Credit card debt is stressful, and navigating your way out of it can be daunting. For this August’s Lunch & Learn, Fixing Your Credit, we heard from experts from SAG-AFTRA Federal Credit Union, First Entertainment Credit Union, and Union Plus. In this summary you will find information about various types of loans and debt,…

For this June’s Lunch & Learn, Help & Resources for Tough Times, three experts from the Entertainment Community Fund, Verdugo Jobs Center, and The Hollywood Commission gave presentations on free services and resources available to help TAG members who are experiencing difficulties. In this summary, you will find information about job training, financial services, assistance…

On November 13, 2025, TAG hosted a Copyright 101 Lunch & Learn. Moderated by TAG Field Rep Mairghread Scott, it featured presentations by experts Jeff Trexler and Michelle Katz. Following is a recap of this event with links to handouts at the end. MICHELLE KATZ Independent Executive Business and Legal Advisor mkatzlaw1@gmail.com What is the…

On October 8, TAG hosted a virtual Lunch & Learn on benefits and wellness resources offered by the Motion Picture Industry Pension & Health Plans (MPI) and the Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF). The presentation was moderated by TAG Field Rep Mairghread Scott. MPI is the health insurance and pension plan provided to TAG…

On August 23, TAG Member Programs Coordinator Jackie Huang led a panel on teaching as a side hustle with TAG members Mauricio Abril, Lindsey Pollard, and Angela Sung. Panelists shared how they got started, the challenges they’ve faced, the rewards of teaching, and more. Mauricio Abril has taught classes at CG Master Academy (CGMA), Brainstorm,…

On Wednesday, July 12, 2023, TAG members Kimson Albert, Amber Hardin, and Paula Spence participated in a Q&A about career longevity, led by TAG Member Programs Coordinator Jackie Huang. Panelists discussed how to sustain an enduring—and satisfying—animation career, as well as shared experiences from their own multi-decade careers in the industry. Panelists: Kimson Albert Timing…

  On June 14, 2023, TAG Member Programs Coordinator Jackie Huang led a Q&A with TAG Business Representative Steve Kaplan about freelancing at Union studios. Topics included the definition of a freelancer, how freelance hours affect health benefits, how to keep track of freelance hours, and more. What is a freelancer in the animation industry,…

On May 10, Union Plus Brand Representative Brea Ellis discussed the many Union Plus benefits available to Union members. She was joined by John Hemmesch of Wells Fargo, who spoke about the bank’s Union Plus home mortgage program. Established in the 1980s, Union Plus provides benefits for union members off the job. This includes extending…

“Organizing provides people with the opportunity to become aware of their own capabilities and potential.” – Fred Ross, Sr. What does the word “organizing” mean and why is it important? On April 26, 2023, TAG Organizer Allison Smartt explained the history of our parent Union and discussed how organizing animation industry workers benefits current TAG members and strengthens the future…

On September 27, 2022, James Stewart, a professional registered parliamentarian, spoke about how and why to use Parliamentary Procedure during Union meetings, the relationship between Parliamentary Procedure and our bylaws, and more. The talk was hosted by the Young Workers Committee whose chair, Nora Meeks, introduced Stewart. Parliamentary Procedure, also known as Rules of Order,…

On August 24, Lori Rubinstein, Executive Director of Behind the Scenes, shared tools, resources, and information about mental health care and suicide prevention specifically for IATSE and entertainment industry workers and their families. Launched in 2019, Behind the Scenes is a mental health and suicide prevention initiative with a focus on the unique nature of…

On July 15, Bud Green, a retirement plan consultant from SageView Advisory Group, provided an overview of 401(k) plans including information on plans available to TAG members. Green’s presentation included what types of plans to choose at specific ages, what to invest, taxes, the market, and more. Your goal should be to have enough money…