IATSE Local 695

Production Sound, Video Engineers & Studio Projectionists

Departments

News & Announcements

COVID-19 Return to Work Agreements

The Hollywood unions announced that a new COVID-19 Return to Work Agreement had been reached with the producers. The new agreement, which will remain in effect until July 15, 2022, includes the following modifications.

  1. Reduced testing in Zones A & B.
  2. Relaxed mask guidelines in most on-set areas.
  3. Increased flexibility for meals & transportation.
    Pre-employment testing, quarantine pay, sick leave, and Employer Vaccination Requirements remain unchanged. Areas in which COVID-19 hospitalizations remain high are subject to a return to earlier RTW protocols. All protocols apply to cast & crew, regardless of vaccination status.

From the Local 695 Young Workers Committee:

After a long hiatus, the Local 695 Young Workers Committee (YWC) is back in action!
In early April, we had our annual Spring Hike at Shoemaker Canyon Road in the Angeles National Forest. Attendance was about ten members, including one prospective member. During the 5-mile hike, members were able to connect with each other, offer mentorship and advice, as well as hear each other’s stories.

With overall goals of education, environmental efforts, and inter-local solidarity, 695 YWC is working on future events that include movie nights, video game nights, and sessions discussing Robert’s Rules to better understand the language of our meetings. On April 16, focusing on the environmental effort and inter-local aspects of our mission, several 695 YWC members participated in the Hollywood IA Young Workers Coordinating Committee’s Nothin’ But Sand Beach Cleanup, hosted by Heal the Bay.

In addition to our cleanups and hikes, we’re trying to engage with our planet in a direct action involving the industry and all of the Hollywood locals.
If you or anyone you know has an interest in green thinking and a penchant for recycling, please reach out for more information!

To connect with 695 Young Workers Committee, please contact us at ywc@local695.com

Safety Bulletin #45

On March 10, Contract Services published Safety Bulletin #45—a guideline pertaining to the practice of rolling long and successive takes on the set. This document was previously a Safety & Awareness Sheet, which has now been upgraded to a full safety bulletin. As digital technology has evolved and removed limitations on how long an individual take can roll before being forced to cut, many cast and crew members have been required to support weighted loads or maintain awkward positions for prolonged periods. Research shows that these practices can lead to severe negative health effects. All members are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the bulletin and present it to producers when asked to perform outlined tasks that can negatively impact their health. A digital copy of the bulletin can be downloaded from the Local 695 website. If you have a safety concern on the set and wish to remain anonymous to the production, please contact the Local so that we may intervene on your behalf.

FROM THE LOCAL 695 WOMEN’S COMMITTEE

We met in March to celebrate Women’s History Month with coffee and conversation at Groundwork Coffee Co. in North Hollywood. We paused for a quick look at a traditional closing salutation, and how change is happening over time to reflect a more inclusive workplace.

RESOLUTION PASSED AT 2021 IATSE CONVENTION!

IATSE has officially changed “Fraternally” to “In Solidarity” in the closing of all official correspondence. In Solidarity resolution passed by unanimous vote of the Women’s Committee March 10, 2021 resolution supporting the use of “In Solidarity” by all IATSE members, Whereas, the Labor Movement grew out of workplace conditions during and after the Industrial Revolution, when the existing workforce was almost exclusively male, and Whereas, Unions emerged to represent those workers with a community of interest often referred to as a “brotherhood,” and Whereas, Unions throughout the movement adopted the formal closing for correspondence and other uses derived from the Latin word “frater” meaning brother, resulting in the terms “Fraternally” or “Fraternally Yours,” and Whereas, the membership of most Unions today reflects a far more diverse representation of the population beyond “brotherhood,” and Whereas, the IATSE Women’s Committee believes that a more inclusive term, In Solidarity, better expresses the community of interest existing in our Unions, now Therefore, be it resolved, that all International Officers, Staff, and Locals of the IATSE, in recognizing and honoring all members with a community of interest, refrain from the use of “Fraternally” and replace it with the term “In Solidarity” as reflected throughout today’s more inclusive Global Labor Movement.

Local 695 Supports Ukraine Safe & Sound

Ukraine Safe & Sound is an organization co-founded by Local 695 members and members of the sound community at large in support of our friends, family, and allies in Ukraine. The organization is raising money to provide life-saving walkie-talkies and satellite phones for medics, volunteers, and evacuation coordinators in the Ukraine. Local 695 recently made a $10,000 donation to support their efforts and encourages all members who are able to do so to chip in their support. For more information, please visit safeandsoundukraine.org.

NEW MEMBERS

Local 695 Welcomes its New Members

Erik Bender A2
Arthur “AJ” Williams A2
Tim Bolish Y-4
Luis Daniel Molina Y-1
Reynaldo Antonio Rodriguez Y-9
Eric LaCour Y-7A
Jonathan Lastra Y-1
Matt Larson Y-1
Eliana Alcouloumre Y-16A
Robert Spence Y-1
Evan Hare Y-16A
Xinyue (Jennifer) Nusbaum Y-7A
Eric Richardson Y-16A
DavidHernandez Y-16A
KyraWestman Y-7A
JoshuaMunoz Y-4
Jeremy Eisener Y-8
Ronnie Spang Projectionist
Taylor Haycraft Y-8
Fahad Salam Y-4
Sam Roberts Y-4
Nicolas Howard Y-13
Jose Ibarra Y-8

Transfer Member
Natasha Fagan (Local 488) on March 18, 2022

LATE & UNREPORTED MPI HOURS

The Local has received complaints of late and unreported MPI Plan hours. All members are encouraged to check their MPI Accounts through the MPI website. If any hours appear to be missing, you can call the support line at (818) 769-0007 ext. 2381 or email support at CPParticipantInquiries@mpiphp.com

In Memoriam

John Mack – Y-1
August 12, 1927 – December 24, 2021

Rocco Zappia Jr. – Y-9
May 20, 1948 – April 8, 2021

Arthur Golden – Y-8
April 2, 1926 – May 8, 2022

Joseph GeIsinger – Y-1
July 16, 1950 – March 15, 2022

Brent Brewington – Y-8
February 24, 1922 – February 24, 2022

Tribute to Joseph Geisinger CAS

In March we received the news that Joseph lost his battle with pancreatic cancer.

Todd Bassman
Joseph was a remarkable man in many ways and a top-level Production Mixer. He was the kind of guy that could teach you something without you ever knowing you had been taught. Because of his professional demeanor, empathy, and respect for others, if we needed help from another department to record a clean track, they were happy to assist us. We could be in our 16th hour at 5 a.m. on a Fraterday, and he would still have a positive attitude. I feel so fortunate that I got to spend the last twenty years of my career working with him. A kind, thoughtful, talented man that will be missed by all that knew him.

Raul Bruce
From a Boom Operator’s perspective, Joseph was no doubt the finest mixer I ever had the chance to work with. His knowledge, decency, and respect for the people who worked with him was unmatched.

Randy Johnson
Joe and I started out as boom men about the same time, in the ’70s. We frequently traded jobs back-and-forth. His dry wit always made me laugh. Toward the end of his booming career, I had a few days of a reshoot job to mix, and Joe was nice enough to boom for me.
I guess I must have pestered him too much about positions and mic placement, because he finally snapped back. “You can’t take the boom man out of the mixer, can you?!”
Joe went on to a stellar career as Production Mixer and I was lucky enough to have worked with him a bit along the way. My impression of Joe was that he always glided through life with a wry smile on his face. Kinda like the jazz he always loved to play. All wonderful improvisation.

Gigi Coello Bannon
Criminal Minds Co-Executive Producer

Joseph Geisinger was an incredible human being. He was our sound mixer who recorded our dialogue for Criminal Minds for all fifteen seasons!
He would often sit in my office to inform me about any sound challenges I should expect and then we would inevitably settle into deep, heartwarming, illuminating conversations about life, family, children, and health.

He was such a kind man, which you could tell right away by just looking into his eyes, even though he hid them by always sporting the COOLEST, most fashionable and hippest eyeglasses! He was one of those guys who was sweet to the core, honest, no BS, and very real. I don’t think there’s anyone he came into contact with who didn’t automatically like him. He had a great, dry sense of humor and would always bring a smile to anyone’s face!
He was also gentle and he stayed far away from confrontation of any kind because that was simply not for him. We had a very strong mutual admiration and respect for each other. I can’t believe you’re gone and you are sorely missed Joseph.
May you rest in peace in heaven surrounded by your angels.

Ed Moskowitz CAS
Joseph was the personification of the concept of mensch. Whether you knew him as a phenomenal guitar player or an accomplished Production Sound Mixer, once you met him and knew him, it was obvious he was a gentleman, good friend, and a loving and caring individual. I was fortunate to call him my friend for decades. His optimism and spirit will be missed.

Richard Lightstone CAS AMPS
Joseph was a fantastic musician, an incredible guitar player, he was a friend and colleague for thirty-four years. His feature credits include Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Beverly Hills Cop III, The Jungle Book (1994), Showgirls, Starship Troopers, Hollow Man, Spider-Man 2, where he received an Oscar nomination (2005). Joseph mixed all fifteen seasons of Criminal Minds.

He always had time for his friends and the people in his life; unflinching, he really listened, combined with his wry sense of humor, always ready to help—no matter what. Rest in peace, dear Joseph, you will be sadly missed.

Our Contributors

Dave Henri


Dave Henri started his career in the mailroom at Universal and misses driving his golf cart through the backlot ice tunnel at lunch.  He is a 20-year veteran of Local 695 as a Video Playback Engineer and is the founding partner of Modern Motion Pictures. 

Paul Ledford CAS

“Crater”


Paul Ledford is a Louisiana-based production mixer who followed his passion for films with Steven Soderbergh exploring Super 8 films together in the late ’70s. He started his professional career as a commercial editor, post supervisor and sound recordist in 1980. Shifting to spend more time in production, in 1986 with the encouragement of Keith Wester and Randy Johnson joined the IATSE Local 695.

Amber Maher


Amber has worked in Los Angeles on multiple Emmy and Oscar Award winning television shows and films. She is an avid learner and there is no puzzle she won’t solve. Amber loves being a Video Assist Engineer as it balances out her need to problem solve while being part of the creative filmmaking process.  

Vadym Medvediuk


Vadym Medvediuk, born and raised in Western Ukraine. Studied journalism and film in Krakow, Poland. A bit of a traveler, a bit of an artist, a bit of a video engineer. Recently joined Local 695 as a video assist trainee. You can meet him surfing at Topanga Beach or Sunset Beach.

Ric Teller


I’ve been very fortunate in my more than forty years working in television, going places and doing things that a kid from a small town in Nebraska could not have imagined.

Mark Weingarten CAS


Born and raised in New York City, his love of films and filmmaking
brought him to NYU’s Tisch School of The Arts in the late 1970’s. Taking an internship as an assistant Sound Editor turned into a full-time sound editing job, which led to learning to use a mono Nagra. Offered to mix a movie in LA in 1990, Freddy’s Dead, and he has never looked back.

Anna Wilborn


Anna Wilborn is an L.A. native and second-generation sound mixer with 24 years in the film industry. A USC grad, guitar player and kick ass karaoke singer, she’s traveled the world and has had more fun than should be legal. Some if it probably wasn’t.

From the Business Representative

There is a thrill and an exhilaration to organizing workers, standing up to corrupt employers, and fighting for the values of our union. Every picket line is a new opportunity to meet new people and learn their stories. It reinforces why the work that we do is so important, especially when an employer chooses to single out a single group of underrepresented people and deny them the respect of a living wage and humane working conditions.

Some of you might already be familiar with the story of the Atlanta Opera. This historic organization has been embroiled in controversy since the women working as hair and makeup artists voted to organize under the jurisdiction of IATSE Local 798. Historically, the women working in this department have been classified as independent contractors, with no right to organize or bargain to seek better terms of employment. In the midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic, these women decided that it was time to stand up and demand what they were owed: a living wage, safe working conditions, and (most importantly during a global health crisis) healthcare benefits. Incidentally, the Atlanta Opera is an IATSE house when it comes to their stagehands, but apparently hair & makeup was a bridge too far. The opera declared the vote invalid, slashed the wages of those working in the hair & makeup department, and appealed their case to the federal National Labor Relations Board office in Washington D.C. The organization publicly declared that they didn’t have the money to pay their workers appropriate wages and benefits while privately reporting that their fundraising had tripled since the start of COVID and that they had emerged from the pandemic “stronger than ever.”

So on April 29th, Communications Director James Delhauer and I flew to Atlanta to stand in solidarity with Local 798 and the workers at the Atlanta Opera. The protest was held on opening night of the opera’s new season, and we wanted the patrons to know what sort of establishment they were supporting; that the opera doesn’t respect the talents of the workers who bring their performances to life. We were joined by representatives from Local 600, Local 479, Local 52, the Teamsters, the IATSE International, and even the AFL-CIO in support of Local 798. International President Matt Loeb and Vice Presidents Mike Miller & Phil LoCicero made appearances, standing side-by-side with us as we spoke with workers and patrons of the opera to discuss the situation inside.

(But the most important attendee, by far, was Scabby the Rat, who loomed over the proceedings with the sort of stoic determination that only an inflatable balloon can have.)

Local 695 stands with Local 798 and the Hair & Makeup Artists of the Atlanta Opera.”

I came back to California, reinvigorated in Local 695’s mission to support the lives and careers of Production Sound, Video, and Projection workers. I’m eager to continue our fight for living wages, sustainable futures, humane working conditions, diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect. It is important to celebrate our achievements so far, but also to recognize that we have much left to accomplish.

In Solidarity

Scott Bernard
Business Representative

From the Editors

Welcome, we have a wealth of content for you in the summer issue. Mark Weingarten writes about the challenges of Top Gun: Maverick and Paul Ledford explains the use of Clear-Com across all departments and the young cast in the making of the film Crater.

Vadym Medvediuk, a Y-16A trainee, shares his journey as a Ukrainian journalist, then a political asylum seeker in America to a trainee in the world of Star Trek in “From Ukraine to the Final Frontier.”
Anna Wilborn describes how her work as a Utility Sound Technician paved the way for her decision to move up to production mixing in “Sound Mixer: A Family Business.”

With “Modern Motion Pictures,” Dave Henri brings us into his company with fellow partner, Chris Cundey, who create tools for on-set Local 695 Video Engineers.

Amber Maher takes us behind the scenes of Star Trek: Picard and the unprecedented level of streaming required to safely produce big-budget television in “The Queen of Stream.”

Ric Teller continues to regale us and we salute the passing of longtime Production Mixer Joseph Geisinger CAS.

Editors,
Richard Lightstone CAS AMPS & James Delhauer

News & Announcements

FROM THE LOCAL 695 WOMEN’S COMMITTEE

We’ve been very busy here at the Local 695 Women’s Committee.

695 Women’s Committee Chair Jennifer Winslow and Co-chair Anna Wiborn enjoy the holiday social.

As so many of us were back to work in full force, we had a lot to pack into our last quarter meetings. November brought an educational seminar to our membership called “Words Matter.” We had a great teacher in Lucia Aloi, IATSE National Women’s Committee coordinator, and East Coast member of IATSE. Lucia condensed her years of research into an intelligent PowerPoint presentation, teaching us that the words we choose can have an enormous impact on our lives and careers. She reminded us to communicate with power and use our words wisely, that there are strong words and weak words. Finding strength in expressing ourselves can truly affect the trajectory of our lives and careers for the better. Attendees were then invited to join in a spirited discussion during the second hour of our Zoom meeting. It was fascinating to hear our different experiences and perspectives, and all agreed it was an invaluable workshop. Thanks to all participants who helped make this meeting a reality.

Contact the committee at womenscommittee695@gmail.com for more information.

December was a time to reflect, gather, and to give to those less fortunate. It was also a time to celebrate the holiday season with our Local 695 sisters, brothers, and allies with an all-member holiday social at Laurel Tavern, organized by Co-chair Anna Wilborn. Attendance was high and spirits were most definitely bright! We collected cash donations for The House of Ruth, a local Los Angeles shelter for women and children who have been the victims of abuse. We raised more than three hundred dollars! We’re really excited to continue the Women’s Committee mission of helping our community in the future. We sincerely thank all attendees for opening their hearts and wallets.

Mixer Roger Stevenson; Utility Sound Technician Yvette Marxer; Mixer & 695 Trustee Shawn Holden; and Boom Operator Randy Johnson delighting in the
holiday cheer at the December social.

Many thanks also go to Gene Martin at Audio Department, and Tino Libertorie and Brenda Lynne Klemme from K-Tek for their generous donations to our holiday social raffle. Eight lucky members took home fifty-dollar Audio Department gift cards. Ryan Peterson was the winner of a nine-inch K-Tek Mighty Boom Pole, while a very smart, yet-to-be-released Stingray Utility Hip Pouch went to Shawn Holden. K-Tek and Audio Department’s support of the Women’s Committee means the world to us.

Looking ahead: The 695 Women’s Committee is working to bring more educational, work-related, and social events to Local 695. We are a committee of more than fifty members, strong and growing. Our goal is to double our membership numbers in 2022! Please join us.

Best wishes for a wonderful new year.

695 SURVEYS

The Local 695 office has started sending out a series of surveys to the membership via SurveyMonkey. These questionnaires are an important way for you to communicate your needs to your representatives. Please keep an eye out for them in your inbox and take the time to fill them out so that the staff may serve you better.

STAFFING CHANGES

Assistant Business Representative Heidi Nakamura has succeeded Laurence Abrams as Recording Secretary.
Assistant Business Representative Heidi Nakamura has succeeded Laurence Abrams as Recording Secretary.

The new year has brought with it some changes to the Local 695 office. After forty years of service within the union, Communications & Educations Director and Recording Secretary Laurence Abrams has retired. While we will miss him and the enormous daily contributions he made here at the Local, we wish him nothing but the best in his well-earned retirement. Assistant Business Representative Heidi Nakamura has succeeded him as the Local’s Recording Secretary, while Production Sound & Video Co-editor James Delhauer has taken over the position of Director of Communications & Education.

STAY SALE & REPORT YOUR JOBS

The call sheets and added info you provide us allow the Local to track productions for safety and contract compliance and help us organize shows to create more union job opportunities. It also allows us to contact you and your crew if we receive information you should be aware of. Whether IA or non-IA … on long or short assignments … please report your jobs to: www.local695.com/membership-services/job
-reporting

NEW MEMBERS

Local 695 Welcomes its New Members

Nohealni Nihipali Y-7A
Jhonny Roldan Y-4
Nicholas “Nico” Pierce Y-1
Jenna Moore Y-8
Daniel Rodriquez A-2
Chris Omae Y-1
Roman Nunez A-2
Ferdinand Almalvez Y-1
Austin Bowden Y-4
Kyle Joyce Y-1
Elijah Bjornson Y-8
Thomas Macias Y-16
Voltaire Mercado Y-4
Brandyn Johnson Y-16A
Jeffrey Teer Y-7
Louis Cooper Y-4
Alan Arguelles A-2
Jose Murillo Y-4
Nathan Hadden Y-7
Jeffrey Shood Y-4
Max Valasek A-2
Manuel Furlong Y-4
David Sickles Y-8
Whitley Wilkins Y-16A
Mckenzie Bailey-Kaiser Y-16A
Lindsay Laven Proj.
Brian Reiter A-2
Marc Stewart A-2
Jennifer Smith Y-7

Transfer Member
Timothy Wright Y-7A (Local 481) on
November 11, 2021

In Memoriam

SCOTT CRUIT – Y-9
February 10, 1960 – December 2021

Michael “Mick” Fowler – Y-1
July 25, 1948 – January 31, 2022

Robert Storr – Y-7
January 6, 1937 – February 6, 2022

Our Contributors

James Delhauer

James Delhauer was born in Southern California and never made it very far from home. Since 2014, he has worked as a television engineer specializing in Pronology’s mRes platform. He joined Local 695 because he desperately needed friends. James is Co-editor of Production Sound & Video.

Tod A. Maitland CAS

Tod is a second-generation sound mixer whose career began in 1977. After filming The Doors, he became fascinated with musicals and exploring methods to make them better. He was a co-founder of The Hollywood Edge Sound Library and teaches at NYU.

Ric Teller

I’ve been very fortunate in my more than forty years working in television, going places and doing things that a kid from a small town in Nebraska could not have imagined.

From the Editors

The new year is in full swing and everyone here at Production Sound & Video hopes that you are enjoying a safe and healthy 2022 with your loved ones. This magazine would not exist without the support of our members. Local 695 is a family and every member of that family has a unique voice to be heard. Any member wishing to contribute an article to our publication should feel free to reach out to our editors by emailing mag@local695.com. We want to hear your stories, hear about the exciting projects you’ve worked on, and the challenges that you have overcome.

In this edition, Tod A. Maitland takes a look at the history of musicals in his piece, “Musicals Aren’t What They Used to Be,” while Ric Teller continues his story in his article, “Ric Rambles.” We’ll also hear about Local 695 member Steve Evans, his battle with cancer, and what we can all do to help before I give my thoughts on the new 32-bit float audio recorders that are beginning to hit the market.

We wish you all a productive year, full of laughter, new memories, and endless opportunities.

In Solidarity,

James Delhauer and
Richard Lightstone CAS AMPS

From the President

Let’s talk about Starbucks.

On December 9 of last year, Starbucks workers in Buffalo, New York, voted to unionize—making them the first Starbucks location to do so. “We do not feel we have been adequately cared for in terms of consistent guidelines or effective safety measures,” they said in an email to Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson. “These experiences have often led to burnout, disillusionment, and a feeling that rather than being considered ‘partners,’ we are simply cogs in a machine.” In January, workers in Buffalo walked out after raising safety concerns for the rising Omicron COVID variant. With more than a third of the staff under isolation orders, the workers were overworked to the breaking point and the company made no effort to enforce a city-wide mask mandate, with regional management emphasizing that the needs of the business were the priority.

Their efforts set off a cascade effect in which a growing number of Starbucks franchises across the nation followed suit, with locations in Chicago, Seattle, Boston, and Cleveland petitioning the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to unionize and signing their union authorization cards. The Starbucks Workers United movement is now a part of Workers United, an important affiliate of the giant Service Employees International Union. These employees will begin to negotiate a contract for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. They are fighting for seniority pay, with benefits accrued after five years of work incentivizing employees to remain with the company longer. They are fighting for humane working conditions, where health and safety are the priority. In short, they are fighting for a better quality of life.

I am continually interested in watching the labor movement grow in our country during this pandemic. Last spring, I shared with you my thoughts on the unionization efforts of the Amazon plant in Bessemer, Alabama. The first union election failed to receive the necessary number of votes to take effect. However, the NLRB declared the election invalid when a regulatory agency reported that Amazon had broken labor laws prior to the vote. The second election will take place in the first quarter of this new year. Companies like John Deere, Kellogg’s, Nabisco, McDonald’s, and the education and healthcare industry have all seen workers stand up against unethical working conditions, to say nothing of our own industry’s strike authorization vote over the Basic Agreement and Video Tape Supplemental Agreement last fall. The labor movement in this country is on the rise in thanks to these high-profile efforts.

Despite the declining number of union petitions filed with the NLRB for decades, 2020 saw an increase of about eleven percent. According to data from Gallup, sixty-eight percent of Americans stand in strong support of organized labor. A favorability number this high has not been seen since 1965. The pandemic has driven many in our country to reconsider what they consider to be an acceptable standard of living and their relationships to their work.

So what does our cup of hot java teach us?

“Every Partner Matters,” said a Starbucks spokesperson. The nineteen employees who voted in favor of unionizing the Elmwood Avenue location in Buffalo came together with the collective idea that their quality of work life could be better than the current conditions set forth by Starbucks corporate. This group of people believed that their labor mattered, but their success would only come from banding together rather than splintering or fractionalizing the group.

As we take stock following our own round of negotiations in 2021, Local 695 is committed to using the next two years to bring more of the membership into the process ahead of the 2024 negotiation cycle. We have heard your desire to be more active and responsive to what we bring to the bargaining table. We are encouraging more participation in future focus groups, surveys, and Local committees in order to find new ideas to bring to the table.

The Board of Directors and staff at your Local are ready and willing to fight for the needs of our members on all levels. We are here. We are ready to listen. We are ready to partner with you, our members, in this next movement.

But we need to do it together. Solidarity will be key to the next round of negotiations and maintaining the enthusiasm that we saw in October. Over the next two years will be of paramount importance. Like all the other labor movements before them, the Starbucks workers have once again shown us that if we invest in our union and participate in the process, our outcomes will be better for it.

Jillian Arnold
President

From the Business Representative

At the beginning of each new year, I like to take some time to reflect back on the previous one and evaluate the progress we’ve made as a union. What were our accomplishments? What could we have done better? What more can we be doing to improve the quality of life and working conditions for our members?

To be sure, 2021 was a year of unprecedented challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic continued to wreak havoc on all of our personal lives, casting an aura of doubt and anxiety over us all. Many of us lost loved ones and continue to struggle in their absence. All the while, the negotiations surrounding our Basic Agreement with the AMPTP dragged on for months, with the employers unwilling to hear the voices of our members. Time and time again, they would ignore our proposals to address long overdue improvements to the conditions our brothers, sisters, and kin in the union endured every day. Proceedings stalled out as negotiations gave way to gridlock.

Then you got involved and demanded that they listen.

By a near-unanimous margin, you voted to give the International President the power to call for a strike. When we returned to the bargaining table with this tool at our disposal, doors that had previously been closed to us were suddenly open. Proposals that addressed meal period abuse and daily & weekend turnaround abuses were agreed upon. Wages increased. New funding for our healthcare plan was secured. Here at the Local, we are proud of the significant gains that were made.

However, no one believes our work is done. We are already hard at work building for the next set of negotiations. We never stop. There are always improvements to be made and gains to be had. But we cannot do it alone. We need you to stay involved in your Local. It was only with your help that we prevailed in 2021, and 2024 will be no different. Consider joining one of our member committees. Local 695 has 15 member committees designed to explore solutions to the challenges that members face every day. Some committees communicate with the Executive Board to give guidance; some report to the Executive Board on issues of jurisdiction, safety, on-set working condition, and overall quality of life for the membership. All of them help to inform us of your needs and set our goals for the future.

The attacks on unions are never ending, and it’s up to us to defend our work. No one else can do it for us. On that note, I’d like to thank those of you who call in and report safety and contract violations.
However, we know that for every call we receive, there are many more violations occurring. Call your Local if you see unsafe working conditions or non-695 members doing Local 695 work. It may not be your job today, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be tomorrow.

In other news, you may have already heard that Brother Laurence Abrams has made the jump into retirement. Laurence joined the staff in 2007 and I’ve had the pleasure of working side by side with him in the years that have followed. His commitment to the members, to his union, and all his efforts to help build a better union will be sorely missed. Laurence, thank you for always answering the phone when I called, no matter the day or time. I will forever be grateful for your passion and friendship. Laurence laid a strong foundation for the future, and taking over the reins is Local 695 member James Delhauer.

James comes to the staff with a strong background, having earned a degree in television & broadcast journalism from Chapman University and having worked as one of our Y-7 Engineers for the better part of the last decade. He has also been a contributor to our quarterly magazine, Production Sound & Video, over the last several years and was promoted to Co-editor in 2020. We’ve already had several meetings to discuss opportunities for member engagement and we look forward to working with you all to build a better Local 695. Keep an eye on your emails for caucus information, focus group initiatives, and membership surveys.

In Solidarity

Scott Bernard
Business Representative
scottb@local695.com

News & Announcements

The IATSE Basic Contract & Area Standards Agreement

Contracts were Ratified November 15

On November 15, the results of the Basic Contract and Area Standards Agreement came in, resulting in the ratification of both contracts. Members are now working under the terms and conditions of these deals, which includes 3% raises for scale workers, a ten-hour turnaround between working days, weekend turnarounds enforced by penalties, and increased meal penalties. It is the hope of both the Local and the International that these changes will act as a deterrent against the rampant culture of abuse that has developed in Hollywood. However, we need our members to be communicative. The Local will be collating data in order to gauge the effectiveness of these measures in preparation for the next round of negotiations in 2024. Should you witness or be subject to any violations of these new terms, report them to your Local as soon as possible.

The 3% wage increase is retroactive to August 1, 2021. Payroll companies will need time to process the adjusted payments and send out new paychecks. The Local will notify members when we receive word that checks have started going out. Please inform the 695 office in the event that these paychecks do not arrive or are incorrect.

COVID-19 Vaccinations and Booster Shots

As COVID-19 case numbers continue to fluctuate throughout the country, members are encouraged to maintain basic precautions for the protection of themselves, their families, and their colleagues on set. The Delta variant, which has proven more transmissible than previous variants of the virus, remains the dominant strain in the United States. Los Angeles County’s indoor mask mandate remains in effect, and social distancing wherever possible is highly recommended. All members who have not received their vaccinations are encouraged to do so, as fewer and fewer sets allow for unvaccinated workers to report for work. Members traveling out of state for work may require completed vaccination cards in order to receive service in local businesses.

The first rounds of COVID-19 booster shots have become available to the general public. The Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of a mixed booster strategy, meaning that those who received their initial vaccines from one company can receive their boosters from another. At this time, boosters are freely available to those 65 or older, with approval for younger groups expected to come in the following months. Members who have had their vaccinations for six months or longer are encouraged to seek out a booster shot to supplement the waning protection offered by initial vaccinations.

Stay Safe & Report Your Job

The call sheets and added info you provide us allow the Local to track productions for safety and contract compliance and help us organize shows to create more union job opportunities. It also allows us to contact you and your crew if we receive information you should be aware of. Whether IA or non-IA … on long or short assignments … please report your jobs to:
www.local695.com/membership-services/job-reporting

IATSE Family Mourns
Halyna Hutchins

IATSE continues to mourn the loss of Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, whose life was tragically cut short on October 21, when an on-set accident involving a firearm occurred. As details of the incident have emerged, it has become apparent that this tragedy was a preventable one and serves as a reminder that on-set safety protocols must be adhered to at all times. Members who witness unsafe working conditions must speak up. Report them to both the production team and their local representatives at once. If appropriate action is not taken, and unsafe conditions continue, walk away. No film, no show, and no project is ever worth the life of a member of the cast or crew.

Our hearts go out to Halyna’s family, friends, and all those who knew her.

2022 La Niña & Drought Conditions

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts predict that La Niña drought conditions will persist in California into 2022, leading to a second consecutive year of below-average rainfall in the state. As of October 19, 2021, eighty-seven percent of the state was categorized as experiencing extreme drought, with no parts of the state being considered drought-free. Another dry winter will certainly herald another scorching summer and continued risk of wildfires. Members located in danger zones are advised to take precautions and create a plan of action should wildfires threaten their homes.

New Members

Local 695 Welcomes its New Members

Donovan Adams – Y-7
Jeanette Barrozo – A-2
Robert (Bob) Berman – Proj.
James Blank Jr. – Y-7A
Austin Bledsoe – Y-1
Josh Botkin – Y-4
Peter “PJ” Campbell – Y-7
Spencer Christiano – Proj.
Terry Clifton – Y-4
Joshua Cook – A-2
Deanna Decenario – Y-1
Tonben Decenario – A-1
Charles “Connor” Grochowski – A-2
Dennis Hamlin – Y-1
Noah Hubbell – Y-1
Josh Landis – Y-4
Joey Leweck – Y-1
Jenna Moore – A-1
Nohealni Nihipali – Y-8
Metyen Oyebade – Y-16A
Rio Pacheco – Y-16A
Nicholas “Nico” Pierce – Y-4
Jhonny Roldan – Y-1
Samuel Sanchez – Y-4
Willie (Will) Walton – Y-7
Colleen Wittenberg – Y-4
Whitney Worthen – Y-8

Our Contributors

Delroy Leon Cornick JR.

Delroy Cornick (Y-1) is a Los Angeles-based Sound Mixer whose latest credits include North Hollywood, starring Vince Vaughn; an untitled Usher at Caesar’s Palace documentary, directed by Jonas Akerlund; “Be Water,” the Bruce Lee 30 for 30 documentary for ESPN, and as a Utility for Brian “Sol” Aponte on Season 2 of ABC’s Mixed-ish. Since 2015, he has mixed more than eighty-five thesis and short films for fellows at the American Film Institute.

James Delhauer

James Delhauer was born in Southern California and never made it very far from home. Since 2014, he has worked as a television engineer specializing in Pronology’s mRes platform. He joined Local 695 because he desperately needed friends. James is Co-editor of Production Sound & Video.

Richard Lightstone CAS AMPS

Richard began his career in Montreal, and continues to mix in Los Angeles. He is Co-editor of Production Sound & Video, served on the Executive Board of Local 695, and President of
the Cinema Audio Society for two terms.

Scott Marshall

Scott was born and raised in Northern Virginia, and with the encouragement of fellow members, decided to move to Los Angeles with the goal of joining Local 695. He accomplished that goal relatively quickly and joined as a Y-7A. Some of his work as a Utility Sound Technician includes Earth to Ned and Station 19. He can also solder a mean cable.

Anthony Ortiz CAS

Growing up in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, Anthony Ortiz CAS began working in production sound on the island during his college years, then moving to NYC, and then to Los Angeles, thriving in his production sound career for more than thirty years. Anthony is a longstanding IATSE Local 695 member, as well as a proud CAS and Television Academy member. When not on set, Anthony can be found at his home on California’s Central Coast, or on the golf course.

Ric Teller

I’ve been very fortunate in my more than forty years working in television, going places and doing things that a kid from a small town in Nebraska could not have imagined.

From the Editors

We all mourn the senseless and tragic death of Cinematographer and mother, Halyna Hutchins. Personally, I am no stranger to the needless death of our colleagues; twenty-four years ago, my friend, Camera Assistant Brent Lon Herschmann, died on the drive home after a 19-hour day and sadly, on February 20, 2014, I was witness to another unnecessary death, this time, Camera Assistant Sarah Jones on the train trestle bridge in Doctortown, Georgia.

Now we are outraged by the latest avoidable death of another Sister. Management has made all of us responsible for safety on the set. Agree or disagree, we must speak up when there is any unsafe condition! Be aware when you see something—say something, please.

Willie Burton tells us about Spider-Man: No Way Home and Delroy Leon Cornick Jr. explains his use of wireless over fiber.

Anthony Ortiz writes about The Harder They Fall and Ric Teller begins his quarterly column, “Ric Rambles and Reflects.”

Co-editor James Delhauer bench-tests the new M1 Pro & Max Apple computers and Scott Marshall brings us this year’s Emmy sound mixing winners.

We wish you all a belated Happy Hanukah, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year! Here’s to a busy but SAFE 2022.

In Solidarity,

Richard Lightstone CAS AMPS
and James Delhauer

From the President

Let’s talk about burnout.

Prior to the pandemic, our workforce was just beginning to tackle the production slate for 2020. For most of us, some sense of a schedule was taking shape. Productions were picking up momentum and we were falling into a comfortable rhythm. The outbreak of COVID-19 sent that momentum crashing into a brick wall. Work stopped, savings evaporated, and none of us were sure how we were going to make ends meet. An unknown and invisible enemy lurked outside our doors, trapping us inside. We went from 100% to 0% in less than a day. It was terrifying.

All the while, your leadership began what would end up being a two-year-long marathon. The day that the world shut down, every IATSE official and representative—from the highest levels down to the local Boards of Directors—were thrown into the deep end, forced to make unprecedented decisions about how to operate within this “new normal.” Amid unbridled fear that saw emergency rooms overflow, riots in the streets, and near economic collapse, our main concern was the safety and financial stability of our members. After what felt like a lifetime, the national vaccine rollout brought a ray of hope. We had reached the light and the end of the tunnel. Productions remounted en masse. Members returned to work. The new world was beginning to look a lot like the old one.

Eighteen months in, production is at an all-time high. The Motion Picture Plan is averaging between 2 million and 2.5 million hours a week. As of August of 2021, 78.4 million hours have been added to the plan, compared to the 67.3 million added in the sample time frame of 2019. This is a 17% increase in the midst of a pandemic.

But the leadership had precious little time to catch its breath as our attention turned to the next pressing matter on the agenda: the Basic Contract and Videotape Supplemental Agreement negotiations. What should have been a two-week process stretched out across five long months, during which time our members reported harsh and inhumane working conditions like never before. What many of us would have considered the most challenging days of our careers in the old world had become fairly typical in the new one, resulting in a historic strike authorization movement for which I will always be proud to have had a hand in. During this time, political activism within IATSE’s ranks swelled. Members both old and new became more aware and more involved in the negotiation process. Our collective banded together in solidarity to support one another, resulting in an agreement that never would have been possible otherwise. We have accomplished so much in these two years and we should be proud.

Again, I say that none of this would have been possible without the construction and buildup of our newfound political activism from membership. It is a powerful resource in our continued fight for better lives and livelihoods; maybe the most powerful resource we have. How do we maintain this hyper vigilant enthusiasm? How do we continue to have the outreach and engagement of our members over the next few years as we turn our attention to the next cycle of negotiations? How do we maintain this two-way street of communication to build upon the foundation that was built this cycle?

We know this story. We lived it. My point is this—we’re exhausted. Membership and leadership alike are burned out. Leadership has not had a day off since before March 13, 2020, all while members are forced to push their bodies to the brink of failure. The effects of burnout on all sides is becoming rampant and destructive. The signs are numerous and diverse. For some, it comes out physically in the form of chronic fatigue, insomnia, impaired focus, and immuno-compromise. For others, it manifests mentally in the form of anxiety, depression, and anger.

Not everyone was happy with the tentative agreement. I understand. No one in the leadership believes our work is done. But the aftermath of these negotiations has shone a light on the toll that this burnout is taking on our industry. We need to make more room for compassion, understanding, and curiosity about the process of how we got to where we are on paper. The art of discussion and political discord are being supplanted by knee-jerk reactions and assumptions. How do we maintain our political will and activism moving forward? How do we carry this positive movement into the future while allowing both membership and leadership a chance to catch our breaths? How do we grow our movement so that we can take an even greater step forward to the culture we deserve in 2024? How do we get back to the notion of coming together to discuss political topics, such as our current contract, in a respectful and peaceful manner?

We all need a chance to rest. We need a chance to repair and to refill our tanks. I recognize no one has the answer to these questions, but what I have learned from our town hall meetings is that we can present these philosophical questions so that we can discuss them as a collective. That collective will find the answers that the individuals within cannot. We don’t have to figure this out alone, that’s why we are members of a union.

Jillian Arnold
President

From the Business Representative

Throughout workplaces across the country, Labor is asking, “What are the changes we’ll see as we come out of this pandemic?” This includes our Sisters, Brothers, and Kin of the IATSE. What lies ahead for our members on the motion picture sets, in sports broadcast, live television production, live theater, and conventions? The IATSE represents members in all of these crafts.

Last year, the Hollywood locals started an IA Solidarity campaign to bring all the crafts together to support each other during the pandemic. Local 695 offered on-set work to members of Local 33, whose live theater jobs were shut down and didn’t come back until just this year. For the first time in my memory, we were all connected with a common goal to offer support to all IATSE families to help them get through these troubled times. That solidarity was once again on display when contract bargaining for renewal of the Basic Agreement was stalled by the employers, who refused to listen to our concerns to improve the wages and working conditions on production. The bottleneck opened up only when you the members voted 98% strong to give the President the power to call a strike if our issues were not addressed. In short order, when we returned to the bargaining table, we achieved all our goals, and this will change the way they schedule the workday on production. We will continue this solidarity on each set and at every location that our members work. Because of this continued solidarity, we can affect change and continue to improve the wages and working conditions for all IATSE members and their families.

In Solidarity

Scott Bernard
Business Representative

News & Announcements

Important Update to Dues Payment Policies

Regular Dues Policies to Resume in Fourth Quarter This Year

This is a reminder that with the start of fourth quarter 2021 on October 1, the Local will resume all regular dues payment policies. Most of the membership is all caught up with dues by now but for those who are not, you may want to take advantage of a series of measures the Board has authorized to assist members. These include low-interest loans, no-interest payment plans, and COVID-19 Hardship Relief.

For complete details on these policies, members can visit our website and see the “Important Update” at the top of the “News & Announcements” page, or they can contact the office. Be aware that Hardship Relief applications must be received by September 1, 2021.

Stay Safe & Report Your Job

The call sheets and added info you provide us allow the Local to track productions for safety and contract compliance and help us organize shows to create more union job opportunities. It also allows us to contact you and your crew if we receive information you should be aware of. Whether IA or non-IA … on long or short assignments … please report your jobs to:
www.local695.com/membership-services/job-reporting

COVID-19 Return to Work Safety Protocols Amended

The Return to Work (RTW) safety protocols agreement has been revised and extended through September 30, 2021. This new agreement contains many changes regarding vaccination, testing, transportation, and meal protocols. Members are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the revised agreement, which is available on the Local 695 website.

COVID-19 Vaccinations

Please be aware that the Delta variant of the virus, which has now become the dominant strain circulating throughout the country, is many times more transmissible than the previous one and that we advise you to pay strict attention to all appropriate precautions. All individuals in the U.S. over the age of 16 are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccines free of charge. Members who have not yet done so are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible for the safety of themselves, those around them, and those unable to receive the vaccine due to unrelated health complications.

New Mask Mandates

Los Angeles County officials have issued a new indoor mask mandate, effective as of July 15, 2021. These new orders apply to all residents, regardless of vaccination status. All members are encouraged to follow county health guidelines and do their part to help stop the spread of COVID-19, both at work and in the community.

MPI Update Regarding COBRA Extensions

Members who may be eligible for up to six months of federally subsidized/no-cost COBRA continuation coverage through the MPI were recently sent information about this coverage by the U.S. mail and email. MPI strongly encourages members who would like to enroll in subsidized/no-cost COBRA continuation coverage to do so by completing the electronic election form (eForm) available on the MPI website for eligible members when they log in to their personal MPI account.

MPI only sent information to those members determined to be potentially eligible for federally subsidized COBRA continuation coverage. Members who have never earned the minimum hours required to be eligible for coverage through MPI, dependents who have lost eligibility due to age or other life events, and members who have previously exhausted their COBRA continuation coverage rights are not eligible for this subsized/no-cost coverage. In addition, those members or their dependents who are eligible for other group coverage or for Medicare may not receive this subsidized/no-cost COBRA continuation coverage.

While a paper copy of this election form will be made available to eligible members for their completion, MPI strongly encourages using the election eForm by logging in to www.mpiphp.org. You’ll need to log in to access the eForm, as the form is not available online under dependent accounts.

Check MPIHP’s website www.mpiphp.org regularly for updates on this topic.

New Members

Local 695 Welcomes its New Members

Mikhail Bhalla A-2
Chris Burr Y-16A
Jason Cotton A-2
Ronald Crooks Y-7
Milo Cross A-2
Julianna Cruz Y-16A
Dustin Delker Y-1
Nicolas Espinosa III A-1
Veronica Guidi-Louvieve Y-16A
Eric Irshay Y-16A
Joey Mendoza A-2
Nikolas Murphy Y-1
Alexandra Parral Y-1
Madeline Phelps Y-16A
Jonathan Santos A-2
Greg Sills A-2
Brendon Simmons Y-4
Kevin Sprayberry Y-4
Scott Stephens Y-4
Chris Torres Y-4
Vance Whitmore Y-7
Scott Widder Y-4
Jestin Willard Y-16A







Our Contributors

James Delhauer

James Delhauer was born in Southern California and never made it very far from home. Since 2014, he has worked as a television engineer specializing in Pronology’s mRes platform. He joined Local 695 because he desperately needed friends. James is Co-editor of Production Sound & Video.

Simon Hayes CAS AMPS

Simon Hayes AMPS CAS is a second-generation Production Sound Mixer who began his career in commercials and mixed his first feature at twenty-seven years old. He has since mixed more than fifty-five feature films and was honored with an Academy Award for his contribution on Les Miserables (2012). Simon is currently serving on AMPAS’s Sound Branch Executive Committee.

Scott Marshall

Scott was born and raised in Northern Virginia, and with the encouragement of fellow members, decided to move to Los Angeles with the goal of joining Local 695. He accomplished that goal relatively quickly and joined as a Y-7A. Some of his work as a Utility Sound Technician includes Earth to Ned and Station 19. He can also solder a mean cable.

Ed Novick

Ed has been mixing for features and television for nearly forty years. He enjoys being challenged at work, but should be careful what he wishes for.

Jennifer Winslow

Jennifer has been a member of Local 695 since 1990 and is currently serving as an Executive Board member and Trustee. A Utility Sound Technician and Boom Operator, some of her feature credits include Problem Child, Lone Star, and Be Cool. Her work in television includes Star Trek DS9, Chicago Hope, Dear White People, and Everything’s Gonna Be Okay.

Photos courtesy of the respective contributors.

From the Editors

As autumn falls upon us, there is cause for celebration. As restrictions continue to ease and the various sectors of our economies resume normal business operations, the world is beginning to look more like the one we used to know. Though we must continue to be vigilant and stop the spread of COVID-19 in our communities, we hope that the darkest days of this pandemic are now behind us as a new normal continues to take shape.

In this edition of Production Sound & Video, we take a look at the Sound Mixing nominees for this year’s Creative Arts Emmy Awards. Jennifer Winslow brings us an important report from the Women’s Committee. Ed Novick takes us behind the scenes on the challenges of mixing The Guilty in the time of COVID while Simon Hayes concludes his article from the set of No Time to Die, the 25th film in the James Bond franchise. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Sports EVS Operator Edgar Lopez, who shared some insights into the joys and obstacles of working for the Los Angeles Angels and the Anaheim Ducks. Then I shared my thoughts on the ongoing global chip shortage and how it may impact our members in the coming years.

There’s a lot to unpack in this one.

James Delhauer &
Richard Lightstone CAS AMPS

From the President

There is no experience quite like that of walking into a new stadium. After several seasons spent with the Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego and later the Rams at the Los Angeles Coliseum, walking into SoFi Stadium was the culmination of years of anticipation. For this football fan, it should have been a momentous occasion. However, the pomp and circumstance was dampened by the widespread impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Walking into the stadium after painted a clear picture of just how much the world had changed. There were no fans, no peanut vendors, and no drunken away team visitors. There were just seventy thousand vacant seats, waiting to be filled.

To those of us who had become old hats within the world of broadcast sports television, some adjustment was necessary as we grappled with the new realities of what our work would be like during the pandemic. Social distancing and zone protocols forced us to stay within designated areas. Watching the players warm up from the sideline, a favorite perk of the job, suddenly required testing and clearance for player safety. The rush and excitement of game days were dampened, filling the air with a somber tone not typically associated with the cheering, roaring world of sports television.

COVID protocols varied from sport to sport and venue to venue. Many sports elected to “bubble up” in order to keep their 2020 seasons on the books. Those that worked within those bubbles encountered new psychological challenges. Our members found themselves oscillating between lockdown at work and lockdown in a hotel in order to preserve those bubbles—separating themselves from families and loved ones during a global catastrophe. The effects were grueling to say the least but, from what anecdotal experiences have been shared with me, those fortunate enough to have been working were just grateful to be back at work. After all, the operators and technicians that previously traveled with teams for away games were forced to stay home in order to comply with COVID staffing requirements. Those who were able to work counted themselves as fortunate next to their peers and colleagues who found themselves unable to support their families.

When I approached the football season in fall of 2020, I was forced to reimagine what my season would look like. I no longer needed to fight my way through crowds to make it from the field level to the press box. I no longer had to wait for half an hour to ride an elevator to the transmission station near the dock. In some ways, COVID made my work easier. But it was also far less fulfilling. After all, what are sports without their fans?

The work itself was mired in changes. “Away Game” productions were cut from game day schedules. Simulcasts of both home and away games emerged as talent was cut down and left back in the studio or at home for commentary. World feeds, fixed control room environments where talent could provide live commentary to audiences, were often established hundreds, if not thousands of miles away from games. The cost of this new method of production was readily apparent. Something visceral and real was lost. Commentators were no longer rubbing elbows with players and coaches. The on-the-ground sense of the arena and subtle nuance of each player’s character was lost.

Jonathan Sepulveda, an EVS Playback Operator, stated that “On-the-road coverage is not as immersive of an experience as we’re used to. We’re missing out on that hometown feel and coverage.” Masters of their crafts like NHL’s Doc Emrick and NBA’s Marv Albert, both who retired during this COVID pandemic, can never be replaced in an environment where new talent is not forced to tell the stories of the sports environment.

Furthermore, the job opportunities and resources that come with having an additional away game production vanished. Home crews were suddenly expected to pick up the slack for the content normally provided by away productions. This decision, though necessary at the pandemic’s height when social distancing protocols were of the utmost importance, have continued even as lockdown restrictions have eased. Now many sports broadcast operators are wrestling with the notion that there are fewer positions available and fewer opportunities to work while productions demand ever more content from those workers they do hire. This brought me to something of a philosophical question. If you take away the talent on the field and the production crews that bring games to life, does sports entertainment still have the same electricity and luster it had before the pandemic?

The beginning of another NFL season is just weeks away and we who bring these games to millions of people across the globe are expected to rebuild and deliver once again. Full-capacity seating is becoming commonplace once more. In the coming months, I will have the privilege and pleasure of walking into a full and roaring SoFi Stadium for the first time in its history. This brand-new stadium will come to life and fans across the country and the world will unite in celebration.

Nonetheless, production crews battle a new type of mental and emotional hurdle—As we continue to wear masks and adhere to COVID protocols, we are surrounded by maskless fans who may or may not be vaccinated. The initial gut reaction of going back to work in crowds is scary and nauseating. At venues like the Los Angeles Coliseum, operators have to consider when they use bathrooms that are open to the public. Efforts must be made to minimize time and contact with those who do not work in production. Furthermore, we need to be mindful of how our co-workers are adjusting to this new normal and be compassionate toward their beliefs and viewpoints in the matter. Safety is an important key to any production.

On August 21, the Los Angeles Rams play the Las Vegas Raiders in a pre-season game. I will be forced to walk seven flights of stairs to get to the press box from the ground level because the elevator line will be too long to wait. But I will hear the cheering from the crowd radiate through that new venue like it was promised and then delayed. As one EVS Operator said to me as we talked about the upcoming season, “Isn’t that why we’re really there? Isn’t it great to hear that noise from the crowd filter into the truck?” Welcome back, fans, but please be safe.

Be Strong. Stand Proud. Be Courageous.

Jillian Arnold
President

From the Business Representative

It is summertime, the town is busy and so is your Local. I’ve been working as the Co-chair of the Legislative Committee of the California IATSE Council (CIC) with the DGA, SAG-AFTRA, Teamsters and the building trades on a new bill (SB 144) that will expand the current Tax Credit Program 3.0 by an additional $180 million over the next two years. The bill and the additional funding is needed because we had a funding shortfall in the area of new TV programs relocating back to California. With help from the state’s 2021 budget surplus, we were able to get this additional funding. Today as I write this, the bill passed the Assembly 62-0 and then the Senate 37-0. Now it’s off to the governor’s desk for his signature. In addition to the $180 million, the bill also included $150 million in tax credits for the development of new and renovated sound stages. This will create jobs for our Sisters and Brothers in the building trades and it will provide additional stages to draw more production back to California.

For members who were having a difficult time filing online and fighting through the huge backlog at EDD, Local 695 and the CIC worked together to assist members in getting their much-needed benefits. With the CIC, we lobbied for the CARES Act, which included increased unemployment benefits to help struggling families. And we helped write AB 276, which is the legislation that removed penalties and improved access for those who needed to take a loan from their Motion Picture IAP account. We also worked with EDD to add entertainment industry job classifications to make it easier for our members when they file online for unemployment benefits. These are just a few of the achievements we’ve made through our membership in the CIC.

Our workplaces have become much safer as the vaccination rate goes up, but if you have not gotten around to it yet, I hope you find time to get vaccinated very soon for the safety of your co-workers, yourself, and your family.

In Solidarity

Scott Bernard
Business Representative

News & Announcements

Important Update to Dues Payment Policies

Back in March of 2020, the Board of Directors responded to the industry-wide shutdown with fifty percent dues reductions for the last three quarters of 2020. The Board also discontinued the application of all late fees and put a hold on any expulsions for non-payment—both of which continue to be in effect at this time.

Fortunately, things have improved a great deal since the shutdown. With strict safety protocols in place and with the rate of vaccinations rising daily, many of our members have made a safe return to work. Our Available for Work List is showing record low numbers and work levels in most areas of the industry are strong. Even so, we realize that some members have not yet fully recovered from months with little work, and some are still waiting for their areas of the industry to open back up.

With all of this in mind, the Board of Directors has been exploring ways to address the different situations our members find themselves in. Beginning with the third quarter of 2021, the Board has authorized a gradual return to full-payment policies as required in the Local 695 Constitution & Bylaws, with new measures put into place to assist members during the transition period, including no-interest payment plans and hardship relief.

For complete details on these new policies, members can visit our website and see the first item on the “News & Announcements” page, or they can contact the office.

MPI UPDATE REGARDING COBRA EXTENSIONS

Members who may be eligible for up to six months of federally subsidized/no-cost COBRA continuation coverage through the MPI were recently sent information about this coverage by US mail and email. MPI strongly encourages members who would like to enroll in subsidized/no-cost COBRA continuation coverage to do so by completing the electronic election form (eForm) available on the MPI website for eligible members when they log in to their personal MPI account.

MPI only sent information to those members determined to be potentially eligible for federally subsidized COBRA continuation coverage. Members who have never earned the minimum hours required to be eligible for coverage through MPI, dependents who have lost eligibility due to age or other life events, and members who have previously exhausted their COBRA continuation coverage rights are not eligible for this subsidized/no-cost coverage. In addition, those members or their dependents who are eligible for other group coverage or for Medicare may not receive this subsidized/no-cost COBRA continuation coverage.

While a paper copy of this election form will be made available to eligible members for their completion, MPI strongly encourages using the election eForm by logging in to www.mpiphp.org. You’ll need to log in to access the eForm, as the form is not available online under dependent accounts.

Check MPIPHP’s website www.mpiphp.org regularly for updates on this topic.

COVID-19 Vaccinations

All individuals in the United State over the age of 16 are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccines free of charge. Members who have not yet done so are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible for the safety of themselves, those around them, and those unable to receive the vaccine due to unrelated health complications.

Stay Safe & Report Your Job

The call sheets and additional info that you provide to the local when you report your work is not only helpful, but crucial at times as well. We can reach our members if there’s been an issue reported to us by another local, whether it be one of safety or concerning payroll.

Additionally, we can ensure that shows are contractually compliant when you report your work to the local. We need your help so that we can help you!

Whether union or non-union…
On long or short productions…
Please report your jobs to
www.local695.com/membership services/job-reporting

New Members

Local 695 Welcomes Its New Member

Eugene Reyes Y-4
John Fonseca A-1
Tylar Moore Y-16A
Leonardo Montero II Y-7
Santiano Luis Machuca Y-4
Moises Rodrigues Y-4
Andrew Giarruso Y-4
Shan Siddiqi Y-4
Jason Cornejo Y-16
Seth Fine Y-4
Leslie Metts – Y-16A
Nicholas “Nik” Castanon A-2
Terrell Woodard III Y-16A
Chris Rubin Y-4
Morgan Spadone Y-7
Michael Alaynick Y-8
Amaqnda Quesada Y-4

TERRY FOUNTAIN
1954-2021

For the past eighteen seasons, Terry Fountain was the Production Audio Engineer for The Ellen DeGeneres Show. He started the show on day one and did not miss a single day of taping during that time. For his work on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Terry received eight Daytime Emmy Awards. Prior to that, he spent eight years with General Hospital, where he was awarded one Daytime Emmy Award.
 
Terry was also known for his audio work on shows like Who’s the Boss?, America’s Funniest Home Videos, and the 55th Annual Academy Awards. His music career included working with George Benson, Bad Company, and Led Zeppelin.
 
Terry passed away on March 11, 2021, at his home.
 
He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

In Memoriam

David Kelson
Y-1
September 4, 1956 – March 1, 2021

Terry Fountain
Y-1
January 15, 1954 – March 11, 2021

John McCoy
Y-7a
May 20, 1936 – February 11, 2021

James Nord
Proj.
September 17, 1940 – Feb. 14, 2021

IATSE LOCAL 695
5439 Cahuenga Boulevard
North Hollywood, CA 91601
phone  (818) 985-9204
email  info@local695.com