Aloha members of Local 665,
In the next few months, we’ll be championing our film tax incentive in the state legislature. As you go through your day, you may hear people wondering why our film tax incentive is so important, why should we have it, and what does it even do for Hawai’i besides spend public funds. Attached, you’ll find a simplified version of the money our industry brings to Hawai’i and simple steps you can take to fight for our industry (the impact on tourism is particularly interesting). This document was prepared by our friend and ally Mericia Palma-Elmore, Executive Director of SAG-AFTRA Hawai’i. Please use these talking points when anyone asks about our industry and take some of these steps to help our industry thrive. Knowledge is power, fam.
Hawai’i Film Incentive Information prepared for the Hawai’i Local Board and Legislative Committee
In Solidarity,
Tuia’ana Scanlan
President, IATSE Local 665
IATSE International Trustee
he/him/his
Aloha members,
At our September 22nd, 2024 General membership meeting we had the honor of presenting 50-year membership certificates to Richard Drake and Michael Pierceall.
Richard was a long-time property master/art director with a lifetime of commercial, film, television and live event experiences. He can be found on the web under Richard Drake photography.
Mike was a longtime stage carpenter/prop maker. He like many of us also worked in many various crafts throughout our industry. Proving that the more skills and knowledge you have the greater you’re work experience will be.
I have worked with both of them numerous times over the years and it was always a pleasure
On behalf of the membership
All the Best,
Shawn Christensen
Photo Richard Drake(L) Tuia’ana Scanlan(C) Michael Pierceall(R)
The IATSE Diversity Committee remains steadfast in its mission to foster diversity and inclusion within the entertainment industry. Our goal for 2024 is to enhance work opportunities for underrepresented groups by addressing persistent systemic barriers and biases. Our initiatives this year are targeted and multifaceted, addressing several strategic areas to promote significant industry change. These include strengthening partnerships with industry stakeholders, expanding professional development programs, intensifying advocacy for representation, and investing in targeted research and data analysis.
Read the full report below.
Congrats to the animation production workers at Disney! The NLRB decision has paved the way to unionize!
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has reached a preliminary three-year agreement with major studios, ending a strike that began in May. This new deal, valued at $233 million per year, includes pay raises, increased health and pension contributions, and novel protections around the use of artificial intelligence in film development and production. Under the agreement, studios will discuss their AI plans with the guild semi-annually, and while AI usage isn’t banned, writers have the right to sue if their work trains AI. The deal also ensures minimum staffing in writers’ rooms, links staffing to the number of episodes per season, and guarantees more than a 12% increase in minimum pay rates over three years. Additionally, there will be higher residuals for international use of TV shows and movies, and bonuses for popular streaming shows. The strike’s resolution allows for the return of daytime and late-night talk shows, though the ongoing SAG-AFTRA actors union strike continues to affect Hollywood.
In a landmark move for the entertainment industry, Visual Effects (VFX) artists from a Walt Disney Studios subsidiary, working on the ‘Avatar’ film series, have filed for unionization with the National Labor Relations Board. This pioneering effort, led by 83 artists across various departments, aims to bring about equitable pay, better working conditions, and sustainable benefits, aligning the VFX sector with other unionized film departments. Spearheaded under the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), this initiative marks a significant step in a broader movement towards recognizing and protecting the rights of VFX workers in the film industry.
