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Entertainment Industry Organizations Stand United in Support for the Rights of Imprisoned Iranian Filmmakers

In September 2011, the Iranian government arrested six independent filmmakers for allegedly working with the BBC, on charges including espionage and treason. Along with the ongoing house arrest of director Jafar Panahi and the prior arrest of actress Marzieh Vafamehr, who was later sentenced to one year in prison and 90 lashes, the arrests sparked outrage from filmmaking communities within Iran and around the world.

Prior to the release of two of the filmmakers, all six were denied access to their lawyers and families, who were forced to remain silent.


The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and Screen Actors Guild issued a press release on Wednesday, October 19, 2011 with the following entertainment industry organizations standing united in their support for the rights of Imprisoned Iranian Filmmakers and call for their immediate release.

Statement from the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
As an international organization representing over 6000 artists in 35 countries, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is deeply concerned whenever and wherever the rights of filmmakers are threatened. The recent arrest of six Iranian filmmakers, the sentence of “one year in jail and 90 lashes” to an actress just for playing a role in an acclaimed film, and the continued house arrest of Jafar Panahi, among others, is a situation that demands our serious attention. These filmmakers – and others – are artists, not political combatants. We join our colleagues around the world in calling unequivocally for these filmmakers’ safety, release, and return to filmmaking. They deserve the same, full freedom of expression that the overwhelming majority of our members enjoy every day, no matter where they are from, no matter where they work, no matter what their beliefs.

Statement from the Board of Directors of American Cinema Editors
The American Cinema Editors is an organization of more than 500 professional film editors in the United States and around the globe. We join with the other members of the filmmaking community in expressing our deep concern whenever and wherever the basic human rights of free expression are threatened.

As storytellers, we feel that the arrest of fellow artists for expressing their beliefs, revealing truths and pursuing creative freedom, no matter how controversial, is a story that should no longer have to be told in the 21st century.

Statement from the Board of Governors of the American Society of Cinematographers
The American Society of Cinematographers is an organization of more than 300 professional directors of photography in the United States and throughout the world. We foster the collaboration of cinematographers and the creative exchange of ideas and issues of mutual concern to our members and to the global filmmaking community. We are deeply concerned whenever and wherever the rights of filmmakers are threatened. We share these concerns with our fellow guilds and film organizations: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), The Directors Guild of America (DGA), The Producers Guild of America (PGA), The Screen Actors Guild (SAG), The Writers Guilds of America East and West (WGA), the American Cinema Editors (ACE) and the International Documentary Association (IDA).

We are deeply concerned regarding the recent arrest of six Iranian filmmakers. The sentence of “one year in jail and 90 lashes” to an actress just for playing a role in an acclaimed film, and the continued house arrest of Jafar Panahi, among others, is a situation that demands our serious attention. These filmmakers – and others – are artists, not political combatants. We join our colleagues and cinematographers around the world in calling unequivocally for these Iranian filmmakers’ safety, release, and return to filmmaking. They deserve the same, full freedom of expression that the overwhelming majority of our members enjoy every day, no matter where they are from, no matter where they work, no matter what their beliefs.

Statement from the Directors Guild of America
The Directors Guild of America joins our colleagues and fellow artists around the world in condemning the baseless and cruel imprisonment or detainment of filmmakers by the Iranian government.

We first raised this issue last year immediately after the sentencing of prominent Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi. We are extremely concerned that not only does Panahi remain under arrest, but the Iranian government continues to detain filmmakers and other artists without cause.

As an organization representing 14,500 directors and members of the directorial team who live and work all over the world, it is our belief that for a society to flourish, artists must have the freedom to live and work without fear of imprisonment, retribution or censorship. Creative freedom is an essential building block of liberty, culture, civil and human rights, and we join the world community in opposing any attempt to suppress the rights of artists to engage in creative expression. We hope the Iranian government will release these filmmakers and recognize that their creative works can only strengthen and enrich Iranian society.

Statement from the International Documentary Association
The International Documentary Association believes that the power and artistry of film is vital to cultures and societies globally, and we fiercely defend the rights of filmmakers and artists everywhere to practice their art and to seek and reveal truth in their work, however provocative that truth may be. We strenuously uphold the principles of free speech and freedom from censorship. The expression of truth should never be silenced by the exercise of power by a State or system of authority that may feel threatened by the content of the artistic or journalistic work–both essential elements of democracy.

Together with our entire international community of documentary filmmakers, The International Documentary Association calls for the release and fair treatment of Iranian filmmakers, artists, and actors. These artists, and other filmmakers, actors and journalists like them, must be immediately released and allowed to continue their artistic and journalistic work without restriction or penalty. We stand united with them, as do artists across the globe. And we will continue to fight for their fundamental human right of self-expression.

Statement from the Producers Guild of America
As supporters of creative freedom, the Producers Guild of America, on behalf of its more than 4,800 members, wishes to express its profound dismay over the treatment of producer Katayoun Shahabi, directors Jafar Panahi, Naser Saffarian, Hadi Afarideh, Mojtaba Mirtahmasb and Shahnam Bazdar, and journalist and documentarian Mohsen Shahrnazdar at the hands of their Iranian government. The silencing of these voices and others via arrest, coercion and political pressure is unacceptable, and we stand steadfast with our colleagues within the industry and around the world in calling for their release. We look forward to the day when these storytellers are permitted to resume their callings, and hope that even in their captivity, these artists know that they have the sympathy, respect and support of our creative community.

Statement from Screen Actors Guild
Iran has a strong tradition of artistic expression reaching back thousands of years. That tradition is under attack in a contemporary Iran that has seemingly turned against its own artists. Screen Actors Guild deeply deplores the persecution of actor Marzieh Vafamehr and the filmmakers and other entertainment and media industry representatives now under attack in Iran. We add our voices to the thousands of artists worldwide calling on the Iranian government to immediately free Marzieh and the other artists and filmmakers imprisoned because of their artistic and cultural endeavors. We urge Iran to refrain from stifling the artistic expression of its citizens and to let their unique and valuable voices be heard once again.

Statement from the Writers Guilds of America, West and East
The Writers Guilds of America West and East add their voices to the calls for the release of writer/director Jafar Panahi, now under house arrest, and all other members of Iran’s creative community unjustly imprisoned or detained.

The art of Iran is one of the great treasures of humankind. Its cinema has a long and vibrant history–and in recent years, the Iranian cinema has been one of the very brightest lights illuminating the art form for the rest of the world. Its filmmakers represent the richness of Iranian culture and the extraordinary imagination of the Iranian people. All of us are poorer when their voices are stilled.

We urge the government of Iran to remember that these are artists, not political enemies, that they have, as all free people do, the right to hold and express opinions. And we urge the government of Iran to remember that their work is the most powerful ambassador of understanding between the people of Iran and the people of the world.

Nothing is more dangerous to a society than the silencing of art. Therefore, we ask the government of Iran to release its filmmakers and to allow them to live and to work freely, as they have previously done in their country and as most of their fellow artists do in the rest of the world.


Sources: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and Screen Actors Guild 
Picture credit to: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

SAG Awards honored for the 3rd year with the Environmental Media Association Green Seal Award

On Monday, October 17, 2011 The Screen Actors Guild announced that SAG Awards has been honored for the third consecutive year with the Environmental Media Association (EMA)’s Green Seal, recognizing a production’s outstanding efforts to implement sustainable initiatives and promote environmental awareness. The EMA Green Seal was presented for the green practices of the 17th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® at the 21st Annual EMA Awards on Saturday, Oct. 15, at Warner Brothers Studios.

The Environmental Media Association along with its partner, Green Seal, created the EMA Green Seal Program to simultaneously promote sustainable production methods and provide recognition for those in the entertainment industry who’ve made strides in incorporating such practices. The Program includes film and television productions, as well as award shows and galas. The Program’s criteria cover all facets of a production and provide a practical and comprehensive guide to environmentally responsible filmmaking and event planning. In each area of focus, the criteria include specific environmental actions in order to help producers focus their greening efforts. The EMA Green Seal Program is designed to be flexible enough that any production can potentially qualify, regardless of budget or size. The Program is based on a self-assessment by the production company on how well it complies with the Program criteria developed by EMA and Green Seal.


In recognizing the SAG Awards® as a Green Seal honoree, the EMA stated: “Congratulations to SAG and Jeff Margolis Productions for their ongoing efforts to green the prestigious SAG Awards for the third year in a row. The production team built upon their environmental program from 2009 and 2010, which included a comprehensive recycling and composting program, local and organic menu, reused stage components, red carpets and sustainable procurement, as well as a no-idling zone around the Shrine Auditorium. This year’s additional green initiatives included an online digital press kit, electronic ballots (as opposed to the paper ballots distributed in 2010), iTunes distribution for many films and reusable water bottles. SAG’s dedication to reducing the Awards’ environmental footprint has allowed them to achieve a nearly zero-waste event. In addition, SAG has limited production printing and is using double-sided printing wherever possible. SAG is also committed to greening their headquarters in Los Angeles and has embarked on a progressive program to reduce the environmental footprint of the organization’s office operations.”

SAG Awards executives recognized by EMA for spearheading the production’s environmental efforts were Kathy Connell, Producer; Mick McCullough, Supervising Producer; Benn Fleishman, Executive in Charge of Production; Jon Brockett, Awards Coordinating Producer; Chris Carr, Production Manager and Carrie White, Publicity Manager.

The SAG Awards intends to continue and expand its green practices during this year’s 18th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, which will be simulcast live on TNT and TBS on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2012. For example, the SAG Awards announced in July that this would be the last year that paper submissions for nominations consideration will be accepted. Nominations will be announced Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2011, telecast live on TNT and webcast on tnt.tv and tbs.com.

The 18th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards will be produced by Jeff Margolis Productions in association with Screen Actors Guild Awards®, LLC. Jeff Margolis is the executive producer and director. Kathy Connell is the producer. JoBeth Williams, Daryl Anderson, Scott Bakula, Shelley Fabares and Paul Napier are producers for SAG. Gloria Fujita O’Brien and Mick McCullough are supervising producers. Benn Fleishman is executive in charge of production. Rosalind Jarrett is executive in charge of publicity.  Jon Brockett is awards coordinating producer. For additional information visit www.sagawards.org.


About The Environmental Media Association (EMA): Is a Non-Profit 501(c)3 Organization founded in 1989 by Cindy and Alan Horn and Lyn and Norman Lear. EMA is dedicated to harnessing the power of celebrity and the media to promote sustainable lifestyles and believes through positive role modeling the entertainment community can inspire consumers to take action. The organization has grown into a diverse group of industry professionals from film, television and music dedicated to the mission of promoting environmental awareness through the entertainment business and the media. EMA serves as a valuable link between the entertainment industry and the environmental community. For more information visit www.ema-online.org.

Sources:  http://www.sagawards.org/
Photo credit to: http://www.sagawards.org/

This post is sponsored by: Diversity News Radio

Howard and Aquino Re-Elected President, Secretary-Treasurer for SAG

On Thursday, September 22, 2011 the Screen Actors Guild announced the results of elections for its top two elected positions and National Board. Ken Howard has been re-elected for a second term as Screen Actors Guild president, and Amy Aquino will continue in her role as secretary-treasurer. Both will serve two-year terms, beginning September 25.

Ballots for the national officers election were mailed to 100,994 paid-up SAG members on August 23, and 23,459 were tabulated today, for a return of 23.23 percent. Howard received 17,492 votes, with David Hillberg getting 3,047 votes, Sharon Rubin receiving 1,681 votes and Asmar Muhammad receiving 855 votes. Aquino ran unopposed and received 20,399 votes.

“There’s nothing more important than members exercising their right to vote, and I’m very grateful for their continued support,” said Howard. “With so many pro-merger candidates elected again this year, there’s no doubt what members want, and I look forward to presenting a comprehensive plan to the SAG and AFTRA national boards in January.”

“Two years ago, SAG members definitively set the Guild on the road to merger, and this election confirms they want it more than ever,” Aquino said. “I’ll continue working to strengthen SAG’s operations and finances, and I’m honored to be able to help my fellow performers achieve the crucial goal of creating one union.”

A working actor for more than 40 years, Howard has an extensive resume that includes work on television, movies and the stage, including the upcoming Clint Eastwood biopic J. Edgar. An Emmy and Tony Award winner, he helped create and starred in The White Shadow from 1978 – 1982, and has had recurring roles on 30 Rock, Dynasty, Melrose Place and Crossing Jordan. He is the author of the bookAct Natural, and serves as the chancellor of the National Kidney Foundation.

Aquino’s career in acting spans more than two decades. She has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including Moonstruck, Law & Order, Castle, Monk, ER, CSI and Everybody Loves Raymond just to name a few. She also has an extensive career in theater, and holds a master’s degree from the Yale School of Drama.

Screen Actors Guild also announced election results for the National Board of Directors. Approximately one third of the 69 national board seats were open for election this year, representing Screen Actors Guild’s Hollywood, New York and Regional Branch divisions.

Screen Actors Guild National Executive Director David White welcomed new members, as well as those who were re-elected.

“I would like to extend my congratulations to President Howard, Secretary-Treasurer Aquino and all of the new and returning members of the Screen Actors Guild National Board of Directors,” he said. “I look forward to working with the officers and board members during such an exciting period in the Guild’s life. We have a lot of terrific work ahead of us.”

SAG’s Hollywood Division elected 12 National Board members; the New York Division elected five National Board members; and seven National Board members were elected from the union’s branches in Boston, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Detroit, Houston, Nashville, Nevada and Washington-Baltimore.

National Board members elected from the Hollywood Division: Tony Shalhoub, Ken Howard, Adam Arkin, Amy Aquino, Stephen Collins, D.W. Moffett, Scott Bakula, Ned Vaughn, Mimi Cozzens, Arye Gross, L. Scott Caldwell (three-year terms) and Kate Flannery (one-year term).

The following were elected to serve as National Board alternates and to the Hollywood Division Board of Directors (one-year terms): Valerie Harper, Ellen Crawford, Esai Morales, Stacey Travis, John Carroll Lynch, Lisa Vidal, Christine Lakin, Michael O’Neill, Mandy Steckelberg, Tara Radcliffe, Michelle Allsopp, Bob Bergen, Assaf Cohen, Jon Huertas, Sarayu Rao, Allen Lulu, Woody Schultz, Donal Logue, Patrick Fabian, Iqbal Theba, Bertila Damas and Parvesh Cheena.

National Board members elected from the New York Division (three-year terms): Rebecca Damon, Lewis Black, Sam Robards, Ezra Knight and Jay Potter.

Additionally, New York Division members re-elected Mike Hodge for a two-year term as New York Division president. Hodge received 3,185 votes with Sam Robards receiving 2,276 votes.

The following were elected to serve as National Board alternates and to the New York Division Board of Directors (one-year terms): Traci Godfrey, Mark Blum, Marc Baron, John Rothman, Kevin Scullin, Dave Bachman, Matt Servitto, Phoebe Jonas and Manny Alfaro.

National Board members elected from the Regional Branch Division (three-year terms): Bill Mootos (Boston), Suzanne Burkhead (Dallas/Ft. Worth), Ed Kelly (Detroit), Robert Nelson (Houston), Cece DuBois (Nashville), Art Lynch (Nevada) and Steven F. Schmidt (Washington-Baltimore).


Ballots for all eligible SAG members in Hollywood and New York were mailed on August 23 with a September 22 return deadline and were tabulated today by the independent election company Integrity Voting Systems. A total of 10,621 ballots were tabulated in the Hollywood Division (representing 19.37 percent of ballots mailed in the Hollywood Division) and 5,739 ballots were tabulated in the New York Division (representing 25.11 percent of ballots mailed in the New York Division). The number of ballots returned in the Regional Branch elections varied by region.

Source: SAG.org
Photo credit to: SAG.org

David Harrison Levi Pre-Grammy Awards & Birthday Extravaganza A Huge Success

The line to the Highlands Night Club was long, from the entrance to the venue to the electric stairs. Lots of actors, actress, publicists, agents, managers, recording artists and media representatives watched history unveil at David Harrison Levi’s Pre-Grammy and Birthday Celebration to raise Cancer Awareness and benefit Toys for Tots.


“The evening was filled with Love, Fun & Excitement. David did a very Honorable thing by sharing his birthday with both Toys for Tots & Breast Cancer Awareness. Everyone there seemed really happy to come together as a Community to celebrate this ‘Joyful’ occasion.” Said Tish “Tha Dish” Roberts, Actress.


Lots of things were happening inside the highland. Many of those who wanted to get their picture taken and be interviewed walked to the patio on 3 red carpets ready to be set up, and others went to get ready for the stage performance. There was so much happening that it was hard to catch all the movements, so we will highlight some of them. David Harrison Levi opened the night by welcoming everyone and introducing recording artists to perform, while others made a line for the red carpet.


“I am honored that somebody feels the need to publicly acknowledge my efforts in supporting this great city in any way I can. Change always bothers somebody but I can’t let that stop me in my goal in helping stop run-away film productions and businesses.” Said Tony Boldi, Honorary Mayor of Hollywood. He continue “Parking is also a huge problem for the tax paying and voting citizens as well as many other issues I have openly discussed. I know it’s a long road but have the support of many and feel the need to say something with or without a title…hope this helps shed some light on the issue.”


Per Mr. Harrison, over 2100 people attended to celebrate his event at the Highlands, including over 80 media outlets representatives. The event was held from 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM at The Highlands Nightclub on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 located at 6801 Hollywood Blvd 4TH Floor Hollywood, CA 90028.


Some of the celebrities and personalities who attended the event were: Actress Tish Roberts from (“Stand In”, NBC’S hit T.V. show “Community”, “Criminal Minds Suspect Behavior”, “True Blood” and “Lie To Me” with Tim Roth) with producer /DJ Trevi, Actress Thushari Jayasekera (play role as Pinky on NBC’s Outsourced TV Show), John Carvalho, Ph.D. (Advocate for the LGBT Arts, Music and Entertainment Scene; HRC Political Action Committee; CSUDH Senator), Maria Amor (EXOTIFIT), Ernesto J. Higuera (Executive , “Gay Los Angeles”), Michael Westman (Executive , “Gay Los Angeles”), German Angel (CEO, World Video Television), Carlos Anthony (Hollywood Broker Television), Tony Boldi (Honorary Mayor of Hollywood, California), Hayavi Moradi (International DJ/Agent/Producer and Promoter), Kris Searle (Grammy Nominee Considered International Recording Artist and Four Time Los Angeles Music Award Winner), Pepper MaShay (International DIVA), Willie Ames (Los Angeles Music Award Winning Recording Artist), Rob EC (Electropop Recording Artist and Member of the Recording Academy), Michael Donahue (Movie Director), Tom Tangen (Movie Producer/Actor), Trey McCurley (Actor), Eric Rowland (Recording Artist), Justin Chase (Recording Artist), Lui Attanasi (Recording Artist), Ivan Strada (Recording Artist), Charles Anthony (Co-Producer WeHo Knights Television; Recording Artist), Collen Henderson (West Hollywood Real Estate Agent), Murray Swanby (Events Host for Planet Salon), Scotty Aspen (Fox Television), Chad Evans, Ryan Pasquelatto, Jeffrey Paine (West Hollywood Real Estate Agent), Tyrone Power (celebrity-cocoon movies), Carla Power, Ray M. Quiroga (Producer/Actor), Norma A. G. Quiroga , Michael Quiroga, Steven Woo (Co-producer, Motion Picture “The Extra”), Jimmy Dux (Model), Yessica Hernandez (Singer), Marielena Castaneda (Actress), Lucino Ortiz (Assistant to Model), Ladd Jackson, Ian Shapiro, Jon Roo, Mirella Orduno (Actress), Fernando Gonzalez (Financial Investor for movies), Miriam Ayala Cesena (Actress), Rebeca Lopez (Artist), Fernando Trujillo (Artist), Parris Harris (Fashion Designer),Travis Jourdain (Celebrity Photographer), Jeff Knight (Celebrity Photographer), The Sydney Collection, Tom Slack (Producer; Recording Artist), Eric Ronald Kandell (Fashion Model), Eric Zuley (EZ TV), Patty McCall (author of Unmasking the Pain Within, Actress/Producer), Dr. Mark Valinsky (Actor/Producer/Photographer), Stephanie Weaver (Film distributor), Justin Keisel, Stuart Guest (Recording Artist), Cher Rue (Actress) and Andre Agazaryan (Actor).


“The Grammy Awards Pre-Party at The Highlands-Kodak Theater was a success by any standard. In the words of Actor Michael Quiroga, ‘it was a great introduction to Hollywood culture!’ Indeed, security informed me on the night of the event that an incredible 2,132 people attended, which is a significant number given that most were Hollywood celebrities, political dignitaries, and entertainment industry professionals. Members of the Screen Actors Guild and Lions Club attended, as did a wealth of actors, recording artists (including members of the Grammys), movie directors and producers. The performances by DIVA Pepper MaShay and Ditch were excellent, and the “Sydney Collection” fashion show was stunning and well orchestrated by Parris Harris. I want to congratulate Tony Boldi for receiving the Honorary Mayorship of Hollywood and David Harrison Levi for putting on such an exciting, marquee red carpet event. I also want to give a special thanks to the West Hollywood LGBT community that came out in droves to attend. Finally, a special shout out is deserved for Steven Escobar and Diversity News Magazine, German Angel and World Video Television, Hollywood Broker TV, AK Photography, Celebrity Photographer Travis Jourdain, and Ernesto J. Higuera and Michael Westman, whose photographs and media coverage made the event come alive!” Said Dr. John Carvalho (Advocate for the LGBT Arts, Music and Entertainment Scene in West Hollywood, HRC PAC, CSUDH Senator).


“I believe tonight’s event at the Highlands is an excellent way that up and coming artists in the entertainment industry can meet advanced professionals and collaborate on projects that will promote and enhance their careers. The economy has hit the nation hard, and it is events like these that help to reenergize the entertainment industry and further the lives of younger artists. In addition, David Levi is promoting breast cancer awareness, which is a worthy cause we can all agree to support.” Dr. Carvalho concluded.

“My Pre-Grammy Awards Birthday Extravaganza attended by almost 2500 friends was successful in that it sent an important message throughout Facebook, MySpace, Twitter etc. that the “REAL” message of the event was raising awareness to breast cancer. Each time a lady see’s this status, it clearly sends a positive reminder to have an annual check-up – that early diagnosis & proper treatment saves lives. I have so many beautiful friends who have been diagnosed, treated & remain Stage 4 Breast Cancer Survivors but some are NOT so lucky! my mission is simple ” I want to see an END to cancer ~ I am tired & saddened by the loss of so many beautiful friends & family members ~ Early detection IS the key to saving lives! When I pass on, I would like to be remembered for the “good” I tried to do while on Earth. I ask that You don’t believe in me but believe in my cause I am so very passionate about. Cancer is killing our family & friends. It is affecting 1 out of every 8 men, women & children, globally and Awareness IS the very key to saving lives. It is with your support that keeps this MOST important message alive. We are all in this together! Life is short – be good to one another! Peace” Said David Harrison Levi – STARMAKER. Mr. Harrison concluded, “In addition we were able to collect some 600 toys & canned food items for the USMC Toys For Tots & the Los Angeles Mission – so YES It was a VERY successful event”.


Photos Courtesy and (C) 2011 by Celebrity Photographer Gisele Reibeiro from PartyBy5.com & PrPhotos.com and Francois Palais for Diversity News Publications. (C) 2011 By Diversity News Publications. For Licensing please email diversitynewspublications@hotmail.com All Rights Are Reserved.

Editor’s Note: Story was proofread by Linda Krongold, our New York, NY Special Correspondent For Diversity News. For more information you can contact her at andmeljar@aol.com

Writer’s Corner: Please take a minute to comment on this article, share it and subscribe to my page.

KCBS-TV Newscaster Pat Harvey hosted the 2010 Media Access Awards

On Friday, October 8, 2010 KCBS-TV News Anchor Pat Harvey hosted the 2010 Media Access Awards from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at The Peninsula Hotel Beverly Hills in The Verandah Room located at 9882 South Santa Monica Blvd. Beverly Hills, CA 90212. Actor Ron Livingston presented the Christopher Reeve Acting Scholarship.


The 2010 Media Access Award Recipients were:

• AFTRA Disability Awareness Award – to Darcy Pohland
• CSA Award – to Robert J. Ulrich, Eric Dawson and Carol Kritzer
• WGAW Joan Young Award – to Vince Gilligan
• Producers Guild of America George Sunga Award - To Mike Tollin
• Christopher Reeve Acting Scholarship – To Christopher Thornton and
• RJ Mitte Diversity Award - To Atticus Shaffer.

About The 2010 Media Access Awards:

Is a press breakfast honoring individuals and organizations in the entertainment and broadcast industries for their efforts in promoting the awareness of the disability experience, accessibility for people with disabilities, and the accurate depiction of characters with disabilities.


About California Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities:
The Governor’s Committee is responsible for providing leadership to increase the numbers of people with disabilities in the California workforce.  The volunteer membership of the Governor’s Committee is comprised of decision-makers and leaders from the private and public sectors whose expertise is essential in supporting and building systems that promote universal access, remove barriers to work, and enable people with disabilities to gain independence and economic self-sufficiency.


About American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA):
The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, AFL-CIO, are the people who entertain and inform America. In 32 Locals across the country, AFTRA members work as actors, journalists, singers, dancers, announcers, hosts, comedians, disc jockeys, and other performers across the media industries including television, radio, cable, sound recordings, music videos, commercials, audio books, non-broadcast industrials, interactive games, the Internet and other digital media. The 70,000 professional performers, broadcasters, and recording artists of AFTRA are working together to protect and improve their jobs, lives, and communities in the 21st century. From new art forms to new technology, AFTRA members embrace change in their work and craft to enhance American culture and society. Visit AFTRA online at www.aftra.com.

About Producers Guild of America:
The Producers Guild of America is the non-profit professional association that represents, protects and promotes the interests of all members of the producing team in film, television and new media. The PGA has over 4,500 members who work together to protect and improve their careers, the industry and community by providing members with health benefits, employment opportunities,  the creation of fair and impartial standards for the awarding of producing credits, as well as other education and advocacy efforts such as promoting sustainable production practices and diversity in the industry. Visit www.producersguild.org,www.pgagreen.org, www.pgadiversity.org for more information.


About Screen Actors Guild:
Screen Actors Guild is the nation’s largest labor union representing working actors. Established in 1933, SAG has a rich history in the American labor movement, from standing up to studios to break long-term engagement contracts in the 1940s to fighting for artists’ rights amid the digital revolution sweeping the entertainment industry in the 21st century. With 20 Branches nationwide, SAG represents more than 125,000 actors who work in film and digital motion pictures and television programs, commercials, video games, industrials, Internet and all new media formats. The Guild exists to enhance actors’ working conditions, compensation and benefits and to be a powerful, unified voice on behalf of artists’ rights. SAG is a proud affiliate of the AFL-CIO. Headquartered in Los Angeles, you can visit SAG online at SAG.org.


About Writers Guild of America, West:
The Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW) is a labor union representing writers of motion pictures, television, radio, and Internet programming, including news and documentaries. Founded in 1933, the Guild negotiates and administers contracts that protect the creative and economic rights of its members. It is involved in a wide range of programs that advance the interests of writers, and is active in public policy and legislative matters on the local, national, and international levels. For more information on the WGAW, please visit: www.wga.org.


About Casting Society of America:
The Casting Society of America is the premier organization of theatrical Casting Directors in film, television, and theatre.  Although it is not a union, its members are a united professional society that consistently set the level of professionalism in casting on which the entertainment industry has come to rely.  It’s more than 450 members are represented not only in the United States, but also in Canada, England, Australia and Italy.

About the Friends of Californians with Disabilities:
Friends of Californians with Disabilities, Inc. a 501(c)(3), is a leader in developing statewide and national partnerships to increase employment and independent living opportunities for people with disabilities. They played a major leadership role in the partnership that created such innovative nationally acclaimed projects as the California Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities (YLF), the Media Access Office and Awards and the “Windmills” Disability Awareness Diversity Training Program.

About the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation:
The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research, and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy.  For more information please visit our website at ChristopherReeve.org or call 800-225-0292.

Photos Courtesy of Jeff Knight of JeffKnightPhotography.Com for DiversityNewsPublications.Com (C) 2010 By Diversity News Publications. All Rights Are Reserved.

Editor’s Note: Special Thank you to Jeff Knight from JeffKnightPhotography.Com from Tower Public Relations and Pamela Greenwalt from SAG for the invite

Screen Actors Guild Celebrates Diversity Awareness Month During October

On Friday, October 1, 2010 Screen Actors Guild announced in a press release that for the second year, Screen Actors Guild will celebrate Diversity Awareness Month during the month of October with a slate of programs and activities exhibiting the value of diversity and equal employment of diverse actors in film, television and other recorded media.

From a Diversity Careers in Focus conference at national headquarters to SAG’s Dare to Be Diverse screening series, an inclusive and abundant lineup awaits. (See the complete calendar below.)

“SAG’s Diversity Awareness Month celebration is a mission that is close to my heart and one to which I am personally dedicated, and have been for more than 40 years,” said SAG National President Ken Howard. “Our union, our industry and our culture are made stronger and more powerful when everyone has equal access to work opportunities. It’s time to swing wide the door of opportunity that has remained closed to so many for so long.”

The Guild has, since its inception, been an advocate for diversity and equal employment in the workplace and entertainment industry. In addition to protecting all members against discrimination and harassment, SAG Affirmative Action & Diversity works closely with members who are LGBT, performers of color, performers with disabilities, senior performers and women to increase employment opportunities for these underemployed and underrepresented groups.

“SAG has chosen October to highlight our everyday advocacy and initiatives,” said Rebecca Yee, national director of SAG Affirmative Action & Diversity, “but it is a 24/7, year-round effort to shift our media landscape toward desiring and developing more accurate and diverse portrayals of the American Scene in film and television.”

SAG DIVERSITY AWARENESS MONTH CALENDAR OF PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Friday, October 1 — National Disability Employment Awareness Month
This year’s theme — Talent Has No Boundaries: Workforce Diversity Includes Workers With Disabilities — is acutely aligned with the mission of SAG Affirmative Action & Diversity to improve and increase equal employment opportunities for actors with disabilities. This year’s theme also proves auspicious as the Tri-Union AEA/AFTRA/SAG I AM PWD (IAMPWD.org) Campaign released an inaugural analysis of characters with disabilities on primetime television for the 2010/11 season. Click here for the report.

Tuesday, October 5 – Los Angeles, CA
SAG Dare to Be Diverse screening of Holy Rollers, presented by SAG Affirmative Action & Diversity and hosted by Writers Guild of America, West Latino Writers Committee in the James Cagney Board Room of SAG National Headquarters in Los Angeles at 7 p.m. Free admission. Click here for RSVP information.

Tuesday, October 5 – New York, NY
The Blackhouse Foundation’s 2011 Film Festival Season Kick Off Event. SAG Affirmative Action & Diversity and SAGIndie are proud sponsors of this event, which celebrates diverse films at Sundance, Tribeca and LA Film Festivals. Visit http://theblackhouse.org for more information about the foundation’s upcoming festival season.

Friday, October 8 – Los Angeles, CA
26th Media Access Awards Press Breakfast, Beverly Hills. SAG National Performers with Disabilities (PWD) Committee and SAG Affirmative Action & Diversity, along with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, AFTRA, CSA, PGA, WGAW, Friends of Californians with Disabilities, the Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities and the RJ Mitte Diversity Award, honor industry professionals “for promoting awareness of the disability experience, accessibility for people with disabilities and the accurate depiction of characters with disabilities.”

The Media Access Awards 2010 SAG Harold Russell Award recipient is actor Danny Woodburn (Seinfeld; Death to Smoochy).

Thursday, October 14 – Los Angeles, CA
Diamond in the Raw Foundation will host SAG “Know Your Rights!” Workshop. Presented by SAG Affirmative Action & Diversity, a select group of stuntwomen will participate in a specialized seminar about what members should know to protect themselves in the entertainment industry. Visit http://diamondintheraw.com for more information about the Diamond in the Raw Foundation.

Friday, October 15 – Los Angeles, CA
SAG Dare to be Diverse screening of Night Catches Us at the La Femme Film Festival, sponsored by SAG National Women’s Committee and SAG Affirmative Action & Diversity, at the Renberg Theatre in Hollywood at 7 p.m.  Q&A with filmmaker, cast and NAACP following the film. Free admission for SAG members. YOU MUST RSVP to http://www.lafemme.org/sag/ and type “sag” for username and “member” for password – lower case only. Visit http://www.lafemme.org/ for schedule and more information about La Femme Film Festival.

Saturday, October 16 – Los Angeles, CA
SAG Diversity “Get Your ACT Together” Careers in Focus Conference at SAG National Headquarters from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.  A one-of-a-kind opportunity for actors and entertainment industry professionals to network and learn from each other under one roof.  Sponsored by SAG Affirmative Action & Diversity, in conjunction with SAG National Spanish Language Media Task Force and SAG President’s National Task Force for American Indians, this day-long conference features multiple career and talent development workshops and seminars presented byBack Stage, Casting Society of America, iActor, SAG New Media and more! Click here for schedule and more information.

Sunday, October 17 – Los Angeles, CA
Diamond in the Raw Foundation Awards. SAG Affirmative Action & Diversity and SAG National Women’s Committee celebrate achievements of Hollywood’s stuntwomen at this annual luncheon at the Skirball Cultural Center. SAG members receive a discount to attend the luncheon. Click here for details.

Monday, October 18 – Los Angeles, CA
19th Annual Access Award Luncheon.  SAG Affirmative Action & Diversity celebrate with the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the Los Angeles County Commission on Disabilities at their annual awards luncheon that recognizes those who have made a difference in the lives of people with disabilities.  Click here for details.

Monday, October 18 – New York, NY
HOLA Awards. SAG Affirmative Action & Diversity marks the occasion of Hispanic Heritage Month as a proud sponsor of the 11th Annual Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors (HOLA) Awards, and congratulates this year’s awardees including HOLA Lifetime Achievement Award honoree Rita Moreno. Visit www.hellohola.org for more information about HOLA.

Tuesday, November 2 – Los Angeles, CA
SAG Dare to Be Diverse screening of Taqwacores, presented by SAG Affirmative Action & Diversity and hosted by the Arab Film Festival in the James Cagney Board Room of SAG National Headquarters in Los Angeles at 7 p.m. Free admission.  RSVP information forthcoming.  Visit forhttp://arabfilmfestival.org/ for more information about the Arab Film Fest.

November 4-11 – Los Angeles, CA
AFI Film Festival. As part of the SAG Dare To Be Diverse screening series, SAG Affirmative Action & Diversity is a proud community sponsor of the AFI Film Festival presented by Audi, and will present a free screening for SAG members. Additional information forthcoming. Click herefor more information about AFI.

Friday, November 5–7 – San Francisco, CA
New Media Film Festival. SAG National LGBT Actors Committee and SAG New Media are proud sponsors of the New Media Film Festival.  The LGBT Actors Committee will conduct a panel focused on LGBT projects in the new media landscape. SAG members may attend the panel for free and can secure a discount pass to the festival. Check back for discount details. Click here for more information about the New Media Film Festival.

Saturday, November 13 – New York, NY
Pride in Our Union. SAG National LGBT Actors Committee and SAG Affirmative Action & Diversity will participate in the Empire State Pride Agenda’s Pride and Solidarity in Action Forum for New York City Union Members, and present a panel discussion on workplace issues facing LGBT performers. SAG members are encouraged to attend. Click here for more information.

Saturday, November 20 – Los Angeles, CA
LA Skins Fest. As a part of this Native American film festival, SAG President’s National Task Force for American Indians will present a premiere screening event of its new educational video and a special screening of Reel Injun at the James Cagney Board Room at SAG National Headquarters. RSVP information and additional details forthcoming.


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About SAG
Screen Actors Guild is the nation’s largest labor union representing working actors. Established in 1933, SAG has a rich history in the American labor movement, from standing up to studios to break long-term engagement contracts in the 1940s to fighting for artists’ rights amid the digital revolution sweeping the entertainment industry in the 21st century. With 20 Branches nationwide, SAG represents more than 125,000 actors who work in film and digital motion pictures and television programs, commercials, video games, industrials, Internet and all new media formats. The Guild exists to enhance actors’ working conditions, compensation and benefits and to be a powerful, unified voice on behalf of artists’ rights. SAG is a proud affiliate of the AFL-CIO. Headquartered in Los Angeles, you can visit SAG online at SAG.org.


Editor’s Note: Information source and Photos Courtesy of SAG.

Hundreds Attended The Hollywood Disabilities Forum At UCLA

On Saturday, October 24, 2009 I AM PWD (Inclusion in the Arts and Media for People with Disabilities) campaign of Actors’ Equity Association, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and Screen Actors Guild; the Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW) and its Writers with Disabilities Committee; and the Alliance for Inclusion in the Arts presented The Hollywood Disabilities Forum at UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television.

Actors feel the there are not so many opportunities for them because they are disable. They want to work and be feature on mayor films. The event was kind of emotional but it turned as an excellent opportunity for actors and industry experts to exchanged ideas, telephone numbers and even resourceful websites.

Some of the actors who participated were:

Peter Farrelly, producer-director-writer (There’s Something About Mary) — Keynote Speaker
Vince Gilligan, writer-producer (Breaking Bad)
RJ Mitte, actor (Breaking Bad)
Daryl “Chill Mitchell, actor (Brothers)
Janis Hirsch, writer-producer (Brothers, Will & Grace)
David Milch, writer-producer (Deadwood)
Geri Jewell, actor (Deadwood)
Robert David Hall, actor (CSI)
Danny Woodburn, actor (Seinfeld)
Linda Bove, actor (Sesame Street, Deaf West)
Bill Duke, actor-director (Karen Sisco, Predator)
Paul Kampf, actor-director-writer (Brothers Three: An American Gothic)
Special Video Appearance by Ricky Gervais (The Office)

In a posting on the www.sag.org website Robert David Hall told SAG “It’s crucial for all of us – actors, writers, directors, producers, casting associates – to come together to examine these problems and create solutions,” Said Robert David Hall, Master of Ceremonies and National Chair of the SAG Performers with Disabilities Committee. “I always think of the little kid that needs to see for him or herself, their own image reflected. To be marginalized, to be cut out of mainstream TV, movies and advertising stinks, and we’re trying to change that.”

The morning included Concurrent Actors and Writers Workshops from 9am to 11:30 am hosted by Robert David Hall, Master of Ceremonies and Chair National Tri-Union Performers With Disabilities Committee. Also Writers “Business Impression Management” Workshop presented by Carol Kirschner, Career Consultant and creator of CBS Diversity Institute Writers Mentoring Program & Program Director for WGAW Show runner Training Program.
The second part from 12:30 pm to 4pm feature Keynote Address: How Far is Too Far? By Peter Farrelly.  At the end they held Join Actors/Writers Panel where they were encourage to ask questions. It was moderated by Allen Rucker, Chair of WGAW Writers with Disabilities Committee. The forum ended with a Networking Reception from 4:00 to 5:00 pm.

One of the panelist member expert advice was “Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty.” An actress asked the panelist what she can do because most of her work is in Los Angeles and she lives in Orange County. She was suggested to put her self on video or tape such as You Tube. The advice from the experts was to market themselves via You Tube and My Space.

Per event organizers statement: Fifty-six million Americans and 20% of the US population have a disability. Despite being the largest minority group in the country, people with disabilities are virtually invisible in entertainment media. The number of working writers, actors, directors and producers with disabilities is miniscule. Ideally, in a country where disability rights have been the law for almost twenty years, the barriers should be long gone. In the world of entertainment, the push is just starting in earnest. The Hollywood Disabilities Forum will focus on best practices of industry pioneers who incorporate stories featuring characters with disabilities and who hire performers with disabilities for television, film, radio and stage productions.

The Hollywood Disabilities Forum was sponsored by Actors’ Equity Association, AFTRA, Alliance For Inclusion In The Arts, California Arts Council, National Arts and Disability Center at the University of California Los Angeles, Screen Actors Guild, The Tarjan Center at UCLA, UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television and The Writers with Disabilities Committee of Writers Guild of America, West.

For more information or to get involved, please visit: I AM PWD (Inclusion in the Arts and Media of Performers with Disabilities), a campaign by Screen Actors Guild, AFTRA and Actors Equity Association at www.iampwd.org, www.wga.org and www.inclusioninthearts.org

Source: www.sag.org
Photos By Esteban “Steven” Escobar, Diversity News. © 2009 By Diversity News Publications. All Rights Are Reserved.