Marc Baron
   SAG - AFTRA - -AEA

News

November 27, 2009

My Sopranos locations tour had a write-up in today's New York Times!

October 2, 2009

The web site is undergoing a redesign...please bear with me....

September 27

Thanks to the support of SAG members, I have been re-elected to the NY Division Board of Screen Actors Guild....New photos are in hand, and I am in the process of redesigning my web site...incorporating the new photos into a new color scheme and overall look.

September 14

Rough week, still getting over a serious respiratory infection....hope it clear soon because some distant relatives from Vienna are visiting soon.

I just don't get people in this business...what a week!!! First, after several months of working on a distribution agreement I was collaborating on, the company suddenly just backed out. Lots of wasted hours of work. Then I find that a friend's short film won some kind of award. Good for him, but several years ago he approached my partner and I about the film. He wanted us to direct/produce it and he had an investor lined up. We spent several weeks rewriting the script and when we were done both he (the original writer) and the investor were elated. But they never raised the money....now, somehow he got the film produced, took the accolades, but didn't give one iota of acknowledgement for the work we did on the script.....then to top that...the guy that owned the film that I was collaborating with on the distribution calls to tell me to cease & desist. Something has come up and his put the kibosh on the effort. It's his property so there's not much I can do, but I've spent 100's of hours on it, and have about $2k in out-of-pocket expenses...in fact, just today I paid $178 to have a post-production house duplicate the large-format tape. I shoulda been a proctologist....The only positive note this week was that the NY Times sent someone to review my tour and, if what he said to me was true, it should be a great review....new headshots are almost ready...the photographer, Lauren Faylor, is finishing the touch-up....Lauren gave the session as a prize which I won at a networking night.

July 31

I just passed my 8th anniversary of doing tours about The Sopranos, which equates to more than 1000 tours and more than 45,000 guests....a milestone completely ignored by the tour company. During those tours I have made friends - connecting to some on FaceBook, and received notes and emails from guests all over the world thanking me. I truly appreciate those kind words - the most recent was less than two weeks ago from Ireland. Those kind notes and five-star reviews are greatly appreciated!
   

Thanks to Bob Lambert I did my first Under-Five on ABC's "All My Children"...and very convenient place to work. Nice crew and staff, very quick work.

June 20

I had recently learned there was a hawks nest in the park on the Hudson River just above the 79th Street Boat basin. We had a short break in the rain so I grabbed my trusty yet dated digital camera and tripod and set off to get some pictures. The haws were all out - two parents and two chicks (teenagers)...one of the chicks was in a playful mood and flew down to a spot perhaps 20 feet away from me, and began to play like a kitten on catnip. First it kept attacking a leaf like it was prey...later it focused on  bee, twisting its head trying to follow the bee's flight. All this while the mother was watching overhead (like a hawk) while I got as close as possible to get some photos. In then dawned on me that this camera had video ability (which I never used before) so I switched it on took some video. The quality is not great, unfortunately...but you can get the idea of what I watched for 90 minutes on the video below...and I've posted a few photos in the "My Eye" section.

I had another nice chat with Abe Vigoda about my film effort. Abe is great guy with a very gentlemanly personality. He's quite diligent in asking on our film's progress, and he's agreed to let me interview him some time for an article in The Lambs' newsletter, The Script.

May 30

I couple on my tour today, from the Netherlands, told me I was funny, cool and that I look like Richard Gere. It's nice to get a compliment every now and then, even if it's not true.  I was interviewed for a podcast by friends at ProFound Studios...talking about my filmmaker networking group, IndieNights, and about my film efforts at Oroloro Entertainment. The pod cast can be heard by clicking HERE.

May 20

I have just received word that I have again been nominated to run for the NY Screen Actors' Guild Board.

April 9, 2009

I've upgrade my faithful desktop to a new, powerful system (nicknamed the 'monster')...I've re-edited my voice over demos with the guiding ear of Dave Bachman and those are now posted on my web site. In spite of better judgment, I have decided to run for another term on the NY Board of Screen Actors' Guild - and can use every vote I can get! Next major item on my agenda, while continuing to find funding for our film, "Love of a Lifetime,"

February 26, 2009

It's been a hectic few weeks with many meetings at SAG. I've also spent the week working at my PC....redoing a web site for Trinity Reformed Church (as a favor for two friends involved with that church. I also self-taught on a low-end film/video editing software, Sony's Vegas 9 Editing Suite.  I've also began freelancing with a talent manager in Los Angeles, now listed under my contact section.

January 5, 2009

Quincy Jones has started a petition to ask President-Elect Obama to appoint a Secretary of the Arts.  While many other countries have had Ministers of Art or Culture for centuries, The United States has never created such a position.  We in the arts need this and the country needs the arts--now more than ever.  Please take a moment to sign this important petition and then pass it on to your friends and colleagues.
 

December 23, 2008

Happy holidays to all! And the best for a healthy and prosperous New Year.

I finally met with Mckenzie Westmore. She's an actress best known for her work on the NBC daytime series, Passions, and no working on ABC's All My Children. Mckenzie is the daughter of Oscar-winning (Mask)  make-up guru, Michael Westmore, and she has expressed serious interest in acting in both of our films. .... Meanwhile, what free time I have is often spent working on SAG issues, where I'm starting my 2nd year (re-elected) to the NY Division Board. I serve on numerous committees  including the Young Performers Committee and Web-Site sub-committee. I've made 5 trips to Los Angeles (Hollywood) on SAG business, and expect more in 2009. I will extend those trips when possible to set-up meetings regarding the film.

        Our IndieNights film networking efforts are growing with better turnouts each time. We now list ourselves on Facebook, Linked In, and other networking sites, as well as promote the events with our own list, now topping 500 people. We plan to continue growth in 2009, and continue to give away door prizes, which in the past have included free cameras, an Apple iPod Nano, and two tickets to Chicago on Broadway. ... I was interviewed for a new web site networking group for filmmakers, called Mediahalo. They have shared the multi-part video and I've included it at the web site for Oroloro^® Entertainment  (my film company).

November 15, 2008

Nothing new or exciting on our film-front. We're still looking for ways to finance the $5 million needed to make the film. I am making good use with LinkedIn making new contacts with experience in film finance. I attended a black-tie event honoring Ben Stiller earlier this weeks thanks to SAG. Joining me were many of the hard working staff and fellow Board members of SAG, and my guest, Joyce Randolph.

October 13, 2008

My film network meeting group has set its next event for October 28, 2008.. Visit our web site, IndieNights, or join our Facebook Group. I've also posted my SAG re-election statement - click here to view it ... I am very pleased with my decision to buy the MSI Wind mini-laptop. Of course, now the market is flooded with other brands, including Dell, and some are less expensive. I hear there will be MSI desktops at the end of the year - that might be a tempting time to upgrade mine (if there's any money left to spend). The recent economy trouble have made funding our film even harder, but we're still working on it - we're updating a few items in our package and using the time to tweak the script (found a few typos, added a few jokes). There are still two entities considering the project, so we keep our fingers crossed.

September 18

    I just got word that I have been re-elected to the NY Board of Screen Actors Guild, which also makes me an alternate for the National Board. I appreciated the support of those that voted for me, and campaigned for me. With new balance to the National Board and a lot of hard work, good thing can begin to happen at SAG.

     I purchase a new mini-laptop, also known as a net-book, which purely for travel and out-of-home work. The MSI Wind has a 10" screen,  1.6gHz Intl Atom processor, a 80g Hard Drive, Wifi, Bluetooth, a 6-cellbattery rated at more than 5 hours; and mine has 2 Gig of RAM....and it weighs 2.6 lbs. I'm very pleased with it so far. The unit feels like its well made, and it proved its worth tonight when it replace a much larger laptop that just couldn't work with a digital projector. If you're looking for a light and portable 2nd laptop, check out the MSI Wind.

September 1

    The SAG elections run on....and hopefully, I'll be re-elected to the NY SAG Board.

    The latest development on my effort to pull together some indie films....actress Mckenzie Westmore, best know for her work on NBC's daytime drama Passions, has read both of our romantic comedies and written a letter of interest to work on both. Mac will be great in the roles we discussed with her, and we're looking forward to making it happen! The project is still looking at private investors, and currently getting interest from several film hedge funds. This would be the perfect time to actually get into pre-production! More at Oroloro's web site..

July 31, 2008

My film network meeting went well last night with over 50 in attendance. Visit our web site, IndieNights, or join our Facebook Group.

July 15, 008

No news yet regarding the SAG negotiations. They're still mired in egos, delusions and politics. Hopefully things will happily end soon. Work in NY has greatly slowed down - stock companies are lowering their ratings on entertainment company stocks, not jus because of the work slow down, they're concerned film and TV will go the way of the music industry and fragment  because of the internet.

        It's campaign time again. It seems like just weeks ago since I was first elected to the NY Division Board of SAG. So, I'll be reminding all my SAG friends to please vote for me - and ask you friends, and their friends, et. al., so I can be re-elected to one more term. Thanks!

July 7, 2008

I'm beginning to appreciate the advantages of networking sites, specifically FACEBOOK and LINKED IN. In an industry where it's who you know, or who knows you, these sites can be valuable tool opening up your network circle outside of your email. I recommend setting up accounts with them - it's free and easy. If you do, send me an 'invitation' to join your network.

        Meanwhile, we're all waiting to get the results of the AFTRA contract ratification vote. If it passes - and I hope it does -perhaps the Hollywood SAG Board will work on a more realistic goal in negotiations. I'm all for getting everything we can, but at what point to possible gains out weight losses of a potential work action. Every local board of SAG has sent a statement that the DO NOT support the attacks against AFTRA and its contract, by Hollywood is too arrogant to listen. Our leaders have divided the two unions, and divided us within SAG thereby weakening us at the table, as as a union. Meanwhile we should be gearing up for the Commercial Contract negotiations just a few months away.

July 3, 2008

My commuting to LA goes on; you know when you're traveling too much when you know the flight and gate attendants by name ..... Good meetings are happening regarding the financing of our first film, Love of a Lifetime. One includes the possible formation of a film-based hedge fund providing financing for a slate of films over a few years. That would be fantastic and I'm keeping all my fingers' crossed .... I've been meeting many people in the independent film world here in New York with my IndieNights networking group. Some very nice people, some very talented, and some very beautiful. Our next few events will coordinate with similar events, one led by Kelly Hadous. Kelly and I met at the vent and learned what a small world it is, having several mutual friends. There are two impressive women in our group, both intelligent and warm with a killer smiles. What more could a guy want?....and we'll also join with Tom Lassu's FilmSynergy group. Who knows what could develop from these networking/social nights. We're holding up on our next meeting until after the SAG negotiations complete and my schedule gets back to normal.

June 10, 2008

Many of my fellow SAG members are confused by the rhetoric spewing from the Hollywood Board cartel, known as Membership First. If you want to read more details go to www.SAGWatch.net

        But I put forth the following to SAG Exec Doug Allen, to Prexy Alan Rosenberg and the asylum behind them. While you might try, there are a few facts you cannot spin. 1) If SAG did not launch attacks against AFTRA and try to alter the Phase 1 Agreement, which has worked for 27 years, AFTRA would not have walked away from jointly negotiating. And there is no way in hell that you can convince me that we are in a better place now, than had we negotiated jointly with AFTRA. 2) If MF did not campaign hard against the 2 merger efforts, and merger with AFTRA occurred as 58% of the SAG membership, we would not be in this predicament.

        It's time for the "Two A's" to accept responsibility for your lack of leadership and your asinine actions, stop the rhetoric and get back to negotiations! It's also time that the Hollywood MF cartel stop running this union with complete disregard for the rest of the membership in the US. None - NONE of the other SAG Boards supports your actions.

May 31, 2008

        Our film company is now up and running, and so is our website - see Oroloro Entertainment, our trademarks are secured and our legal team is finishing up the offering for investors. In the upcoming weeks will begin setting meetings and finally, after much delay, get this film going!

    Our next filmmaker networking night has been set for June 5, 2008 in a new and classy venue - visit IndieNights for more info on attending.
    I've been nominated for another term on the NY Board of Screen Actors' Guild, a position I'm proud of. If you are a member of SAG NY I'd appreciate your consideration when the time comes - and perhaps spreading the word to your SAG friends. Also, please check www.SAGWatch.net for information on what's going on within your unions!

May 14, 2008

It's been a busy few weeks: I was brought out to Los Angeles as a last minute 1-day replacement for the SAG contract negotiations where my hotel on Sunset Blvd. in West Hollywood....then, just days after my return to NYC, I went to Hollywood Beach in Florida. So in two weeks I saw both Hollywoods.

     Oroloro Entertainment, our film company, is finally pulling together. The LLC is now registered in Florida, and our trademarks are secured. The next few days we should finalize all the legal documents and begin talks with investors - which may include another trip to Los Angeles. Our web site should be up shortly and we're putting the finishing touches on a Powerpoint presentation for investors. This time we succeed!

    Our first IndieNights gathering was a disappointment...because of a foul-up by the venue management. They turned away dozens of attendees because the person at the door was not informed that our event was taking place inside. Needless to say, we have found new venues and will hold another networking night soon.

April 24, 2008

Last year I met an event planner here in NYC, Anne St. James, who was developing filmmaker networking nights in Manhattan. Her plan was to bring together the many people she's met over the years, including directors, producers, actors, crew, and investors...in a casual atmosphere where hopefully alliances would be made and projects would move forward. I attended several of these invitation-only events, but because of problems with venues, and her partner, these events did not occur too frequently. I am no consulting with Anne to restart the networking events. We'll be launching "Indie Nights" with our first event on May 7th. Our website is active....  www.indienights.info and it will explain our mission and how one might get invited.

April 17, 2008

I survived a long weekend in downtown LA - there for a SAG Board meeting. I just don't understand the group of the Hollywood Board. What a cartel - they call themselves Membership First. If they cannot vote 100% as a group they kill a proposal. It's not about serving the members, or doing the work, it's just about winning. No matter how sane or needed something is, they'll vote it down just to flex their majority power.

    Morgan Fairchild is the only sane person on the Hollywood Board, and I wish she had won the presidency over that dolt, Alan Rosenberg. She is still gorgeous! Alan, and Doug All (NED) are determined to take this union down by an all out war against AFTRA. When these two say they "believe in unity" ... and "one union" for all actors, what they really want is to tear down AFTRA and take all the work, and the members.....well, not 'all'. It seems the Membership First feels that broadcasters, newscaster, radio and voice-over people are not actors. This is why they campaigned so hard against the SAG-AFTRA mergers. Read some very intelligent info on the battles within SAG at www.sagwatch.net . If the Alan R. and Dour A have their way, there will certainly be a strike this year, maybe not for the TV/Film contract, but at least for the commercial contract, which doesn't affect Hollywood nearly as much as the rest of the National SAG members.  The cartel should be really called "Hollywood Membership First."

My film project is now in the hands of our new lawyer after many frustrating delays. We should have the LLC and offering up and ready in the next two weeks.

April 2, 2008

    Unfortunately, after more than five months' delay, we had to fire our lawyer in Florida was going to do the legal work needed to set our film company, Oroloro Entertainment, and make certain the the financial papers for investors were SEC Rule D - 506 compliant. It turned out although the lawyer assured us he was working on it he hadn't done anything. Hard lesson learned. We are now engaging a new lawyer [here in NY] who, after having reviewed the materials, feels he can do everything we need . Stay tuned. Meanwhile I'll be off to LA on a SAG meeting soon, and should be back to launch Oroloro Entertainment.

February 29, 2008:

Happy Leap Year Day. As I wait for legal papers to arrive (for our film LLC) I kept busy working on revising some items on my web page. I've added a new section labeled "My Eye" - these are photos I've taken that I'm quite proud of.

Dec 11, 2007:

        I attended another WGA strike line today. It's always good to see the recognizable faces that come out in support. today we had Bob Balaban, Dana Delaney, and Whoopi Goldberg. Whoopi joked with me  little and remembered me from working on her film, "The Associate."  Another familiar face I saw was writer/director Henry Bean.  I was very flattered that he remembered me from working in his film "The Believer." My role was very small,  yet he even noticed my different hair color.  Henry was great to work with, very supportive - the kind of director I hope I work with again. In a past picket line I had spoke with Ron Howard - who's father knows my agent.

        The attitude on these lines is great. Everyone is positive and we're all equals. Even though Ron Howard's film got pushed back a year by the strike, there he was walking in their support. In a more perfect world we'd have one union for all the 'creatives' - for writers, actors and directors.

Dec 4, 2007:

I was saddened to hear about the death of a friend, Lillian Ferris Booth. Lillian literally put her money were her mouth was - her philanthropy was as big as her heart. She supported many area hospitals and was a trustee of the Actors' Fund of America. Her generosity to the fund led to the renaming of their Englewood retirement home to the Lillian Booth Actors' Fund Home. Her obituary may be read by clicking here. Lillian will be certainly missed, and is survived by her loving companion of over 51 years, Misha Dabich.

        Last week I attended a rally for the Writers' Guild of America (WGA) strike. I was able to meet and speak with several of the cast of "The Sopranos," including Ralphie (Joe Pantoliano), Richie (David Proval) and Carmela (Edie Falco)....and the Capo, creator David Chase. They were all very pleasant; photos may be seen on my Sopranos page .