union
Happy Labor Day!
I’ll be celebrating by doing laundry. For the many folks that are not a member of one of the entertainment unions, I hope you also enjoy the day off. And keep in mind that many of the work rules you have, even without being a member, are due to the unions pushing for them in... »
Ever have days when a simple edit would fix everything?
“The designer is unqualified to determine the structural or electrical appropriateness of this design, and will not assume responsibility for improper engineering, construction, handling, or use. All materials and construction must comply with the most stringent applicable Federal and Local Fire, Safety, Energy, and Environmental Codes.” -USA 829/IATSE disclaimer (with modification). »
Fun bit from late night TV
Alan Kalter: Its time for “Late Show Before They Were Stagehands!” Alan Kalter: Pat Farmer is a treasured, much beloved member of the “Late Show” family. As the head stagehand, he holds a job of immense responsibility and is integral to the production of the show. But, what was Pat before he was a stagehand? Pat Farmer: I was... »
Conventions, McCormick Place, and convenient omissions
I was going to write a long piece about this, but as it is somewhat off-topic for the majority of readers, I’ll make this short. There has been a lot of uproar over Chicago losing 2 large conventions to other cities. Claims of outrageous charges for simple items, unfair union rules and costs, and the... »
The obligitory look back at 2009
I tell myself that I’m not going to do one of these, and then remember that they are marginally useful. Here’s just a few of the stories we looked at in the last year. Learn past or repeat… Chicago started off 2009 with the loss of its free downtown trolleys. Tourists (especially those heading to... »
Pic of the Day for November 28, 2009
Clipped in, the way they, and you, should be. The IATSE Local 11 riggers of Boston’s FleetCenter (at the time, now the TDBankNorth Garden, or “gah’den”) 98′ above the floor. This Pic of the Day was taken by Peter Homan, and found on his Flickr page. »
What I’ve missed
Tonight, students of Green Valley High School in Henderson, Nevada will present “The Laramie Project” as scheduled, after a judge ruled that parents objections could not legally force the school to cancel the production. A parent group had filed suit against the school district, claiming the the productions of “The Laramie Project” and “Rent”... »
Odds and ends
Nick Counter, former president of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, died Friday at the age of 69. Counter had led the AMPTP for 27 years before his retirement last March. Counter is probably best known (to readers of this blog) as the film and television companies’ representative during last year’s contentious... »
Service of Comfort for Michael Philippi. Insurance fund started.
Scenic and Lighting Designer (as well as brother, husband, and father) Michael Philippi will be remembered by family and friends at a Service of Comfort in Appleton, Wisconsin. The service will be held this Monday, November 9th, 2009 at the James W. Perry Hall at the Communications Arts Center, University of Wisconsin Fox Valley, 1478... »
IATSE vs Bloomberg News’ (and others) bias.
A recent article in Bloomberg.com revealed that the top 5 IATSE stagehands at Carnegie Hall made an average of $430,543, with the Prop Master earning $530,044. These are high amounts to pretty much anyone. What is not mentioned in the original article is the fact that... »
Hudson & Gaines
