My memories of those early struggling years (and current one!) 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...Let's make sure union talent gets them!)
- Outreach to local accredited film schools/Educate emerging filmakers about 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 Staus of The Artist legislation lobbying efforts (This means tax-averaging for performers whose yearly incomes fluctuate wildly.)
- Establish a "Joe-The-Actor" promotional campaign. The idea is to get the Canadian public to understand what a "working actor" is, and better understand the struggles we face when we choose to stay in Canada, are an intergral part of our culture.
- Create a Member's HOME (re: My statement in the election booklet; 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 offices at 625 Church Street. Originally named, "The Actor's Gym", the space is supplied with a digital camera w/tri-pod, backdrop, three-light kit, and will soon have instant uploading capabilities. It is FREE to book for ACTRA members and may be used to rehearse/record auditions, scene work. Members take their recorded work with them to review. 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 various efforts at the inception 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 local/provincial political "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
Cast your VOTE, have YOUR say!
