Studio Beat
It’s been a busy time since my appointment as Electronic Media Representative. We’ve been working hard to prepare this Local’s Recording Department for some important new initiatives. While dodging hurricanes and getting oriented in my new position, I also received the honor of being elected Vice-President. I look forward to the challenge of serving the talented musicians of this unique local.
Part of my motivation for accepting this assignment is my respect and admiration for you, my fellow musicians. I’m excited about helping you to enjoy the considerations I feel we all deserve. I sincerely appreciate your Union membership; by joining together, we have made a positive decision to participate in a brighter future for ourselves.
Working in close collaboration with our members, officers and staff, we’re already seeing positive results from our efforts. When musicians participate in addressing issues that directly affect them, the possibilities are promising. For the moment, here’s what you can do:
If you (or a musician friend) have moved during the past couple of years, make sure we have your current address, phone number, and email address.
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If you haven’t received a pension statement during the past year, call me!
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If you’ve done any Union recording sessions during the past several years and you haven’t received a Special Payments Fund check every summer, contact me as soon as possible.
Call me so I can explain how you can increase your income as a recording musician. Make sure you get all the money due you!
Another factor that’s been a big help around here: ¡Se habla Español! My fluency in Spanish has helped us communicate with folks who are more comfortable discussing music business issues in their native language.
In mid-October I will be traveling to New York to represent our musicians at the AFM negotiations for the Television and Radio Commercial Announcements Agreement. It is significant that the Federation has invited me to take part in these important negotiations. I have been preparing for these meetings for several months and will issue a full report upon my return.
I look forward to your input as we develop more strategies to strengthen our Local. If you have any ideas, questions or concerns, please call me, or email at recording[at]afm655[dot]org. I’d like to hear from you!
Best regards, Steve Roitstein
Updating Musicians' Addresses
If the AFM or related entities have incorrect contact information for a musician, it can mean lost money. Musicians themselves must inform the funds listed below of changes or corrections in their information. Here's how to correct your information:
Fax or mail a signed note stating that you are updating your contact information. If you are updating an old address or an incorrect Social Security number, include the old or incorrect information. Also make sure to include the following:
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Current date
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Name—type or print—INCLUDE SIGNATURE!
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Correct Phone number(s)
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Date of Birth
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Social Security Number
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Correct Address
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Old or incorrect information
AFM Employee's Pension Fund
One Penn Plaza, Suite 3115
New York NY 10119-3115
Toll free: (800) 833-8065
Fax (212) 284-1300
Sound Recording Special Payments Fund
570 Lexington Avenue, 21st Floor
New York, NY 10022-6837
Toll free: (866) 711-3863
Fax (212) 310-9481
Film Musicians Secondary Markets Fund
12001 Ventura Place, 5th Floor
Studio City, CA, 91604
Tel: (818) 755-7777
Fax: (818) 755-7778
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