BULLETINTHE

Local 728 studio electrical lighting techniciansthe only iatse local dedicated to set lighting

Full color version available at www.iatse728.org

CharteredMay 15, 1939

Vol. 24; No. 52014

hollywoodC A L I F O R N I A

Bonus Article

“The Path to College”

available only in online version!

LOCAL 728 Proudly Presents the

Scholarship Winners

Samuel McKinnon Brianna Krejsa

Riley Kolus

Nicolette Fundora

Fiona Bradford

Kelsi Parsons

Jason Breedlove

Victoria Guillemard

Maya Bouchet

Jacob Bojsza

Ariana Dermand

Shelby Reinhardt

Hunter Gorczycki Mara Conway

16 ANNUALth

I.A.T.S.E.Local 728

Hollywood, California

PresidentGreg Reeves

Vice PresidentKaren Weilacher

Business Rep-SecretaryPatric J. Abaravich

Treasurer-Call StewardPascal M. Guillemard

Executive BoardBranch Brunson

Joseph GalloDarryl HerzonJim Krattiger

Roger L. LattinIain O’Higgins

R. Bruce ProchalDavid Watson

Sergeant-At-ArmsRichard McConihay

ParliamentarianAlan M. Rowe

Safety & TrainingAlan M. Rowe, Director

Shop StewardsCBS - John L. Murray

Fox - Gina M. IsaacsParamount - Frank Valdez

Sony - John JacobsUniversal - John Kennedy

Warner Bros. - Chris Hathaway

CLC DelegatesPatric J. Abaravich

Dennis k. GrowPascal M. Guillemard

Rick KelleyIain O’Higgins

S. Cricket PetersGreg ReevesAlan M. RoweOffice StaffSean Harkess

Julianna BesseyClaudia Smith

The BulletinPublisher

Margie StitesEditor

Greg Reeves

by Greg Reeves, President

PAGE 2

IATSE LOCAL 7281-800-551-21581-818-954-0728

The NexT

GeNeralMeMbership MeeTiNG

will be held oN sepT. 13, 2014

9:00 a.M. sharp

iaTse local 7281001 w. MaGNolia blvd.,

burbaNk

please briNG Your

uNioN card

On Saturday, June 21st, I had the pleasure of speaking at our 75th anniversary party at the Motion

Picture Home in Woodland Hills. The focus of my speech was simply, “showing up.” My belief is that while skills and training are part of the foundation our union is built upon, I feel we must be willing to take responsibility and appre-ciate those who have gone before us. Oftentimes we are not 100% prepared for the challenges that lie ahead, but as long as we are willing to take them on and be present, we will succeed. Why? We need each other. I credit the gaffers and best boys I have worked with for believing in me, and training me in the craft I call my vocation. It’s solidarity, plain and simple. With deep appreciation I remind you to honor those you owe a debt of gratitude, those who made us the skilled craftspeople and the strong union we are today. One example of both generosity and gratitude is Jim Plannette, who shared with us that on his way to the party, he stopped to visit with his cameraman from “ET,” Allen Daviau. At the same time, this year is not only a celebration of the past 75 years, it is a reminder of the times ahead. Many great things are coming for us due to the good works of our “Big 3”: Patric, Pascal and Alan. These leaders continue to lay the groundwork for a future—where we con-tinue to be the ones with the knowledge and wherewithal—to make 21st-century television and movies. I was also happy that several members approached me at the event, asking how they could help. With elections coming up, I suggested running for office. Why not represent your brothers and sisters to the Central Labor Council? Or be a part of the delegation that goes to the region-al District 2 Convention? You could also

&75th AnniversAry PArty

D2 Convention WrAP uP

brave some early Saturday mornings to do the union’s business on the Executive Board. Why not answer the call? As I compose this month’s column, I am just back from Sacramento where District 2 was held this year. On the eve of what may be passage of the largest state tax incentive ever passed, it was an exciting time to be in the state capitol. In addition to attending the conven-tion, your business representative and I toured the Capitol building. Thanks to efforts you have all made in making our voices heard, numerous politicians and their aides knew of our “little” local. What an incredible feeling it was being at the center of California governance and representing you. The capstone of the event was a memorable speech by Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom. The tide is turning, my friends. Fingers crossed that Hollywood may finally be coming back to Hollywood.

by Patric J. Abaravich, Business Representative, Secretary

PAGE 3

UnionSpotlight

First NoticeBrice C. Bradley, Tyler Caspino, Michael Di Ricco, Adrienne Garcia, David Thomas Graves, and Casey A. ZimmermanSecond NoticeJames M. Beaghan, II, Todd Brown, Darin Chisholm, Matt Clifford, Michael Cruz, Jon. W. McGinty, Edward Q. Motts, II, Lee A. Ramsey, Henry Santiago Rodriguez, Theordore Rysz, III and Mathew R. Young.

New membersCongratulations to the following new members who were sworn in on July 19: Matthew Benson, Jason Booth, Jorge Garcia, Edu-ardo J. Gonzalez, Fernan-do Morales, Jr., Dean A. Peluso and Charles M. Trotter; and on August 4:Dylan Buck.

into the Political Pool

ELECTION NOTICE

UpcomingElection of Officers

Please be aware thatNominations for

Election of Officerswill take place at the

September Membership Meetingon

Saturday, September 13, 2014at 9 a.m.

IATSE Local 7281001 W. Magnolia Blvd.

Burbank, CA 91506

FOR THE FOLLOWINGOFFICES:

1 - Business Rep/Secretary4 - Executive Board Seats2 - Alternate Executive

Board seats23 - Convention Delegates

8 - CLC Delegates

We’ve always strayed away from politics. It’s dirty … so, let’s just stay out of it completely. Well,

the people who are trying to take work away from California or trying to destroy the middle class aren’t shying away. We are spending a lot of money and time and energy on AB 1839. (And not just us; all of the Hollywood locals.) Why? Because we are starting from scratch. In one of my trips to Sacramento, I ran into Darryl Steinberg and Kevin DeLeon. I stopped and said ‘Hi’ and in the short conversation, they said, “Well, we know why you’re here.” We are a one-horse supporter. We are supporting one bill – our own. Fortunately, our bill has put us in the spotlight. After our bill passes, we need to think about keeping some sort of presence instead of disappearing like roaches then scramble back and re-do what we’ve just done over the last six months only to start at the beginning. With a small, continued amount of money and time – like phone banking and precinct walks for all the legislators that have been supporting our bill – has bought us what money can’t: an active voice. We need to think about where our future is and where we want to be and how we need to create a defense against organizations that want to destroy our way of life. Spending lots of time in Sacramento over the last six months has opened my eyes even more as to how Sacramento moves politically. I liken it to children; even at a young age children know when they need or want something they have to perform above the norm and make their voices heard. That’s what we the Hollywood locals need to do and something we’ve never done: we need to stay politically active even with a tiny footprint so our supporters know it’s just not our bill we are interested in but the preservation of middle class life in America. Does that mean phone banking or precinct walks and attending fundraisers? Yes, that’s

exactly what it means. We as a Local – we as a union – need to realize to preserve what we have we need to be fully commit-ted in the game. The much advertised mid-term elections are knocking on our back door and I’ll guarantee you that people – corporations and politicians – who want to see our way of life disappear, are not shy about jumping into the political pool to get what they want or to look out for their best interest. Instead of standing by the pool, dipping your toe in to see if they water is warm enough, we need to finally take that plunge. And this isn’t about one party versus another, this is about supporting candidates. We need the candidates that are going to fight for the rights of middle class and work to help get them in office and really consider who’s a friend and who’s an enemy of working families. Unfortunately, the mid-terms historically have one of the lowest percentages of vot-er turnout. The other side (whoever they are) are counting on our lack of getting out the vote. There’s never been a more imper-ative time to go to the polls and make our voices heard. In a time when some states are rushing to restrict citizens’ voting privi-leges while extending business privileges to whoever throws the most money – we must get out and vote. We have voter registration cards here or go to the voter registration web site, www.registertovote.ca.gov/. Work could be a deterrent so you might want to consider becoming an absentee voter. In a few short minutes in the privacy of your own home, you can make your voice count by putting an X in the proper boxes and do your part to help protect our way of life. We have to get involved; we need to vote and we need to put our money where our mouth is. We have to ensure that we have people listening to our concerns and who are working to get bills passed that favor working families.

Taking the Plunge

PAGE 4

Samuel McKinnon

2014 LOCAL 728

Local 728 is extremely proud to announce the winners of the 16th Annual Scholarship Awards. This year we are honoring 14 outstanding students. The Executive Board,

Officers, and Staff join the entire Membership in congratulating each of these exceptional children and their parents!

Scholarship Winners

Samuel McKinnon, the son of Brian and Andrea McKinnon, is a $5,000 Local 728 scholarship recipient. Samuel graduated from Burbank High School and plans on studying pre-medicine at the university level. Samuel was a member of the California Scholastic Federation for seven semesters and graduated as a Gold Seal bearer. He was also a scholar athlete lettering in Baseball all four years as well as being named team captain. He earned numerous awards in leadership including the

AP Scholar Award and was chosen to participate as an ambassador for the United States in the Maccobiah Games in Israel. Outside of the classroom, Samuel earned over 435 service hours and volunteered with local day camps with the City of Burbank. This positive experience motivated him to pursue a career in medi-cine. Sam hopes to one day be a pediatrician.

Ariana Dermand

Ariana Dermand, the daughter of Benjamin Dermand and Amy Her-ring, is the recipient of a $5,000 Lo-cal 728 award. She graduated from Newbury Park High School and plans to study business in college. Ariana was an AP Scholar, winner of the Student of Character Award in 2012, and a member of the California Scholarship Federation. Additionally, she was a member of the Spanish, Drawing and Animal Welfare clubs, as well as Rotary’s Interact. She served as a Peer Tutor in math, science, Spanish and reading for both elementary and high school students, and was a cheerleader for three years where she also served as a Peer Coach with Sparkles, a cheerleading program for specially challenged students. She volunteered and participated in a number or organizations outside of school including Shelter Hope Pet Shop, Mann Food Bank, Thousand Oaks Youth Commission and Temple Adat Elohim.

Victoria Guillemard Riley Kolus

Victoria Guillemard, the daughter of Pascal and Annelle Guillemard, is a $5,000 Local 728 Scholarship winner. Victoria was class salu-tatorian graduating from Kerk-hoven-Murkock-Sunburg High School in Kerkohoven, MN. Victoria will attend Macalester College in St. Paul this fall and will concentrate on political science and Francophone Studies. In addition to taking AP class-es, Victoria was a member of the National Honor Society, serving as Treasurer; the Fine Arts Letterman

Club; a 5-year member of Students Against Destructive Deci-sions; member of the Knowledge Bowl where she served as the team spokesperson, and a member of the Speech Team where she placed 1st individually in 2011. She also served as a 2013 High School Page for the Minnesota House of Representatives. Moreover, she is an accomplished flutist playing in her school’s Marching, Pit, Concert and Pep bands as well as competing in solo competitions. Outside of the classroom, Victoria volunteered with Kids Against Hunger, the Luther League and The Humane Society, and donated her time to library and elementary school projects as well as participating in the National Alliance on Mental Illness 5K Marathon and Relay for Life.

Riley Kolus, the son of Derrick and Karen Kolus, graduated from Bur-bank High School. Riley is a $5,000 Local 728 Scholarship winner and plans on studying trauma medicine and mechanical engineering in college. A scholar-athlete, Riley was named an AP Scholar with Distinc-tion in his junior year. In addition to excelling academically, Riley was on the Junior Varsity Swim Team (9th) and on the Varsity Swim Team beginning in his sophomore year. Additionally, he was a member of the Rattler Swim Club. At BHS, Riley designed and built the pneumatic t-shirt cannon used at pep rallies and designed and built a replica of the Iron Man Arc Reactor the for Vocal Music Department. He was a member of the Vocal Music Program, and a member of Gentlemen’s Octet, a BHS A cappella singing group. Riley was also the lighting designer and programmer for the BHS Dance Program, and did lighting design for high school, middle school and community performing arts groups. More-over, Riley has been shadowing a 6-year-old autistic child at his church. Riley has helped the boy learn how to interact in social settings, and feels a great sense of pride by helping him.

PAGE 5

Kelsi Parsons

Kelsi Parsons, the daughter of Michael and Marni Parsons, graduated from Culver City High School. She is a $3,000 Local 728 recipient and plans on studying political science and history on the college level. Kelsi’s awards are numerous both in and outside of the classroom. She was a member of Culver High’s Blue Honor Roll for maintaining a high GPA every year since she was a freshman and was a four-year member of the California Scholarship Federation. She was recognized for Outstanding Achievement in Arts/Theater by the Culver City Unified School District and earned 2nd Place in the California Thespian Conference for costume design. Additionally, she is a Girl Scouts of America Silver Award winner.

Hunter Gorczycki

Hunter Gorczycki, the son of Jarek and Marian Gorczy-cki, is a $3,000 award recipient. Hunter graduated from Valencia High School and plans on studying computer science on the college level. In addition to being a 4.0 Scholar Athlete Award win-ner (maintaining a high GPA while dedicating 20 hours a week to football), Hunter was invited into the National Society of High School Scholars for being at the top of his class and for receiving exceptional scores on his AP exams. He was also a member of the Spanish Honors Society and was a five-time Viking Valor Award recipient. In his senior year, Hunter also joined the Men’s and Concert choirs performing on stage and at events and fundraisers. He was also active in numerous volunteer and community ser-vice organizations including Help the Children, National Honors Society and Unicef.

Nicolette Fundora, the daughter of George and Jeanine Fundora, graduated from Valencia High School. She is a $3,000 Local 728 award recipient and is considering graphic design and theater as her major course of study in college. In addition to taking a heavy course load and graduating with impressive grades, Nicolette is a six-year veteran of E.S.C.A.P.E. (Experience Santa Clarita’s Actor’s Performing Ensemble). From a young age, Nicolette demon-strated a strong aptitude for performance. The E.S.C.A.P.E. theater staff director calls her “the standard bearer” who is a joy to have in the ensemble and who has a magnetic presence on stage in every role she has played.

Nicolette Fundora

Maya Bouchet, the daughter of Phillip and Cathleen Badger, is a $3,000 award recipient. Maya graduated from New Roads High School and plans on studying architecture in college. In her junior year, Maya graduated at the top of her class with a commanding weighted 4.17 GPA. Her course work included study in all major sub-ject areas as well as completion of an independent research project. In her senior year, she bumped up her competitive edge even more. In addition to a rigorous math and science program, Maya also en-rolled in Visual Arts 4, an incredibly demanding and

time-consuming portfolio development course. Moreover, Maya’s extra-curricular activities included serving two terms on Student Council. She was also an active member of Human Rights Watch where she served as a workshop leader, and was a member of Vista Inspire Teens, a program for teenagers with special needs.

Mara Conway, the daugh-ter of Christopher and Lisa Conway, graduated from Palos Verdes High School. Mara is a $1,000 Local 728 scholarship recipient and plans on studying psychol-ogy and communications this fall. Mara was a member of the California Scholarship Federation and National

Honors Society Dance Arts, serving as President. In addition to maintaining a heavy course load, Mara was a member of the Palos Verdes High School Choreo Varsity Dance Team. Outside of the classroom, she was a member of the Palos Verdes Assembly, a senior team captain and championship-level competitor with Power Academy of Irish Dance, and a senior member and solo dancer with Dance Peninsula Ballet Company. Additionally, Mara is a Gold, Silver and Bronze Presidential Service Award recipient and donated time to Volunteer Center Youth Coalition, Volunteer Involve-ment Values Action, and was the founder and president of the PVHS club Crafting for a Cause.

Brianna Krejsa

Brianna M. Krejsa, the daughter of Frank Krejsa, Jr., is the recipient of a $1,000 award. She graduated from Burbank High School and plans on studying business marketing and management in college. In high school, Brianna was a schol-ar-athlete and recipient of both the Star Student of the Month and Star Student of the Semester awards; a 4-year member of the volunteer service organization Key Club; a member of the Academy of Finance where she won the Career and Technical Educa-tion Award in Accounting; and a 3-year member of the cheerleading squad also serving as Varsity Cheer Captain.

Continued on Pages 7 & 8

Mara Conway

Maya Bouchet

PAGE 6

Any Local 728 member repre-senting an employer by filling calls or who is in need of assistance with such, must contact the Local office during business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday by calling 818-954-0728, texting to 818-438-0728 or emailing tcs@iatse728.org. If you urgently need to fill a call outside of regular business hours, you must contact the Call Steward at 818-438-0728. Members seeking weekend work should notify the Call Steward on Friday during business hours. Anyone who hires off roster or hires any member who is not current witht their dues may have charges filed against them and are subject to assessment penalties.

ImportantInformation

RegardingHIRING

by Pascal M. Guillemard, Treasurer-Call Steward

the MeMber DAtAbAse & AvAilAbility list -

An uPDAte

The Local’s office is rapidly ap-proaching the full scale deployment of our brand new database. This

major first phase towards dramatically im-proving the services offered by the Local and the Call Steward’s office is currently undergoing beta testing. Once the current antiquated database is permanently retired, the second phase of development will be-gin to take place. This will be the integra-tion of the new database with a revamped version of our website This will bring the ability to our mem-bership to do routine business such as paying dues online, adding your name to the availability list to the services offered by the Local. There, our members will find a long list of specific skills and work pref-erences to check off that includes specific categories such as what pay scales you will (or won’t) work for, your preferences for lamp operator, live event production, or rigging calls (or no preference if you wish) and what type of rigging calls you will take (or not). The changes that we will make online and on our mobile devices will create real-time changes in your person-al database file within the membership database. The new skills list is now part of the database and in use, although not online - yet. It is designed to keep 728 members at the forefront of the set lighting technical world by recognizing the unique talents and technical skills of our membership and allowing us the ability to make changes to that list whenever we need to. The list will be ever-evolving to reflect the constant changes in our skills and the equipment we use. It also reflects the many Advanced Skills Training courses that are offered exclusively to our members throughout the year, to enrich their skills and grow their list of 728 contacts through the class experience. The Call Steward’s office will use the

skills and work preferences information provided by our members to give you a customized employment environment and to protect our job opportunities from go-ing to non-members. If you have specific technical skills such as: advanced skills in 480v rigging, solo lighting balloon tech-nician skills, a Class “A” driver’s license, foreign language translation skills, a scuba diving certificate and underwater lighting knowledge, a high degree of fixtures skills or follow spot operating, Mitrix Video wall tech skills, programming of all current-ly used lighting consoles, media server knowledge, LED and moving light fixture rigging skills - just to name a few of the skills on the list - call and let me know what your preferences and specialties are. If you are an ACLT looking to hire, you need not call for hours on end looking for the right 728 member to fit your needs. Just as 728 members “on the books” can specify what jobs they are looking for and what specific technical skills they possess, ACLT’s seeking to fill calls are encouraged to be specific about their needs so that the Call Steward can send them the right person for the job. The chronological order of the avail-ability list is still the rule; first come - first served. But if, for example, you want to be “on the books” and wish to specify that you do not wish to be called for a tier two scale rigging job, or a scale call for work in a condor on an all-nighter, then if that is the job being called for, you will be skipped and not called for a job that you do not want. Also, if you cannot take a call, even if it meets your specified preferences and skills set, you will not be removed from the list or moved to the back of the list. If you turn down a call for personal reasons you will simply be skipped for that day. Our world has changed. “Rig/Operate, member in good standing” does not always

reflect what is needed on our job sites. We must adapt constantly to the needs of our members, so that the call you take is the call you want and the job you need filled is filled by a member whose qualifi-cations meet the need.

- Pascal

IMPORTANTNOTE

At theSeptember Membership

Meeting (9-13-2013),the Treasurer will

present a report on the Local’s financial

condition, an income/expense projection

for 2015 and arecommendation for

dues for 2015.

PAGE 7

by Alan M. Rowe, Safety & Training Director

The world is changing as we know it and we have to change with it. I have every confidence that AB1839

will pass and we will be back to full em-ployment but still, things have changed. Our jobs are more technical and more de-manding. The producers are more corpo-rate and will undoubtedly ask for more in the next contract. Forcing those who work for a living to do more for less is the man-tra of Corporate America. Whether it’s on the set or at the negotiating table, times are changing and we have to stand together to stay ahead of the changes. One place where we will never change is as our role as leader in the areas of Safe-ty and Training. As leaders, we must set an example for others and protect ourselves, our crews, our Local, and our union. The labor movement was founded on solidarity and the principles that make us successful at the bargaining table apply equally to our work on set.

Protecting Ourselves: Ours is a phys-ical business and if you don’t take care of your health, you won’t work. This not only takes a toll on you but puts your family at risk as well. Too many people die far too young from preventable causes. Learn how to eat healthy, get plenty of exercise, stop smoking, and learn how to work smart. A good back is a terrible thing to waste.

Protecting our Crews: Electricity is unforgiving and doesn’t care what crew you are on. It is up to us to protect every-one from electrical hazards, even if the hazard doesn’t exist with us. We have been the leaders in safety for a long time and we need to instill our Culture of Safety in other departments and, as well, with our employers. Lighting technology requires continuous training to be both safe and efficient and if we don’t stay current on the newest technology, someone else will

be happy to take those jobs. Protecting our Local: There is safety in numbers. Local 728 is very proactive towards protecting our craft and we need your help. The only way to truly know what is going on and to be part of the solution is to get involved. Local 728 is made up of members, not officers, and it is up to you to participate. Come to the meetings, express your opinions, and vote. It is too easy to be swayed to someone else’s opinion if you haven’t experienced it for yourself.

Protecting our Union: We are strong but not strong enough to go it alone. Local 728 is a very strong local with strong leadership but without the broader support of our sister locals, we won’t get very far. Look at what we have accomplished together towards the getting AB1839 through the state legislature. That is the result of every-one working together. The same will hold true when we get to negotiations next year. When it comes to safety, we have to stand with our sisters and brothers to make sure everyone makes it home at the end of the shift. Accidents not only affect the people involved, they can change the very way we do our jobs.

Protecting our Rights as Workers: There is power solidarity and those who want the power see unionized workers as a threat. As the influence of unions in the United States declines, the income gap widens and workers’ rights are threatened. Not only have overall wages declined, so have working conditions and the next to go will be workers’ rights around safety. The 8-hour day, the 40-hour work week and overtime are already a distant memory for millions of American workers. OSHA was only created in 1970 and there are those who would like to see it die before it

reaches middle age. So how do we protect ourselves, our families, our jobs, and our futures? First and foremost, we have to work together. Regardless of whether we fighting to elim-inate a hazard or against an unfair contract, we have to stand with those who also work for a living. We have our rivalries with other locals and unions but when it comes to protecting ourselves, we absolutely must stand together against those who intend to take away what we and our predecessors have worked so hard to achieve.

Protecting Ourselves,our Families, our Jobs and

our Futures

Jason Breedlove

Jason Breed-love, the son of Shawn and Poken-Land-Breed-love, graduated from Delphi Academy in Lakeview Terrace. He is a $250 award recipient and plans on study-

ing animation in college. In addition to maintaining a heavy course load at Delphi, Jason has been working with a professional YouTube animator and music producer managing animation projects, promotional jobs, and creating/editing sto-rylines and scripts. He also volunteered at the historical Leonis Adobe in Calabasas.

Scholarship Winners2014 LOCAL 728

Continued from Page 5

Continued on Page 8

I.A.T.S.E. Local 7281001 W. Magnolia Blvd.

Burbank, California 91506

Studio Electrical Lighting Technicians

Visit Your Local at

www.iatse728.org

NONPROFITUS POSTAGE

PAIDHUNT. BCH CA

PERMIT #438

Fiona Bradford

Fiona Bradford, the daughter of Curtiss and Deborah Bradford, is a $500 award recipient. She graduated from Claremont High School and plans on studying per-forming arts in college. Fiona has been involved in the Thes-pian Honor Society since her freshman year and was officially inducted as a thespian in 11th grade. In addition to act-ing, Fiona was also a four-year member of the school’s Choral Department, was involved with Jazz Pack, an after-school choir, and was also a mem-ber of the school’s Comedy Sportz Team. Fiona was also a member of Chamber Singers, an internationally gold-ranked choir, and even found time to volunteer at a retirement home and at a daycare.

Shelby Reinhardt, the daughter of Steven and Victoria Reinhardt, is a $500 Local 728 scholarship award winner. Shelby graduated from Glendora High School and plans on studying elementary education on the college level. In addition to her AP classwork, Shelby participated in a variety of extra-curricular activities. She played soccer for 11 years and was a member

of the school’s competitive show choir. Additionally, she volun-teered over 485 service hours to the National Charity League

and worked as a teacher’s aide for four years.

Jacob Bojsza

Jacob Bojsza, the son of Marek and Maria Bojsza, graduated from El Camino Real Charter High School. He is a $500 Local 728 recipient and plans on studying film and television production. Jacob was a three-year varsity football player who also served as a team captain. The student athlete also spent four years in the school’s film production program, part of the school’s award-winning, highly com-petitive Careers in Entertainment Academy. In addition to balancing college-prep courses and athletics, he found time to volunteer with an on-campus beautification project.

Continued from Page 7 2014 LOCAL 728Scholarship Winners

College SeminarHow to get in and What Will it cost?

Local 728 member andCertified College Counselor

Jeff Levy will present this indepth seminar onSunday, September 21, 2014,

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Local 728 in Burbank.

The seminar is open to all unionfamilies and friends.

To reserve your seat for this popularworkshop, kindly RSVP Local 728

at 800-551-2158 or via email tolocal728@iatse728.org

Shelby Reinhardt

Web Version Bonus Page!

BONUSARTICLE

The paThTo colleGe

by Local 728 Member Jeff Levy, CEP

A Series on College Admission

Editor’s Note: Local 728 member Jeff Levy completed UCLA’s Certificate Program in College Counseling in 2008. Jeff has been expanding his practice to include working with high school students on their college search and application process. He is a member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, the National Association for College Admission Counseling, the Western Association for College Admission Counseling and the National College Advocacy Group. One of his areas of expertise is affordability and finan-cial aid because the colleges that are good academic matches for your child must also be good financial matches for you.

Summer is a time for our high school kids to recharge their batteries, to have fun doing the things they love, and to focus on one of their main interests. But in just a few

days it’s back to business as usual, and that means designating time for a family discussion of your child’s path to college. Even for students just beginning 9th grade, it’s not too early to begin the conversation. During each year of high school, there are ways that students can enhance their college options. By making smart decisions now they can improve their chances of admission and offers of financial aid.

The most important factor in college applications are strong grades. The time to start building an impressive GPA is 9th grade, not the first semester of 12th grade when even straight A’s will have a small effect on the overall average. But equally important as strong grades are rigorous classes. Col-leges want to see that their applicants have challenged them-selves academically—proof that they will succeed in college. So a B in an Honors or AP class can be a better outcome than an A in a standard college prep class.

Ninth and 10th grade is the perfect time for students to become active in one or two extracurricular activities. Many people mistakenly think that more activities are better than a few. Actually, depth is better than breadth both for your child’s development and for the strength of their college applica-tions. By focusing on one or two activities — and this can be in sports, performing arts, single issue clubs, debate teams, volunteer work, even part-time employment or internships — students will have the best shot at excelling and taking on a leadership role among their peers, highly valued by the colleges.

Eleventh grade is the time to get serious about the college search process. Do not underestimate the value of campus vis-its. It’s the single best way for a student to learn whether they would be a good fit at a particular school and it demonstrates the student’s interest in the institution (and colleges love to be loved). I’ve even seen a campus tour help less motivated students get into gear because they begin to see the wonderful destinations available to them if they succeed in high school.

A September/October campus tour in junior or senior year is more useful than a summer visit because your child will see and interact with students on campus and can sit in on a college class. I even recommend dorm overnights to really see what the students are like. A visit during the summer is spent mostly looking at architecture, though it’s better than not visiting at all.

Even for seniors who haven’t begun the college search, it’s not too late to get started. Putting together a smart list of colleges to apply to requires several things, and your child becoming clear about what he or she wants out of college is the most important among them. It also requires looking past the reputation and marketing hype at what the experience will actually be like at each college they consider. If after visiting a favorite campus they can articulate why they want to apply and can see themselves being happy, challenged, and successful there, and it is a good match academically for them and finan-cially for you, it probably belongs on their list.

How do you determine if a college is a sensible financial match for you? This is a topic we will discuss in depth at the next Local 728 College Seminar. It is free to members, families, and friends, so call soon to reserve your spot.