Songwriters Alan & Marilyn Bergman and trombonist George Bohanon honored
There was not a dry eye in the house when Oscar-winning songwriter Alan Bergman sang three of the songs that earned he and his wife, Marilyn, the film community’s highest honor at the L.A. Jazz Society’s Jazz Tribute Awards Saturday evening at the Montalban Theater. Continue reading
Hit HBO series signs agreement with AFM Local 47
Democracy wins for the musicians of HBO’s Emmy-winning political satire “Veep,” who starting this season will be covered by an American Federation of Musicians agreement.
AFM Local 47 approached “Veep” producers in July following the show’s relocation from Maryland after being awarded $6.5 million in tax credits from the California Film Commission’s revamped film and TV tax incentive program. Continue reading
Exciting announcement this week from the American Federation of Musicians:
New Line Productions, Inc. (New Line Cinema) has become the latest film studio to sign a contract with our union.
New Line Cinema signed onto AFM’s Basic Theatrical Motion Picture Agreement that sets wages, working conditions, healthcare and pension contributions for musicians working in film recording, sidelining and music preparation. The agreement also requires theatrical motion pictures produced by New Line Cinema in the United States or Canada to be scored in the United States or Canada.
The addition of New Line Cinema as a signatory to our Film Agreement will result in additional session work, health and pension benefits and residual payments for musicians employed in the scoring of motion picture soundtracks. This development is another positive step in our campaign to preserve and protect employment standards and to prevent the offshoring of sound recording work in the film industry.
Local 47 orchestration professor Dr. Norman Ludwin brings his popular class to Boston
Dr. Norman Ludwin, UCLA Extension School professor, Local 47 member, orchestrator and author, spoke to a large audience of students and community members on Sunday, Oct. 4 at the Fenway Center in Boston, Massachusetts. Continue reading
Violinist Doug Cameron shares his eye-opening musical journey to the Caribbean nation
Editor’s Note: Cuban culture comes from a melting pot of cultures, primarily those of Spain and Africa, and their influences on the rhythmic flavors of the island’s music is unmistakable. After the 1959 revolution, the government pushed an expansive education campaign, offering free education to all and establishing rigorous music, sports and dance programs. With travel restrictions newly loosened to the lively Caribbean nation, Local 47 Member Doug Cameron recently accepted an invitation by National Symphony of Cuba conductor Enrique Pérez Mesa to spend 10 days working with the young musicians of Cuba. Deeply inspired by his 10-day adventure, Cameron shares the following account of his eye-opening journey.
By Doug Cameron
From the moment I stepped off the plane, I could tell I was in a different world. The signs, the excitement, and most of all, the music! As a jazz musician, it’s the music that attracts me to different parts of the world, and Cuba has always been number one on my list. I have always loved Latin and especially Cuban music. My CD “Mil Amores” was my tribute to this music and featured a lot of my original music written in a Latin style. I was invited to Cuba to by the conductor of the National Symphony of Cuba, maestro Enrique Pérez Mesa, to teach master classes and perform. Continue reading
A message from the Professional Musicians, Local 47 and Employers’ Health & Welfare Fund
IMPORTANT BENEFIT CHANGE INFORMATION
Blue Shield of CA Replaces Health Net Coverage
The Board of Trustees is very excited to announce that effective Jan. 1, 2016, Blue Shield has been selected as a health care provider option for you and your family. Blue Shield provides one of California’s largest networks of providers and is proud to be serving the Labor & Trust community.
After careful consideration, the Board of Trustees decided to terminate the Health Net Plans as a health plan choice for participants in the Professional Musicians Local 47 and Employers Health & Welfare, and to offer coverage through the Blue Shield, effective Jan. 1, 2016. Thus, all Health & Welfare participants currently enrolled in one of the Fund’s Health Net Plans will need to enroll either in the comparable Blue Shield Plan or another one of the Fund’s Medical Plans. Continue reading
