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Is this a fairy tale or did it actually happen? You do a recording (in this case a video shoot for Public Television), the show is broadcast, you get your check, and now everything in your mind is now over. At least so you think! Two and one half years later a commercial is using footage from that PBS show and airing it on local cable channels. You call the union, the union contacts the leader, you get a check for the commercial! THIS ACTUALLY HAPPENED! THIS ACTUALLY HAPPENED HERE, YES HERE, Local 655!

How did this happen? People got involved! There was a contract on file at the local. The rest happened as it should. With a contract on file it was clear—cut the steps that were to be taken to get compensation for the musicians on the date. Our elected officers at the union did that job. I would personally like to thank Peter Graves, Lisa Fox, and Jeff Apana for the help that was given with this situation. Yes, we can stop being taken advantage of. As seen with some other video and recording abuses in recent history the tide is slowly turning in out favor but only if we get involved. This story should not be a one time occurrence, it should be the norm! Rumor has it that this bandleader has another video shoot and CD in the works. Will there be a contract filed on these dates? Only if YOU insist.

Peter, thanks for all the help, I hope this makes some difference, time will tell.

Sincerely, Dan Salmasian


... the Union felt Symphony of the Americas was contracting the musicians for the Atlanta Ballet's December Nutcracker performances. While we initially considered this, we decided not to do so, after receiving information about the strike and possible picketing by the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra. We informed our musicians of the situation, and suggested they not consider these performances. SOA does not have a relationship with the Atlanta Ballet and is not contracting for any of its future performances. I do hope that this will clear up the misunderstanding that seems to have gotten out of hand with regard to our organization’s involvement with the Ballet.

Renee LaBonte, Executive Director, SOA

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