SAG Merger

2012-01-25T16:46:00.000-08:00

I write this on the eve of a flight to Los Angeles, where I will be part of a historic vote to merge to actor unions, Screen Actors guild (SAG) and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA). I serve on the NY Board of SAG and have been asked to act as an alternate for this national meeting.

It's a very exciting time. This merger serve our combine membership in a very positive manner, by making us a very large powerful and united front when it comes to negotiating contracts, and a loud voice in trying to help shape national policies more favorable for the union worked. The entire labor movement is watching - and cheering us on.

Failure is not an option.

Upon my return to New York, we'll began our campaign to inform our membership to all the details of the new union so they may make an educated vote to merge.

My film partner and I are also expecting the legal instrument needed to begin financing our film to be completed, and we'll begin working with investors to raise the $700,000 needed to shoot this comedy, MEGABALL$ . Read more on our film company's web site, Oroloro Entertainment, LLC.

Saturday Tale

2012-01-25T16:39:00.000-08:00

I feel so bad for the people who took my tour to locations used in filming "The Sopranos" this past Saturday. Although there was snow on the ground we managed to have a good solid start, but about 2/3 through we had a mechanical failure. John, our driver, got a warning signal that the engine was overheating. John pulled over and checked the engine to find all the coolant was gone. He walked to a nearby service station and returned with 3 gallons of water, poured it into the system, then restarted the bus but got the same signal. He then walked off and, thanks to a private homeowner, returned with a 5-gal bucket of water plus to more filled gallon containers, and pour them in. A total of 10 gallons. The bus started and the warning cleared. After our 45 minute delay off we went ... for about 1/2 mile and the temp warning came on again. This time the trouble was apparent, a hose had burst.

John called the bus company (our tour company hires buses and drivers from one of several companies). This company, like others, keeps its buses running almost 24-hours with rarely a spare bus held in waiting. We waited to be rescued. A replacement bus eventually got there, followed by a repaired technician. We loaded our people onto the replacement bus and were told we need to return to Manhattan because another company had contracted this bus, so our tour was cut short.

A very disappointing time for these clients, many who traveled from all over the world. I take great pride in the quality of work I do, and it has gotten me great praise from customers - and the press - worldwide. When a tour goes bad I truly feel bad for those on board. I have little control and can only leave it in the hands of my tour company. Sadly, the fault lies in the bus company, but I - as the most visible of the chain of people who make these tours run - am the one who bears the brunt of it all.

Baron's Blog

SAG Merger

Saturday Tale