Jack Hammel



LOCAL BOARD MEMBER ACTOR/PERFORMER - #51

CONVENTION DELEGATE ACTOR/PERFORMER - #169

It was always a dream of mine to be part of this union, and now I keep asking myself why? Non union background and stand in jobs are everywhere and the pay is far too comparable, on top of the fact that the ratio of non union to union is far too many. These jobs are life bloods of this Union. This is not how its supposed to be. I choose to be an independent representing us the performers to get what we deserve!!!

We need Healthcare for all at a lower rate to qualify, that goes for Pensions too, and Livable wages. The Studios are making a fortune and we get the scraps, and now with the threat of AI it's even worse. Things need to change and I will help to make the change.

Cobie Jane

CONVENTION DELEGATE ACTOR/PERFORMER - #176

I am running as a New York SAG-AFTRA delegate because actions speak louder than words. I believe that the AMPTP could end the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes in a single bound by simply employing the Golden Rule.

I joined SAG-AFTRA to get healthcare, better pay, improved working conditions and more opportunities. Unfortunately, SAG increased the criteria to qualify for benefits without raising the minimum number of actors on set. The exploitation of actors through unregulated artificial intelligence, dangerous working conditions and incredibly low compensation in the face of historic inflation has made current working conditions intolerable. My goal is rebuild our union from the bottom up! It will take time, but we must tackle these issues head on to protect the future of our profession.

Talin B. Schell

LOCAL BOARD MEMBER  ACTOR/PERFORMER - #19

CONVENTION DELEGATE  ACTOR/PERFORMER - #108

Hi. My name is Talin B.

Schell and I have beena proud member of

SagAftra since I was 7 Growing up in NYC and participating and working in Film,

Theatre, and Television as a child actor has

given me a unique perspective to the

needs and wants of young performer and

young adult members of SagAftra. Presently I attend Carnegie Mellon University and also sit on both the

local and National Committees for Sag Aftra. I look

forward to hearing about your concerns and working towards helping them to get resolved.

Melodie Wolford



CONVENTION DELEGATE ACTOR/PERFORMER - #126

I am a proud member of SAG-AFTRA, AEA and AGVA. I have been a working actress for many years and have run THE ARTS IN EDUCATION program at my son's school not to mention starting a theatre program there. I am running for DELEGATE because something is not quite right in our union at present. I promise to listen to everyone's concerns and work on their behalf. I do not like how background ACTORS are treated, we must get residuals for streaming and AI is here - so let's come up with a plan. 

Lori Occhiogrosso

CONVENTION DELEGATE ACTOR/PERFORMER - #204

My name is Lori Occhiogrosso. Born & Raised in NY. I am a proud SAG-AFTRA member since August 2016. I come from a long line of Union jobs in my family.
I have always been a voice for fellow members when on sets. I would love to represent my fellow members in the NY area. There are so many necessary changes that need to be discussed and Voted on especially Increased Livable Day Rates for Background Actors and Stand Ins, Increasing the Union count on sets, Health Plan, Pension credits and so much more. Many of you know me from sets and I will always speak up for Background and Stand Ins. 

Rachel Bernstein

LOCAL BOARD MEMBER  ACTOR/PERFORMER - #31

CONVENTION DELEGATE ACTOR/PERFORMER - #134

I am running for SAG NY’s Delegate and Local Board Member for Actor/Performer, to help restore the dignity of all members. The Background and Stand-In community of which SAG NY comprises thousands of people, has been bullied and abused, and made to feel as if our contribution is illegitimate. We deserve to be treated judiciously, and with care, and not mocked, harassed and abused. Many friends have reported being mistreated by PAs, Crafty, Wardrobe, as well as Casting. We are paying into a Union to have our rights protected!! We also ask that there be an increase in jobs for SAG (just as CA has done), and that our 25 SAG Count in the streaming agreements be only for HUMANS, and not including cars – cars don’t have to bring clothes and do their own hair and make-up!! Women need more work, as does women over 40!!! There must be more fairness in who gets work (not the same few people). We need safe transportation to and from set during early morning hours, and there needs to be adequate chairs in holding for all people required to work. All people should be eligible for medical once they pay into the Union. Exactly what are do our Unions dues go for?? Ai is a huge maelstrom of problems, and we need reassurance that our image is not being used without our knowledge, and that we are being properly compensated. We, as BG and SI have helped to build and maintain the success of Hollywood, and all its subsidiaries—we demand to be treated fairly, and if not, we will not remain silent, and we will not stop until we get what we deserve!!! Vote “NEW” if you want to see real change come to NYC!!!

Max Goldbaum

LOCAL PRESIDENT - #02

LOCAL BOARD MEMBER  ACTOR/PERFORMER - #50

NATIONAL BOARD MEMBER - #83

CONVENTION DELEGATE ACTOR/PERFORMER - #167

This is the election that will determine the future of acting. Together we can introduce SAG-AFTRA to the 21st century, purging out all the idle bureaucrats and industry plants who sell us out with bad contracts and negligence. We have the power to face the threat of AI and win, stronger than ever before. My bachelor’s in business management has taught me a great deal about how to navigate the corporate world and get us the contracts we need. New Paragraph