Get an update on what's happening with production incentives at the legislature. Find out about MN projects currently in production. Join us to catch up with the latest, and bring your news to share!
MN Film & TV will host the First Friday Toolkit Series S2 E2 At noon on Friday, March 5, 2021.
Local 490's Brian Simpson will be a featured member of this event.
PRODUCTION INCENTIVES MAKE PROGRESS AT THE MINNESOTA LEGISLATURE
Things are looking different for production rebates and tax credits this year. And by "different," we mean VERY EXCITING.
Our tax credit bill will be introduced this week, soon to be followed by legislative hearings. The legislature is, naturally, focused on post-COVID economic recovery right now. And guess which industry pumps money back into the economy at record speed?
According to a new report by research firm Olsberg SPI, "Screen production injects huge amounts of capital very rapidly into an economy...it will be a powerful sector for driving economic recovery."
This message, at last, is resonating at the Minnesota State Capitol.
At noon on Friday, March 5, we'll update you on what you can do to help get production incentives into the budget this year.
Brian Simpson of IATSE 490 and Casey Lewis of SAG-AFTRA Twin Cities Local, who have been working incredibly hard on this bill, will join us with all the latest info.
Click on this to get your Zoom link. https://tinyurl.com/22nzzdsr
MN Film & TV executive director Melodie Bahan will moderate the discussion.
Below is a recording of the update.
The Locations department guides our film productions when we aren’t shooting in a studio. They often start weeks before a shoot day, showing directors, producers and agencies dozens of options for the production. Local 490 has some of the best location managers and assistants in the Twin Cities. They have worked on features, short films and commercials. They are on the top tier in the MN film industry. In this series, Pandemic Profiles, we are highlighting our union members who are showing us how they are evolving their business in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. Next up, Local 490 members Charlotte Ariss Locations and one of her scouts, Todd Sinkewich.
Local 490 members Charlotte Ariss & Todd Sinkewich work together finding the best locations in the Cities. Photo provided by Charlotte Ariss
In their own words, “As location managers we are tasked with providing clean and safe shooting locations. In the time of Covid-19, that task has become even more important for the safety and well-being of our crew and for our location stakeholders.
Photo provided by Charlotte Ariss
We make sure that we have adequate space for each department to set up and maintain social distancing. We keep as much staging outside, or in the garage, as possible. On a couple shoots last summer/fall we gained permission from the City of Minneapolis to shut down an entire residential block for staging crew and gear. This gave us ample room to spread out during the day and for lunch.
Crew meets on a tech scout for the union gig on Xcel energy. Photo provided by Charlotte Ariss
In terms of Charlotte Ariss Locations (CAL) specifically, we have updated our standard protocols for interior locations to include Sani-Set, where a professional cleaner comes in to sanitize all surfaces before the crew arrives and after the shoot so the homeowners can return to a fully sanitized home. We offer hotel lodging to keep homeowners distanced from their home until it can be thoroughly cleaned, and rugs and trash can no longer be transported in CAL personal vehicles.
Some of the Equipment that is used on the set to disinfect the location. Photos provided by Charlotte Ariss
Production changes on set have included mandatory masks, temperature checks, face shields for those close to talent, individually packaged snacks and lunches, more outdoor staging, social distancing, rotating shifts when working on set, sanitizer everywhere, questionnaires, COVID testing, a new COVID coordinator position, and virtual client review to limit those needed on set.
Keeping these realities in mind, we are up leveling our service to include a new product offering from one of our own CAL location managers, the Aware Air kit. Aware Air provides a chemical-free, air purification system that provides a critical layer of protection throughout the day by powerfully sanitizing not only the air but surfaces too. The system releases powerful oxidizers into the air and on surfaces, where they seek and destroy DNA and RNA viruses including SARS-CoV-2 (novel coronavirus). Look for this additional service which will be introduced in March 2021.
Masks, Hand sanitizer, chemical disinfectants are now on every set. Photo provided by Charlotte Ariss
Our producers partner with rental companies such as union-endorsed Midwest Mohos & Production Supply to have a bathroom trailer and hand-washing station on the street or in a parking lot for crew to use. We usually reserve one (pre-sanitized) bathroom in the interior location or motorhome exclusively for talent use, and another for hair & makeup. We can sanitize throughout the day with our electro-static sprayer, and work closely with the Covid Safety Coordinator to make sure all industry-standard safety precautions are met and enforced.
Although we are vigilant to help keep things moving smoothly and safely throughout the location, we realize it is not realistic that a doorknob is going get wiped clean every time it is touched, nor can we control when someone sneezes or coughs, and there may be times when crew may find themselves working in closer proximity than 6 feet. Sometimes it simply cannot be avoided.
“Karna” is another member of Ariss Locations, here she is masked up on set. Photo provided by Charlotte Ariss
And throughout all of the pandemic, some things haven't changed..spirits are still high and the energy is positive. Although COVID has put a negative weight on all of our shoulders, shoot after shoot we are impressed by the ability for all of us to still come together, work as a team, and get it done! All with a smile under our masks. ;) “
Local 490 is proud to have members like Charlotte leading the way for a safer and cleaner film industry. You can find out more about her Location Services at https://www.charlottearisslocations.com
Please support our film industry by hiring members like Charlotte Ariss and shooting your next production on a union contract. In doing so, you are getting the best crew in Minnesota, your project will be safe, well run, your crew will be professional. You will be paying the crew good wages, supplying workers comp, unemployment insurance and even retirement benefits. This supports our union brothers and sisters before, during and after your project. Contact our business agent at this email, businessagent@iatse490.net, to find out more about shooting union.
If you would like to be featured in Pandemic Profiles, pls contact Mark Wojahn in the social media committee, or email him at socialmedia@iatse490.net.
Much of 490’s work is providing crew for TV, Cable commercials for web content. We are lucky to have great Fortune 500 companies and Ad Agencies based in our state. We even have a few celebrities who hail from Minnesota that attract national attention. These businesses and stars often get top shelf directors and production companies which are union signatories. These signatories hire union talent, crew and camera professionals. Here is a selection of some of the union commercials 490 was a part of in 2020.
Client: Squarespace , director Todd Godsall, Production Company: Anonymous Content, Agency: Squarespace (in house creative)
Squarespace Superbowl commercial was Filmed on location in Winona MN and in the Twin Cities.
490 Sign painter Phil Vaandervart plys his trade on the Squarespace Commerical
490 Make up Deanna Johnson touches up talent on the squarespace commercial.
Client: Xcel Energy, director: Joe Wright, Production Company: Sibling Rivalry, Agency: Carmichael Lynch
490 Dolly grips, Dave Pope & Gerhard Riautschnig Move camera for the Xcel Energy Commercial
490 Decorator Sarah Jean Shervin moves dressing to the set.
Dolly Grips Dean Woytke & Dave Pope move camera
Client: Anytime Fitness, Director Terry Rietta, Production Company: At Swim Agency: Colle McVoy
490 propmaster Melissa Pritchett and set dresser Tom Krsitjansen adhere vinyl on set
Client: 3M, director: Tomas Leach, Production Company: Moxie Pictures, Agency: Havas NY
Client; Cellcom, director Fred Goss, Production company: Company Films, Agency: BVK
IATSE Local 490 thanks all these companies for hiring crews with a union contract. You are getting the best studio mechanics and artists, the safest team and you are paying good wages, health benefits, workers compensation, unemployment insurance and even pension benefits! You are taking care of the crew before, during and after your production.
IATSE Local 490 has had its’ election last December 2020. We had a robust nomination process, with many new names running for our top spots. We are proud to announce our new officers for the next three years below. They will be sworn in Monday, January 25th, 2021.
Matt Muegge, President of Local 490
Matt Muegge has won re-election as President. This will be his 2nd term, he ran unopposed. He has been president of Local 490 since 2018. He works in our industry as a gaffer, election and grip. Congrats brother Muegge as President of Local 490!
Kellie Larson is Business Agent of Local 490.
Kellie Larson has won election as Business Agent. She ran unopposed and works in our industry as a prop builder and prop assistant. She succeeds Brian Simpson as Business Agent. Kellie is a long time member of Local 13, who has recently joined Local 490. Welcome sister Larson as Business Agent to Local 490!
Sister Larson has been a member of Local 490 since 2020.
April Hinrichs is Vice President of Local 490.
April Hinrichs has won election as Vice President. She ran unopposed and has been a long time member of the membership committee. She works in our industry as a Hair and Make up artist. She succeeds Mark Wojahn as the new vice President. Welcome sister Hinrichs as Vice President. April Marie Hinrichs has been a makeup artist for 20 years. She has been a member of the union’s membership committee. Her training in the Film Industry is extensive and wide spread. She has a passion for always growing and learning from each and every experience. April has a heart for people and thrives in any environment. She has depth and range to work with all races, ages, and skin types. She received her Makeup and FX training from the Westmore Academy in Burbank California as well as her skin and hair training from the Aveda Institute and Dermal Institute.
Sister Hinrichs has been a Local 490 member since 2014.
Natasha Georgia is Treasurer of Local 490.
Natasha Georgia won election as our Treasurer. She ran against Dan Miller. She works in our industry as Craft services. She succeeds Edward Cohen as Treasurer. Natasha Georgia has been providing Craft Services for Independent Film, TV & Commercial Productions in the Twin Cities since 2016. She grew up in MN & graduated from MCAD with a degree in fine art in 1998 where she focused on mixed media installation art. She’s a longtime foodie who has been a pastry chef, award winning gelato maker, cheesemonger, kitchenware and cookbook buyer among other things. She loves doing craft services. Natasha’s film & television credits include HBO’s Mogadishu Minnesota, ABC’s In An Instant Season 3, Netflix 2019 Chris D’Elia Comedy Special & Indy film Tuscaloosa. She’s provided Craft services for many Union Commercials over the past few years including several large Super Bowl commercials. Natasha lives in Minneapolis with her husband, teenage son & bearded dragon, Floki. Congrats sister Georgia as the new Treasurer!
Sister Georgia has been a member of IATSE Local 490 since the spring of 2017
Sammy Halabi is Secretary of Local 490.
Sammy Halabi has won election as Secretary. He ran unopposed. Sammy succeeds Bryan Bredahl as the Secretary and works in our industry as a Production Office coordinator. Sammy Halabi has been in the Industry since 2007, in various roles , but is most well known for being a production coordinator / manager. Sammy started is career as a director/ producer by self-funding a music video which got distribution to MTV & VH1 which helped propel his career. To this date Sammy has worked on over 150 different TV shows and commercials all over the United States. Sammy's life passion is his work in production and continues building his name and brand "GoForSammy" & "Wheels Up Rentals”.Coordinator. Congrats and welcome brother Halabi as Secretary of Local 490!
Brother Halabi has been in Local 490 since 2020.
Deanna Johnson, Executive Board Member at Large
Deanna Johnson has won election as Executive Board member at large. This is her third term on the Executive board. She has been on many committees in her time in 490, inc, legislative, party and the rules committees. She works as a Hair and Makeup artist in our industry. Congrats on another term on the Executive Board of Local 490!
Molly Worre, Executive Board Member at Large
Molly Worre has won election as Executive Board member at large. This is her second term on the Executive board. Sister Worre works as a script supervisor and a director in our industry. Congrats on another term on the Executive Board of Local 490!
Deborah Fiscus has won election as a Board of Trustee. Sister Fiscus works as a wardrobe and costume artist in our industry. Congrats and welcome Sister Fiscus as as Trustee of Local 490!
Tom Franchett has won election as a Board of Trustee. Brother Franchette works as a gaffer in our industry. This is his second term as a trustee. Congrats and welcome brother Franchette as as Trustee of Local 490!
Scott Nordhausen has won election as a Board of Trustee. Brother Nordhausen works as a set dresser and on-set dresser in our industry. This is his first term as a trustee. Congrats and welcome brother Nordhausen as as Trustee of Local 490!
Local 490 is proud to have these fine members lead us in the coming years. We look forward to the positive work they will be doing as our union continues to guide the MN Film Industry.
Natasha on set, masked up and extra safe with a hard hat on a union Xcel Energy shoot. (image by Natasha)
The old days of crafty meat and cheese platters is on hiatus, when will it come back? (photo by Natasha)
The old pre-pandemic days of meat and cheese plates. (image provided by Natasha)
It is common to see signs at our station to; wash hands, stay distanced, stay safe!
(image provided by Natasha)
Crafty “Feed Bags” are now more the norm. (image provided by Natasha)
The new Crafty spread is much different, everything is individually wrapped. Hand sanitizer is on the table.
Natasha’s Covid Safety Guidelines. (image provided by Natasha)
Jeff Fischer masked up with one of his drivers, Matthew Brandt.
the electrostatic disinfectant sprayer
Midwest Mohos 2 room Restrroom aka a Honeywagon.
1 of 2 portable handwashing stations
Jeff masked and shielded on set.
Dear Members of IATSE Local 490 and the MN Film Community,
With all the federal and state governments covid-19 bills (Care Act) coming into effect. I wanted to send out this email regarding unemployment and other information that might be useful.
Unemployment, Small Businesses.
Unemployment now lets you file with 1099’s when filing. Below is the link for more information that IATSE Local 13 sent out. This has a lot of great information to help.
https://springboardforthearts.org/resources-access/legal-assistance/coronavirus/
The federal government is adding an extra payment a week on top of the state’s unemployment.
Remember you must file every week. They have certain days to file based on the last digit of your social security number.
If you have any questions, please contact us. We are here to help.
Rent:
You may be eligible for other types of help. Please contact your landlord for more information.
Mortgages and Rent:
If you are affected by covid-19/CAREs act you might be eligible for to receive a mortgage forbearance.
https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/mortgages/lenders-mortgage-help-covid-19/
https://www.npr.org/2020/03/19/818343720/homeowners-hurt-financially-by-the-coronavirus-may-get-a-mortgage-break?utm_campaign=storyshare&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social
Student Loans:
Federal student loans are coved under the covid 19/CAREs act. They have automatically put your loans in forbearance until September 30th, 2020. You will be able to still pay, and the payment(s) will go straight to your principal balance.
https://www.studentloanborrowerassistance.org/what-the-cares-act-means-for-repayment-of-federal-student-loans/
Bills:
You maybe able to get some help with other bills. Contact your bill provider to see how they can help. It never hurts to ask.
Health Insurance –
If you get your health insurance through the IATSE National Benefits Fund,
they have taken steps to make it easier to keep your insurance while you’re not working. There
are now options to keep your insurance through the 3rd quarter even if you don’t have enough
funds in your CAPP account. You can find more details here:
https://www.iatsenbf.org/assets/IMPROVEMENTS-TO-HEALTH-ELIGIBILITY-COVID-003.pdf
Mental Health:
The Behind the Scenes Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Initiative, in partnership with HelpPRO, announces the launch of the Entertainment Industry Therapist Finder. The Finder only includes listings for mental health professionals who have previously worked with clients in the entertainment industry or who have personal professional experience in the industry themselves.
Users are able to search for a therapist using a simple search form which includes location, insurance accepted, what areas the therapist specializes in, and therapist availability such as whether they see clients remotely or on nights and weekends. An advanced search is available which also includes such criteria as theoretical approaches, credentials held by the therapist, specific populations they have experience with, and languages spoken. Both searches indicate whether the therapist is accepting new clients.
The Entertainment Industry Therapist Finder has been developed in response to an industry survey conducted last fall. The results revealed just how prevalent the problem of finding therapists who understand something about the unique culture and stresses of the entertainment industry is. Many respondents expressed frustration with therapists who consistently made suggestions that were unrealistic given the long working hours and employment challenges so many in our industry face. They also expressed the difficulty of scheduling appointments with therapists who kept only 9 to 5 office hours.
If you know of a therapist with the required experience, please tell them about the finder and ask them to register at btshelp.org/therapist_registration or email their contact info to mh@btshelp.org and we will reach out to them. We will continue to actively recruit therapists for the finder that meet the industry’s needs.
Behind the Scenes has come together with other concerned organizations and individuals to create the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Initiative. A series of tools and resources has been developed to not only help you but also assist you in helping your colleagues. Find links to resources, the online self-assessment tool, and information about the initiative and programs at btshelp.org/mentalhealth. Follow @BeScene_BTS for more information.
Stimulus check:
If you filed your taxes and had direct deposit it will be directly deposited into your account. You may have already received the check.
If you haven’t or not had direct deposit connected to your taxes you can check when you will get it here:
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments
COVD-19 RESOURCES:
American Federation of Musicians: https://www.afm.org/covid-19/
Directors Guild of America: https://www.dga.org/The-Guild/Coronavirus-Resources-and-Updates.aspx
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees: https://www.iatse.net/coronavirus-update-portal
International Brotherhood of Teamsters: https://teamster.org/covid-19
SAG-AFTRA: http://www.sagaftra.org/covid19
Writers Guild of America East: https://www.wgaeast.org/covid19/
https://iatsecares.org/
Safety Training:
With having this down time, it is a great time to complete your Union safety and harassment training.
Click here to fill out the TTF Safety First Online Courses application online →
The TTF Safety First! Online Courses © promote safe working conditions by providing information, tools, and resources to recognize potential hazards and minimize risks. Case studies from the various crafts are included, making the curriculum relevant across the IATSE workforce. Click here to learn more about Safety First →
LinkedIn Learning
Click here to fill out the LinkedIn Learning application online →
LinkedIn Learning is a self-guided learning platform with over 15,000 online courses on all types of topics and software. Free LinkedIn Learning Subscriptions are available to active IATSE members and those working under an IATSE agreement. Click here to learn more about LinkedIn Learning →
In solidarity,
Bryan Bredahl
Secretary
IATSE Local 490
Bingspost has reported a synopsis of what IATSE is doing in response to COVID19, here is their summary.
IATSE president Matthew Loeb has launched a video detailing the union’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, which has idled many of the below-the-line union’s members.
“I need to speak to you concerning the greatest problem that’s confronted the union since its founding in 1893,” he mentioned within the video posted on IATSE’s web site Wednesday morning. “On account of the coronavirus, just about all of our work shut down instantly, inflicting extreme unemployment for the higher a part of our 150,000 members.”
“Our efforts have been tireless, to foyer, to make sure the inclusion of leisure trade employees in any laws that the federal government places ahead,” he went on. “We lobbied tirelessly for the CARES Act (Coronavirus Help, Aid, and Financial Safety) to supply, pressing monetary help to our members to ensure the leisure trade was included. Our union despatched over 107,00 letters to members of Congress.”
Loeb talked about speaking to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and mentioned she had acknowledged and accepted the wants of IATSE members. He additionally talked about Adam Schiff’s letter to Congress that had over three dozen signatures from Congress members who additionally supported the decision for leisure employees to be included in any aid package deal.
He additionally introduced up the success of some Canadian lobbying efforts, which have resulted in an unemployment insurance coverage profit, a Canadian emergency response good thing about $2,000 per 30 days for 4 months and a wage subsidy for companies to proceed to have the ability to pay workers.
“We now have to proceed to foyer in each America and Canada on a state stage, on a municipal stage with a view to safe our future, whether or not it’s for IATSE members or help for our employers,” he added.
“We’re doing quite a lot of issues to assist,” Loeb continued. “We’re stitching masks, we’re making shields, we’re amassing gear from hospital reveals to provide to medical amenities. And we’re providing help to coordinate gear we’ve got and use that will even be useful within the effort in opposition to the coronavirus.”
Moreover, Loeb pointed members to its new initiative IATSE Cares. The initiative facilitates volunteer deliveries for at-risk members, such because the aged and/or disabled members through the disaster, and includes a buddy system the place volunteers can test in with different members by telephone.
“A very powerful factor of all is you keep wholesome and secure,” Loeb concluded. “You comply with the recommendation to maintain secure.”
“This union has been by way of wars, plagues, terrorist assaults and strikes and pure disasters since 1893. By means of our collective energy and our voice and our spirit of compassion and dedication, we’ve gotten by way of and we’re going to get by way of this too.”
(This article was copied from Bingpost, Local 490 slightly edited the content and added hyperlinks to some of the words. )
IATSE 490 attended the The MN 2020 Film and TV Preview Breakfast on Dec, 8th 2019. In attendance for our union was Sister Kathryn Rogers. She found the event very informative. The breakfast started with an introduction by Executive Director Melodie Bahan, with a review of 2019.
MN Film TV Director Melodie Bahan speaks at the Black Dog Cafe in Saint Paul, MN. Photo provided by Kathryn Rogers.
From Director Bahan recap,
We began a full-court press for a tax credit production incentive, which would make Minnesota competitive and bring new spending and jobs to the state.
We made great progress, getting bipartisan sponsorship for our bill, and having hearings in the tax committees of both houses. We were ultimately unable to get the bill passed this year, but having now introduced the idea of a tax credit incentive, we have a plan for moving forward.
Over the summer, along with Catalyst executive director Philip Gilpin, Melodie traveled to Los Angeles with elected officials from Duluth and the surrounding counties. One of our lead sponsors in the House, Rep. Dave Lislegard, invited Speaker Melissa Hortman to go along, and the group met with executives from HBO, Disney, A&E, the Television Academy and others about the impact of increased production on Minnesota’s economy. The Speaker’s participation in these meetings and enthusiasm for the industry will be incredibly helpful in moving our agenda in the House.
Photo provided by Kathryn Rogers.
Bahan continued,
“ We are announcing the formation of a new, broad-based coalition made up of industry professionals, corporations, labor, tourism, economic development organizations, educators, and individuals like you. The mission statement:
The Minnesota Film Alliance (MFA) is a statewide, non-profit industry trade association representing Minnesota’s film, TV and digital media production industry. MFA’s vision is to build and sustain a highly professional entertainment production industry in Minnesota.
You've probably heard that the state of Georgia is killing it in the entertainment industry because of their tax credit incentives. How did they get those incentives passed? Through the efforts of an industry trade alliance like this one.
Also, here is a nice little slogan for this brand new 501(c)(6):
"KEEP MINNESOTA ROLLING!"
The Minnesota Film Alliance is funded by membership, which will enable it to mount a comprehensive campaign in support of our legislative goals. Memberships range from $100 for individuals to $10,000 for corporate partners. To get more information or join the Alliance, contact Melodie Bahan at 612.767.0095.
The attendees listen in on the Film Boards plan for 2020, Photo provided by Kathryn Rogers.
Bahan continued,
MN Film & TV has partnered with researchers at the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management to conduct a survey of workers in the entertainment industry – the first survey of its kind to take place in Minnesota.
The goal is to help us make informed decisions as we support Minnesota production workers. It should also help us answer questions posed by state legislators about labor conditions and the local industry's response to such conditions.
The survey is split into four categories to research industry strengths and weaknesses:
Communication
Training and development
Wellness
Experiences of harassment or discrimination
We want absolutely everybody in the Minnesota production industry to participate in this survey! It's the first time ever that we'll have a comprehensive overview of this vital sector of our economy.
The survey will go live in January, and we'll make it easily accessible to everyone who'd like to participate. For more info, contact Grace O'Neil, the U of M student who's managing the survey.
Sister Rogers remarked,
”The preview breakfast was a great place to network and understand what's happening in the MN film industry. Thanks to our Union for giving me the opportunity to understand more about what has happened as well as what's what's on the horizon.
It is important for our local to support our industry events either as sponsors or attendees. We see these events as an opportunity for our members to network and get involved in socially in our industry. These free tickets to our members come up often, so stayed tuned to your union emails for their release. Thank you Sister Rogers for attending this event.
(footnote, Director Bahan’s qoutes have been pasted from the MNFILMTV published recap of the event.)
Local 490 dressed up and sent two of its members to the FilmNorth Illuminate Gala on Thursday, November 21, 2019. Vice President and propmaster Mark Wojahn and decorator and 490 committee chair Sarah Jean Shervin attended the benefit party in Saint Paul for the Local.
Minnesota screenwriter Michael Starrbury accepts his award in a tearful speech. Photo by Mark Wojahn
The event celebrated local and national independent filmmakers and the independent film spirit. The “Illuminate Gala” is FilmNorth’s annual fundraiser that shines light on the amazing filmmaking community in The North and raises much-needed funds to support FilmNorth programming.
Vice President Wojahn at FilmNorth’s Illuminate.
VIce President Wojahn commented, “I have been on the Board of Directors at FilmNorth, and they have supported the IATSE All Crew Party and in turn our union strives to support other organizations in our Industry. There were many producers and filmmakers in the audience, some of these may need union crew or be willing to be signatories in the future. We also see that students of FilmNorth classes may be interested in joining the union. For example, Local 490 Grip and gaffer Dan Miller teaches classes at FilmNorth. I see it as very important that we continue our support of FIlmNorth”.
Filmmaker Greg Araki accepts his award, photo by Mark Wojahn.
This year FilmNorth honored two industry icons: veteran independent writer/director Gregg Araki, who has been making films for over 30 years, and the amazing local screenwriter—Michael Starrbury, whose rise in the industry includes both an Independent Spirit Award and 2019 Emmy Award nominations for his work. The Awards were presented at a special early reception at FilmNorth at 6:30pm.
Vice President Wojahn also commented on the heartfelt speech Starrbury gave recieving his award. “It was clear that FilmNorth was an important organization for Starrbury, it nurtured his creative talent and supported his voice in Minnesota. Now his work has gone national. Very impressive. If you haven’t seen, the Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete, check it out its a wonderful and perfect film. We should all be proud that this young man came out of MN and continues to work and live in MN.”
FilmNorth swag at the event.
The party continued across the plaza at Paikka, the renovated industrial event space in St. Paul’s Vandalia Tower complex, home of FilmNorth. There were yummy complimentary hors d’oeuvres by Birchwood Café, Grey Goose® cocktails, Lake Monster Beer, and wine at two cash bars . When reached out for her comments on the event, 490 decorator Shervin remarked, “I really enjoyed talking with Vice President Wojahn and his date, and thought the movie candy that was placed all around the event tables was a nice touch for film lovers”. The crowd listened to music by DJ Chamun and mingled with filmmakers and film lovers. In all, it was a very well run and positive event.
IATSE Local 490 sent members to the 2019 Catalyst Content Festival and to the 2019 AICP NEXT Awards and Show.
Representing at Catalyst in Duluth, MN, Sept 30-Oct 4th was Interim Executive Board Member Molly Worre. Ms. Worre works as a script supervisor in our local and is an up and coming director of short films and commercial spots. She was excited to attend one of the best national festivals on TV series content and to spread the positives of being a member of IATSE.
IATSE Scripty Molly Worre, center, with other Minnesotans and SAG members at the Catalyst Content Festival. (Photo provided by Molly Worre)
This is what she had to say about the festival, “As I arrived at the Catalyst Content Festival, I worried for the out-of-towers, expecting beautiful Minnesota Fall, but instead were met with wintry, rainy weather. Then came the reality of just how bad the construction was on the streets of Duluth. Main Street was being completely torn apart, outside the door-fronts of each of the festival venues. But what better group of people to handle grit and glam, with grace - Content Creators...a city bursting with them. The energy was amazing, and the city of Duluth was impressive.
Duluth, photo provided by the Catalyst Website.
This unique festival is exciting to have so close to home. It's a market that draws people from everywhere. It's a place where Agents, Producers, and Production Companies are seeking content, and the Content-Creators are there to provide. This well-attended combination of chemistry, is the catalyst for great ideas to launch into projects.
IATSE 490 Brochures, stickers and postcards were handed out to attendees.
The venues and parties were fantastic. The panels and workshops were inspiring, and the chance to pitch your project is not exclusive to the official selections. It is technically a long-from (series) festival, that awards selected projects with pitch meetings, but whether you have a project in the festival or not, it is almost impossible to not get the opportunity to pitch to someone.
photo provided by the Catalyst Website.
Over the course of the week, I had the opportunity to support local collaborators, to promote Minnesota as the place to shoot, to represent the local 490, to partner with SAG in representing a strong union presence in Minnesota, and to make connections to pitch my own project.
There was a great turnout from Minnesota artists at the fest. I hope that number grows each year. Minnesota artists are the most likely to shoot here. As for the out-of-towners, they are now left with a beautiful sense of what our state has to offer.
On Sept 26th, the AICP NEXT Awards and Show was held at the Cowles Center in Minneapolis. Local 490 offered two tickets to its’ membership. Seamstress Kathryn Rogers and Crafty Terance Phillip claimed the tickets.
The AICP NEXT awards and Show celebrates the best in American commercial. The local chapter of AICP-MN uses this as a fundraiser for their chapter and to support our MN Film & TV industry.
Local 49o Member Kathryn ROgers attends the AICP Show.
Ms. Rogers said she found the event, “Very informative, educational and knowledgable. The virtual reality of researching, producing and directing international brands was phenomenal. It was an honor to see and hear the voices behind the messages of commercial and print advertising.”
AICP MN Vice President Ace Allgood hits the Red carpet.
To see the red carpet pictures of the AICP NEXT Awards, go to this Link.
Unfortunately in the end, the other 490 ticket holder, Ms. Phillip, was not able to attend the Gala. We have no report from her. Nevertheless, 490 was happy that a couple of our union members could attend these important Minnesotan industry events.
It is important for our local to support our industry events either as sponsors or attendees. We see these events as an opportunity for our members to network and get involved in socially in our industry. These free tickets to our members come up often, so stayed tuned to your union emails for their release.
An upcoming event 490 is planning to send a couple of our members to is the FilmNorth Illuminate Gala in November. Stayed tuned for more details on that, till next time, Go union, Go IATSE!
Summer commercials season has just been completed. IATSE 490 supplied crew for many of these shoots in MN. So far this summer we collaborated with high profile clients like Marvin Windows, Target, Hy-Vee grocery, Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance, Mn Lottery (feat. The Mn Vikings), Google Startups and many others. Our crews work hard, they work with many of the best directors and prodcuers form all over the world to do these shoots. With our experience, we rise to the challenge of each project and give the production what they ask for and more.
Here are some of these spots.
MN-Lottery w/ Viking Jared Allen, Produced by CHELSEA productions, Directed by Jack Cole.
490 Art Director Rob Walstead gives art direction to Vikings player Jared Allen during the shoot.
Target Baby- Produced by SIBLING RIVALRY and directed by Joe Wright.
TV or Web Commercial, shot on location in MN with a union crew and contract, 2019. This commercial is uploaded under fair usage as an example of the Film & TV industry in MN.
490 Set Dressers, Scott Nordhausen and Andrew Mueller move set dec during the Target Baby shoot.
490 Key Grip David Pope adjusts the camera for the Target Baby shoot.
Marvin Windows, Produced by FURLINED, directed by Marcus Svanberg.
490 Gaffer Tom Franchett shines a reflector for the Marvin WIndows shoot.
490 Set Dresser Matt Joyer wears his safety harness to adjust a window during a take for the Marvin WIndows shoot.
490 Grip and Electricians, mount an 18K on a condor for Marvin Windows.
490 art dept lead man Brian Simpson and his team adjust product for Marvin Windows.
Hy-Vee, produced by Cap Gun Collective and directed by Alex Fendrich, DP-Jeff Stonehouse.
Google Start ups, produced by Hound Content, directed by Jason Harper.
490 Gaffer Micheal Wynn adjusts some flourescents for the Google Start-ups shoot.
DGA Assistant Director TJ Beagan works near the 35 mm film camera for the Google Startups.
490 Art Director Mark Wojahn stands near set with some greens for the Google Start ups shoot.
Blue Cross Blue Shield, Produced by RSA Films, Directed by Anna Sandilands & Ewan McNicol.
Local thanks these companies for their collaboration and for hiring high quality union crew, paying good wages, with health care, workers comp and unemployment insurance.
2019 LEGISLATIVE HELP NEEDED
MN State Capitol, Saint Paul, MN
We currently are supporting Film Incentive bills in the House and Senate Tax Committees. The MN Film and TV Board worked with Senators and Representatives to author bills that provide State incentives in the form of rebates and Tax credits.. These bills are starting to go through committees this week!
We need all Film Crew and vendors to help ASAP. Please contact the members of both committees and tell them to support a TAX CREDIT for Film and TV Production in Minnesota. Please send emails, phone calls or letters to these committees.
When contacting the House committee please reference 'HF 961'
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/committees/members/91012
When contacting the Senate committee reference 'SF 419'
https://www.senate.mn/committees/committee_bio.php…
thank you
IATSE 490
Electrician, Grip and 22 year veteran of Local 490, Craig "Rhino" Hanson has passed away at the young age of 62. There was a celebration of his life at Cinequipt, on 12/31/18 from 1-4pm. The film community of MN is all very saddened by this loss. "Rhino" had an intelligent, strong but sweet demeanor and will be missed greatly.
Craig was often one of the strongest crew on set. His nickname “Rhino” was given to him because of his infamous muscle and his quiet personality. He was well known to be able to hoist an 18K onto the stand by himself or to be able to break a gobo head with his tight grip. Craig was also one of the longest working electricians in town. His first MN feature film credit was shot in the early 1980’s -“Harold of Orange”. His most recent film where he was on the electrical crew starred Woody Harrelson in, “Wilson”. Craig Hanson over his career has done many commercials, movies and TV work. His last union gig was likely American Ninja Warrior that shot at US Bank Stadium in June of 2018.
Electrician & Grip Craig “Rhino’ Hanson on set.
490 Gaffer & Electrician Michael Winn gave this eulogy about Craig on his social media page,
“My friend Rhino just passed away. In 2005 we both worked rigging electric on the movie North Country. We spent four weeks schlepping cable and lights through the cold snow of the iron range in February. In this time we talked about world history, warfare, pop culture, women and beer. The whole time I think he zipped his jacket up on two days of the whole run. He was impervious to cold. He was a powerful man with a gentle soul. He was the smartest guy on set. (Although he would never admit it.) Better than all of that, he was my friend.”
RIP Brother Hanson, we will see you by the great combo stand in the sky. Additional funeral arrangements and details are forthcoming. Here is a link to the official obituary.
The MN Film & TV Board announced their 2019 legislative plan on Tuesday, December 4rd at the their preview breakfast. The event was held at James. J. Hill center in downtown St.Paul. The crowd of politicians, board members, lobbyists, film crew, actors and other interested parties noshed on brunch items and coffee for about an hour. At 9am, the executive director of the film board, Melodie Bahan, took the stage and opened up the event.
Film & TV movers & shakers took the stage to advocate for the industry in our State.
Director Bahan announced the film rebate in MN is lacking, She proposed an increase of the rebate (aka as “Snowbate”) to $10 million per year, the board would also like language in the current bill to be adjusted and an additional Tax Credit Incentive added for larger projects of feature films and TV series. She looks forward to meeting with the Governor-elect Tim Walz.
The director then turned the stage over to Mark Phillips, Commissioner, Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation. Phillips announced an annual $250,000 grant for films made in the arrowhead. This grant was met with applause.
Vincent A. Thomas, Dean for Continuing Education and Workforce Development at Minneapolis College took the stage and announced a partnership with his college and the film board to help train and funnel students of diversity, race and gender to the Film industry. More details are to be announced.
Philip Gilpin, Executive Director, ITVFest was the last speaker to talk, his festival of independently produced TV is strongly considering a move to MN from its home base in Vermont. He sees MN as culturally ripe to flower with more film business and culture. (It was then announced a week later, Duluth as the new home of ITV fest.)
ITV fest and Triple RB director take the stage to announce their plans.
Local 490 Officers Deanna Johnson and Vice President Mark Wojahn attended the event for the union. VP Wojahn commented,
“Local 490 is interested in increased funding for the industry. We support a new Tax Credit and a continued rebate. We also like the idea of Minneapolis college training a more diverse workforce. We look forward to seeing these new legislative bills pass and educational programs develop and these fresh crew members to apply to our union when they are ready. “
The event was well attended and in a beautiful location. Local 490 was happy to attend and hopes to see production thrive again in our state.
IATSE members Aleshia Mueller and Teransc Phillip at the 2018 AICP Gala
The Minnesota chapter of the AICP threw their annual fundraiser and gala on September 27th in downtown Minneapolis. The membership of Local 490 were bronze sponsors of the event. Official attendees from 490 were script supervisor Aleshia Mueller and Terransc Phillip of Craft Service. Ms. Phillip had this to say of the evening,
“I was happy to represent Local 490 at the 2018 Next Awards and AICP Show. Aleshia Mueller and myself gathered together with industry professionals to take part in a very unique award show that really pushes the boundaries and asks what advertising really is and what it can be. Matt Miller, President and CEO of AICP, spoke at the very beginning of the program about the concept of ‘Next’ and why the organization felt these non-traditional advertising concepts needed a separate award show.
AICP National President MAtt Miller addresses the crowd. Photo provided by Aleshia Mueller.
Ms. Phillips continues, The venue, The Cowles Center, currently fills a major void in the Twin Cities' art scene making space accessible to small to midsize organizations. It was moved to its’ current location over the course of 12 days back in 1999. The Guinness Book of Records took notice, because at 5.8 million pounds, it was the heaviest building ever moved on rubber tires.”
The Cowles Center, photo provided by AICP-MN
490 Scripty Aleshia Mueller had this quote for the event,
“Smiling volunteers greeted you at the door of the Cowles Center. Inside, agency, creative and production colleagues mingled during a reception with full bar and hors d'oeuvres.
Directors of Photography; Roger Sackett and David Schnack mingle at the Cowles Center, photo provided by Aleshia Mueller.
Ms.Mueller continues, The program for the evening was in two parts; “The NEXT Awards” highlighted work that pushes the boundaries of creativity and innovation. “The Show” celebrated commercial work that will be archived in the Department of Film at the Museum of Modern Art. Both were demonstrative of the artistry and collaborative craft of commercial production. A dinner buffet and more networking and community building followed.”
Channel Z Post & Edit provided complimentary popcorn for the event.
AICP-MN had this to say of this years event,
“This years AICP NEXT Awards and AICP Show got a big over; It will be at a new venue, we’ll have a open bar, appetizers and a buffet dinner will be catered by the Chow Girls. The AICP Next Awards offers thought leadership, education and unique insight into leading peer reviewed marketing content campaigns. Immediately following will be The AICP Show: The Art & Technique of the American Commercial. This awards show is now in its’ 26th year. It is a snapshot of the best in American advertising and culture. Ace Allgood of Channel Z, AICP-MN VP and Chairman of the Show. Bob George of Drive Thru, is the President of the Minnesota Chapter. “
IATSE Local 490 is proud to be sponsor of this years Gala and is honored to able to provide professional technicians and crew for commercial productions.
Two prominent Minnesota companies, Andersen Windows and Xcel Energy, shot union projects in Minnesota this summer.
Andersen Windows brought in Community Films director Greg Bell and Producer Barry Heaps from California to helm the project, Local agency was Solve. The director, Bell, has shot many high profile spots for big clients like Snickers, Amazon and Toyota. He is known for his efficient work and a sly sense of humor in his work.
IATSE member Mark Wojahn was the local art director. He says, “The project came in really fast. Agency told me on set the award was just 2 weeks before. I was really happy with my union art dept crew.
Union Set Dresser Bryan Bredahl, preps the window for camera.
(Wojahn continues) I had Chris Thickens as my Propmaster, Rob Walstead as my lead man and Bryan Bredahl as the set dresser. We needed everyone as we shot two 30 second and two 15 second spots in one day. The crew hit the ground running at call and didn’t look back till sunset”!
The other depts; Make up, Grip Electric and Crafty were well stacked with union crew.
490 Make up artist, Crist Ballas, gives last looks before the camera rolls.
Best Boy Grip Darin Spring and Key Grip David Pope discuss their plan at the location.
Look for the Andersen spots to stream on Hulu and air Fall of 2018.
XCEL energy worked with a MN agency, Yamamoto, who brought in the LA production company Wondros and english director and writer Gerald McMorrow for their union shot commercial. Local 490 Art director Terri Gold helmed the department. She commented that the producer and director loved shooting in Minnesota, “They loved the crew, they were impressed with everyone, loved the generic yet pretty skyline and thought the city was very clean”.
Location Charlotte Ariss gives a tour of Minneapolis’ Cedar lake.
Photo provided by Ariss Locations.
490 Locations Manager Charlotte Ariss and her team found the locations for the commercial. Of the experience, she says, “ We narrowed the number of lakes from 11,300 to 2. We had a very successful scout!”
490 Lead Man Brian Simpson works with the grip dept for some water work.
Photo provided by Terri Gold.
Grip Dan Miller moves a 4x4 floppy past the dolly track. Photo provided by Ariss Locations.
Look for these Union crewed spots to debut sometime in the fall of 2018.
Art and G&E trucks lined the streets at the location. Photo provided by Ariss Location.
Picture Factory brought their telescoping crane in for the production.
Photo provided by Ariss Location.
Local 490 thanks these businesses; Anderson Windows, Xcel Energy, Solve, Community Films and Wondros, for paying good wages, health care, workers comp and retirement benefits to union film crews in Minnesota.
Local 490,52 Gaffer and Electrician Eddie Cohen recently attended the 2018 CINEGEAR EXPO. The Expo is the premier event for the technology, entertainment and media industry. It happened this year May 31st-June 3rd on the lot at Paramount Pictures in LA. Here are his highlights;
Eddie Cohen at the Sourcemaker display.
SOURCEMAKER: This company does it all.
They make Lighting Balloons in a variety of sizes: from 6.5' Cubes to 12' X 26' Tubes. They put all types of light sources inside: Tungsten, HMI,
Combo Tungsten/HMI, Sodium Vapor, Metal Halide or LED. They also make 4' Fabric "china" Balls that can take HMI or Tungsten Bi-post bulbs.
They make LED Blankets that can be hung on stands, or ceilings or velcro-ed to frames in full tungsten. full daylight. Hybrid. or RGB.
They make LED Tubes 2' and 4' , bi-color, indoor/outdoor, which are made to retro fit into KINO fixtures , dimmable with standard dimmers or RATPAC dimmers.
They also make LED ribbon. www.sourcemakerled.com
This was an impressive new entry to LED lighting design. Essentially an umbrella filled with LED's that can then be diffused and crated. It comes in a variety of sizes from handheld eyelight fill size to a big soft source that can be boomed in because of its lightweight design with a ballast separate from the emitters. It was created by DP Tim Hudson and it resembled the beautiful Briese softlight that still photographers use.
Image courtesy of Arri
These versatile LED flatpanel fixtures are powerful chameleons which are taking over set lighting worldwide. They can be any color in the Rosco/Lee catalog as well as the full range of traditional 2900K to 6000K 'film' lighting with built in plus and minus green control. In other words, they eliminate the need for gels. The smaller ones S30 and S60 can light any office set. And the large combinations S120 and S360 have the power to produce daylight sources that rival HMI's. Plus they are designed to be controlled by DMX so that brightness, color temp and even "lighting effects" such as color crossfades, bursts, and patterns (think police flash, tv effects) can be handled by a dimmer board operator or even a Gaffer with an Ipad and a wireless DMX kit using the Cintenna or similar Lumenradio receiver.
The current leader in DMX dimming, wired or wireless, is RatPac of Van Nuys CA.
They began with a design of a 'lunch box' that had 6 - 20A dimmers built into it with 100A Bates going in and out just like a traditional lunch box. They difference was that it had a DMX in/out so that the lights plugged in could be controlled by a dimmer board. This revolutionized controllable set lighting as the packs were quiet enough to live just outside the set wall eliminating the need for hundreds of feet of Socopex going to large noisy dimmer racks outside the stage. All practicals and related fixtures could then be controlled from a central dimming location or by Ipad if wireless DMX receivers were employed. RATPAC has small dimmer racks that can control 12 LED sources from one pack and a new dimmer rack that can control 20K's as well. RATPAC has agreed to sponsor a DMX dimming seminar for Local 490!
RATPAC 220V
RATPAC/CINETENNA KIT
Ratpac Dimmer Board
Litegear has become a leader of compact, lightweight LED lighting products.
Their Litemats 1 through 4 are workhorses on film and TV sets for creating soft, easily placed sources that can be dimmed and color corrected from one small ballast. I was impressed with their new handheld Litemat 1 which could be an excellent 'walk and talk' light using a small lightweight battery pack (see picture)
Litegear Handheld
They also showed excellent LED ribbon, a new LED Balloon and
LITEGEAR/KINO IMAGE 87
LITEGEAR has teamed up with KINO to develop a new IMAGE 87.
Quasar Tubes
Quasar showed a good collection of well made LED tubes in a variety of sizes and bi-color/RGB combinations. They also offer very good battery powered LED tubes that come in handy in tricky rigging situations.
Velvet LED
Another impressive entry, and new to me, is Velvet LED. Their gear struck me as a cross between a Skypanel and a DIVA light with none of the disadvantages of either and an important advantage, it claims to be waterproof!
I see this as a great traveling light for gaffers of industrials or documentaries, since it is bi-color, low power, high output, diffused,controllable and can be battery operated. Plus it has it's own wireless DMX system and is also compatible with RatPac.
HIVE LED Spot
This company makes LED spotlights similar in brightness and power to 400W Jokers plus they accept all sorts of accessories such as as Westcott soft boxes. Since most LED lighting companies make LED softlights, this one is worth noting if you want something more punchy.
Mole X1X
The godfather of Hollywood lighting had three new products that impressed me.
An LED version of the 2k zip light, low power, full spectrum, soft and durable.
Mole LED Zip
Also a rugged looking 1' X 1' Litepanel type light that accepts V-mount batteries.
They are also making LED Skypans!
Photo provided by Chroma
This is a product worth knowing about when incorporating lighting into set design. It's essentially a ground row or overhead cyc strip light that is full color and intensity programmable.
Avatars on display at CINEGEAR 2018
That's my report. They we even advertising a movie I gaffed at recently, Eight Grade.
Eight Grade, a film due out this July.
Check out the websites for more info or feel free to contact me if you have questions and I'll do my best to answer them. I'll be letting members know when we have the opportunity to hold a DMX lighting seminar.
Fraternally yours,
490 Treasurer Gaffer, Best Boy, Electrician
American Ninja Warrior shot an episode in Minneapolis during the week of May 19th to May 27th. This production will took place on the plaza in front of US Bank Stadium. Many union jobs including, Electrician, Grip, Construction and Paint were hired from the Local 490 and 13 roster.
American Ninja Warrior is in its 10th Season.
The traveling show had 6 cities on its tour this year. They were attracted to Minneapolis because of the new football stadium. The Production designer and art director each raved about the facade of US Bank Stadium as being a wonderful location and backdrop for the set.
490 members Max Cooper and Brian Rhea installed signage for the construction dept.
490 Grip Applicant Chad Foehringer and 490 member Eddie Cohen work in the G&E depts.
The TV show is broadcast by NBC. The show airs on Monday and Wednesdays at primetime. The show was a 5 day build, 2 shoot and 1 day wrap. The show had an area standards agreement with IATSE and was a well paid TV gig with benefits. 490 applauds the producers of American Ninja Warrior and all the competitors. We are happy to supply productions like these with a quality skilled crew.
IATSE 490 is the website for Minnesota theatrical and studio mechanics. We serve the film and TV industry with the best in technicians and craftsman. This site contains our roster and information on our activities.
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