d) Film and TV composer
\n(think \u201cTransformers\u201d and \u201cDesperate Housewives\u201d) and a client of Sandy\/
\nPeter recently lost his 29 year old fianc\u00e9e to cancer and he composed a piece
\nof music he wanted recorded for (I believe) her memorial service. I and many
\nof my string colleagues came to Fox that Wednesday evening not for the $25
\ndollars (note that the AFM does not allow muscians to donate their services so
\nthe session had to put on contract) but to offer a gesture of kindness and a way
\nof showing suppport to Mr. Jablonsky in his time of pain. (Afterall, we all play
\nfor free at memorial services for our fallen colleagues all the time and there have
\nsadly been many this year.)We completed the session in forty minutes. There was
\nno race to the bottom here, just human helping human and I was happy to do it.<\/p>\n
P.S. Evidently, regarding this disgruntled person\u2019s wish of Beck objectors rejoing
\nthe union, his wish is coming true as many are coming back home into the AFM
\nunion fold realizing that NES was just a pipedream.<\/p>\n
—————-<\/p>\n
As of today, a writer’s union strike seems pending. One writer on the news
\ncharacterized the struggle as, “we just want our piece of the pie.”
\nThere is irony here. The Musician’s Union, in a Faustian contract with the RMA,
\nis doing what it can to send most of the pie away so a select faction of players
\ncan continue to fatten themselves on the remaining slice or two.
\nMeanwhile, in union parlance, this is called “runaway” production, a
\ndeliberate deception. “Runaway” implies a behavior problem, as if these
\nproduction companies were adolescent children misbehaving in some
\nway rather than businesses making decisions. It is obvious to anyone with
\na shred of insight that businesses respond to market conditions.
\nIn an effort to ensure their piece of the pie stays Extra Crispy and Sweet,
\nthe RMA with the help of the Espinosa Administration is willing to send
\nthe remaining pie out of town. They are creating business conditions that
\nlead to decisions to take production elsewhere.
\nWhy does the rank-and-file remain servile to the RMA\/47 plantation?
\nApparently most members are “hanging in there,” while some have left
\nfor one reason or another. It is a plantation mentality nonetheless, and
\nwhile voluntary servitude is a choice people have the right to make it
\nraises some disturbing questions.
\nThere has been a suggestion, and it is plausible, that a smaller union might
\nbe a component of RMA strategy to control the marketplace. A weaker
\nunion would be even easier to control, thus serving RMA interests. But
\nfor you who fundamentally believe in unionism, how does this help you, if
\n true?
\nThe RMA\/Espinosa cabal is pursuing policy today that is inconsistent
\nwith market trends. It is “outsourcing” work, a practice I think most readers
\n would be at least apprehensive about. Certainly a finite number among us
\n are benefiting. Do you really think you will be one of them, or do you think,
\nas I do, that the situation will only get worse until it more or less collapses
\nfrom the weight of its own rot?
\nRick Blanc (please attach name)\t<\/p>\n
——————–<\/p>\n
GLOBAL SCORING RESPONSE AND ASSESSMENT<\/p>\n
In response to President Hal Espinosa’s recent global scoring writings
\nwe have to look back in order to look forward. Globalization is a reality
\nfor all businesses and needs to be addressed.<\/p>\n
Look at the mess we are in. Composers are forced to sign non-union,
\nno scoring in LA contracts. This is so because there are other scoring
\noptions other than LA now. Union are members quitting and giving up
\non the union and the legit
\nrecording scene. Union members are fighting with other union members
\ninstead of uniting. The flood of recording work leaving town continues
\nto happen with no solution.<\/p>\n
Hal, the time to address the global scoring issues was back in 1995
\nwhen composer Michael Kamen (AFM, local 47 & RMA member)
\ncame back from Seattle with two film scores called Mr. Holland’s Opus
\nand Die Hard III with a Vengeance.<\/p>\n
THAT was the time that the AFM, Local 47 and the RMALA needed
\nto look at the the possible future outsourcing of recording work normally
\ndone here in LA. Was the answer to penalize and chastise Kamen for going
\nup there and coming back down here with unencumbered scores? Was it the
\nanswer to bust the film company because they did what they did?……both
\nhard to say – maybe strength back then would have prevailed? Hard to say
\nthat lowering the wages was the answer either – a low budget contract with
\nstrings attached only works some of the time. Giving up total residuals back
\nthen probably wasn’t the answer either. Maybe a reduction in the amount or
\nlength of residuals would have retained employers? BUT, the answer was
\nto LISTEN back then to the employers needs and get them to the bargaining
\ntable and NEGOTIATE something that worked for both sides. It was THEN,
\ntwelve years ago that the issue had to be addressed. It was evident that the
\nold business models were changing.<\/p>\n
We are now at TWELVE years or more with a proven successful business
\nmodel up in Seattle and the hardest proposition to employers NOW……..
\nis to stay in LA and record with a union contract with possible back end.
\nWe as a union had a MUCH better chance in 1995 to come up with a solution
\n………now we are a mess.<\/p>\n
How stupid and shortsighted is the AFM, local 47 and all of us to have
\nliterally sent work away and trained other cities to do the work that originated
\nin LA. We have all sat by and watched Seattle become very good at playing
\nwith a click, playing various styles of music, etc, etc. And if you think they
\nare not busy you are DEAD wrong. A recording engineer I just worked with
\nlast week on a low budget AFM movie was headed for Seattle the day after
\nour session. I was able to talk to him after he arrived back in LA. Seattle is
\nworking EVERY day they are not rehearsing or having a concert with the
\nSeattle Symphony. Their biggest, cheaper competitor is Prague at the moment.
\nShortly, Prague will be as good as Seattle if work keeps going over there too.<\/p>\n
I resigned from the union (since RE-INSTATED) NOT to work non-union
\nsessions with that non-union scoring company. They can’t get any work
\nbecause no employer wants to be associated with them right here in Los Angeles.
\nSeattle is successful because it is not here in LA. I resigned because I wanted
\npeople to ask me why I did. I wanted to let them know that I was completely
\nfed up with the in-justices happening in our scoring community. I am the biggest
\nflag waver and martyr for the AFM and local and it was quite a shock to many
\nwhen I was printed as resigned….”you resigned”? I am rabid in my efforts to
\nget contracts signed for recording and live jobs. I get local 47 health insurance
\nand believe in the pension fund. I actually LOSE some jobs because I insist on
\nunion benefits. My biggest fault is that I may be the only guy publicly speaking
\nout the truth about what’s going on and it is only falling on deaf ears.<\/p>\n
So what do we do now, here in the present to affect the future of our precious
\nrecording jobs? I say hire an outside, independent consulting firm to do an
\neconomic study of our current problem and do whatever they recommend.
\nDon’t argue with it and don’t ignore it. Let’s put aside our own personal agendas
\nand move forward with a solution.<\/p>\n
—————-<\/p>\n
If “Musicians for a Better Administration” is an org for a “Better Administration,”
\nshouldn’t that mean they’re going to fix the corruption and bending of Bylaws by
\nour Officers? That I’d like to see. <\/p>\n
—————-<\/p>\n
Hello _______, <\/p>\n
QUOTE FROM THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER: <\/p>\n
“Recording work dues support not just the electronic media department headed
\nby John Acosta, but also live performances and referral services, busines reps
\nand infrastructure, in fact, all the benefits and services our local provides for
\nus. Just think of all the things we can do when we get our money back.” <\/p>\n
This is an excerpt of a quote from the Hollywood Reporter. Apparently the
\nRMALA\/PMG thinks the AF of M owes them a million in recording work
\ndues sent to AF of M by mistake. Now, think of the union closing down the
\nreferral service and then think about this quote.
\n\u201cWhere are your brains? You are not sheep….you\u2019re lemmings. You\u2019re too scared
\nto put your ass on the line. You\u2019re too stupid to read your own Overture, let alone
\nthe Reporter, and find out what your leadership has to say. Trust me, it’s not good.
\nThere is a reason why you are supposed to take a class in critical reading when you
\ngo to college. There IS no referral service! I would really love to hear some details
\nabout the ‘infrastructure’ as well. That’s a big word. Is any official from 47 or the
\nRMALA\/PMG ready to go on record? Probably not. You may think it’s okay to lie.
\nI don’t.<\/p>\n
==================<\/p>\n
Until next time!,<\/p>\n
THE COMMITTEE FOR A MORE RESPONSIBLE LOCAL 47<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
WRITER’S STRIKE\/SEATTLE-SAN FRAN\/WRAPUP\/CONCERTS\/COMMENTS I. WRITER\u2019S STRIKE BEGINS-HOW YOU CAN HELP II. FILM MUSIC TO SEATTLE\/VIDEO GAME MUSIC TO SAN FRAN III. WRAPUP OF OCTOBER 22nd MEETING IV. CONCERTS AND EVENTS V. COMMENTS ==================== I. WRITER\u2019S STRIKE BEGINS-HOW YOU CAN HELP Every day this week there have been quite a few picketers outside of 20th Century […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-67","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-committee-newsletters"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=67"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=67"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=67"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=67"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}