December Costumer Newsletter 2014

THE COSTUMER
VOLUME 69 NUMBER 12
DECEMBER 2014
MOTION PICTURE COSTUMERS
LOCAL 705 IATSE
“WHAT TO WATCH WHEN YOU SWATCH”
Pronounced HUGE SUCCESS by 705 and 892 guests, Custom Made presenters, & staff of International Silks and Woolens!
HOSTED BY LOCAL 705 EDUCATION COMMITTEE • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2014 AT ISW
A shout out of gratitude to all of our distinguished custom made members who shared with us their fabric expertise:
Rory Cunningham, Mary Ellen Fields, Hossein Namdar, Renee Nault, John David Ridge, Maria Vaughan and Finished member
Mary Ellen Bosche. Education Committee members and volunteers who sacrificed time and dedicated an entire day of service
to this event, please take a bow: Chairperson Melissa Antablin, Heather Carleton, Kat Connelly, Ricki Fournier, Nazhat Hester,
Eric Johnson, Amelia McKinney, Andrea Monroe, and Dodie Shepard. And last, but certainly not least, a thankful salute to the
owners and staff of International Silks and Woolens whose long history of cooperation and goodwill to members of 705 and 892
continued as they shared their space, manpower, and abundant fabrics with us for this event.
It is the hope of the Education Committee that we recognize we really are a team, finished and custom made,
with a lot to offer one other as colleagues and friends.
STILL PLAYING
The groundbreaking exhibition Hollywood Costume
sponsored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and
Sciences is still playing to packed houses at the
historic Wilshire May Co. Building
at Wilshire Blvd. & Fairfax Avenue.
On view to March 2, 2015, the exhibition features
more than 150 of the world’s most iconic costumes
from the Golden Age of the Movies to Today.
It explores the central role of costumes from the
glamorous to the subtle as an essential part of
cinematic storytelling. Many members have enjoyed
this truly special exhibition.
Local 705 members will receive a 20% off discount
for admission.
Tickets are on sale at Oscars.org/HC
or by calling 310-247-3049.
Use discount code: COSTUME
Motion Picture Costumers Local 705/I.A.T.S.E.
Affiliated with the AFL - CIO
4731 Laurel Canyon Blvd. #201
Valley Village, CA 91607
818.487.5655 818.487.5663 FAX
email: MPC705@aol.com
www.motionpicturecostumers.org
THE COSTUMER
Once again the L.A. County Federation of Labor is requesting
that we contribute to their Holiday Program. This program helps
union members who have had a rough year due to layoffs,
plant closures or reduction of work hours.
Our Local will be participating and we are asking that you
donate a new, unwrapped toy so that the children of our union
families will have a Happy Holiday.
Bring your donations to the Union office, or if this is a group
effort with your production, send them with your driver.
If you would prefer to make a monetary contribution instead,
it may be sent to:
Labor Community Services Food
and Emergency Program
2130 James M. Wood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90006
Make checks payable to: Labor Community Services
Thank you in advance for your kindness on behalf of the union
families who will benefit from your generosity.
DECEMBER 2014
All submissions must be received before the 15th of each
month for the upcoming issue. Subscriptions: $12 per year.
Executive Board
Steve Ferry – President
Debby Curtis – Vice President
Wanda Leavey – Sec.-Treas. / Asst. B.A.
Bob Iannaccone – Business Representative
Sue Bub – Member-at-Large
Radford Polinsky – Men’s Finished
Cindy Buckner – Women’s Finished
Hossein Namdar – Men’s Custom Made
Renee Nault – Women’s Custom Made
John Van Hout – Costume House Custom Made
Jeff Hartman – Live Television
Carmen Lozano – Costume House
Ryck Schmidt – Sergeant-at-Arms
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THE COSTUMER
A LITTLE THIs, A LITTLE THAT . . .
not exactly sure of the answer, we find the correct
one for you.
ASSUMPTIONS
There is an old rubric about the word, assume; how it
makes something of you and me. Like all clichés it
contains some truth. The truth being that we think
we understand and know all about certain subjects,
when we don’t. We think we communicate ideas,
and we don’t.
Many members mistakenly think we are too busy to
help them. The fact is that the office is always busy,
but never too busy for members. Our policy is to
return all calls and emails as soon as possible, after
they are received. If we are in the field, your call will
be returned upon our return.
Nary, a day passes when a member doesn’t call to
discuss an issue with a false presumption about the
issue. Often, they have heard or been told something
that is either, not exactly right, nor totally wrong by
someone, often another member. Erroneous postings
on social media sites are presumed to be factual.
Gossip and hearsay are often perceived as truth.
Erroneous postings on social media sites are perceived
to be factual. It’s not a plot to circulate misinformation, just an honest mistake. Misconceptions abound.
On several occasions, recently, I had to inform some
very reliable members about P.A.’s doing paperwork.
The Costumers assumed it was permissible. An
explanation was needed to understand that paperwork is our covered work, and not for production
assistants.
Members have expressed a fear of reproachment for
having further queries. Never fear, we are here to
help members, not belittle them. You’ll never hear
“You are lucky to be working” from this office. No
question is too trivial. If confusion persists, call back
for further clarification.
If you receive a call from us, try to respond. The reason
for the call probably concerns you and your well-being.
Sometimes calls are made to verify situations concerning other members. Don’t perceive the calls to
be an inquisition. Issues can’t be resolved, unless all
facts are known.
The best way to keep our Local and our craft strong,
vibrant and vital is by keeping you, the members
informed and educated. In turn, keeping the office
informed allows us to help you. It is difficult to help
in a situation that we don’t know about. So, when in
doubt, pick up the phone or hit those keys and send
that email. Don’t let assumptions make that something of you and me.
Questions often arise after members read articles in
this publication. In composing a piece to include, I
realize the possible confusion. My familiarity with
an issue doesn’t extend to all members. Terminology
taken for granted can be confusing and baffling.
How many of us know what invaded hours represent? Our local holds many contracts all with different provisions. Many calls are received that take
time just to ascertain the correct contract. Clarification and explanation are often needed. Recently,
several members requesting the Costumer discount
for the Hollywood Costume Exhibit were denied
their deserved 20% off. When notified of the error,
it was rectified. The mistake occurred several more
times and required repeated calls to the ticket sellers, and the person in charge to fix. It was corrected.
It is always better to speak with the office when a
question arises. We are here to help our members
better understand often confusing details. If we are
THE COSTUMER
In Solidarity,
Bob
“Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to
improve the lot of others, or strikes out against
injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope
and crossing each other from a million different
centers of energy and daring. Those ripples build
a current which can sweep down the mightiest
walls of oppression and resistance.”
-- Robert F. Kennedy
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DECEMBER 2014
IN MEMORIAM
Condolences
SUZANNE BUSHNELL
to Nadine Reale (WF)
WOMEN’S CUSTOM MADE
On the passing of her father,
March 16, 1914 – August 22, 2014
Thomas Reale
Suzanne was a skilled milliner at
Western Costume Company.
She became a member in 1966
and retired in 1980.
on July 22, 2014.
Negotiating Committee Election
BETTY NOWELL
At the October general membership meeting the following
members were chosen to be the Negotiating Committee
for the 2015 Basic Agreement: Rebecca Graves-Women’s
Finished, Adam West-Men’s Finished, Kathy MonderineMember At Large, Hossein Nandar-Men’s Custom Made.
There was a tie in the Women’s Custom Made category
between Deborah Ash and Catherine Wall. President Steve
Ferry polled the elected members of the committee; and
it was agreed that both candidates will be welcomed to
the committee.
Respectfully Submitted,
Tess Inman
Election Committee Chair
WOMEN’S FINISHED
November 7, 1934 – November 6, 2014
A former dancer, Betty became a member in 1977.
Her feature credits include Raging Bull,
True Confessions and Mommie Dearest.
She was head of the Paramount Studio
Costume Department until its elimination in 2001.
Her daughter, Debi Squire, is a Women’s Finished Member.
S EE Y OU T HERE !
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Saturday, January 10, 2015
* Local 44
12021 Riverside Drive
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA 91607
Continental Breakfast
10:30 a.m.
Meeting – 11:00 a.m.
* Different location for this meeting only.
DECEMBER 2014
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THE COSTUMER
EXECUTIVE BOArD MEETING MINUTES
November 4, 2014
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Sister Leavey reported that the Constitution and By-Laws of
the Local, with all amendments added from 2006 until present
would be presented for printing after the IATSE General Office
approves the changes and additions. Discussion followed.
Sister Bub suggested that contracts and the Constitution and
By-Laws be added to the Local’s website. Sister Leavey suggested the most frequently used contracts be posted on the website only, as there are over 20 varied and individualized contracts
pertaining to just one production. Brother Ferry noted that
Rate Sheets in particular, were of importance to most Costumers.
Present: Steve Ferry, Wanda Leavey, Bob Iannaccone, Sue Bub,
Cindy Buckner, Carmen Lozano, Hossein Namdar, Renee
Nault, Jeffrey Schoenberg and Kathy Monderine.
Excused: Deborah Curtis, Radford Polinsky, Jeff Hartman,
John Van Hout and Stephanie Fox-Kramer.
CALL TO ORDER/APPROVAL OF MINUTES
President Ferry called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM and asked
for a motion to approve the minutes of the Executive Board
meeting of October 7, 2014 and the General Membership
meeting of October 11, 2014. Sister Cindy Buckner made a
motion to approve. Sister Sue Bub moved to 2nd. The motion
carried unanimously.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Brother Ferry reminded Executive Board members that both
Sister Deborah Ash and Sister Catherine Wall had tied for the
position of Women’s Custom Made on the Negotiating Committee. Discussion followed. Brother Iannaccone reported that
he would contact both members and first ask them both if they
still wanted the position. He would report back to Brother Ferry.
BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVE’S REPORT
Brother Bob Iannaccone suggested increasing the Local’s donation
to the Motion Picture & Television Fund’s “Day At The Races”
fundraiser from the customary $500 to $1,000 including 10 free
tickets for the Local’s members. Discussion followed. Sister Bub
moved to cap contributions to the MPTF at $1,000 for the event.
Sister Buckner moved to 2nd. The motion carried unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS
Sister Leavey reminded Executive Board members of the Fabric
Seminar being held by the Local’s Education Committee at
International Silks & Woolens, on Saturday, November 8.
Anyone still interested should contact Education chairperson,
Melissa Antablin.
Brother Iannaccone suggested a $500 donation to the Homeless
Heroes through Labor Community Services at the Los Angeles
County Federation of Labor. Sister Buckner moved to donate
$500 to the organization and Sister Renee Nault moved to 2nd.
The motion carried unanimously.
Brother Iannaccone reported that the Victory Celebration in
honor of the passage of the tax incentives bill AB 1839, held at
Calamigos Ranch in Malibu, Sunday, October 26 was a success,
although the attendance was less than expected.
Brother Iannaccone suggested continuing our customary practice
by donating $500 to the Turkeys and Toys Drive, also through
Labor Community Services at the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor. Discussion followed. Sister Bub moved to
donate $1,000 to the drive. Sister Carmen Lozano moved to 2nd.
Sister Buckner abstained. The motion was carried.
NEW BUSINESS
Brother Iannaccone presented the Meetings Calendar for 2015
for approval. Brother Ferry suggested changing the November
Executive Board meeting date to Wednesday, November 4, 2015
to avoid any conflict with any pending elections. The date was
changed by consensus.
Brother Iannaccone also suggested the Local donate $1,000 to
the Aids Project Los Angeles. Sister Wanda Leavey moved to
approve the donation. Sister Lozano moved to 2nd. The
motion was carried unanimously.
Sister Leavey suggested that the next Executive Board meeting
be held on Tuesday, December 9, 2015 to accommodate more
people. The date was changed by consensus.
Brother Iannaccone reported that the Local’s website had been
repaired and asked members of the Executive Board for some
feedback, when they next use it. Discussion followed.
ADJOURNMENT
Sister Buckner moved to adjourn. Sister Leavey moved to 2nd.
The next Executive Board meeting will be held on Tuesday,
December 9, 2014.
SECRETARY-TREASURER’S /
ASST. BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVE REPORT
Financial Report
Sister Leavey reported that the month-end financial report showed
the Local well within the budget for this time of year. She also
reported that the annual Budget and Finance Committee meeting was beginning their discussions for the 2015 budget and
hoped to have a budget to present to the Executive Board at
their December meeting.
THE COSTUMER
Respectfully Submitted,
Wanda Leavey
Secretary-Treasurer/Asst. Business Representative
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DECEMBER 2014
Remembering Betty Nowell
November 7, 1934 – November 6, 2014
In lieu of flowers or a memorial, Betty’s family has chosen to print this memorial.
One of the best stories I can think of to demonstrate
how wonderful it was to have worked with Betty, on a
very stressful show with last minute casting. The Star
was a notorious trouble maker.. She was on a rampage
of not wanting to wear any of the costumes we had
fitted her for the production. She brought in her
clothes from home in a huge plastic bag. I was not
going to even open it. Betty said “I’ll go in.”
Without another word, she went into her trailer with
the bag of clothes, smoothed them out on the couch
and said she would be back with an iron. That gave
me just enough time to get to the Producer/director
and explain the “problem” to him. Without the few
minutes of “stall time”, the disaster that might have
happened was diverted. She was not only a good
costumer, but always had the right attitude about
getting the show done with little “drama” – her motto.
She was always a joy to be around and also had a
darling sense of humor.
– Dodie Shepard
I will always remember Betty in only the best light.
And I had the chance to do a tv movie together in my
youth (and hers!) and we had a good time.
She was always square with me while she headed the
costume department at Paramount.
God bless her and I hope she is in a better place.
– Bobby Mathews
Family was Betty’s #1 priority and so, her family
became part of my family which was me and my son.
From the first day I met Betty I was struck by her
energetic personality. She exuded a force which belied
a tiny frame reliant on the use of her ubiquitous,
stylish, walking stick.
I worked on 12 projects with Betty. She had the highest work ethic and was responsible, dependable and
always contributing.
This was a woman with a brilliant, quick wit; a heart so
big it seemed her diminutive body couldn’t possibly contain it; and a twinkle in her eye that revealed her inner
child and the once limber dancer that she had been.
Betty was the definition of friend for 44 years - steadfast, loyal and always aware. I miss her, many good
times and much laughter.
For nearly twenty years I’ve enjoyed your friendship
through so many phases and most importantly the
gifts you shared with me in Debi, Shannon and
Donna. Rest in peace dear friend.
– Angelo Pacella
There is no memorial service, but where costumers
gather, there will be fond remembrances and countless
thank yous to a great lady.
– Andrea Weaver
DECEMBER 2014
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THE COSTUMER
When thinking back on my memories of Betty, 2 words
come to mind ... "That's Insane!". These are 2 words
Betty said often, and words that eventually became
part of my own vocabulary. I've known Betty for
many years. She was head of the costume department
at Paramount Studios for many years, and my boss.
My mom,
Along with my sister Donna, I watched my mother study as I went
to sleep at night. She had the highest GPA, in Phys. Ed., in
CSLA’s history.
We went to work with my mom, learning, the 5 ballet positions,
how to do a proper dance warm up & “leap-step-step” across the
floor. We studded & glued rhinestones as she sewed.
We were introduced to a world of wonderful people, including
costumers that remained her close friends for years. My childhood memories included some of the best – Andrea Weaver,
Jim O’Daniel, Brian Higby, Jeanne Malone & Betty St.Clair.
Andrea became my mom’s closest friend. She & her son Richard
remain an important part of our family. There are so many
others, many of which, became friends of mine. I want to
thank some of those people, who, thoughtfully, contributed to
this tribute today.
I am reluctant to finish this tribute to my mom, as it feels like
it’s just not enough to say about the most accomplished,
generous, genuine, lady I’ve ever known. I will miss her love,
her fiercely dry sense of humor and her incredible strength,
that she demonstrated until the last moment of her life. I will
finish, believing, that my mom can feel the warm thoughts &
feelings sent out to her today.
Thank you, everyone, for your kind support & love.
– Debi Squires (I love you mom)
It wasn't an easy job. It was a very stressful position,
but Betty pulled it off. I can remember Betty literally
running from her upstairs office to her bosses office
at month end close, with what we used to call "on
tops", last second billing to make our month end
numbers. We did make our numbers at Paramount.
Betty made sure of that.
One of the many duties and responsibilities of the
department head at Paramount was to break down
and budget scripts. Sometimes scripts for pilots, but
mostly feature scripts. And there would inevitably be
a script that would show up on her desk at 5:00
Friday afternoon, and it would have to be done by
10:00 Monday morning. Well you know what that
meant. Yep, taking it home and working on it over
the weekend. "That's Insane!". There were many
occasions that 2 scripts would show up on her desk.
At first she took them both home with her. But
eventually she started giving me one of them. "That's
Insane!". I never broke down scripts before, didn't
need to. I had a basic understanding of how to do it,
but never really needed to. You know who taught
me? You guessed it, Betty. She took the time to
explain things to me, and showed me what to look for
when breaking down a script. Literally, reading
'between the lines'.
Betty accomplished a lot in her career, far more than
I could ever write here. She was one of the true
professionals of the business, and did things the right
way. The way they needed to get done. She will truly
be missed.
I will miss her.
Joe Gruca
THE COSTUMER
7
DECEMBER 2014
The 45th Annual Retirees’ Luncheon
On Sunday November 16, 2014, retirees, friends & family gathered at
the MPTF Wasserman Campus hosted by the Local 705 Welfare Committee.
DECEMBER 2014
8
THE COSTUMER
OUT & ABOUT WITH FIELD REP. NOEL LEONARD
We are experiencing a very busy production season. Here are some of the projects being done, and the crews that are doing them:
Television:
“Baby Daddy”
Costumer Designer: Kathryn Orindgreff*
Supervisor: Carolyn Lancet
Costumers: Kara Owens, Gretchen Heisler
“Last Man Standing”
Supervisor: Jim Hansen
Costumers: Molly Mitchell, Sarah Everest, AJ Hess
WCM: Kim Hritz
“CSI: Cyber”
Supervisor: Stephanie Siemens
Costumers: Lawrence Quon, Charlie Tracey,
Ednita Trivino, Natasha Konowalow
WCM: Manuela Machado
"THE LEAGUE" Crew
Left to right:
Caroline McCosker (Costumer), Jennifer Stone (Costume Supervisor),
Jennie Compton (Costumer)*
* Dual Card Holder
Feature:
“Concussion”
Supervisors: Bill Edwards, Dana Hart
Costumers: Carmen Davis,
Samantha Dewey-Gartner, Anne Jewel,
Nicole Lumpkin
WCM: Dodson Elliot, Natasha Paczkowski
* Dual Card Holder
“VEEP” Crew
left to right:
Karen Bellamy (Costume Supervisor),
Kathleen Felix Hager (Costume Designer)*
* Dual Card Holder
"PARENTHOOD" Crew
Left to right:
Gilbert Mello (Costumer), bottom left,
Trish Sacchi-Bertich (Costumer) top left,
Mike Lutz (Costumer),
Emilea Rivera (Supervisor),
Maggie Bailey (Costumer),
Samantha Cornett (Costumer),
Adrian Lubanski (Costumer),
Diane Crooke (Costume Designer),
Carlos Zepeda (WCM)
THE COSTUMER
9
DECEMBER 2014
On Saturday, January 31, 2015, IATSE locals from Southern California and the MPTF (Motion Picture &
Television Fund) will join together to celebrate the 4th Annual Day at the Races – A Family Event.
This fun filled event will take place at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia and your ticket price includes valet
parking, admission, race program and lunch buffet. All the proceeds from the event will benefit MPTF,
a charitable organization that has been synonymous with Hollywood for nearly a century.
For more information & to purchase your tickets contact Ellen Hawkins
at 818-876-1909 or Ellen.Hawkins@mptf.com
DECEMBER 2014
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THE COSTUMER
THE COSTUMER
11
DECEMBER 2014
DECEMBER
ISSUE
MOTION PICTURE COSTUMERS
IATSE LOCAL 705
4731 LAUREL CANYON BLVD. #201
VALLEY VILLAGE, CA 91607
THE BUSINESS OFFICE
WILL BE CLOSED
FOR THE HOLIDAYS
DECEMBER 24, 2014 JANUARY 5, 2015