SAG-AFTRA’s Keynote Panel from the Leading Edge

During the second day of its inaugural convention on Sept. 27, SAG-AFTRA keynote panel, Conversation From the Leading Edge, explored the impact technology has had on the industry and panelists discussed trends and tips to navigating the digital world and suggestions for creating digital content.

The panel was moderated Keyvan Peymani, head of digital at ICM Partners, and panelists included Terry City, VP West Coast BuzzFeed; Greg Siegel, SVP of entertainment development at BreakMedia; D.A. Wallach, artist-in-residence at Spotify; and Thania Guardino, marketing and accounts exec at Somo Mobile Ltd.

Peymani, who opened the panel said, “Digital media is a story of connection, an intersection between content and audience. [But], it’s increasingly harder for content to break through the clutter.”

“The challenge for consumers now is there’s so much out there. We need to figure out how to get the people using these products only the things they are interested in,” Wallach added.

SAG-AFTRA Convention Hosts Celebration

Mary Hart (Entertainment Tonight) hosted the SAG-AFTRA Inaugural National Convention Celebration dinner event on Sept. 27 during the convention’s second night, featuring a trio of special recognition ceremonies and a musical performance led by Dorian Holley (The Tonight Show with Jay Leno).

The celebration honored members and employers with awards recognizing commitment to service, diversity and leadership.

The American Scene Awards honored employers who respect diversity when hiring members. The accolades were presented to honorees in three categories Actor/Performer Award: ABC Family and Brenda Hampton of Brendavision! Productions for The Secret Life of the American Teenager; Belva Davis Broadcaster Award: Detroit Public Television for Arab American Stories; Recording Artist Award: Universal Music Group for their entire catalog and roster of artists.

The George Heller Memorial Gold Card, awarded for exemplary service to the union, was given to David Hartley-Margolin, national vice president, small locals, and Pat O’Donnell, Washington-Mid Atlantic Local executive director.

There was also a special salute to SAG-AFTRA’s founding Co-Presidents Ken Howard and Roberta Reardon.

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