| PERG News: September 2022 |
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
Supporting Sustainability -- Local 600 Committee Partners with Rental Companies
Allison Elvove is the National Chair of the Local 600 Sustainability Committee. I sat down with her recently to learn more about the work of the committee. It is the committee’s mission to rethink industry practices and to embrace more sustainable use of materials, especially expendables. That’s why the Committee is excited to be partnering with camera rental companies across the country to set up a P-touch Recycling Program for camera assistants. Brother provides free shipping to recycle their ink toner products. What local 600 needed was a convenient place for camera assistants to be able to drop off the recyclable items. Panavision Hollywood was one of the first companies to embrace the idea. DP’s and other Local 600 members started reaching out to other rental companies to invite them to participate. The list at the end of this article shows the many camera rental companies now partnering with Local 600 on this project. If your rental company would be interested in the recycling program, contact the Committee here.
Meredith Stephens, of MPS Studios in Dallas and Austin recently signed on. She says “It’s super simple - just set up a drop off box at your facility (a repurposed brown shipping box with sign works great) so that AC’s have a centralized place to recycle their cartridges. When the box is full and ready to recycle, create an online account with Brother and print their free shipping labels. No cost, takes very little time/effort, helps the environment, and helps Local 600.” And, as the Local 600 banner says, “feel happy that you helped the planet!”
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| Panavision Hollywood |
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| 1st AC Dale Pilus, at PC&E Atlanta |
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| Operator Michael Craven at The Camera Department, Pittsburgh |
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| The Camera Division, Los Angeles |
Allison, currently one of the camera operators on the reality competition show Big Brother, has been on the Local 600 Sustainability Committee since its inception three years ago. She grew up in a family that was active in local conservation efforts, so chairing this committee was a natural choice for her when she joined the Local 600 Board. While reducing, reusing, and recycling can help a company, the community, and the environment by saving money, energy, and natural resources, the challenge for the Local 600 committee, and people in general, is changing the mindset. Can you get crew members to embrace single-use water bottles on set? The committee is working to bring people around and make sustainable practices more mainstream. “Do rental companies really need to individually wrap filters in plastic? [As camera crew] we need to be talking to the rental companies, so they know we are not necessarily asking for these kinds of measures.”
The Local 600 Sustainability Committee also negotiated with the National IATSE to provide union members free access to The Spark, online training that provides an introduction to a sustainability mindset on motion picture and live production.” It discusses the basics of systems thinking, exploring materials, food, hydration, energy, fuel, and waste. The training was created by the Green Spark Group, a Canadian conservation company that helps production companies that are not sure where to begin. They provide services like advising on corporate sustainability strategies, on-production consulting packages, custom training programs, and online courses. The training is free for any IA member (subject to some rules).
The Local 600 Committee also assembled various documents to help their members get inspired. These may also be of interest to PERG members: E-Waist and Battery Recycling Resources, and Sustainability Practices.
Every one of the companies participating in the P-touch recycling program already are PERG members (except one). For companies looking for ways to engage with their customers in a simple way but on a global issue, this is a win-win. This is the kind of project on which younger IA members especially are aligned. PERG applauds the work of the Local 600 Sustainability Committee and the valuable resources they are producing.
New Member Spotlight – Serious Grippage and Light
Serious Grippage was originally founded in Santa Fe, NM in 1988 by Greg Eichman, who at the time was a gaffer working as an owner-operator around the state. As the state’s industry grew throughout the 90s and Local 480 was formed (of which Greg was a founding, charter member) it became evident that the company needed to expand to fill the need in the market. In 2006, Greg purchased Duke City Studios, expanding Serious down into Albuquerque and acquiring a truck fleet, allowing Serious to service multiple commercial shows and features at once. Since then, Serious has continued to grow, solidifying itself as a New Mexico Film institution.
Serious has a unique place in the New Mexico Film market today, as the largest locally owned equipment rental house that can provide one-stop-shop styled service. With a fleet of pre-built grip trucks and our wide range of rental gear, short of actual camera rentals, Serious is fully capable of handling everything from the smallest student shoot up to Tiered and ACA budget features.
The company is owned by Ryan Halsey; the General Manager is Samantha Gordon; the Accounts Manager is Rachel Buckley; and warehouse Foreman is Jeff Height. The company is filled out by part-time warehouse employees who rotate in on an as-needed bases while they work to acquire their union days. Ryan Halsey and Rachel Buckley both graduated from the Vancouver Film School in 2008, receiving their certificates in Cinematography, before relocating down to Albuquerque to pursue filmmaking. Ryan still works as a CLT, in fact, he just finished gaffing the New Mexico unit for the project “Poker Face”. Samantha began her career in film by interning at Serious throughout her senior year of high school. She graduated from the University of New Mexico in 2015 with her BA in Media Arts. She also has her hand in production, producing a short film this summer, “Las Muertas”.
Asked what sets Serious apart, Samantha says “First and foremost, we pride ourselves on our ability to provide the highest level of customer service to all of our clients, regardless of budget size or experience level. It is not uncommon for us to chat with film students who have questions about making their first short film or to work with out-of-town producers who need to get a lay of the land for their upcoming shoot. We are known throughout the community for providing training and networking opportunities through our internship program that has been offered since the foundation of the company. We can (and frequently do) provide referrals for crew when clients are looking to fill certain positions. Because we have been around for so long, there is a large percentage of the NM Film community that got their start at Serious, and we are always happy to connect producers with quality and trustworthy crew.”
Serious is currently located in an 8000 sq. ft. warehouse in Albuquerque and looking to expand into a larger space!
@seriousgrippageandlight (Instagram)
PERG EWI Launch
The PERG Equitable Workforce Initiative is delighted to report that the first EWI grant has been awarded. Triode Media Group, based in Lancaster, PA provides trucks, stages, grip, and lighting across Pennsylvania as well as in New York City and the DC metro area. With the EWI in mind, Triode reached out to a local community non-profit group, Community Action Project (CAP). CAP in turn, channeled the request to other local groups, including an online podcasting network called The Cultured Professional Network (TCP). Within days, Triode started receiving resumes and among them found a young person, passionate about technology and media and ready to enter the professional ranks of the higher-end market. Thinking about EWI encouraged the leadership at Triode to look for talent in a new way, and it paid off.
Throughout September, EWI Program Coordinator, Andrew Rodriguez, has been reaching out to community groups and educational institutions to encourage job seekers to apply to the program and upload their resume. It will take some time to populate the EWI candidates on the EWI website, but while that resource is growing, PERG members can also source candidates themselves. If you have an EWI-eligible candidate you’d like to hire, encourage them to apply to EWI and let Andrew know.
Andrew and PERG Manager, Harry Box, will host an informational Coffee Break on Thursday, September 29th at 9 am Pacific time (10 am mountain, 11 am Central, 12 pm Eastern) to discuss details about the EWI Program. If you are interested to learn how to apply, how your training curriculum will be documented, and what else is involved, please register here.
PERG Coffee Break: Motor Applications, Selection, and Repair
PERG is delighted to host a Coffee Break with Heden’s engineering manager, Erik Molander. The Coffee Break has been rescheduled for Tuesday, October 4th, at 10 am Pacific, 11 am Mountain, 12 pm Central, 1 pm Eastern.
HEDEN’s Engineering Manager, Erik Molander, explains how the applications affect your choice of motors. Whether the motor is for a drone, a zoom, a prime, the iris gear or for driving focus, selecting the right motor helps ensure it will operate flawlessly for the task and that you maximize its service life. HEDEN has specialized in motors and control systems for lenses since 1964. Avoid potential damage to lenses and motors and learn about maintenance and repair from the source. There is a lot more to focus/iris/zoom motors than may meet the eye. Please join us for this unique opportunity to learn from an industry leader. Invite your technicians!
If you have not already, please RSVP to receive the Zoom link.
BTS Offers Webinar on Understanding Substance Use and Abuse
Most of us know someone who is affected by substance use and abuse. This can include concerns about our own use – or the usage of a coworker, family member or friend. Join Behind the Scenes for an online webinar as they introduce new resources for recognizing and discussing substance use and abuse in the workplace and beyond. Members of the BTS task group introduce these new tools and share personal experiences in this concise online event. Advance registration is required to receive the link to the webinar.
Substance use and abuse in the workplace affects everyone in our industry. Learn more about recognizing the signs and how to help yourself or a colleague. Taking just one hour to learn more can save lives by allowing you to say the right thing – or point someone to the right resources.
In a 2019 survey of entertainment industry workers, over 40% of respondents said they had experienced alcohol or substance misuse. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the anxiety, fear, uncertainty, stress, and isolation experienced by so many in our industry significantly increased those numbers. Many of us saw ourselves or colleagues, friends, or family members turn to substances as a way to cope with the disruption in our lives. Many found recovery could be difficult to sustain.
Behind the Scenes recently announced the launch of a website to provide resources for industry professionals to answer questions about alcohol and substance use and abuse. It offers information about how to spot the signs of misuse in yourself or others and the potential long-term effects. There is practical guidance on getting help for yourself as well as how you can respond if you are concerned about a co-worker or friend. It also addresses situations where you may be concerned about someone you report to or someone who reports to you. Tips are provided on how to have a conversation with someone you are concerned about as well as on coping and self-care. Visit btshelp.org/substanceuse to learn more.
Friday, September 2, 2022
EWI Update
The EWI Program is about to start taking applications! If your rental company may be interested in participating, first download an informational pdf—EWI Guidelines for Rental Companies. Read through the program requirements. Within a couple days from the date of this Newsletter, you will be able to apply directly from the EWI Website. Watch for an email announcement.
You’ll need to agree to the terms of the program, provide your job listing(s), and upload a copy of the company nondiscrimination policy. Eligible job seekers will then be able to view your job listings from the EWI website. We hope to award the first three EWI grants in the coming weeks.
ESTA is thrilled to announce the hire of Andrew Rodriguez as the PERG EWI Program Coordinator. Andrew graduated from SUNY Purchase with a BFA in film in 2019 and has worked in production and postproduction. He is profiled in the fall edition of Protocol. Andrew told Protocol about his personal connection to programs like EWI, “Being raised in an underserved community, my only access to the industry was colleges and pipeline programs. After college, I made it a mission of mine to become familiar with all of the NYC inclusion programs, which I did as a fellow or staff member. These experiences informed me of the structures of these programs, which brought upon the skills and knowledge needed to fulfill these responsibilities.”
Andrew is now actively engaged in reaching out to organizations, programs, and educational institutions to attract job seekers to apply for the EWI program. Eligible job seekers’ profiles and resumes will be posted to the website. PERG will provide a link to participating rental companies. If a rental company wishes to hire a person who is not currently listed, but meets EWI eligibility requirements, they should ask the job seeker to apply to EWI, and the company should reach out to the EWI Program Coordinator to identify who are interested in hiring.
The EWI program provides grants to eligible PERG-member rental companies. The grant covers all costs for the first six months of employment—salary and benefits—for eligible entry-level new hires. The grant is capped (see guidelines). Funding for up to eight grants is allocated for 2022. Rental companies who participate in the program will take on responsibility for providing trainees with a broad industry perspective, documented training, and mentorship intended to inspire long-term interest and spark a career. The program is administered by ESTA, Entertainment Services and Technology Association (ESTA), an international entertainment industry trade association. The initiative is sponsored by NETFLIX.
The EWI website also serves as a job board for underrepresented people. Regardless of whether your company is awarded a grant, PERG members are welcome to continue to use the EWI Job Seekers list. However, PERG needs to maintain records of all hires made from the EWI website, so we ask that you notify the EWI Program Coordinator if your company hires someone.
AICP/PERG Oktoberfest Party
We are delighted to once again be able to celebrate the New York production community with German cuisine and liquid refreshment. PERG and AICP members are invited to the 2022 AICP/PERG Oktoberfest Party, taking place October 11th, from 6 to 9 pm. By now all PERG members should have received invitations. Please contact the PERG manager if you need one! RSVP is required.
Rental Training - Survey
In partnership with Filmscape Chicago, PERG is working to provide virtual, and in-person educational sessions specifically targeted to rental company personnel. There are a lot of potential topics, and we need help from our members to identify the best ones. In the coming week, we’ll send you a survey link. These days, you get surveyed every time you buy something. But unlike those surveys, this one could directly benefit your business and your team. Your input helps us provide more value for your PERG membership. We like making data-driven decisions, but for the data to be meaningful, we need everyone’s two cents worth. It will be short. We truly appreciate your input! Look for PERG Training Survey, coming soon.
Technical Professional Development
Concurrently, PERG is beta testing a plan to open official Slack channels for service technicians to share information and ask questions. Slack has long been used on an ad hoc basis by neighboring companies, but PERG wants to open this valuable resource to all its members. Increasing the capabilities of service departments at rental companies helps ease overwhelmed service departments at manufacturers, it decreases downtime, and it increases confidence in the products.
If your service techs would like to join the beta test, please have them email the PERG Manager.
Fraud and Theft Meeting
As an organization, PERG provides the industry with a forum as to how these thefts are happening and an opportunity to have a dialogue on ways to reduce the frequency of thefts and amount of equipment stolen from rental company members.
RENTAL GUARD, has proven over time to be the single, central, international repository for theft information. Our meeting will encompass a review of historical data collected but more importantly discuss those security approaches which have proven to be most effective at protecting rental equipment companies' most valuable assets, their rental inventories.
Watch for invitations to PERG Fraud and Theft Meeting.
PERG Coffee Break – Motor Applications, Selection, and Repair
September 27th, 10 am Pacific, 11 am Mountain, 12 pm Central, and 1 pm Eastern time.
HEDEN’s Engineering Manager, Erik Molander, explains how the applications affect your choice of motors. Whether the motor is for a drone, a zoom, a prime, the iris gear or for driving focus, selecting the right motor helps ensure it will operate flawlessly for the task and that you maximize its service life.
Rental company owners and technicians alike will benefit from this presentation. Please share this invitation to others within your company. RSVP as many people as you like.
HEDEN has specialized in motors and control systems for lenses since 1964. Avoid potential damage to lenses and motors and learn about maintenance and repair from the source. There is a lot more to focus/iris/zoom motors than may meet the eye. Please join us for this unique opportunity to learn from an industry leader.
Online Auction of Digital and Film Cameras, Lenses, Projectors, Screens and Monitors
Tiger is pleased to announce to all the PERG members another online auction on Oct 4 consisting of excess rental and production ready gear from PRG. The sale will feature digital & film cameras, lenses, projectors, screens & monitors from Arri, Barco, Canon, Cooke, Christie, Fuji, Red, Sony & Zeiss. The auction is currently open for registration and will be available for bidding starting on Sept 27. (Sale link) In addition, Tiger reached major milestones from the first half of 2022 through their AV auctions and private treaty sales with PRG, Red Star, and Pacific Theatres. Press release.
Lens Technician 101 Training
PERG is working with Gary Adcock, Executive Director of Filmscape Chicago, to develop an entry-level, professional, optics training course for rental companies. The week-long training curriculum will be led by Matthew Duclos of Duclos Lenses and will be supplemented with a pool of instructors from the major lens manufacturers, as well as DPs, experts, and senior rental house lens technicians. The aim is to offer affordable, intensive, professional training for PERG affiliates and to help create the next generation of qualified lens technicians to fill the expanding need across the industry. Details will be announced later this fall. Courses are tentatively scheduled for January and February, 2023, to be hosted by Dynamic Rentals in Burbank. This is your chance to expand the capabilities of your technical staff. PERG members receive a substantial cost savings. More soon.
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