If you haven't had the opportunity to participate in the 2023 IATSE Member Census, we encourage you to take a moment and visit the link provided in our bio. By sharing your insights through this census, you play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our union community. Through your active engagement, IATSE can comprehensively understand how to serve the membership better.
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Local 44's Updated Statistics as of 9/20/23 are as follows:
2,965 Census Completions
7,449 Toal Members
40% Rate Of Completion
Dues Deferment Program
Dear Local 44 Members,
The Executive Board approved a dues deferment program for the third and fourth quarters. We understand that these unprecedented times have brought about financial hardships for members. As a result, this program aims to alleviate some of the financial burdens you may be facing, allowing you to focus on your well-being and other priorities. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we finalize the necessary arrangements. More detailed information is to follow.
MPTF Relief
Dear Local 44 Members,
We would like to inform you that the Executive Board has approved a relief fund totaling a quarter of a million dollars. Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF) will be entrusted with the administration of this fund. This fund has been specifically designated to assist 44 members who are facing challenging circumstances.. MPTF has a longstanding history of supporting industry professionals in times of need, and we have full confidence in their ability to manage this relief effort effectively. More information will be available once we finalize the arrangement with MPTF. Your well-being and welfare remain our utmost concern, and we are committed to standing by our members.
Local 44 is always proud of the professionalism and pride that its members take in their respective crafts. It is particularly special when that hard work and dedication is recognized by others. Here is a list of members who received recognition from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (the Emmys). Congratulations to all the 2023 Emmy Nominees.
Outstanding Production Design For A Narrative Contemporary Program (One Hour Or More)
Show- Succession
L44 Member- George Detitta Jr.
Classification- Set Decorator
Outstanding Production Design For A Narrative Period Or Fantasy Program (One Hour Or More)
Show- Daisy Jones & The Six
L44 Member- Lisa Clark
Classification- Set Decorator
Show- Daisy Jones & The Six
L44 Member- Andi Brittan
Classification- Set Decorator
Show- Perry Mason
L44 Member- Halina Siwolop
Classification: Set Decorator
Outstanding Production Design For A Narrative Program (Half-Hour)
Show- How I Met Your Father
L44 Member- Amy Beth Feldman
Classification: Set Decorator
Outstanding Production Design For A Variety Or Reality Series
Show- A Black Lady Sketch Show
L44 Member- Lizzie Boyle
Classification- Set Decorator
Outstanding Production Design For A Variety Special
Show- Encanto At The Hollywood Bowl
L44 Member- Raquel Tarbet
Classification- Set Decorator
Outstanding Special Visual Effects In A Season Or A Movie
Show- The Mandalorian
L44 Member- Scott Fisher
Classification- Special Effects Supervisor
Message on W.G.A From The Desk of Tobey Bays
Dear Sisters, Brothers and Kin,
Bargaining between the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) and the Writers Guild of America (WGA west & east) continues and will likely continue through the weekend. The WGA contract will expire at midnight Monday, May 1, 2023. This means a strike could go into effect as early as 12:01 AM on Tuesday, May 2nd. However, bargaining may continue beyond expiration and may do so as long as there’s progress towards a deal. Regardless, it’s important that you understand your rights as an IATSE member should the WGA call a strike against the AMPTP.
We understand that at this moment there might be a lot of confusion and questions around the WGA negotiations. Please carefully read the legal memo emailed to you from International President Loeb outlining your rights under our agreements. If you have not received the memo, you can find it on the Local 44 website. Additionally, we will be hosting a Webinar (emailed) Monday May 1st at 7:00 pm to review this important information and try to answer questions as best as we can.
You have the right to honor a lawful picket line. If you honor the WGA’s picket line, it will be important to inform your employer that you will not be coming into work while the picket line is in place. Send an email to the producer/UPM and your department head as soon as possible. By not informing your employer, they have the right to terminate you as a ‘no show’ for a work call. Also be aware that the employer has the right to replace you with another 44 member…while you are honoring the picket line... When the strike is over, the employer is obliged to offer your position back for that project and only if that project is still in production. Please know that if you honor the picket line, you may not be eligible for unemployment benefits.
UNIONS support UNIONS. Local 44 and the IATSE support the WGA. However, it has to be understood that as your local, there are limits to what we can legally direct our members to do. As a Union, we also know what union members do when they see a picket line. With that said, unions are stronger together, especially when we are supporting other unions that are negotiating with the same employers that we will next year. The WGA has new leadership, and they are aware of the pain the last strike caused. The Teamsters have publicly stated that their members will not cross the picket line. Again, you must make your own decision, but no matter what that decision is, we must respect each other and show support in whatever way we can.
We will update you when there is new information to share.
In solidarity,
Tobey Bays
Alliance of Motion Picture and Televison Producers
15301 Ventura Boulevard, Building E, Sherman Oaks, CA 9140315301 Ventura Boulevard, Building E, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403Tel: 818.995.3600 • Fax: 818.285.4450 • www.amptp.org
Carol A. LombardiniCarol A. LombardiniPresident Direct: 818.935.5930 carol@amptp.org
January 27, 2023
Duncan Crabtree-IrelandDuncan Crabtree-IrelandNational Executive DirectorSAG-AFTRA5757 Wilshire BoulevardLos Angeles, California 90036(dci@sagaftra.org), Lindsay DoughertySecretary TreasurerStudio Transportation Drivers, Local #399P.O. Box 6017North Hollywood, California 91603(Idougherty@ht399. org), Russell HollanderRussell HollanderNational Executive DirectorDirectors Guild of America, Inc.7920 Sunset BoulevardLos Angeles, California 90046(russh@dga.org), Matthew D. LoebMatthew D. LoebInternational PresidentInternational Alliance of Theatrical StageEmployees and Moving PictureTechnicians, Artists and Allied Crafts ofthe United States, its Territories andCanada207 West 25th Street, 4th FloorNew York, New York 10001(iapresident@iatse.net), Thomas O’DonnellThomas O’DonnellPresidentLocal #817/I.B.T. Theatrical Drivers andHelpers817 Old Cuttermill Rd.Great Neck, New York 11021(tj @local817.com)
Re: February 1, 2023 Return to Work AgreementRe: February 1, 2023 Return to Work Agreement. This letter is to memorialize the parties’ agreement on a new Return to Work Agreement as ofFebruary 1, 2023, under which the terms of Parts I and II of the Return to Work Agreement as ofJuly 19, 2021, as modified by the letter agreements dated February 15, 2022, May 6, 2022, July16, 2022 and October 23, 2022, are further modified as indicated below. The Agreement shallexpire on April 1, 2023.
Letter Agreement Re: February 1, 2023 Return to Work Agreement Letter Agreement Re: February 1, 2023 Return to Work Agreement January 27, 2023Page 2
1. Eliminate Testing Requirements in Zones B and C - Part II
Modify Part II of the Agreement as follows:
a. Eliminate any pre-employment testing requirements for individuals who will beEliminate any pre-employment testing requirements for individuals who will beemployed in Zone B or Zone C, and eliminate any periodic testing requirementsfor employees employed in Zone B. For the avoidance of doubt, Producers retain the right to implement moreFor the avoidance of doubt, Producers retain the right to implement morestringent testing protocols than those required by the Agreement pursuant to Item3.a.viii. of the Agreement, and if a Producer exercises its right to requireadditional categories of employees to undergo pre-employment testing, any preemployment tests required by the Producer will be subject to the third paragraphof Item 3.a.ii.(2) of Part II (which specifies that offers of employment arecontingent on the prospective employee undergoing pre-employment test(s)required by the Producer which yield(s) a negative result, with the exception ofcertain individuals traveled by air prior to conducting and/or obtaining the resultsof the pre-employment test(s)).
b. If the Producer identifies an employee employed in Zone B or Zone C as havingIf the Producer identifies an employee employed in Zone B or Zone C as havingcome into “close contact” with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19, the Producer shall make a COVID-19 test available to the Zone B or Zone Cemployee upon the employee’s request.
2. COVID-19 Compliance Supervisor - Parts I and II2. COVID-19 Compliance Supervisor - Parts I and II00285391.DOCX; 2 2Letter Agreement Re: February 1, 2023 Return to Work AgreementJanuary 27, 2023Page 2Eliminate the requirement under Parts I and II of the Agreement that the COVID-19Compliance Supervisor or a member of the compliance team be physically present on theproduction (when such requirement currently applies), provided that the COVID-19Compliance Supervisor or a member of the compliance team is accessible at all times during working hours, which may include via telephone.
Letter Agreement Re: February 1, 2023 Return to Work AgreementLetter Agreement Re: February 1, 2023 Return to Work AgreementJanuary 27, 2023 Page 3
3. Temporary COVID-19 Sick Leave - Parts I and II
All employees shall have a total of five (5) days of temporary COVID- 19 paid sick leaveAll employees shall have a total of five (5) days of temporary COVID- 19 paid sick leaveper Producer, which may be used during the period beginning February 1, 2023 andending on April 1, 2023, to cover one or more Eligible COVID-19 Events.
Sincerely,
Carol A. LombardiniCarol A. LombardiniCAL;vwl
ACCEPTED AND AGREED: Matthew D. LoebMatthew D. Loebon behalf of the IATSE
A Conversation with Emmy Nominee Set Decorator Matt Callahan
Celebrating his first Emmy nomination for Outstanding Production Design for A Narrative Contemporary Program for “The Flight Attendant” is a dream come true for brother Callahan whose “show biz” roots started at an early age. Some of his credits include “Animal Kingdom”, “Shameless”, “House of Lies”, “The Descendants” and “The Family Stone”.
How and when did you get your start in show business?
I started in “show business” when I was a kid. I was always into theater, acting and directing. Out of college I got into Actors Equity and worked as an actor and director. For sixteen years I worked for the producers of a theatrical show called “Shear Madness”. I acted and directed for them all over North America. When I came to LA to do a production I fell in love with California and decided to stay. My first job in production was as a PA on “Volcano”. I think I was the oldest PA ever! But that only lasted a few weeks before they bumped me up to coordinator. On that first show I met two people who would be pivotal in my career: KC Fox, Set Decorator, who was my mentor, and Nina Ruscio, Production Designer, who got me my first decorating gig in 1998 on a little indie called “The Annihilation of Fish”. And she was the Production Designer on Season 2 of “Flight Attendant”, of course!
How did you approach the set decoration for the show?
Well, “The Flight Attendant” has an aspirational quality so we knew we wanted beautiful sets. At the same time both Nina and I are very character driven. We like to the tell the story of a character’s everyday life as a foundation for the scenes. On top of that there were a lot of technical considerations because of the way the hotel set becomes Cassie’s “mind palace”, not just a metaphor for her mind but a portal into her mind. Then, of course, there were all the challenges that Covid-19 brought, not the least of which was sourcing high end furnishings. Essentially, we had to jump in with both feet and run, run, run for the finish line!
What was your most challenging set to decorate?
The most challenging set by far was the Hotel lobby and bar. It was a blast to work with Nina to design those lovely interiors but sourcing high end furnishings on a limited timeline during Covid was a nightmare. Another challenge was collecting a wide array of gorgeous liquor bottles for the back bar. That was handled by my awesome leadman, Chris Littleford and our crew. They came through in a big way - and that wall of liquor shimmering against Nina’s luminous marble is a huge part of what makes that set tell a story and sparkle at that the same time.
Which production from your resume is your fondest memory and why?
Well, this is a no brainer: it would have to be “The Descendants”. Primarily because I spent five glorious months living in - and falling in love with - Hawaii. Being in paradise takes the edge off the challenges of production - and there were plenty of challenges, of course. But we had a ball working there, it’s kind of hard not to. I am also deeply proud of the work I did on that show in collaboration with Jane Stewart, the Production Designer.
Wish you had worked on which classic movie or show if you had the chance?
Great question. I love the sets from the musicals and stylish comedies of the late 50’s and 60’s. “Auntie Mame”, “Singing in the Rain”, “How to Steal a Million”, “Pillow Talk”, to name a few. Love the color, the style, the theatricality!
Local 44 congratulates Brother Callahan on his Emmy nomination and thanks him for taking the time from his busy schedule to chat with NewsReel.
Emmy Nominee Matt Callahan
Photos from "The Flight Attendant"
