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IATSE Local 695

Production Sound, Video Engineers & Studio Projectionists

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Departments

Education & Training

Hearing Safety

by Laurence B. Abrams

“That Sound Mixer can hear grass grow!”

It’s an expression we’ve heard often, suggesting that the Production Sound Mixer is capable of listening so intently as to be aware of even the slightest and most subtle of sounds. Quite true. Even as developments in digital audio processing provide more tools and methods for suppressing extraneous and unwanted sounds, there is still no substitute for clean tracks … and when they get them, Sound Editors and Producers are thankful for the time and money saved when minimal repair is required.

This type of critical listening relies not just on training and knowing what to listen for but also on healthy ears capable of differentiating a wide range of the audio spectrum. That is why it’s so important to have an informed understanding of how to protect your ears from situations that can cause irreversible and, perhaps, even career-ending hearing damage.

The auditory system is an extraordinarily intricate and fragile mechanism built for the singular purpose of converting acoustic energy into electrical energy. Once transmitted to the brain, this complex surge of electrical pulses is processed and interpreted into the lush tapestry of voices, music and sounds that fill our world.

But this remarkably evolved sensory structure does not always perform fully up to spec. To a hearing specialist, a failure of the auditory system is described as either Conductive Hearing Loss or Sensorineural Hearing Loss. Conductive Hearing Loss can result from the buildup of earwax or from certain diseases and disorders. In such cases, a visit to an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) physician can often provide treatment that will improve hearing.

The prognosis for Sensorineural Hearing Loss, however, is less encouraging. This type of hearing loss is associated with a variety of nerve-based disorders and occurs when one of the two critical components of the auditory system are damaged or compromised. These two mechanisms are the microscopic hair cells of the cochlea, which vibrate in response to the sound waves they are exposed to, and the nerve fibers, which transmit electrical signals to the brain. This type of hearing loss usually turns out to be irreversible.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss can be genetic, age-related, triggered by disease and high fever … and it can be caused by excessive and cumulative exposure to very loud noises.

Repeated exposure to loud sound levels permanently damages the microscopic hairs of the cochlea, causing the gradual loss of hearing. This Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) accounts for more than 30% of all cases of permanent hearing loss in the United States. The main factors that impact Noise-Induced Hearing Loss are:

• Loudness

• Duration

• Frequency

Loudness, of course, is measured in decibels (dB). The decibel is a logarithmic unit of measurement, which is to say that an increase of 10dB indicates that the sound levels and the air pressures have become 10 times more intense. In a qualitative sense, however, that same tenfold increase in sound pressure tends to be perceived as though it were only about twice the loudness. This deceiving difference between actual change in loudness and perceived change in loudness makes it all too easy to be unaware of potentially harmful sound levels. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that one’s perception of loudness diminishes significantly after prolonged exposure. The longer damaging noise levels are present, the greater the risk … and yet the less likely you are to notice that the levels are so high as to endanger your hearing.

Damage to the ear can be caused either by very loud sounds in short duration (such as gunshots) or by moderately high-volume sounds that are longer in duration. At first glance, that message is fairly intuitive … the louder the noise, the less time your ears can tolerate exposure to it before some degree of damage occurs. But the chart below reveals the reality about the nonlinear relationship between levels and exposure.

With just a 3dB increase in sound levels, the safe exposure time is cut in half … and each subsequent increase of 3dB cuts the safe time by yet another half. To put this into real-world perspective:

• With an average output of about 80dB, you can let the alarm clock ring all day long.

• A lawn mower putting out about 90dB can begin to cause hearing loss in a little more than two hours.

• Turn on the leaf blower at 102dB and you’re beginning to damage your unprotected ears after only about seven minutes.

• Some rock concerts are as loud as 120dB but even a more tame concert at 110dB starts to induce hearing damage in LESS THAN TWO MINUTES.

• A jet takeoff at 140dB? Do the math.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss is cumulative and the higher frequencies are usually the first to go. You might not notice it after a single occurrence, but the effect is additive over time. Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is another consequence of this type of hearing damage. While some of these symptoms are temporary, with a limited degree of recovery within 24 to 48 hours, the unfortunate truth is that all those rock concerts you attended in your carefree youth probably did chip away at your hearing. The only thing you can do about it now is to take measures to prevent it from getting worse.

Here are some things that you can do to reduce further hearing damage:

• Be aware that noises above 85dB can begin to cause hearing damage after prolonged or repeated exposure.

• Sounds very much louder than 85dB should be avoided whenever you can.

• Don’t run the gain on your headphones any louder than you absolutely need to and perhaps reduce the headphone level a little bit when the camera’s not rolling.

• When there is something loud happening on set, like Ritter fans or gunshots or trains or loud machinery, let your closed-ear headphones provide you with some protection by muffling the sound a little bit and consider using foam earplugs when practical.

• After periods of exposure to loud sounds, give your ears a chance to rest and recover with a 15-minute break far from the noise source.

• It may be too late for you to undo the past damage but make sure to tell your kids that with ear buds plugged tightly into the auditory canal, their mobile phones and MP3 players need to be operated at safe levels at all times. And remind them that foam earplugs are cheap and easy to bring to music concerts and that there’s nothing at all “uncool” about wearing them … in fact, if you look closely, you’ll see that almost every rock musician performing on the stage today wears a custom set of noise-suppressing earplugs at every performance.

Good hearing is essential for the work we do. Take measures to protect your ears from prolonged exposure to sound levels above 85dB. If you suspect that your hearing has diminished, see a physician who specializes in hearing disorders. Further information and advice about maintaining good hearing health and safety can be found on the website of the House Ear Institute at http://www.hei.org. Most importantly, be smart and protect your ears whenever you can.

News & Announcements

​News & Announcements

MPTF Kicks Off the “Every Member Counts” Campaign

The Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF), along with the IATSE, have introduced the “Every Member Counts” fundraising and volunteer program. “Every Member Counts” wants to make union members aware that volunteering and contributions are needed to keep the Fund alive.

The Motion Picture & Television Fund was created in 1921 for the purpose of providing a safety net for those in the industry who need it the most. It is supported by fellow entertainment industry members who have contributed to the Fund, knowing that if they were ever in a tight spot, the MPTF would be there for them too. The MPTF provides an array of services for eligible industry members, including emergency financial assistance, charitable services, social services, retirement living, senior care and services, counseling, childcare and more.

At the “Every Member Counts” launch event on June 15, 2011, the membership of Local 695 was represented by Business Rep James Osburn and Executive Board members Elizabeth Alvarez, Scott Bernard, Dean Striepeke, Peggy Names and Susan Moore-Chong, held at the Motion Picture & Television Fund’s Wasserman campus in Woodland Hills. Before beginning a tour of the campus, Local 695 projectionist and retired IATSE Gold Card member Frank Fassnacht, a resident at the MPTF facility, spoke to the attendees about how vitally important MPTF services have been to him and to so many others in the motion picture and television industry.

In addition to contributions, volunteerism is another important way to help the Fund. For the past several years, Local 695 boom operator Mark Musella has been volunteering his time at the Motion Picture and Television Home in Woodland Hills as a “pool buddy,” assisting elderly patients getting in and out of the pool and also as a “fitness buddy” in MPTF’s state-of-the-art gym, helping patients who are exercising with weights and the fitness machines. Mark says the youngest people there are in their 80s and are a very interesting and diverse group who have worked in all areas of the television and film industry. Speaking at the launch event, Mark explained that he has developed great relationships with some of the patients, and says, “I get much more back than I give.” (See the text of Mark Musella’s presentation to the right.)

Volunteer opportunities include MPTF Advocate Volunteers, Channel 22 (a closed-circuit resident TV station), Computer Tutors, Rebuilding Together & Home Safe Home Programs, Phone Buddies, Pet Care Program, Friendly Visitors, Grocery Shopper and Pool Buddies/ Fitness Floor Buddies to name just a few. Donations to the MPTF can be made on a one-time basis or as a payroll deduction.

To find out more information about how you can get involved, please visit www.mptvfund.org/ia

Presentation by Mark Musella, Local 695 Boom Operator

My wife Janice and I had been using the health center on the (Woodland Hills) campus for 30-plus years but never had much contact with any of the residents.

When the Saban Center for Health and Wellness opened, we happened in and got a tour of the facility. During our visit a resident using the gym asked, “What are the young people doing here?” We looked around to see what the young people were up to. Turns out it was us (I’m 62, my wife, a year younger). I decided I could hang out there. We both joined the gym and started attending regularly.

We started interacting with the residents, which erased any fears I had of aging. Watching the grace with which the elders live their lives is amazing. Always easy to start a conversation. Just have to ask, “What did you do in the industry?”

An opportunity to volunteer arose. I have been rather fortunate in life and thought, here’s a chance to give something back. We have always supported the fund monetarily, but here was a chance to give some time. I’m still working on the giving part— I have received a heck of a lot more than I have ever given.

I volunteer as a “pool buddy” and “fitness buddy.” Pool buddies accompany those who need a little assistance in the Saban Center pool. 

They arrive in their walkers or wheelchairs. Once in the pool, they are free of their physical constraints and move around unhindered.

My most memorable pool buddy is a guy who is somewhere in his 80s. He was from upstate New York originally. He floats like a cork. I’m a good swimmer but wear a belt in case I have to help someone out of the water. This guy had no belt on and I still had to work to keep up with him as he swam around. Finally, he took a break. Flipped on his back; both hands behind his head all 10 toes sticking out of the water as he floated. Told me as a boy he used to enjoy swimming with his buddies in the quarries in upstate New York. In that moment, I could clearly see him as a kid, not the 80-plus man in front of me.

I’m also a fitness buddy in the state-of-the-art Saban Center gym. I assist people with their workout and on the equipment.

This is where I met Chester Duncan, retired prop master, and member of Local 44. He immediately became my inspiration. If I’m fortunate enough to reach his age, I hope I’m in his condition. Hard to tell his age by looking at him but I learned he was 93. He was a lucid, fit, happy-go-lucky, go-with-the-flow kind of guy. Prided himself on knowing and greeting everyone by name. Everyone knew his name. He lived in the cottages and walked to the Saban daily. We’d have some conversation and workout.

As the years passed, he started to arrive using a walker. A little less workout and more conversation. Eventually, he started arriving on a scooter. As he approached 96, he moved from the cottages to the Frances Goldwyn Lodge—still making the daily trip on his scooter.

As 97 approached, he started to slow down a bit. Debra Greenwood (manager, Aquatic & Fitness Center) put together a workout routine Chester could do in his room. The highlight of my morning was going to his place for morning workout. After awhile, more conversation less workout.

He made his ‘97th birthday but was rapidly declining. I had met his daughter when she had some personal things to take care of and asked if I could spend the morning with him. Of course, I said yes. She was afraid he’d wake up and be alone. (I, too, quite frankly, was concerned he might slip away alone.) I sat with him, he’d wake up for three or four minutes, greet me with “Well. hello there, Mark,” then drift off to wherever he was headed. Never should have been concerned about him being alone either. Not 10 minutes would pass before someone stuck their head in the door to check on him. Staff from the floor, as you would expect; staff from all other parts of the campus, not what you would expect, and various other volunteers. Chester was not alone and was never going to be alone.

He passed away the next morning with his daughter in attendance.

Taught me one last lesson. I had a fear of growing old and being “put in a home.” Motion Picture Home is not “a” home or “the” home. It’s just home.

Easy concept for my IA associates to grasp. We spend our working day watching out for our union brothers and sisters.

The Motion Picture Home is where we look out for our moms and dads.


Healthcare Options

Very low-cost partial coverage for members not currently qualified for the Health Plan
A new program called “Bridge to Health” offers limited healthcare services to members who have not accrued enough hours to qualify for the Motion Picture Health Plan. Available to members and their dependents age 13 and up, office visits cost only $25 and lab services and X-rays are free when performed at the Motion Picture clinics. For complete details and eligibility information, see www.mptvfund.org/page.aspx?pid=528

Full healthcare for members who did not qualify
The Industry Advantage Health Plans offer members the chance to purchase full medical coverage using the doctors and resources of the Motion Picture & Television Fund. For details, see www.mptvfund.org/health-plans

“Health Wheels” takes healthcare on location
“Health Wheels” is a 33-foot mobile health center with two well-equipped private examination rooms and staffed with a doctor and licensed vocational nurse. “Health Wheels” is available to members covered by the Health Plan as well as members participating in the “Bridge to Health” program (see above). To find out where Health Wheels will be next, visit the Health Wheels page at www.mptvfund.org/health-wheels


CSATF Environmental Safety

All Local 695 members must take the A-2 Environmental Safety course by October 31, 2011. This course covers a wide range of subjects, including studio lot & location safety, heat illness, severe weather, disaster/emergency response, environmental awareness, transportation of dangerous goods, electrical safety, and workplace cleanliness.

This is a required course as part of the Safety Pass program. Don’t risk any job opportunities by not completing the A-2 course by October 31. More information and sign-up is at www.csatf.org


2012 Membership Directory

The deadline for submitting information to the 2012 Local 695 Membership Directory is October 2. If you’ve already entered your info, all previously submitted data will remain intact (presuming there has not been a break in your membership status) but please take this opportunity to verify and update as needed. The new edition will be published in December. To update or review your info, go to www.local695.com/mbr/dir-review2.php


Wages Increase 3%

On July 31, 2011, minimum wages on the Local Basic Agreement increased 3%. Rate cards are available at www.local695.com/mbr/contract.php


Union Cards

Local 695 wants to remind you that they are making more set visits, and they will ask to see your union card to verify membership. Please remember to keep your union card with you at work.


Production Tracking Database

Our database helps us protect the contract and protect your job. To enhance its effectiveness, it’s important that you submit your job information now and each time you take a job. www.local695.com/mbr/jobreport.php


Photos from the annual BBQ

Hosted by 695 members Michael (Kriky) Krikorian and Seth Gilbert


In Memoriam

HAROLD “BILL” VARNEY
Re-recording Mixer
Jan. 22, 1934 – April 2, 2011

PETER A. GREGORY
Projectionist
Oct. 24, 1948 – Feb. 7, 2011

DONALD R. HANSARD SR.
Projectionist
Sept. 4, 1925 – Oct. 3, 2010

From the Business Respresentative

In Perspective

“A chicken in every pot and a car in every garage.”

When at the age of 7, and invited into the sanctuary of my grandmother’s bedroom, two elegantly framed portraits were displayed on the east wall.  One portrait was that of Pope Pius XII and the other portrait was Franklin Delano Roosevelt, then President of the United States.

I had acquired a certainty for the purpose why Pope Pius XII was so commemorated having attended Catholic elementary. I was uncertain about President Roosevelt’s portrait and as is my nature, I inquired.

Grandmother confirmed he was the man we listen to on the radio giving his fireside chats. More importantly, my grandmother held Mr. Roosevelt in high esteem because of his advocacy of the “Second Bill of Rights,” which he presented in his State of the Union Address on January 11, 1944. President Roosevelt argued the “political rights” guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights had proven inadequate to protect and assure workers equality in the pursuit of happiness.
 

The remedy Mr. Roosevelt advocated was an “Economic Bill of Rights” which would guarantee every American the following:

•  Employment, with a living wage

•  Freedom from unfair competition and monopolies

•  Housing

•  Medical Care

•  Education

•  Social Security Retirement

That visit to my grandmother’s room was some 66 years past. President Roosevelt’s “Economic Bill of Rights” was broadcasted the year before and, at the time, it was considered futuristic, extraordinarily progressive.

I totally understand my grandmother’s reverence of President Roosevelt, especially today when so many Americans are beneficiaries of his foresight and what he accomplished. Yet this matter is again at the forefront of our concerns today.

I would appreciate hearing from you concerning your concerns on this matter. You may find President Roosevelt’s January 11, 1944, State of the Union Message to Congress at http://www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu/archives/address_text.html  And you may e-mail me at Jim@local695.com Keep apprised, best wishes.

Fraternally,
James A. Osburn, CAS
Business Representative
Executive Director

Lobbying AB 1069

Visiting a set these days, there’s hardly any eye contact. Heads are titled down, and a ghostly light frames their faces. It seems like everyone on production is living in their own solitary world. They’re all staring at their PDAs, iPhones, Droids, Androids, tablets, iPads, either texting, reading emails, surfing the Web or occasionally, making phone calls.

The Web has taken over and virtually anything in print can be found there. That’s why this publication and all the back issues are available to you 24/7 right here.

You also receive this magazine by mail and frankly, there is nothing better. No scrolling, no finger swipes, no expanding the text, just simple dignified page turning. Reading and rereading at your leisure, big and bright, just like the old days.

Members contribute an impressive range of interesting, informative material to each issue. It’s a pleasure to share their experiences with you.

David Waelder continues to explore wireless antenna systems, in this issue it’s transmitting antenas. Scott D. Smith, CAS delves into recording history with another installment of “When Sound Was Reel.” We also have a fascinating interview with Courtney Goodin.

So whether you are reading this on your personal digital assistant or holding this great four-color publication in your hands,
enjoy!

Fraternally,
Eric Pierce, David Waelder
and Richard Lightstone

From the President

From the Business Representative

Ownership…

Recently, I found myself in a Socratic debate with an old friend regarding our responsibility for the survival of the work we create. This came about as our industry is migrating from recording to a stable medium that can be stored in vaults to trading out memory cards that are returned to us and reused. From my perspective, we mixers are among the primary players capturing original performances. We are “laying the bed” for all that follows regarding the dialog and effects, not unlike the creative recording producer in the music world. Up to this point, my friend and I are in agreement. But I take the further position that we also have a responsibility for the long-term survivability of the work we create. I think we need to raise this issue with our clients and employers and encourage them to adopt policies conducive to archival preservation. Acquiescing to a program where recordings exist only as temporary files is, to me, an irresponsible position.

Although sympathetic, and equally concerned about the end result, my friend’s position is quite different. Essentially, once we hand off the goods he believes the full and total responsibility lies with the producers and owners of the end result. Of course, legally and technically, my friend has a point. And the absence of a universally accepted archival storage medium also factors in the argument. But a large part of my disagreement comes from knowledge of how things tend to play out. History shows us clearly that companies and institutions have a poor record of responsibility toward the assets they create and accumulate. Cultural obligations fly out the window when corporate administrations change and the average turnover at film studios is under two years. Forget about hundred-year storage being a concern to the new guys.

By taking an active role in preservation we become participants in a larger community of professionals.  This issue of ownership of consequences has larger implications. Engagement in one issue leads naturally to involvement in others and extends, I hope, to greater involvement with the union and the issues that concern us all. Without participation, ownership can become meaningless. With it, anything is possible.

Warm regards,
Mark Ulano
President, IATSE Local 695

Education & Training

Website: On the importance of getting online

Judging by usage statistics, most of our membership makes great use of the Local 695 web site, with members taking advantage of its content and features on a regular basis.  But for registered members who may have overlooked some of the available features, and also for that smaller group who still haven’t even registered yet, here is some of what you’re missing:

  • News & Announcements – Updated every few days, a good way to keep up with what’s going on.
  • Education and Training – Info about upcoming classes (many free), training resources, online videos, etc.
  • Membership Directory – An excellent way to promote your job skills (updatable in realtime).
  • Available for Work List – Another great way to generate work opportunities or fill openings on your crew (updatable in realtime).
  • Trading work days to get or share hours for healthcare qualification – If you’re worried about being a few days short, this could help.  And for members needing to hire someone for a few days, this is a great place to look.
  • Classified Ads – Free ad listings for 695 members.
  • Health and Safety – Links and information.
  • Online access to the “695 Quarterly” – With archive of previous issues.
  • Discounts – Including cellphone, insurance, mortgage, car buying, travel, entertainment and more.
  • Online Store – Lots of new Local 695 accessories, including mugs, license plate frames, bags, hats, water bottles, wall clocks and more.

Registration only takes about 30 seconds at www.local695.com.

Yet another reason to register is to provide an email address that we can use to send occasional messages with announcements about training and events and other business related to the Local.  Don’t worry… you won’t get bombarded with tons of unwanted email.

PLEASE NOTE:  In the interest of conserving printing supplies and economizing mailing costs, the Local may use email for certain communications.  In order to receive these messages, you must provide a valid email address and see to it that these emails are not being blocked by your spam filters.  In some instances, you may need to add info@local695.com to your “whitelist”.  For those who are already registered on the website but haven’t been online in a while, please log in to make sure that the email address we have for you is still valid.


Production Tracking Database: On the importance of “Calling In” your jobs

Since going online two years ago, the Local 695 Production Tracking Database has made it possible for us collect detailed information on more than 1,800 film and television productions, providing us with instant access to a huge volume of essential information.

This continuously expanding database, allows us to search and cross-reference historical data going back years… an indispensable tool for your Representatives at the Local 695 office.  We use this information to enforce the contracts, to help to ensure that you’ve been paid correctly and with proper contributions made for your health and welfare benefits, to help protect your job and the jobs of your union Brothers and Sisters, and also to support the IA’s continuing efforts to organize non-IA productions and create more union job opportunities for all IA members.  The earlier we know about these non-IA projects, the better chance there is to work with those companies to negotiate an IATSE contract before the project is completed.  In case you haven’t noticed, the organizing team at the IA has been very active lately, with numerous successes on projects both large and small.  Information stored in the Production Tracking Database is vitally important to our support of those efforts.

And if that’s still not enough reason to call in jobs, don’t forget that it’s one of the fundamental responsibilities of your membership in Local 695, as stated in Article Thirteen of the Local 695 By-Laws:

All members shall upon receiving employment immediately notify the Local No. 695 business office either by phone or electronic mail [or Website], when hired and provide the following information;

[a]  The name of the Employer.

[b]  The name of the production, studio and/or laboratory where employed.

[c]  The date[s] of employment assignment.

[d]  The name of the “payroll” company, if used.

[e]  The date of layoff and re-hire.

This pertains to every job that you accept… long-term assignments and day-calls… IA productions and non-IA shoots… films, television, commercials, so-called “reality programming”, sports broadcasting, “webisodes” and other content headed for the internet, documentaries, music videos, political ads… everything.

The next time you accept a job, you can phone the information in to our Office at (818) 985-9204 or you can email it to info@local695.com but the easiest and fastest way to report your job info right now and each time you take a job is to visitwww.local695.com/mbr/jobreport.php.  Just a few clicks and you’re done.  It is extremely helpful if you are also able to submit one of your call-sheets.  Attach the call-sheet with your email, fax it to (818) 760-4681, or the easiest way is to just include the callsheet PDF file with the input form you submit atwww.local695.com/mbr/jobreport.php.

News & Announcements

News & Announcements

In Remembrance

“Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it.”
–Song of Solomon, Chapter, 8 verse 7

Vaya con Dios, Hasta luego mi Amigo.
Your Friends

A Farewell to Gene Cantamessa

Dear Gino,

I’m still stunned by the news of you leaving us. It’s like losing the Grand Canyon or the Mississippi River. You have stood as an icon for generations of sound people, a point of reference for the dignity and respect achievable in our craft. Your passion for the work only surpassed by your passion for life and family.

For me, you have been one of the few bridging personalities from the time before, when giants roamed the studio lots, to the present version of how we ply our trade to survive. You have been one of the very few who kept caring, staying involved, sharing the decades of experience, mentoring the next set of young pups daring to make their mark. You didn’t suffer fools easily, and we loved you for it. You fought for the quality of your work and the protection of your crew and we loved you for it. Your power as a family man, extended to all of us and the joy you experienced watching your son, Steve, carry on your tradition at the highest level and winning his Academy Award, moved many of us to tears, and again we love you for it.

When it came time for you to fight cancer, you did so with grace and positivity, again, setting the example.

I remember the night you were honored by the Cinema Audio Society for your Career Achievement in this work. One of the many famous directors who you supported was there and spoke of your specialness. He commented that if the weather were hot or cold, it was always 10 degrees cooler or warmer wherever you were set up. I also recall your push to the podium to thank your crew on the night you won your much-deserved Oscar; that inspires us to this day. You had an instinct for being in the right place at the right time and doing the right thing.

Not a few of us, will always pause in a tough moment at work and ponder, “What would Gino do?”

Having sat on the Board with you for almost 20 years and partnered in bringing the Local back from the brink, you taught me so much and for this I loved you and will miss you greatly. It seems to me that you never wasted a second.

Fraternally, with all my heart,
Mark Ulano


Creative America is a grass-roots coalition formed by labor unions, guilds, studios and networks, which have launched a nationwide campaign to unite the more than 2 million Americans in all 50 states whose livelihoods are supported by the film and television industry.

As part of the concentrated effort, Creative America has launched a newly redesigned website, www.creativeamerica.org, where visitors can learn more about the impact of content theft on jobs, benefits and future work opportunities. They can also demonstrate support for the passage of important Congressional legislation such as the PROTECT IP Act in the Senate and similar legislation soon to be introduced in the House of Representatives.


Local 695 Swag

In addition to Local 695 T-shirts and hats, we’ve now added mugs, water bottles, bags, clocks and more … delivered straight to your door. Check it out at https://www.local695.com/Quarterly/695-accessories


IATSE-PAC

In June of this year, the IATSEPAC launched the Stand Up, Fight Back campaign to stand up to the recent attacks on our members from antiworker politicians. As you know, recent events have shown that the fight is only going to get tougher as we move closer to the 2012 elections. Among the many issues at risk are collective bargaining and the future of Social Security and Medicare. The IATSE believes that we must stand up to these attacks and ramp up our voice in politics through waging this campaign. The mission of the Stand Up, Fight Back campaign is to increase IATSE-PAC contributions and the IATSE’s commitment to fighting politicians and policies that do not benefit our members. The one way we can make a difference is to be heard loud and clear and our PAC is one of the most important ways to guarantee people in Washington will listen to us. Get more information about the Stand Up, Fight Back campaign at http://www.iatse-intl.org/pac/pac.html


In Memoriam

EDWIN KNOWLES
Production Sound Mixer
May 10, 1922 – July 20, 2011

GENE S. CANTAMESSA
Production Sound Mixer
Feb. 17, 1931 – Nov. 8, 2011

From the Business Representative

From the Business Representative

In Perspective

Photo of James A. Osburn, CAS

As we approach our 82nd anniversary as an important member of the IATSE, providing technical and engineering services for motion picture, television, commercial and new media producers, let me share an important message from International President Matthew D. Loeb.

Fraternally,
James A. Osburn, CAS
Business Representative
Executive Director
 


To All Officers and Members of Local 695 On behalf of all the officers of the IATSE

On behalf of all the officers of the IATSE, I am pleased to write this message to Local 695. In these challenging economic times, our participation in the political process of this country has perhaps never been more important. We will soon enter another election year and the voices of our membership and working families must be heard.

We also have a Hollywood Basic Agreement that takes us into 2012, and it is now up to all of us to do everything we can to keep our members employed and the industry healthy. Although challenges will no doubt arise during the next round of negotiations, I am confident that our collective strength will guide us and allow us to grow and prosper.

Our industry is constantly facing challenges and we have remained strong through good times and bad. Audiences continue to want entertainment, and we are committed to provide it for them in the most creative ways possible while protecting our members.

I am proud to serve as your International President, and I am dedicated to you and all members of this Alliance.

In Solidarity,
Matthew D. Loeb
International President

From the Editors

From the Editors

We are all creatures of habit. Those of us in production, for example, are accustomed to setting up our “office” … our sound and video carts and work areas … in specific and very personal ways.

This familiarity in our workstations allows us to achieve better results by being in control of some of the chaotic elements that bombard us each working day. We often find ourselves in situations that require we work well outside of our comfort zones. There are night shoots, cold and rainy exteriors, noisy environments, extreme heat, run-and-gun shooting and multiple cameras. And, of course, there are the continuously evolving digital production workflows. The incentive to try something new, a different angle, a different approach, an alternate voice, naturally yields uncertainty; some chaos is an integral part of our business. We seek out a comfort zone when we can but, at the same time, thrive on the challenges outside that safe zone. The 695 Quarterly tells the stories behind these challenges. When circumstances demand, we improvise and invent something new.

Our profile of Local 695 Production Mixer Alan Bernard is just one of those stories, chronicling a post-war career path that took Alan from dubbing rooms to awards ceremonies as his career blossomed in the ’60s and ’70s. Willie Burton offers a unique first-person perspective of his amazing experience last summer, when he was asked to lay down his headphones and become a classroom teacher for aspiring young filmmakers in Kenya and Rwanda. Outside the comfort zone, indeed.

We hope you’re in your comfort zone right now, kicked back with this latest issue of the 695 Quarterly. Because time is fleeting, we encourage you to embrace every opportunity to go to a place you’ve never been and do something you’ve never done before. While you’re there, be sure to improvise, create, solve and experience. And when you come back, And
when you come back, we can’t wait to read all about it right here.

Fraternally,
Richard Lightstone
David Waelder
and Eric Pierce

Sound Mixing Emmys

Local 695 congratulates the Emmy recipients for Outstanding Sound Mixing and their production teams

Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (ONE-Hour)

House “Bombshells” FOX
Von Varga, Juan Cisneros, Joseph DeAngelis, Brad North, Ken Strain, Mark Agostino, Bobby Watkins, Laurence Abrams, Linda Murphy

Outstanding Sound Mixing for a MINISERIES or Movie

The Kennedys “Lancer and Lace” ReelzChannel
Henry Embry CAS, Frank Morrone CAS, Stephen Traub, Larold Rebhun, Denis Bellingham, Zack Hunter

Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (Half-Hour) & Animation

Family Guy “Road to the North Pole” FOX
Patrick Clark, James F. Fitzpatrick CAS

Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Variety or Music Series or Special

American Idol “Finale” FOX
Ed Greene CAS, Randy Faustino, Patrick Baltzell CAS, Michael Parker, Gary Long, Brian Riordan CAS, Christian Schrader, Debbie Fecteau, Dennis Mays, Ric Teller, Ryan Young, Billy McCarge

Outstanding Sound Mixing for NONFICTION PROGRAMMING

Deadliest Catch “Redemption Day” Discovery Channel
Bob Bronow, CAS

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IATSE LOCAL 695
5439 Cahuenga Boulevard
North Hollywood, CA 91601

phone  (818) 985-9204
email  info@local695.com

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