THE COSTUMER VOLUME 69 NUMBER 10 MOTION PICTURE COSTUMERS LOCAL 705 IATSE OCTOBER 2014 p GOVERNOR BROWN SIGNS JOB BILL The forecourt of the TCL / Grumman s Chinese theater has been the site for many signings over its long history. But on September 18, instead of cement, Governor Jerry Brown signed into law AB 1839. The bill called for tax incentives of $330 million annually for 5 years to bring production back to California. A great victory for our Local, our industry and our state. This success was the result of hard work on the part of our members. These members should be complimented on their hard work, which will benefit us all. VICTORY CELEBRATION! The Entertainment Union Coalition invites you to join with other IATSE members, the authors & supporters of AB1839 to celebrate its passage. This invitation is open to IATSE members and one guest. The celebration will be on Sunday October 26, 2014 at Calamigos Ranch, 327 Latigo Canyon Road, Malibu 90265. Beverages, lunch and parking will be provided. RSVP required. Visit 1839Victory.com to RSVP. Please contact the Local 705 office with any questions or concerns. See You There!!!
ENCORE COSTUME & SPECIALTY CLEANERS A Full Service 24 Hr Costume Cleaning Company Serving Atlanta s Film, Theatre, Entertainment, Fashion & Sports industries with the most reliable, high quality costume cleaning & specialized services available anywhere for the past 25 years. TV, MOVIES, THEATRE: Red Band Society..Fox TV Satisfaction..USA Network Being Mary Jane..BET TV The Game..BET TV Single Ladies..VH1 If Lovin' You Is Wrong.. Tyler Perry Productions Solace" starring Anthony Hopkins The Three Stooges Additional Credits Available Upon Request LARUE RICCIO ENCORE COSTUME CLEANERS (404) 213-0534 MOBILE/DIRECT (770) 933-2647 OFFICE/VM WWW.COSTUMECLEANERS.COM LARUE@COSTUMECLEANERS.COM HOLLYWOOD COSTUMES AT THE ACADEMY Join us this fall as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presents the last chance to see its groundbreaking touring exhibition Hollywood Costume at the historic Wilshire May Company Building, the future home of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures at Wilshire Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue in Los Angeles. On view from October 2, 2014 to March 2, 2015, the exhibition explores the central role of costumes from the glamorous to the very subtle as an essential part of cinematic storytelling. It features more than 150 of the world s most iconic costumes from the Golden Age of the Movies to present day. Local 705 members will receive a 20% off discount for October admission. Tickets are on sale at Oscars.org/HC or by calling 310-247-3049. Use discount code: COSTUME Motion Picture Costumers Local 705/I.A.T.S.E. Affiliated with the AFL - CIO 4731 Laurel Canyon Blvd. #201 Valley Village, CA 91607 818.487.5655 818.487.5663 FAX email: MPC705@aol.com www.motionpicturecostumers.org THE COSTUMER All submissions must be received before the 15th of each month for the upcoming issue. Subscriptions: $12 per year. Executive Board Steve Ferry President Debby Curtis Vice President Wanda Leavey Sec.-Treas. / Asst. B.A. Bob Iannaccone Business Representative Sue Bub Member-at-Large Radford Polinsky Men s Finished Cindy Buckner Women s Finished Hossein Namdar Men s Custom Made Renee Nault Women s Custom Made John Van Hout Costume House Custom Made Jeff Hartman Live Television Carmen Lozano Costume House Ryck Schmidt Sergeant-at-Arms OCTOBER 2014 2 THE COSTUMER
A LITTLE THIs, A LITTLE THAT... A DELICATE BALANCE To those that have an interest in astrology, most of October is in the sign of Libra. The scales symbolize balance in life. Let s expand this idea of balance to the art of costuming. In discussing the cost of costume rentals, on a Movie of the Week set in the Old West, a producer scoffed at the proposed budget and swore it could all be purchased at K-Mart. On the other hand, while working on the Sinatra mini-series, the impatient director wanted to leave the actor in his street clothes; a T-shirt and jeans for a 50 s limousine scene. The producer explained the folly of this, and the wardrobe department was given proper time to make it period correct. This shows both types of producers the foolish and the wise; those that help and those that hinder. Directors also present situations requiring a balance. While finishing the coverage once, the director asked to see the actors playing in the next scene. He looked them over with a quizzical look on his face. The director asked me to change one of them. I returned in a few minutes and received a thumbs up. While viewing dailies, I realized the actor was shot in an extreme side close-up; basically, a talking head. After the screening, the director told me why he had photographed the actor that way. I realized it wasn t the clothes at all. It was the actor. I don t know why I ever cast him. We both laughed. A good natured admission of guilt. On another multi-period epic, the Production Designer barged in to me in a huff. There were too many hats on the extras in the 1950 s scene. He insisted that we immediately go to the set to correct this major problem with the director. I reminded him that in the production and wardrobe meeting, it had been decided to use many hats in the flashbacks, with only a few caps in the contemporary scene. As we barged onto the set, the Production Designer blurted out his objections. The director asked me what I thought. I reiterated what was said in the production meeting. The director took a moment and offered his judgment, My father always wore a hat then, so the hats stay. Directors also present situations requiring a balance. It s been said that it all starts on the page. The work of the screen writer gives us the characters and the plot. They are deserving of great respect for their art and craft. The frustration that they must feel can only be imagined when the product they create is transformed from their original idea. On a modern military romance, the author was crestfallen when told that swords were not appropriate for the situation he created. On a modern police drama pilot, the female lead had shot and killed her first suspect. Alone in her apartment, she sat awaiting her boyfriend in a scene that culminated in love making. The female director, the female costume designer, a female producer and the actress all felt the character would be wearing something very feminine, flirty and sexy. The male author, and also producer, saw the character in a flannel nightgown. He voiced his dissatisfaction with the other point of view with everyone he encountered. He tried his luck with the studio executive, the network executive and even the guy who swept up after lunch to no avail. Encountering me, who knew of the conflict, he mentioned that his wife always wore a flannel nightgown to sleep. I was too polite to express my thoughts that it might be a response to whom she was sleeping with. These might seem to be more of a juggling act than a balancing one. But, they do illustrate the various straits we must navigate to perform our job. Our craft demands that we are subject to the demands and whims of many other people producers, directors, writers and actors. Our job is to carry on and get it done. We can offer our thoughts and opinions, especially if asked. Respect is earned and given our craft by our knowledge and expertise. We are more than dressers. As costumers we are unique and special. It is by action and cooperation that we can show others how valuable and integral we are to telling a story. Our professionalism tips the scales in our favor. In Solidarity, Bob THE COSTUMER 3 OCTOBER 2014
EXECUTIVE BOArD MEETING MINUTES September 20, 2014 EXECUTIVE BOARD Present: Steve Ferry, Deborah Curtis, Wanda Leavey, Bob Iannaccone, Sue Bub, Radford Polinsky, Cindy Buckner, Jeff Hartman, Hossein Namdar, John Van Hout, Jeff Schoenberg and Kathy Monderine. Excused: Carmen Lozano, Renee Nault and Stephanie Fox- Kramer. CALL TO ORDER/APPROVAL OF MINUTES President Steve Ferry called the meeting to order at 2:15 PM, and asked for a motion to approve the minutes of the Executive Board meeting on August 12, 2014. Sister Cindy Buckner moved to approve the minutes and Sister Sue Bub moved to 2nd. The motion was carried unanimously. PRESENTATION TO E-BOARD MEMBERS Sister Debby Curtis read an Affidavit of a charge filed by Sister Susanna Sandke regarding Brother Bob Iannaccone on August 22, 2014. The Affidavit referred to Article 4 Section C (sic) of the Constitution and By-Laws of the Motion Picture Costumers, Local 705. Discussion followed with the Local s attorney present via phone. Brother Radford Polinsky moved to call for a vote. Brother Jeff Schoenberg moved to 2nd. Sister Curtis called for the vote by secret ballot. The majority of Executive Board members voted to take cognizance of the charge. Brother Schoenberg moved to keep the individual votes anonymous. Sister Buckner moved to 2nd. This motion was carried unanimously. BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVE S REPORT Brother Iannaccone reported on the success of the continued efforts of this Local s members, as well as many others, in helping AB 1839, the bill for increased tax incentives pass both through the State Assembly and Senate right to the Governor s desk. Governor Jerry Brown signed the bill which will be in effect for 5 years, beginning July 2015 and increase the amount available from $100 million to $330 million. He suggested that this will bring many jobs back to California and be of especially great help to the Local s members by increasing the jobs available in the entertainment industry very shortly. Brother Iannaccone reported that a Victory Celebration in celebration of the passage of the tax incentive bill, AB 1839, was being planned for October 26, 2014 at Calamigos Ranch in Malibu. Times have not been set yet. He hoped that many members, especially those that contributed so much in support of the bill from signing and distributing letters to Sacramento, as well as participating in the various events to raise awareness, would be available for the celebration. Brother Iannaccone noted that as soon as times for the celebration were made available, members would be notified. He also reported that, at this time, a $5.00 charge was being considered for tickets to the event. Brother John Van Hout moved to purchase as many tickets as allowed, per the Local s budget, and made available to any member willing to pick them up at the Local s Business Office, Swith a maximum of 2 tickets per member. Sister Bub moved to 2nd. Sister Curtis, Sister Wanda Leavey, Brother Iannaccone, Sister Bub, Brother Hossein Namdar and Brother Van Hout voted to approve the motion. Brother Radford Polinsky and Brother Jeffrey Schoenberg voted no on the approval of the motion. Brother Jeff Hartman abstained. The motion was carried. Brother Iannaccone reported that contract negotiations for the Basic Agreement would begin shortly and a Negotiating Committee would be chosen at the October 11, General Membership meeting. Brother Iannaccone reminded Executive Board members about the Retiree Luncheon, which will celebrate all retirees this year, and be held on Sunday, November 16, 2014. SECRETARY-TREASURER S / ASST. BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVE REPORT Financial Report Sister Leavey and members of the Executive Board reviewed the August financial report and found the Local well within the 2014 budget. Work Report Sister Leavey reported that as of August 31, 2014, according to work reported by members either to the Business Office or on the website, 93% of the Local s members are represented as employed. Brother Schoenberg reported that the figures were inaccurate, as classifications represented on the website were different from those reported to the Business Office and available by fax. Discussion followed. Executive Board members agreed by consensus that the situation be resolved by the next Executive Board meeting on October 7, 2014, as members were being affected in their job search. Sister Leavey reminded Executive Board members that it was also the responsibility of the Local s members to keep their work status current with both the website and the Business Office for an accurate representation of employment in the Local. Sister Leavey reminded Executive Board members that soon Budget meetings for the Local s 2015 Budget would begin. Sister Bethany Bohatila, Chairperson, would be notifying members of the Budget & Finance Committee. PRESIDENT S REPORT Brother Ferry reported that the November elections were coming up shortly and stressed the importance of candidates and issues supportive of labor and the entertainment industry. OLD BUSINESS Brother Iannaccone shared a Thank You from the Christmas in July fundraiser for underprivileged children to which the Local had donated bikes, helmets and locks. (continued on next page) OCTOBER 2014 4 THE COSTUMER
NEW BUSINESS Brother Iannaccone reported that preparations were already underway for the MPTF Day At the Races fundraiser in January 2015. More information will be forthcoming. Brother Iannaccone reported that the Hollywood Costume exhibit would be opening October 2, 2014, through March 2, 2015 in the historic May Company Building on Wilshire Blvd., the future site of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. He reported that the multimedia exhibit would explore the role of costumes in cinematic storytelling. All members of the Local will be eligible for a 20% discount. Brother Iannaccone reminded Executive Board members that the General Membership meeting with the new members will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2014. Brother Iannaccone reported that the Miguel Contreras Foundation s 2014 Annual Awards Celebration will be held on Wed., October 22, 2014. Brother Schoenberg moved to purchase one ticket to the event for $1,000. Sister Bub moved to 2nd. The motion was carried unanimously. Brother Iannaccone reported that he attended the West Hollywood and Beverly Hills Democratic Clubs event honoring IATSE 3rd Vice-President Thom Davis as Democrat of the Year. Sister Curtis moved to reimburse Brother Iannaccone for his ticket of $95. Brother Schoenberg moved to 2nd. The motion carried unanimously. Brother Polinsky reported that he was glad to hear that his request regarding costumers exposure to blood-borne pathogens, as well as the use of power tools had been discussed at the recent Safety Committee meeting of the CSATF. Brother Iannaccone reported that a picket line in support of Local 700 was ongoing and suggested Executive Board members invite members to participate. He suggested calling the Business Office for dates, times and locations. ADJOURNMENT The next Executive Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 7, 2014. Brother Van Hout moved to adjourn. Brother Hartman moved to 2nd. Respectfully Submitted, Wanda Leavey Secretary-Treasurer/Asst. Business Representative KEEP YOUR UNION BROTHERS & SISTERS WORKING! Use Signator Custom-Made & Costume Houses! American Costume Co. Bill Hargate Costumes Costume Co-Op Costume Rentals Corporation Dennis Kim Inc. K&P Costume Co. Lenis Prorsum Custom Tailoring M&J Costume Company Marilyn Madsen Motion Picture Costume Co. Muto-Little Inc. Serj Costumes & Tailoring Western Costume Company Use Union Labor only!!! Our Local 705 Sisters & Brothers!!! They have the talent, resources & ability to create magic! DO IT UNION!!! SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT The UCLA Center for Oral History Research will be inaugurating a series of oral history interviews of costumers. The goal is to explore the rich contributions our members and friends have made to our craft, to the entertainment community, and to the greater community of our home, Los Angeles. More information to follow. ÜExercise Your Right To Vote on November 4th! It is to the real advantage of every producer, every manufacturer and every merchant to cooperate in the improvement of working conditions, because the best customer of American industry is the well-paid worker. -- Franklin Roosevelt THE COSTUMER 5 OCTOBER 2014
IN MEMORIAM The members and staff of Local 705 express condolences to the family and loved ones of our departed members GEORGE LITTLE MENS FINISHED March 6, 1951 August 29, 2014 A dual card holder, George was a member since 1975. Some of his many credits were: Bugsy, Apocalypse Now, Uncommon Valor, Toys and Can t Stop the Music. He is survived by his son Ian (CH), brother Jason Moore (MF), and former wife Carlane Passman (WF). JAMES W. HOOK MENS FINISHED January 7, 1939 September 1, 2014 A member since 1978, he worked extensively at CBS. His credits include The Carol Burnett Show, Family Feud, Lawrence Welk and The Newlywed Game. Condolences to our members on the passing of their family members Judith Curtis (WF) on the passing of her husband, Angelique Curtis (WF) and on the passing of her father, Gary Curtis on September 9, 2014 Onofrio De Palma (MCM) on the passing of his wife, Justina De Palma on September 11, 2014 Maria Hernandez (WF) on the passing of her son, Christopher Martin Hernandez on September 9, 2014 OCTOBER 2014 6 THE COSTUMER
new MEMBErsHIP meeting September 20, 2014 COSTUME HOUSE MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE Ex-Officio: Steve Ferry The following applicants were interviewed and recommended for Membership: Christine Callan, Jesus Fontana, Nicole Garippo, Jennifer Herrenkohl, Jessica Hutfless, Elizabeth Miller, Anna Seltzer, Samantha Tray and Melissa Yanda. The following applicants, unable to attend the membership interviews were deferred until the Executive Board meeting on October 7, 2014 or the March 2015 New Membership meeting: Ian Allegro and Anna Rose Tibboel. Submitted by: Steve Ferry LIVE TELEVISION MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE Ex-Officio: Bob Iannaccone The following applicants were interviewed and recommended for Membership: Tracey Battle, Celeste Clark and Deaquinta Hill. The following applicants, unable to attend the membership interviews were deferred until the Executive Board meeting on October 7, 2014 or the March 2015 New Membership meeting: Lawren Sample and Analisa Siegel. Submitted by: Bob Iannaccone WOMEN S CUSTOM MADE MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE Ex-Officio: Wanda Leavey The following applicants were interviewed and recommended for Membership: Agnes Grzyobowski, Erika Lucas, Marcia Moore and Sal Salomone. Margaret McFarland was approved to reclassify from Women s Finished to Women s Custom Made as Cutter-Fitter. Submitted by: Wanda Leavey MEN S FINISHED MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE Committee: Gil Loe (Chair) The following applicants were interviewed and recommended for Membership: Joseph Castellanos, Michael Dewinter, Julien Havard, Benny Lumpkins, Jr., Nik Venet and Keith Wager. The following applicant, unable to attend the membership interview was deferred until the Executive Board meeting on October 7, 2014 or the March 2015 New Membership meeting: Derrick Cole. Submitted by: Gil Loe WOMEN S FINISHED MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE Committee: Tess Inman (Chair), Sue Bub and Cindy Buckner The following applicants were interviewed and recommended for Membership: Gergana Angelova, Cari Avila, Ursula Berg, Stephanie Blanco, Alicia Boue, Stephanie Brytus, Lacy Clear, Michele Daranyi, Elizabeth Hanley, Sukie Hong, Sheila Irwin, Hillary Janvrin, Megan Klimkos, Anna Lloyd, Rebeca Negrete, Andrea Medina, Kirstin Meier, Candace Rainwater, Margaret Ramos, Irina Shishko, Laurence Tallon-Caines, Jeri Thompson, Katherine Workinger and Megan Zanzinger. The following applicants, unable to attend the membership interviews were deferred until the Executive Board meeting on October 7, 2014 or the March 2015 New Membership meeting: Nicole Aprea, Mallory Bradley, Amanda Carter, Ashley Decker, Raquel Gonzalez, Barbara Hatch, Brooke Llewellyn, Kari Pickrell, Sophia Odegaard, Jenna Ritter, Sarabeth Tucek and Cassie Wiginton. Margaret McFarland was approved to reclassify to Women s Custom Made. Submitted by: Tess Inman LIVE TV NEWS As non-rostered members in good standing of the Live TV group, it is possible to work on film projects covered in the finished costumer group that require placement on the Industry Experience Roster. If a live television member is offered employment in a category other than live TV, waivers are available on request by production. If you are offered a job please call the Local 705 office and speak to Business Representative Bob Iannaccone about the process of being granted a waiver to work. THE COSTUMER 7 JANUARY 2014
OCTOBER 2014 8 THE COSTUMER
OUT & ABOUT WITH FIELD REP. NOEL LEONARD We are experiencing a very busy production season. Here are some of the projects being done, and the crews that are doing them: Television: Big Time Hollywood Costume Designer: Christina Mongini* Supervisor: Summer Ramsey Costumers: Kelly Jones, Bethany Bohatila How to get away with Murder Supervisor: Sydney Shapiro Costumers: Gail Just, Rachel Hill, Kay Morris, Antonitta Barnes, Sarah De Sa Rego, Anna Caudillo, Maddy Meyburgh, Gina Accardi WCM: Zoja Bergam Nicky, Ricky, Dicky and Dawn Supervisor: Julie Lauritzen Costumers: Brenda Lorimer, Tricia McCumby, Dina Dominguez Feature: "Marry Me" Television Crew Left to right: Steven Hawley (Costumer), Regalia Thomas (Costumer), Emma Lawrence (Costumer), Lisa Halperin (Costumer), Olga Ishkhanova (WCM), Carlane Passman (Costume Supervisor) Straight Outta Compton Costume Designer: Kelli Jones* Supervisor: Tom Bronson Costumers: Moe Martin, Jordanna Leeds, Ya Boaa Aning, Hazel Alonzo-Yuan, Megan Klimkos, Melissa Lizardo, Kenya Ware * Dual Card Holders "We Are Your Friends" Feature Crew Left to right: Kim Shek (Costumer), Alejandro Hernandez (Costumer), Christie Wittenborn (Costume Designer), Christina McAlinden (Costume Supervisor) Contract Negotiations In this issue you will find a form for suggestions for the upcoming basic agreement contract negotiations. Please fill it out and return it by the dates on the form. Make your voice heard. On The Picket Line for "Shahs of Sunset" Local 705 Field Rep. Noel Leonard and Business Rep. Bob Iannaccone THE COSTUMER 9 OCTOBER 2014
OCTOBER 2014 10 THE COSTUMER
SAVE THE DATE Motion Picture Costumers Local 705 General Membership Meeting October 11, 2014 Grips Local 80 Stage Area 2520 W. Olive Ave. (at Buena Vista St.) Burbank, CA 91505 Continental Breakfast 10:30 a.m. Meeting 11:00 a.m. Welfare Raffle Drawing Free Dues Drawing Door Prizes THE COSTUMER 11 OCTOBER 2014
OCTOBER ISSUE MOTION PICTURE COSTUMERS IATSE LOCAL 705 4731 LAUREL CANYON BLVD. #201 VALLEY VILLAGE, CA 91607 Save the date! Annual Retirees Luncheon Sunday, November 16, 2014 MPTF Wasserman Campus 23388 Mulholland Drive Woodland Hills, CA 91364 Reception 12 noon Lunch 1 pm Retirees & Guests Complimentary Lunch Active members & friends $40 Please call the business office for information and reservations