Thanks for clicking here to learn more about my thoughts and priorities regarding ACTRA Toronto Council.
Memories of those early struggling years are never far from my mind whenever I'm considering new policies, listening to reports, pitching ideas or adding my opinions to discussions at council. I'm inspired to reach out to new members the way mentors in my life have reached out to me. I want to help make life as an actor "At Home" less of a struggle for us all...
Recorded media entertainment is growing and changing at an unprecented rate. Now, more than ever, we need to be united of our collective goals and stalwart in attaining them.
My Priorities for the coming term;
- Easy & accessible contracts/forms for all Signators and Self-Producers. (Make online filing available on the website with rates & terms easy to understand.)
- Computer Gaming Agreement in the next IPA negotiation (Ubisoft & Nickelodeon coming to Toronto means lots of jobs!)
- Outreach to local accredited film schools/Educate emerging filmmakers regarding ACTRA agreements & talent pool.
- Support of the 22 Council Recommendations Report to ensure voice performers remain protected by our agreements and fight the growing threat of home recording studios and internet distribution.
- Support ongoing Status of The Artist legislation lobbying efforts (This means tax-averaging for self-employed performers whose yearly incomes fluctuate wildly.)
- Establish a "Joe-The-Actor" promotional campaign. My idea is to introduce the Canadian public to a "working actor". The goal is a better understanding of us as an essential cultural workforce, major contributors to our economy.
- Create a Member's HOME. This is a pitch I made to council, and had support to see it progressed and listed in the current Operating Plan. I'd like to keep working to bring it to fruition.
Past Accomplishments;
- Research & implementation of The Gordon Pinsent Studio. Located on the 2nd floor, ACTRA Toronto, 625 Church Street. The space is supplied with a digital camera w/tri-pod, backdrop, three-light kit. It's use is FREE for ACTRA members and may be booked to rehearse/record auditions, scene work. Members can upload their recorded work, or create dvd copies. Sometimes your best teacher is yourself!
- As an original member of the Political Action Committee, under the direction of, (past VP External), Christie MacFadyen, I participated in numerous efforts of our "Campaign for Canadian Programming", including attending meetings with provincial MPPs, organizing rallies, recruiting volunteers and high-profile members at demonstrations and representing ACTRA Toronto issues at municipal/provincial electoral "townhalls".
***To keep up-to-date on all the current issues we face as artisits working in the recorded media join the ACTRA Toronto Fan Page on facebook, and follow ACTRA National & ACTRA Toronto on Twitter.***
Thanks for reading.
Please contact me directly if you have questions: karenivany@hotmail.com
