The North Bay Production
JAVA CLUB
Resources & Links
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1/03/2022:
• Randy Love recommends PAC Solar for your Solar installation needs!
• Mush Emmons shared this article about his family home in Mill Valley, built in 1947 by his architect father, Don Emmons. He gave us a great video tour of the home during the call.
• Blackmagic Design Teranex Standards Converters - Thanks David Boyll!
• Various options for PCR COVID testing:
Covid testing from Curative at ParkMerced
Virus Geeks - Public Testing through out the San Francisco, San Mateo, Monterey, Sacramento, Los Angeles California areas.
SFO Rapid PCR Testing ($275) - Choose SFO under location. In SFO Airport's International Departure Terminal.
• John Paul Poritz writes: The buyer from KEH is named John Izumi. He comes up from LA once a month roughly and does a buying event hosted by Kaufmann's in San Bruno.According to the Kaufmann's website the next event is:
Sun Jan 23rd 5-8pm
Mon Jan 24 10am-4pm
https://kaufmannscameras.com/
1502 El Camino Real
San Bruno, CA. 94066
(650) 574-3429
https://www.keh.com/
• Michael Anderson writes "Ned, Sam, and I released 'Tenderloin,' an 80 minute dramatic feature, in 2009.
The film received good press and had a short run with a respected distributor.
Now we're putting it out there for all the world to see. Free. Here's the link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TY52DlxdDeA
Or just tell all your friends to go on YouTube and search for 'Tenderloin movie.'"
• Randy Love recommends PAC Solar for your Solar installation needs!
• Mush Emmons shared this article about his family home in Mill Valley, built in 1947 by his architect father, Don Emmons. He gave us a great video tour of the home during the call.
• Blackmagic Design Teranex Standards Converters - Thanks David Boyll!
• Various options for PCR COVID testing:
Covid testing from Curative at ParkMerced
Virus Geeks - Public Testing through out the San Francisco, San Mateo, Monterey, Sacramento, Los Angeles California areas.
SFO Rapid PCR Testing ($275) - Choose SFO under location. In SFO Airport's International Departure Terminal.
• John Paul Poritz writes: The buyer from KEH is named John Izumi. He comes up from LA once a month roughly and does a buying event hosted by Kaufmann's in San Bruno.According to the Kaufmann's website the next event is:
Sun Jan 23rd 5-8pm
Mon Jan 24 10am-4pm
https://kaufmannscameras.com/
1502 El Camino Real
San Bruno, CA. 94066
(650) 574-3429
https://www.keh.com/
• Michael Anderson writes "Ned, Sam, and I released 'Tenderloin,' an 80 minute dramatic feature, in 2009.
The film received good press and had a short run with a respected distributor.
Now we're putting it out there for all the world to see. Free. Here's the link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TY52DlxdDeA
Or just tell all your friends to go on YouTube and search for 'Tenderloin movie.'"
6/14/2021:
• Avelo Air - New airline flying out of Sonoma County Airport (STS): - thanks Richard Neill!
• The 2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid Truck - Thanks Rod Williams!
• Avelo Air - New airline flying out of Sonoma County Airport (STS): - thanks Richard Neill!
• The 2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid Truck - Thanks Rod Williams!
6/07/2021:
• Updated EDD Help Dialing Script: I'm told that my original dialing script has stopped working, as EDD has changed their recording. Copy and paste this new string into the dial screen of your phone's Phone app:
18003005616,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,1,,,2,,,,,,,,,,,,,,4
My original posting from 1/23/2021:
For those of you that are still trying to get through to EDD to straighten out issues with your accounts, I came up with this simple hack to help make getting through on their phone lines a little less tedious. On your smart phone, paste the following string into the dial screen of your phone app, then hit the call button, and put the phone into speakerphone mode.
18003005616,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,1,,,2,,,,,,,,,,,,,,4
This series of numbers calls EDD, waits approximately 1 minute, 45 seconds, and enters a 1 to indicate that you have a claim, waits another 9 seconds and enters a 2 to indicate that you are an existing customer, and finally, waits another 41 seconds to enter 4, indicating that you are having issues with your claim.
Although this doesn't actually save you any time on the phone, it does allow you to do other things while it auto-enters the required touchtones. Most of the time, you will be disconnected after the 3rd prompt, but if you're patient and keep trying, you will be entered into a queue. I got through the other day after only 5 tries, and a subsequent 25 minutes wait.
• Updated EDD Help Dialing Script: I'm told that my original dialing script has stopped working, as EDD has changed their recording. Copy and paste this new string into the dial screen of your phone's Phone app:
18003005616,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,1,,,2,,,,,,,,,,,,,,4
My original posting from 1/23/2021:
For those of you that are still trying to get through to EDD to straighten out issues with your accounts, I came up with this simple hack to help make getting through on their phone lines a little less tedious. On your smart phone, paste the following string into the dial screen of your phone app, then hit the call button, and put the phone into speakerphone mode.
18003005616,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,1,,,2,,,,,,,,,,,,,,4
This series of numbers calls EDD, waits approximately 1 minute, 45 seconds, and enters a 1 to indicate that you have a claim, waits another 9 seconds and enters a 2 to indicate that you are an existing customer, and finally, waits another 41 seconds to enter 4, indicating that you are having issues with your claim.
Although this doesn't actually save you any time on the phone, it does allow you to do other things while it auto-enters the required touchtones. Most of the time, you will be disconnected after the 3rd prompt, but if you're patient and keep trying, you will be entered into a queue. I got through the other day after only 5 tries, and a subsequent 25 minutes wait.
5/17/2021:
• Brokeh Lighting System - Thanks John Paul Poritz & Lenny Levy
• LightStream from DedoLight - Thanks John Paul Poritz!
• The Light Bridge - Reflectors - Thanks John Paul Poritz!
• Review of the Accsoon CineEye 2S Pro HDMI/ SDI wireless video transmission system - YouTube - Thanks John Paul Poritz!
• Roger Deakin's excellent Team Deakins Podcast - Thanks John Paul Poritz!
• The Cinematography Mailing List - Thanks Jim Hurwitz!
• Uniset - Set design, fully manufactured & pre-finished studio furniture. - Thanks Jim Iacona!
• Vitec is a leading global provider of premium branded hardware products and software solutions to the growing content creation market. - Thanks Jim Hurwitz!
• Brokeh Lighting System - Thanks John Paul Poritz & Lenny Levy
• LightStream from DedoLight - Thanks John Paul Poritz!
• The Light Bridge - Reflectors - Thanks John Paul Poritz!
• Review of the Accsoon CineEye 2S Pro HDMI/ SDI wireless video transmission system - YouTube - Thanks John Paul Poritz!
• Roger Deakin's excellent Team Deakins Podcast - Thanks John Paul Poritz!
• The Cinematography Mailing List - Thanks Jim Hurwitz!
• Uniset - Set design, fully manufactured & pre-finished studio furniture. - Thanks Jim Iacona!
• Vitec is a leading global provider of premium branded hardware products and software solutions to the growing content creation market. - Thanks Jim Hurwitz!
5/04/2021:
• We talked about the possibility of reconvening our monthly in-person Java Club meetings - once everyone's vaccines have had a chance to take hold (next month?). It was suggested that we meet at Marin Country Mart in Larkspur, where there is evidently plentiful outdoor dining. Thoughts? Email me at [email protected].
• Jarid Johnson shared a new phone number to directly reach the California EDD to resolve issues. That number is (714) 736-3000. After a few tries getting connected, he was able to speak to a very helpful rep. Jarid recommends "killing them with kindness."
• CA EDD Suspended - Can't Get a Video Call ID.ME -What to Do if You Can't Verify ID by 10 Day Deadline - Ginny Silver on YouTube
• Early Hackers Used Whistles From Cap’n Crunch Cereal Boxes - Atlas Obscura
John Draper Wikipedia Entry - Thanks Jim Hurwitz!
• 3 Blockchain ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds): LEGR, BLOK, BLCN - Thanks Jim Hurwitz!
• Mark Cuban on Why DeFi and NFTs are the Future - YouTube - Thanks Jim Iacona!
• One take on NFTs from Twitter user @queersamus: "imagine if you went up to the mona lisa and you were like I'd like to own this" and someone nearby went "give me 65 million dollars and i'll burn down an unspecified amount of the amazon rainforest in order to give you this receipt of purchase" so you paid them and they went "here's your receipt, thank you for your purchase" and went to an unmarked supply closet in the back of the museum and posted a handmade label inside it behind the brooms that said "mona lisa currently owned by jacobgalapagos" so if anyone wants to know who owns it they'd have to find this specific closet in this specific hallway and look behind the correct brooms. and you went "can I take the mona lisa home now?" and they went "oh god no are you stupid? you only bought the receipt that says you own it, you didn't actually buy the mona lisa itself, you can't take the real mona lisa you idiot. you CAN take this though." and gave you the replica print in a cardboard tube that's sold in the gift shop. also the person selling you the receipt of purchase has at no point in time ever owned the mona lisa. unfortunately, if this doesn't really make sense or seem like any logical person would be happy about this exchange, then you've understood it perfectly"
• Aria Code Podcast - The magic of opera revealed, one song at a time. - Thanks Lenny Levy!
• We talked about the possibility of reconvening our monthly in-person Java Club meetings - once everyone's vaccines have had a chance to take hold (next month?). It was suggested that we meet at Marin Country Mart in Larkspur, where there is evidently plentiful outdoor dining. Thoughts? Email me at [email protected].
• Jarid Johnson shared a new phone number to directly reach the California EDD to resolve issues. That number is (714) 736-3000. After a few tries getting connected, he was able to speak to a very helpful rep. Jarid recommends "killing them with kindness."
• CA EDD Suspended - Can't Get a Video Call ID.ME -What to Do if You Can't Verify ID by 10 Day Deadline - Ginny Silver on YouTube
• Early Hackers Used Whistles From Cap’n Crunch Cereal Boxes - Atlas Obscura
John Draper Wikipedia Entry - Thanks Jim Hurwitz!
• 3 Blockchain ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds): LEGR, BLOK, BLCN - Thanks Jim Hurwitz!
• Mark Cuban on Why DeFi and NFTs are the Future - YouTube - Thanks Jim Iacona!
• One take on NFTs from Twitter user @queersamus: "imagine if you went up to the mona lisa and you were like I'd like to own this" and someone nearby went "give me 65 million dollars and i'll burn down an unspecified amount of the amazon rainforest in order to give you this receipt of purchase" so you paid them and they went "here's your receipt, thank you for your purchase" and went to an unmarked supply closet in the back of the museum and posted a handmade label inside it behind the brooms that said "mona lisa currently owned by jacobgalapagos" so if anyone wants to know who owns it they'd have to find this specific closet in this specific hallway and look behind the correct brooms. and you went "can I take the mona lisa home now?" and they went "oh god no are you stupid? you only bought the receipt that says you own it, you didn't actually buy the mona lisa itself, you can't take the real mona lisa you idiot. you CAN take this though." and gave you the replica print in a cardboard tube that's sold in the gift shop. also the person selling you the receipt of purchase has at no point in time ever owned the mona lisa. unfortunately, if this doesn't really make sense or seem like any logical person would be happy about this exchange, then you've understood it perfectly"
• Aria Code Podcast - The magic of opera revealed, one song at a time. - Thanks Lenny Levy!
4/26/2021:
• CA EDD Phone Tricks - How to Call EDD - Testing 2 Paid Apps Claimyr + Autodial to Call EDD - YouTube - Thanks Kerrilyn Garma!
• Friends of No. 9 - local sound mixer Fred Runner's nonprofit dedicated to restoring the historic Mt. Tamalpais locomotive. YouTube video commemorating 100 years of history and its improbable survival.
• Teradek High Performance Bonded Cellular WiFi Access Point - Thanks John Paul Poritz!
• Alister Chapman's review of the Accsoon Cineeye 2s, a $329.00 SDI 5G Wireless Video Transmitter for up to 4 iOS devices that will also stream to YouTube, Facebook or any similar RMTP service.
• Sony FX9 & FX6 Firmware Updates Announcement – 4k120 RAW Output, Anamorphic De-squeeze & More - Cine D - Thanks John Paul Poritz!
• The autobiography, Barry Sonnenfeld, Call Your Mother: Memoirs of a Neurotic Filmmaker is at turns horrifying and hilarious. Even better if you can listen to it read by Barry himself.
• SketchFest Live from the Archives: The Monkees: Michael Nesmith & Micky Dolenz in conversation with Paul Myers
• CA EDD Phone Tricks - How to Call EDD - Testing 2 Paid Apps Claimyr + Autodial to Call EDD - YouTube - Thanks Kerrilyn Garma!
• Friends of No. 9 - local sound mixer Fred Runner's nonprofit dedicated to restoring the historic Mt. Tamalpais locomotive. YouTube video commemorating 100 years of history and its improbable survival.
• Teradek High Performance Bonded Cellular WiFi Access Point - Thanks John Paul Poritz!
• Alister Chapman's review of the Accsoon Cineeye 2s, a $329.00 SDI 5G Wireless Video Transmitter for up to 4 iOS devices that will also stream to YouTube, Facebook or any similar RMTP service.
• Sony FX9 & FX6 Firmware Updates Announcement – 4k120 RAW Output, Anamorphic De-squeeze & More - Cine D - Thanks John Paul Poritz!
• The autobiography, Barry Sonnenfeld, Call Your Mother: Memoirs of a Neurotic Filmmaker is at turns horrifying and hilarious. Even better if you can listen to it read by Barry himself.
• SketchFest Live from the Archives: The Monkees: Michael Nesmith & Micky Dolenz in conversation with Paul Myers
4/20/2021:
• Ginny Silver has a lot of good informative videos about Unemployment claims. There is also a live Q&A today at 4pm. - Thanks Kerrilyn Garma!
• Here is the email from Jeff Nealon on the Norcal-Freelance board that I referred to briefly during yesterday's chat:
Since we have now passed 1 year of the Covid-19 Pandemic, if you are still collecting Unemployment, it is critical that you actively monitor and properly manage your CA EDD UI Claim! Because of the various extensions to UI in the past year, there is still a lot of confusion, including conflicting and incorrect guidance from EDD!
Your UI Benefit Year expires 365 days from when it started. In the “Claim Summary” section of your UI Online Home Page you will find the Date your Benefit Year started. If it has been more than 365 days, then your Claim HAS expired and you MUST file a new application for a new UI Claim.
The only exception is if you are on a PUA Claim, then you do not need to apply for a new claim at this time. PUA is for ‘1099’ workers. If you are reading this, we are assuming you are a ‘W2’ employee which would make you eligible to apply for a regular UI Claim.
It does not matter…
…that you have been on any Extension
…that you still have $ remaining in your Claim Balance
…that the system is still “letting” you Certify for your weekly benefit
…that you haven’t been notified by EDD yet to file a new claim
…that you called EDD and the person you talked to said you did not need to apply
…or even that your friend’s cousin saw on Facebook that you don’t have to apply!
If your benefit year has expired, you MUST file a new claim. If there is enough in intervening wages for a new claim, a new benefit will be awarded. If not, then AFTER processing your application, EDD will automatically file a new extension on your prior UI claim and you will be notified.
You should file your new claim as soon as possible AFTER your benefit year has expired, but NOT BEFORE.
You can file your new application online (edd.ca.gov/unemployment) or over the phone. It is still difficult to get through to an EDD person on the phone, but it may be easier to apply over the phone, especially if you don’t have any qualifying income since your last application. If you do try to call, just commit to it and keep dialing! Also, if your current claim has any issues, such as weeks “Pending”, those can likely be resolved during the same phone call.
ALSO IMPORTANT!
While your UI Claim is active, you MUST continue to Certify for every week as they become available and ALWAYS check for Notifications on your UI Online and check the Status of your Payments and Certification History! If you ever see “Pending”, “Disqualified, “Not Paid”, etc, for more than a couple of days, there is some issue with your Claim and you must start trying to call EDD on the phone. The time for patience has passed… it seems these EDD Claim issues are rarely resolving themselves!
This is a confusing time, especially with the new provisions of the ARP (American Rescue Plan) Act still being implemented by EDD!. Following are links to some useful information.
This new chart from EDD shows some details of the new ARP Act extensions: https://www.edd.ca.gov/unemployment/pdf/unemployment-benefits-chart.pdf
Here’s the latest YouTube video from Ginny Silver. As she says… “UPDATE ON THIS CLUSTERF***!": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cT4jpHIp9cU
• Ginny Silver has a lot of good informative videos about Unemployment claims. There is also a live Q&A today at 4pm. - Thanks Kerrilyn Garma!
• Here is the email from Jeff Nealon on the Norcal-Freelance board that I referred to briefly during yesterday's chat:
Since we have now passed 1 year of the Covid-19 Pandemic, if you are still collecting Unemployment, it is critical that you actively monitor and properly manage your CA EDD UI Claim! Because of the various extensions to UI in the past year, there is still a lot of confusion, including conflicting and incorrect guidance from EDD!
Your UI Benefit Year expires 365 days from when it started. In the “Claim Summary” section of your UI Online Home Page you will find the Date your Benefit Year started. If it has been more than 365 days, then your Claim HAS expired and you MUST file a new application for a new UI Claim.
The only exception is if you are on a PUA Claim, then you do not need to apply for a new claim at this time. PUA is for ‘1099’ workers. If you are reading this, we are assuming you are a ‘W2’ employee which would make you eligible to apply for a regular UI Claim.
It does not matter…
…that you have been on any Extension
…that you still have $ remaining in your Claim Balance
…that the system is still “letting” you Certify for your weekly benefit
…that you haven’t been notified by EDD yet to file a new claim
…that you called EDD and the person you talked to said you did not need to apply
…or even that your friend’s cousin saw on Facebook that you don’t have to apply!
If your benefit year has expired, you MUST file a new claim. If there is enough in intervening wages for a new claim, a new benefit will be awarded. If not, then AFTER processing your application, EDD will automatically file a new extension on your prior UI claim and you will be notified.
You should file your new claim as soon as possible AFTER your benefit year has expired, but NOT BEFORE.
You can file your new application online (edd.ca.gov/unemployment) or over the phone. It is still difficult to get through to an EDD person on the phone, but it may be easier to apply over the phone, especially if you don’t have any qualifying income since your last application. If you do try to call, just commit to it and keep dialing! Also, if your current claim has any issues, such as weeks “Pending”, those can likely be resolved during the same phone call.
ALSO IMPORTANT!
While your UI Claim is active, you MUST continue to Certify for every week as they become available and ALWAYS check for Notifications on your UI Online and check the Status of your Payments and Certification History! If you ever see “Pending”, “Disqualified, “Not Paid”, etc, for more than a couple of days, there is some issue with your Claim and you must start trying to call EDD on the phone. The time for patience has passed… it seems these EDD Claim issues are rarely resolving themselves!
This is a confusing time, especially with the new provisions of the ARP (American Rescue Plan) Act still being implemented by EDD!. Following are links to some useful information.
This new chart from EDD shows some details of the new ARP Act extensions: https://www.edd.ca.gov/unemployment/pdf/unemployment-benefits-chart.pdf
Here’s the latest YouTube video from Ginny Silver. As she says… “UPDATE ON THIS CLUSTERF***!": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cT4jpHIp9cU
4/12/2021:
• John Chiara's San Francisco Camera Obscura Images - thanks John Paul Poritz!
• Project Everlasting trailer - Lifelong pals Jason Alan Miller and Mathew Boggs wanted to know what it takes to create a deeply connected, loving matrimony. So the two hopelessly single bachelors teamed up with Mat’s Grandma Dorothy to crisscross the nation in an RV and collect answers to their most pressing relationship questions from the real experts — not the therapists or academic types — but the inspirational couples who’ve walked the talk to over 40 years of loving matrimony: America’s Marriage Masters.
- thanks Christina Tucker!
• John Chiara's San Francisco Camera Obscura Images - thanks John Paul Poritz!
• Project Everlasting trailer - Lifelong pals Jason Alan Miller and Mathew Boggs wanted to know what it takes to create a deeply connected, loving matrimony. So the two hopelessly single bachelors teamed up with Mat’s Grandma Dorothy to crisscross the nation in an RV and collect answers to their most pressing relationship questions from the real experts — not the therapists or academic types — but the inspirational couples who’ve walked the talk to over 40 years of loving matrimony: America’s Marriage Masters.
- thanks Christina Tucker!
4/5/2021:
• Daniel Craig as 007 weighs in on 8k - YouTube - Thanks John Paul Poritz!
• SF Opera presents The Barber of Seville at Marin Center, April 23, 24, 27, 30; May 1, 4, 7, 8, 11, 14, 15 - Simulcast directed by Frank Zamacona
• This report from NorCal-Mixers message board regarding a local client with non-compliant COVID precautions.
• KEH CAMERA BUYER BACK AT KAUFMANN'S CAMERAS APRIL 25th & 26th - Thanks Jim Iacona!
• Epic Games' Unreal Engine Virtual Production 2020 Sizzle Reel - YouTube
• Intrepid Studios and WorldStage Xr Virtual Production Stage in San Rafael - Demo
• The Virtual Production of The Mandalorian, Season Two - YouTube
• Daniel Craig as 007 weighs in on 8k - YouTube - Thanks John Paul Poritz!
• SF Opera presents The Barber of Seville at Marin Center, April 23, 24, 27, 30; May 1, 4, 7, 8, 11, 14, 15 - Simulcast directed by Frank Zamacona
• This report from NorCal-Mixers message board regarding a local client with non-compliant COVID precautions.
• KEH CAMERA BUYER BACK AT KAUFMANN'S CAMERAS APRIL 25th & 26th - Thanks Jim Iacona!
• Epic Games' Unreal Engine Virtual Production 2020 Sizzle Reel - YouTube
• Intrepid Studios and WorldStage Xr Virtual Production Stage in San Rafael - Demo
• The Virtual Production of The Mandalorian, Season Two - YouTube
3/22/2021:
• Crew Stories Facebook Group
• Searching for Shelley Duvall: The Reclusive Icon on Fleeing Hollywood and the Scars of Making 'The Shining' - Hollywood Reporter
• Last Exit to Nowhere - Film & TV inspired apparel
• InCamera YouTube Channel - DIY practical effects tutorials for filmmakers - Thanks John Paul Poritz!
• Artemis Pro - The Pro Director's Viewfinder - Apple iOS App Store - Thanks Eli Adler!
• CineTracer - Realtime cinematography simulator - Thanks John Paul Poritz!
• My outdated US Airlines' Media Baggage Policies page
• George Rosenfeld writes "I looked at everyone’s photos in the exhibition, and thought everyone had great contributions. We got some great eyes in this group!"
Film & TV Recommendations:
• Crew Stories Facebook Group
• Searching for Shelley Duvall: The Reclusive Icon on Fleeing Hollywood and the Scars of Making 'The Shining' - Hollywood Reporter
• Last Exit to Nowhere - Film & TV inspired apparel
• InCamera YouTube Channel - DIY practical effects tutorials for filmmakers - Thanks John Paul Poritz!
• Artemis Pro - The Pro Director's Viewfinder - Apple iOS App Store - Thanks Eli Adler!
• CineTracer - Realtime cinematography simulator - Thanks John Paul Poritz!
• My outdated US Airlines' Media Baggage Policies page
• George Rosenfeld writes "I looked at everyone’s photos in the exhibition, and thought everyone had great contributions. We got some great eyes in this group!"
Film & TV Recommendations:
- Crip Camp - 2021 Oscar Nominee (Documentary) - A groundbreaking summer camp galvanizes a group of teens with disabilities to help build a movement, forging a new path toward greater equality. - NETFLIX - Thanks Michael Anderson
- Sound of Metal - 2021 Oscar Nominee (Best Picture) - Metal drummer Ruben begins to lose his hearing. When a doctor tells him his condition will worsen, he thinks he career and life is over. - AMAZON PRIME
- Call My Agent - (series) At a top talent firm, agents scramble to keep their star clients happy -- and their business afloat -- after an unexpected crisis. NETFLIX - Thanks Randy Love!
- The White Tiger - 2021 Oscar Nominee (Adapted Screenplay) - The ambitious driver for a rich Indian family uses his wit and cunning to escape from poverty and become and entepeneur. - NETFLIX
- Extras - (series) - Grasping hungrily for stardom, bit actor Andy Millman (Ricky Gervais) and his pal Maggie spend their days chasing after work as film & TV extras. - NETFLIX
- The Ministry of Time (El Minister del Tiempo) - (series) - AMAZON PRIME/FLIX LATINO (doesn't appear to be available in English) - Thanks Rod Williams!
- Tehran - (series) - Tamar is a Mossad hacker-agent who infiltrates Tehran under a false identity to help destroy Iran's nuclear reactor. But when her mission fails and she's trapped in a new life, Tamar must plan an operation that will place everyone dear to her in jeopardy. - APPLETV+ - Thanks Harris Cohen!
- Fear and Desire - Virtually unseen since its theatrical premiere in 1953, the ambitious first feature film by legendary filmmaker Stanley Kubrick. - AMAZON PRIME - Thanks Drake Rice!
- Lovesick - (series) - In his quest for true love, Dylan found chlamydia. Joined by friends Evie and Luke, he relives past encounters as he notifies all his former partners. - NETFLIX - Thanks John Paul Poritz!
3/15/21:
• The COVID-19 Year Java Club Virtual Photo Exhibit is live. Thanks everyone for your beautiful images!
• The COVID-19 Year Java Club Virtual Photo Exhibit is live. Thanks everyone for your beautiful images!
3/08/21:
• Sennheiser SC75 headset - Amazon
• Switcher Studio - iOS-based multi-camera production suite
• Sites to buy/sell used camera and other production gear:
• Standy List for leftover COVID vaccines - Not sure how legit this is, but it may be worth a try. I'd recommend using a "burner" email account.
• Sennheiser SC75 headset - Amazon
• Switcher Studio - iOS-based multi-camera production suite
• Sites to buy/sell used camera and other production gear:
- MPB.com
- KEH Camera - (in-person buyer onsite regularly at Kaufmann's Cameras)
- GearSlutz Classifieds (audio gear)
• Standy List for leftover COVID vaccines - Not sure how legit this is, but it may be worth a try. I'd recommend using a "burner" email account.
3/02/21:
• West Auctions - Commercial Auctions - Thanks Rod Williams!
• Lobitos Creek Ranch - Owned by Steve Michaelson
• Blogs about solar/battery backup - Thanks Richard Neill!
• Final Cut Pro subscription might be on the way as Apple updates trademark - 9to5mac
• Film recommendations:
• West Auctions - Commercial Auctions - Thanks Rod Williams!
• Lobitos Creek Ranch - Owned by Steve Michaelson
• Blogs about solar/battery backup - Thanks Richard Neill!
• Final Cut Pro subscription might be on the way as Apple updates trademark - 9to5mac
• Film recommendations:
- Jacques Tati's Playtime, 1967 - Thanks John Paul Poritz! "Super-long sequences" - Amazon Prime
- Merci pour le Chocolate, 2000 - "Great film with a slow poisoning plot" - Thanks John Paul Portiz! Available on DVD from Amazon.
- The Sound of Metal - Amazon Prime
Metal drummer Ruben begins to lose his hearing. When a doctor tells him his condition will worsen, he thinks his career and life is over. His girlfriend Lou checks the former addict into a rehab for the deaf hoping it will prevent a relapse and help him adapt to his new life. After being welcomed and accepted just as he is, Ruben must choose between his new normal and the life he once knew. - Small Axe, Amazon Prime - A British anthology film series, created and directed by Steve McQueen. The anthology consists of five films which tell distinct stories about the lives of West Indian immigrants in London from the 1960s to the 1980s
2/22/21:
• Enamel movie/video pins at Film Pin Society - Thanks Rod Williams!
• Enjoy great foreign mystery TV streaming at MhZ Choice - Thanks Rod Williams!
• TV Crew action figures!
• The Map of Tiny Perfect Things - Quick-witted teen Mark (Kyle Allen) is contentedly living the same day in an endless loop when his world is turned upside-down by the mysterious Margaret (Kathryn Newton), also stuck in the same loop. - Amazon Prime - Thanks Scott Stender!
• Bliss - A mind-bending love story following Greg (Owen Wilson) who, after recently being divorced and then fired, meets the mysterious Isabel (Salma Hayek), a woman living on the streets and convinced that the polluted, broken world around them is just a computer simulation.
• Brockmire - A disgraced pro-baseball announcer (Hank Azzaria) after an on-air meltdown, tries to resurrect his career by signing on with a minor-league team in a small, rust-belt town. IFC - Thanks Eli Adler!
• Enamel movie/video pins at Film Pin Society - Thanks Rod Williams!
• Enjoy great foreign mystery TV streaming at MhZ Choice - Thanks Rod Williams!
• TV Crew action figures!
• The Map of Tiny Perfect Things - Quick-witted teen Mark (Kyle Allen) is contentedly living the same day in an endless loop when his world is turned upside-down by the mysterious Margaret (Kathryn Newton), also stuck in the same loop. - Amazon Prime - Thanks Scott Stender!
• Bliss - A mind-bending love story following Greg (Owen Wilson) who, after recently being divorced and then fired, meets the mysterious Isabel (Salma Hayek), a woman living on the streets and convinced that the polluted, broken world around them is just a computer simulation.
• Brockmire - A disgraced pro-baseball announcer (Hank Azzaria) after an on-air meltdown, tries to resurrect his career by signing on with a minor-league team in a small, rust-belt town. IFC - Thanks Eli Adler!
2/21/2021:
• Future of Music Coalition | Music Artists Coalition | Songwriters of North America present
Rep. Adam Schiff in Conversation:
New Unemployment Benefit for Mixed Earners
A virtual live event with Congressman Adam Schiff & impacted workers to discuss the new MEUC benefit & to advocate for more COVID relief for freelancers, gig workers, and entrepreneurs who earn both W-2 wages and self-employment income.
Monday, February 22
9 a.m. PST / noon EST
REGISTER HERE
• Tell Congress: Extend and expand support for mixed earners
Right now, President Biden and Congress are developing the next COVID relief package, which will include extensions and expansions to unemployment benefits. It's crucial that your representatives support mixed earners and push for more aid.
Click here to submit a message, call, or reach out via social media to your elected representatives.
We are requesting:
Tell your State Government how to support Mixed Earners
The new $100/week additional unemployment benefit for Mixed Earners is a step in the right direction, but problems remain. We're asking state governments to increase the base amounts and implement policies designed to make the system work better for part-time workers and freelancers.
Click here to submit a message to your elected representatives.
• Future of Music Coalition | Music Artists Coalition | Songwriters of North America present
Rep. Adam Schiff in Conversation:
New Unemployment Benefit for Mixed Earners
A virtual live event with Congressman Adam Schiff & impacted workers to discuss the new MEUC benefit & to advocate for more COVID relief for freelancers, gig workers, and entrepreneurs who earn both W-2 wages and self-employment income.
Monday, February 22
9 a.m. PST / noon EST
REGISTER HERE
• Tell Congress: Extend and expand support for mixed earners
Right now, President Biden and Congress are developing the next COVID relief package, which will include extensions and expansions to unemployment benefits. It's crucial that your representatives support mixed earners and push for more aid.
Click here to submit a message, call, or reach out via social media to your elected representatives.
We are requesting:
- the extension of the MEUC along with the other unemployment benefit programs.
- that the MEUC be increased from $100/week to at least $150/week.
Tell your State Government how to support Mixed Earners
The new $100/week additional unemployment benefit for Mixed Earners is a step in the right direction, but problems remain. We're asking state governments to increase the base amounts and implement policies designed to make the system work better for part-time workers and freelancers.
Click here to submit a message to your elected representatives.
2/18/2021:
• Discover your own blood type with this do-it-yourself kit from Amazon: (2 Pack) Eldoncard Blood Type Test
• Source Code - great film, directed by Duncan Jones. Check out another great film directed by Jones, Moon. By the way, Jones is the son of the late David Bowie. - Amazon Prime
• Using Cinefade to vary depth of field in 'The Commuter.' Although the effect in this film was accomplished using the Cinefade accessory, the Sony FX9 can achieve the same result.
• Nathan for You - "Dumb Starbucks" appears in Season 2, episode 5 - Hulu
• The Dark Ages: An Age of Light - Amazon Prime
• The Dig - Netflix
• We've very much enjoyed bingeing all 4 seasons of HBO's Search Party, a black comedy about 4 clueless millennials caught up in a missing person case.
• Discover your own blood type with this do-it-yourself kit from Amazon: (2 Pack) Eldoncard Blood Type Test
• Source Code - great film, directed by Duncan Jones. Check out another great film directed by Jones, Moon. By the way, Jones is the son of the late David Bowie. - Amazon Prime
• Using Cinefade to vary depth of field in 'The Commuter.' Although the effect in this film was accomplished using the Cinefade accessory, the Sony FX9 can achieve the same result.
• Nathan for You - "Dumb Starbucks" appears in Season 2, episode 5 - Hulu
• The Dark Ages: An Age of Light - Amazon Prime
• The Dig - Netflix
• We've very much enjoyed bingeing all 4 seasons of HBO's Search Party, a black comedy about 4 clueless millennials caught up in a missing person case.
2/15/2021:
• Announcing the Java Club Online Photo Exhibit - Call for Entries
Inspired by fact that many Java Club members got their start in the Production biz working in camera stores, darkrooms or otherwise involved in photography, Richard Neill came up with the idea of an online Photography Exhibit for Java Club members as a way of marking this "pandemic year" with a creative visual response from all of us.
It's an "open call” exhibit, inviting all members to submit up to 7 images each, shot in the past year (March 2020-March 2021). Please submit in JPEG format, up to a maximum of size 3MB each, to the Dropbox link below. If you'd like to add a statement, please include in one short paragraph. Once all submissions are in, Jarid Johnson will organize the exhibit onto a website page, with a the link to it on the Java Club webpage.
Deadline for submissions is March 12th. The exhibit will go online March 15, 2021.
Please upload a folder (title: your name) with your images & info to this Dropbox link:
https://www.dropbox.com/request/HpA5JHEi3v1B8IXcu5lo
Please note: you do not need to have a Dropbox account to upload your files.
Be sure to include in your folder the following information in a text document:
Name:
Number of images submitted (+ title, location info if you want):
Should the images be displayed in a particular order?
Statement (if any):
Please restrict your image size to 1-2MB.
The best way to make sure the files are the right size is to export for the web as a JPEG and resize the long edge of the image to between 1500-2000 pixels at 72ppi. That will put the images at a good file size.
• Elewa Camera Rentals - Thanks Jim Iacona!
• Announcing the Java Club Online Photo Exhibit - Call for Entries
Inspired by fact that many Java Club members got their start in the Production biz working in camera stores, darkrooms or otherwise involved in photography, Richard Neill came up with the idea of an online Photography Exhibit for Java Club members as a way of marking this "pandemic year" with a creative visual response from all of us.
It's an "open call” exhibit, inviting all members to submit up to 7 images each, shot in the past year (March 2020-March 2021). Please submit in JPEG format, up to a maximum of size 3MB each, to the Dropbox link below. If you'd like to add a statement, please include in one short paragraph. Once all submissions are in, Jarid Johnson will organize the exhibit onto a website page, with a the link to it on the Java Club webpage.
Deadline for submissions is March 12th. The exhibit will go online March 15, 2021.
Please upload a folder (title: your name) with your images & info to this Dropbox link:
https://www.dropbox.com/request/HpA5JHEi3v1B8IXcu5lo
Please note: you do not need to have a Dropbox account to upload your files.
Be sure to include in your folder the following information in a text document:
Name:
Number of images submitted (+ title, location info if you want):
Should the images be displayed in a particular order?
Statement (if any):
Please restrict your image size to 1-2MB.
The best way to make sure the files are the right size is to export for the web as a JPEG and resize the long edge of the image to between 1500-2000 pixels at 72ppi. That will put the images at a good file size.
• Elewa Camera Rentals - Thanks Jim Iacona!
2/08/2021:
• Michael Anderson says "A neighbor forwarded me an email from a friend. It said I could get a Covid-19 vaccination at Marin General (Marin Health) by calling 415-720-5536. I was sure it wouldn't work (I had tried other approaches, without success.) I called. "Margaret" said "Come on in." May have been fluke timing but it worked for me last Thursday. I was in and out in 45 minutes and have an appointment for my second shot. No adverse reaction other than a sore arm the next day. Must prove you're over 75 and live in Marin.
• Freelancers in 2021: Where do we go from here? A conversation from Saturday, 2/6, with Freelancers Union President Rafael Espinal, Union founder Sara Horowitz, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer discussing the economic future of freelancing. - Thanks Kerrilyn Garma!
• Eli Adler's Bot Fly Removal Video. Not for the squeamish! Don't say I didn't warn you.
• Michael Anderson says "A neighbor forwarded me an email from a friend. It said I could get a Covid-19 vaccination at Marin General (Marin Health) by calling 415-720-5536. I was sure it wouldn't work (I had tried other approaches, without success.) I called. "Margaret" said "Come on in." May have been fluke timing but it worked for me last Thursday. I was in and out in 45 minutes and have an appointment for my second shot. No adverse reaction other than a sore arm the next day. Must prove you're over 75 and live in Marin.
• Freelancers in 2021: Where do we go from here? A conversation from Saturday, 2/6, with Freelancers Union President Rafael Espinal, Union founder Sara Horowitz, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer discussing the economic future of freelancing. - Thanks Kerrilyn Garma!
• Eli Adler's Bot Fly Removal Video. Not for the squeamish! Don't say I didn't warn you.
2/01/2021:
• Garma On Health - Health strategies to beat COVID-19 - Thanks Jim Hurwitz!
• Wim Hof, also known as The Iceman, is a Dutch extreme athlete noted for his ability to withstand freezing temperatures. - Wikipedia - Thanks Jim Iacona!
• Jordan Peterson interview w/Wim Hof - YouTube - Thanks Jim Iacona!
• Host Defense - Mushroom-based immune support (Amazon link) - Thanks Scott Stender!
• Paul Stamets – How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World - plus a fuller list of Paul Stamets articles and video can be found here - Bioneers - Thanks Scott Stender!
• Garma On Health - Health strategies to beat COVID-19 - Thanks Jim Hurwitz!
• Wim Hof, also known as The Iceman, is a Dutch extreme athlete noted for his ability to withstand freezing temperatures. - Wikipedia - Thanks Jim Iacona!
• Jordan Peterson interview w/Wim Hof - YouTube - Thanks Jim Iacona!
• Host Defense - Mushroom-based immune support (Amazon link) - Thanks Scott Stender!
• Paul Stamets – How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World - plus a fuller list of Paul Stamets articles and video can be found here - Bioneers - Thanks Scott Stender!
1/23/2021:
• Lenny says "(I) just got a message from the Mixed Earners Facebook page that people on the Hill advocating for a change to UI/PUA rules need individual stories:"
“Hey All - We're having Hill meetings now. We don't have stories, we don't get more help. If you haven't submitted a story, I encourage you to do so. It takes about 1-2 minutes. After some initial conversations with the House & Senate, we could use profiles from the following states.
Maine, Arizona, Maryland, Virginia, New Hampshire, Georgia, Utah, Ohio, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, Hawaii. Any help you can give to make this outreach to Mixed Earners from these states is appreciated. If you belong to other professional FB groups (even if not on unemployment), please share. We're learning that there are specific fields hit hard (like marketing contractors, fitness instructors, performers, cinematographers, artists, real estate agents, events professionals, etc.)
Obviously all states are important & ideally we get multiple people from every state. It's gonna be a while before we have concrete data from the states, so will need to keep building these stories as data points.”
SEND STORIES HERE.
• Here's a great demo video illustrating a fun use for augmented reality projection mapping. Thanks to Scott Stender!
• For those of you that are still trying to get through to EDD to straighten out issues with your accounts, I came up with this simple hack to help make getting through on their phone lines a little less tedious. On your smart phone, paste the following string into the dial screen of your phone app, then hit the call button, and put the phone into speakerphone mode.
18003005616,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,1,,,2,,,,,,,,,,,,,,4
This series of numbers calls EDD, waits approximately 1 minute, 45 seconds, and enters a 1 to indicate that you have a claim, waits another 9 seconds and enters a 2 to indicate that you are an existing customer, and finally, waits another 41 seconds to enter 4, indicating that you are having issues with your claim.
Although this doesn't actually save you any time on the phone, it does allow you to do other things while it auto-enters the required touchtones. Most of the time, you will be disconnected after the 3rd prompt, but if you're patient and keep trying, you will be entered into a queue. I got through the other day after only 5 tries, and a subsequent 25 minutes wait.
• Lenny says "(I) just got a message from the Mixed Earners Facebook page that people on the Hill advocating for a change to UI/PUA rules need individual stories:"
“Hey All - We're having Hill meetings now. We don't have stories, we don't get more help. If you haven't submitted a story, I encourage you to do so. It takes about 1-2 minutes. After some initial conversations with the House & Senate, we could use profiles from the following states.
Maine, Arizona, Maryland, Virginia, New Hampshire, Georgia, Utah, Ohio, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, Hawaii. Any help you can give to make this outreach to Mixed Earners from these states is appreciated. If you belong to other professional FB groups (even if not on unemployment), please share. We're learning that there are specific fields hit hard (like marketing contractors, fitness instructors, performers, cinematographers, artists, real estate agents, events professionals, etc.)
Obviously all states are important & ideally we get multiple people from every state. It's gonna be a while before we have concrete data from the states, so will need to keep building these stories as data points.”
SEND STORIES HERE.
• Here's a great demo video illustrating a fun use for augmented reality projection mapping. Thanks to Scott Stender!
• For those of you that are still trying to get through to EDD to straighten out issues with your accounts, I came up with this simple hack to help make getting through on their phone lines a little less tedious. On your smart phone, paste the following string into the dial screen of your phone app, then hit the call button, and put the phone into speakerphone mode.
18003005616,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,1,,,2,,,,,,,,,,,,,,4
This series of numbers calls EDD, waits approximately 1 minute, 45 seconds, and enters a 1 to indicate that you have a claim, waits another 9 seconds and enters a 2 to indicate that you are an existing customer, and finally, waits another 41 seconds to enter 4, indicating that you are having issues with your claim.
Although this doesn't actually save you any time on the phone, it does allow you to do other things while it auto-enters the required touchtones. Most of the time, you will be disconnected after the 3rd prompt, but if you're patient and keep trying, you will be entered into a queue. I got through the other day after only 5 tries, and a subsequent 25 minutes wait.
1/18/2021:
• On the subject of Portable Power Stations, mine is a Jackery Explorer 240 with a SolarSaga 60W Solar Panel. It's great for camping and field production, or as a backup power system for the home during our all-too-common power blackouts.
• Home Solar Power System Installation recommendations (from 7/6/2020):
From Ben Little: Paul Reinken, [email protected]
From Scott Stender: Aaron Masseira, Sunpower, [email protected], (707) 235-9176
• On the subject of Portable Power Stations, mine is a Jackery Explorer 240 with a SolarSaga 60W Solar Panel. It's great for camping and field production, or as a backup power system for the home during our all-too-common power blackouts.
• Home Solar Power System Installation recommendations (from 7/6/2020):
From Ben Little: Paul Reinken, [email protected]
From Scott Stender: Aaron Masseira, Sunpower, [email protected], (707) 235-9176
• Archived results from Java Club member poll: How much of your income from production work is W2 (payroll/taxed)? *
updated 15Jan2021
1/15/2021:
• 2021 PPP Loans - as of Friday, Jan. 15 - Redwood Credit Union
RCU has this provided this current information for the second round of PPP loans. So far, this round looks very similar to the first. If you were able to get the loan before, you are eligible for this round. The only new stipulation that applies to most of us is that we must have "...experienced a revenue reduction of 25% or greater in one quarter of 2020 relative to the same quarter in 2019, or a 25% of greater reduction in annual receipts in 2020 compared to 2019." Their application isn't live yet - they are hoping to have it available prior to January 19.
• I'd like to clarify the difference between the EIDL grant/loan and the PPP loan, based on misunderstandings in last week's conversation:
• 2021 PPP Loans - as of Friday, Jan. 15 - Redwood Credit Union
RCU has this provided this current information for the second round of PPP loans. So far, this round looks very similar to the first. If you were able to get the loan before, you are eligible for this round. The only new stipulation that applies to most of us is that we must have "...experienced a revenue reduction of 25% or greater in one quarter of 2020 relative to the same quarter in 2019, or a 25% of greater reduction in annual receipts in 2020 compared to 2019." Their application isn't live yet - they are hoping to have it available prior to January 19.
• I'd like to clarify the difference between the EIDL grant/loan and the PPP loan, based on misunderstandings in last week's conversation:
- The EIDL (Economic Injury Disaster Loan) is a non-forgivable loan. Generally, it is a 30 year loan at 4%. As part of the application process, a $1,000 grant was awarded. This grant amount does not need to be paid back. Although it is no longer available for new EIDL applicants, the grant was $1,000 per employee, up to a maximum of $10,0000.
- The PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) loan is forgivable, if 60% of the funds are used to retain workers or maintain payroll. In (most of) our cases, the total amount awarded was based on our Schedule C, Line 1 divided by 12, multiplied by 2.5. As sole proprietors, most of us are able to use the EZ Loan Forgiveness Application. The only documentation required is a copy of your 2019 Schedule C. Many institutions are accepting forgiveness applications currently. I was able to apply for, and receive forgiveness for my loan through Redwood Credit Union. Many of our peers who received their loans through online bank Bluevine are being told they are still not accepting forgiveness applications. There is a lot of talk that PPP loans under $50,000 may be forgiven automatically at some point. If you received the EIDL grant above, you must subtract that amount from the amount of the PPP loan that can be forgiven.
1/11/2021:
• How to Qualify for PPP and EIDL Forgiveness - Business.com - Thanks Dan Anderson!
• California Relief Grant Program - Lendistry.com - Thanks Dan Anderson!
• How to Qualify for PPP and EIDL Forgiveness - Business.com - Thanks Dan Anderson!
• California Relief Grant Program - Lendistry.com - Thanks Dan Anderson!
1/8/2021:
• A second round of PPP loans is now available - Freelancers Union - Thanks, Jon Morris!
• More than 1 Million Unemployment Claims in Limbo as EDD Investigates Massive Fraud - KQED Forum - Host Michael Krasny discusses the current EDD account suspensions with several guests. Thanks Lenny Levy!
• A second round of PPP loans is now available - Freelancers Union - Thanks, Jon Morris!
• More than 1 Million Unemployment Claims in Limbo as EDD Investigates Massive Fraud - KQED Forum - Host Michael Krasny discusses the current EDD account suspensions with several guests. Thanks Lenny Levy!
1/4/2021:
• Sony Remote Workflow with FX9 - BandPro/Vimeo - The Zoom meeting recording on this page seems to address a lot of the questions about remote production with the Sony FX-9 brought up during today's meetings.
• Tuesday, January 5th from 2pm-3:15pm, a Rapid Response Session with Unemployment will be held. This session is hosted by the San Francisco workforce board. An EDD representative will be there to answer any questions you might have regarding the Unemployment process.
Below is the meeting information. You will need to download the Microsoft App for Microsoft Teams if you are not familiar with that platform, so you might want to enter the meeting a little earlier.
Click here to join the meeting
Or call in (audio only)
+1 415-906-4659,,810179085# United States, San Francisco
Phone Conference ID: 810 179 085#
- Thanks Pauline Barry! I don't know if this is in response to this weeks mass suspension of many of our EDD accounts, or whether this is just a standard Q&A session.
• Again, here is the link to the CA Small Business Relief Grant application. Be warned, this site has had many issues under the massive demand since it went live on 12/30. The deadline has been extended to 1/13/2021.
• Sony Remote Workflow with FX9 - BandPro/Vimeo - The Zoom meeting recording on this page seems to address a lot of the questions about remote production with the Sony FX-9 brought up during today's meetings.
• Tuesday, January 5th from 2pm-3:15pm, a Rapid Response Session with Unemployment will be held. This session is hosted by the San Francisco workforce board. An EDD representative will be there to answer any questions you might have regarding the Unemployment process.
Below is the meeting information. You will need to download the Microsoft App for Microsoft Teams if you are not familiar with that platform, so you might want to enter the meeting a little earlier.
Click here to join the meeting
Or call in (audio only)
+1 415-906-4659,,810179085# United States, San Francisco
Phone Conference ID: 810 179 085#
- Thanks Pauline Barry! I don't know if this is in response to this weeks mass suspension of many of our EDD accounts, or whether this is just a standard Q&A session.
• Again, here is the link to the CA Small Business Relief Grant application. Be warned, this site has had many issues under the massive demand since it went live on 12/30. The deadline has been extended to 1/13/2021.
12/28/2020:
• CA Small Business Relief Grant -- Get Ready to Apply Now!
• Movo Photo VGC-3 3-Arm Selfie Ring Light Kit - Thanks Dave Wendlinger!
• Paycheck Protection Program Round 2: The Highlights - The National Law Review
• CA Small Business Relief Grant -- Get Ready to Apply Now!
• Movo Photo VGC-3 3-Arm Selfie Ring Light Kit - Thanks Dave Wendlinger!
• Paycheck Protection Program Round 2: The Highlights - The National Law Review
12/26/2020:
• What the Latest Coronavirus Relief Package Does for Freelancers - Freelancers Union - Thanks Jon Morris!
• CA Small Business Relief Grant -- Get Ready to Apply Now!
• I've had a few folks mention to me the possibility that production crews could be considered "essential workers." I'm not sure I totally agree with this assessment, especially being married to a 3rd grade teacher, but here is the CDC's recommendations for who may be first in line for the vaccine: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations.html
For what it's worth, "people who work in...communications...and media" are recommended for vaccination during Phase 1c (the third phase).
• What the Latest Coronavirus Relief Package Does for Freelancers - Freelancers Union - Thanks Jon Morris!
• CA Small Business Relief Grant -- Get Ready to Apply Now!
• I've had a few folks mention to me the possibility that production crews could be considered "essential workers." I'm not sure I totally agree with this assessment, especially being married to a 3rd grade teacher, but here is the CDC's recommendations for who may be first in line for the vaccine: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations.html
For what it's worth, "people who work in...communications...and media" are recommended for vaccination during Phase 1c (the third phase).
12/15/2020:
• Total Solar Eclipse 2020 | Recap with Exploratorium Astronomer Isabel Hawkins - Thanks Cael Hazard!
• The only solar eclipse of 2020 seen from space - BoingBoing
• October 14, 2023 — Great American Eclipse (Annular Solar Eclipse) - Thanks Cael Hazard!
• NASA Science MARS 2020 MISSION PERSEVERANCE ROVER Mission - Thanks Cael Hazard!
• Wikipedia listing for The Dish, 2000 Australian historical comedy-drama film that tells the story of the Parkes Observatory's role in relaying live television of humanity's first steps on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969. - Thanks Cael Hazard!
• Ocean Conservation Namibia - Thanks Elaine Trotter!
• The Panasonic AG ROP App for Wireless Control Using iPad - Thanks Cael Hazard!
• Deity Microphones - the mic I was talking about & showing is their W.lav Micro. Soon to be available in black.
• Some belated information from Jonathan Morris regarding cable cutting:
"I think it was Rod who said he can't receive over the air (OTA) TV signals from Sutro due to the terrain around his house... my problem too, only 3 miles from the tower and I can't pick up any signals.... one remedy is a streaming service called Locast.org, which gathers over the air local TV signals and translates into an HDTV stream.... ABC, CBS,NBC, FOX, PBS, CW and a bunch of "funky channels" for $5/month.... quality usually good, although the GUI channel guide is kinda clunky and takes too many clicks to navigate (especially on Apple TV)...supports Roku, Amazon, Apple TV boxes.... I often take the output of one of my Roku units and record on an external DVR.
Other free streaming apps newbie cord cutters should check out are:
PLEX,
PEACOCK ($6 for commercial free... this is an NBC based app),
KANOPY fo Indie, foreign films and docs (works in conjunction with a local participating Library system),
TUBI,
XUMO,
PLUTO,
HOOPLA (also a library based app for movies, books, music),
CRACKLE (Sony movies)
VEVO (Music videos)
and if you have a Roku box, check out the ROKU CHANNEL for free TV shows (syndication) and movies.
SMITHSONIAN channel also has some quality short-form docs.
for crazy people doing crazy adventure/sports videos:
RED BULL TV
and OUTSIDE TV (used to be free, may charge $6/m now) .
Finally, for news junkies, you can free stream CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, CBC, and if you must, but NOT RECOMMENDED, FOX (fake news) at this URL (once on the home page click "American" or "Canadian News", then click the logo for the channel you want). Access via SmartTV if it has a web browser or use a tablet or phone to access and then "CAST" to your SmartTV: Home - LivenewsNow
Happy free streaming."
• And lastly, some great recipes from Scott Stender:
Enchiladas: These two recipes are pretty much the same. The first one, Butternut Squash Enchiladas, has less ingredients and is super-delicious, but I could see the benefits of the riff on the theme in the second recipe. Colleen makes this up pretty quick and we both love it - and it is gluten-free for those that like it that way. And you won’t miss not having meat in it at all.
One big recommendation not in the recipes. Instead of just enchilada sauce, we mix up enchilada sauce with Bitchin’ Sauce, chipotle version (see pic) half and half proportion. If you can find it, great flavor - spicy but not too hot. You can get Bitchin' Sauce at local Costco near the Hummus and Guacamole refrigerated section, or at some good grocery stores. Made with almonds as a base, but no almond flavor. Delicious on eggs, tacos, etc. For a milder version, skip the Bitchin'
Use a little coconut oil or other oil to saute' the peeled, then diced-to-fingernail sized chunks of squash.
We recommend serving with a side salad or coleslaw. The enchiladas are great as leftovers, of course…
Butternut Squash Enchiladas
2 1⁄2 cups butternut squash, diced 1⁄4 cup red bell pepper, diced
1⁄4 cup yellow onion, diced
2 tbsp dried oregano
1⁄2 tsp chili powder
1⁄2 tsp cumin
1⁄2 tsp chipotle powder
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded 2.50 cups enchilada sauce
8 corn tortillas
Serves 6
Don’t be alarmed at the number of dried peppers it calls for-it’s actually rather mild. If you like to turn up the heat, we suggest adding a teaspoon of cayenne to the sauce. The vegetables we are featuring here are great for winter months but come springtime, you may want to get seasonal and substitute zucchini, fresh peas, and tender spinach. The corn tortillas make this recipe naturally gluten-free. For a full and festive meal, we would present the enchiladas with a bowl of simply cooked beans and a crunchy cabbage and radish slaw.
For the sauce
5 Anaheim dried peppers
5 New Mexico dried peppers
3 cups boiling water
1 cup yellow onion, roughly chopped
1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
1 tablespoon cumin powder
½ teaspoon coriander powder
1 tablespoon salt
Remove stems and seeds from the dried peppers and tear them into one-inch pieces. Rinse the peppers in cold water, place them in a bowl and pour the boiling water over them. Let them soak for 15 minutes. Next, in a blender, combine the peppers and their soaking liquid along with the onion, tomatoes, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Puree until very smooth, for about 2 minutes.
For the filling
1 lb crimini mushrooms, sliced
1 cup yellow onion, sliced
1 cup butternut squash, peeled and diced (about half of a medium-sized squash)
1 bunch curly kale, stripped and cut into small size pieces
¾ cup of frozen corn
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Adjust oven rack to the middle position and preheat to 375 degrees. Season the squash with salt and pepper and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Bake the squash on a lined cookie sheet or in a baking dish for about 20 minutes or until it is soft all the way through. Meanwhile, saute the mushrooms in a large skillet until brown and set them aside. Return the same pan to the stove, add one tablespoon of olive oil and saute the onions until they are translucent. Next, add the corn and the kale and continue to cook until the kale is wilted (approximately 2 minutes). When your squash is done, combine it with the mushrooms and the onion/corn/kale mixture.
For assembling the casserole
16 corn tortillas
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Drizzle the 3 tablespoons of olive oil on the bottom of a 9 by 11 baking dish. Pour 2 cups of the sauce onto the bottom of the baking dish. Layer 8 tortillas on the bottom of the dish, making sure the tortillas are covered with sauce. Spoon the vegetable filling over the tortillas and pat it down to make an even layer. Then, dip the tortillas one by one into the remaining sauce making sure to coat both sides and layer them on top of the vegetables. Next, pour the remaining sauce on top, cover it with the shredded cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes. Let the dish rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!
Pure Potato Latkes:
"Here is the easy recipe for the Latkes. The pre-baking is what makes it so easy to grate and re-cook. The pre-baked potatoes will still be too firm to eat - not a fully-baked potato - but the grater deals with it and no or very little residual moisture, but enough to hold the pancakes together for frying. I might try baking - or anyone with an air fryer might try it with these for less oil intake???"
Recipe from Nathaniel Wade Adapted by Joan Nathan
YIELD 8 latkes
TIME 1 1/4 hours, plus cooling and chilling
INGREDIENTS
4 large Idaho or russet potatoes, washed and dried
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Canola oil, for frying
8 ounces sliced smoked salmon (optional)
Crème fraîche or sour cream, for serving (optional)
Chopped fresh chives, for serving (optional)
Add to Your Grocery List
PREPARATION
Step 1
Adjust the rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 350 degrees. Bake the potatoes directly on the rack for 30 minutes, then flip and bake for another 15 minutes until they are hot throughout but still raw in the middle. Remove and let cool for about 30 minutes.
Step 2
Slice the potatoes in half widthwise. Holding the curved peel side with one hand, grate the flat, flesh side of each piece using the large holes of a box grater. The grating process should open them up like a jacket, leaving you with potato skins perfect for frying later, if you’d like. (You could also use a food processor with a grating blade instead; just peel your potatoes beforehand.) Sprinkle the grated potatoes with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Step 3
Take about 1/2 cup grated potato in your hands and gently squeeze between your palms to form a patty. Press the patty until about 1/2-inch thick and carefully set the latke on a plate. Repeat with the remaining grated potatoes to make about 8 latkes. Cover and refrigerate a few hours or overnight.
Step 4
Just before serving, heat a large, heavy skillet with about 1/4 inch of canola oil over medium-high. When it is hot, a shred of potato dropped into the oil should sizzle. Working in two batches, gently fry four latkes until crisp and deep golden, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towels or a paper bag to drain, and repeat with remaining latkes.
Step 5
Serve hot, topped with a slice of smoked salmon, a dollop of crème fraîche or sour cream and a few sprinkles of chives, if you like.
• Total Solar Eclipse 2020 | Recap with Exploratorium Astronomer Isabel Hawkins - Thanks Cael Hazard!
• The only solar eclipse of 2020 seen from space - BoingBoing
• October 14, 2023 — Great American Eclipse (Annular Solar Eclipse) - Thanks Cael Hazard!
• NASA Science MARS 2020 MISSION PERSEVERANCE ROVER Mission - Thanks Cael Hazard!
• Wikipedia listing for The Dish, 2000 Australian historical comedy-drama film that tells the story of the Parkes Observatory's role in relaying live television of humanity's first steps on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969. - Thanks Cael Hazard!
• Ocean Conservation Namibia - Thanks Elaine Trotter!
• The Panasonic AG ROP App for Wireless Control Using iPad - Thanks Cael Hazard!
• Deity Microphones - the mic I was talking about & showing is their W.lav Micro. Soon to be available in black.
• Some belated information from Jonathan Morris regarding cable cutting:
"I think it was Rod who said he can't receive over the air (OTA) TV signals from Sutro due to the terrain around his house... my problem too, only 3 miles from the tower and I can't pick up any signals.... one remedy is a streaming service called Locast.org, which gathers over the air local TV signals and translates into an HDTV stream.... ABC, CBS,NBC, FOX, PBS, CW and a bunch of "funky channels" for $5/month.... quality usually good, although the GUI channel guide is kinda clunky and takes too many clicks to navigate (especially on Apple TV)...supports Roku, Amazon, Apple TV boxes.... I often take the output of one of my Roku units and record on an external DVR.
Other free streaming apps newbie cord cutters should check out are:
PLEX,
PEACOCK ($6 for commercial free... this is an NBC based app),
KANOPY fo Indie, foreign films and docs (works in conjunction with a local participating Library system),
TUBI,
XUMO,
PLUTO,
HOOPLA (also a library based app for movies, books, music),
CRACKLE (Sony movies)
VEVO (Music videos)
and if you have a Roku box, check out the ROKU CHANNEL for free TV shows (syndication) and movies.
SMITHSONIAN channel also has some quality short-form docs.
for crazy people doing crazy adventure/sports videos:
RED BULL TV
and OUTSIDE TV (used to be free, may charge $6/m now) .
Finally, for news junkies, you can free stream CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, CBC, and if you must, but NOT RECOMMENDED, FOX (fake news) at this URL (once on the home page click "American" or "Canadian News", then click the logo for the channel you want). Access via SmartTV if it has a web browser or use a tablet or phone to access and then "CAST" to your SmartTV: Home - LivenewsNow
Happy free streaming."
• And lastly, some great recipes from Scott Stender:
Enchiladas: These two recipes are pretty much the same. The first one, Butternut Squash Enchiladas, has less ingredients and is super-delicious, but I could see the benefits of the riff on the theme in the second recipe. Colleen makes this up pretty quick and we both love it - and it is gluten-free for those that like it that way. And you won’t miss not having meat in it at all.
One big recommendation not in the recipes. Instead of just enchilada sauce, we mix up enchilada sauce with Bitchin’ Sauce, chipotle version (see pic) half and half proportion. If you can find it, great flavor - spicy but not too hot. You can get Bitchin' Sauce at local Costco near the Hummus and Guacamole refrigerated section, or at some good grocery stores. Made with almonds as a base, but no almond flavor. Delicious on eggs, tacos, etc. For a milder version, skip the Bitchin'
Use a little coconut oil or other oil to saute' the peeled, then diced-to-fingernail sized chunks of squash.
We recommend serving with a side salad or coleslaw. The enchiladas are great as leftovers, of course…
Butternut Squash Enchiladas
2 1⁄2 cups butternut squash, diced 1⁄4 cup red bell pepper, diced
1⁄4 cup yellow onion, diced
2 tbsp dried oregano
1⁄2 tsp chili powder
1⁄2 tsp cumin
1⁄2 tsp chipotle powder
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded 2.50 cups enchilada sauce
8 corn tortillas
- Preheat oven to 350oF. Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish and set aside.
- Sauté the squash, bell pepper, and onion in a large sauté pan for 5-7 Minutes over
medium-high heat. - Add spices, all the feta and half of the cheddar and cook for another 5 Minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Put half of the enchilada sauce in the greased dish.
- Place the squash mixture in the middle of a tortilla. Roll up and place seam-side down in
the dish. - Top with remaining enchilada sauce and cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 Minutes until warmed through.
Serves 6
Don’t be alarmed at the number of dried peppers it calls for-it’s actually rather mild. If you like to turn up the heat, we suggest adding a teaspoon of cayenne to the sauce. The vegetables we are featuring here are great for winter months but come springtime, you may want to get seasonal and substitute zucchini, fresh peas, and tender spinach. The corn tortillas make this recipe naturally gluten-free. For a full and festive meal, we would present the enchiladas with a bowl of simply cooked beans and a crunchy cabbage and radish slaw.
For the sauce
5 Anaheim dried peppers
5 New Mexico dried peppers
3 cups boiling water
1 cup yellow onion, roughly chopped
1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
1 tablespoon cumin powder
½ teaspoon coriander powder
1 tablespoon salt
Remove stems and seeds from the dried peppers and tear them into one-inch pieces. Rinse the peppers in cold water, place them in a bowl and pour the boiling water over them. Let them soak for 15 minutes. Next, in a blender, combine the peppers and their soaking liquid along with the onion, tomatoes, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Puree until very smooth, for about 2 minutes.
For the filling
1 lb crimini mushrooms, sliced
1 cup yellow onion, sliced
1 cup butternut squash, peeled and diced (about half of a medium-sized squash)
1 bunch curly kale, stripped and cut into small size pieces
¾ cup of frozen corn
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Adjust oven rack to the middle position and preheat to 375 degrees. Season the squash with salt and pepper and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Bake the squash on a lined cookie sheet or in a baking dish for about 20 minutes or until it is soft all the way through. Meanwhile, saute the mushrooms in a large skillet until brown and set them aside. Return the same pan to the stove, add one tablespoon of olive oil and saute the onions until they are translucent. Next, add the corn and the kale and continue to cook until the kale is wilted (approximately 2 minutes). When your squash is done, combine it with the mushrooms and the onion/corn/kale mixture.
For assembling the casserole
16 corn tortillas
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Drizzle the 3 tablespoons of olive oil on the bottom of a 9 by 11 baking dish. Pour 2 cups of the sauce onto the bottom of the baking dish. Layer 8 tortillas on the bottom of the dish, making sure the tortillas are covered with sauce. Spoon the vegetable filling over the tortillas and pat it down to make an even layer. Then, dip the tortillas one by one into the remaining sauce making sure to coat both sides and layer them on top of the vegetables. Next, pour the remaining sauce on top, cover it with the shredded cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes. Let the dish rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!
Pure Potato Latkes:
"Here is the easy recipe for the Latkes. The pre-baking is what makes it so easy to grate and re-cook. The pre-baked potatoes will still be too firm to eat - not a fully-baked potato - but the grater deals with it and no or very little residual moisture, but enough to hold the pancakes together for frying. I might try baking - or anyone with an air fryer might try it with these for less oil intake???"
Recipe from Nathaniel Wade Adapted by Joan Nathan
YIELD 8 latkes
TIME 1 1/4 hours, plus cooling and chilling
INGREDIENTS
4 large Idaho or russet potatoes, washed and dried
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Canola oil, for frying
8 ounces sliced smoked salmon (optional)
Crème fraîche or sour cream, for serving (optional)
Chopped fresh chives, for serving (optional)
Add to Your Grocery List
PREPARATION
Step 1
Adjust the rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 350 degrees. Bake the potatoes directly on the rack for 30 minutes, then flip and bake for another 15 minutes until they are hot throughout but still raw in the middle. Remove and let cool for about 30 minutes.
Step 2
Slice the potatoes in half widthwise. Holding the curved peel side with one hand, grate the flat, flesh side of each piece using the large holes of a box grater. The grating process should open them up like a jacket, leaving you with potato skins perfect for frying later, if you’d like. (You could also use a food processor with a grating blade instead; just peel your potatoes beforehand.) Sprinkle the grated potatoes with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Step 3
Take about 1/2 cup grated potato in your hands and gently squeeze between your palms to form a patty. Press the patty until about 1/2-inch thick and carefully set the latke on a plate. Repeat with the remaining grated potatoes to make about 8 latkes. Cover and refrigerate a few hours or overnight.
Step 4
Just before serving, heat a large, heavy skillet with about 1/4 inch of canola oil over medium-high. When it is hot, a shred of potato dropped into the oil should sizzle. Working in two batches, gently fry four latkes until crisp and deep golden, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towels or a paper bag to drain, and repeat with remaining latkes.
Step 5
Serve hot, topped with a slice of smoked salmon, a dollop of crème fraîche or sour cream and a few sprinkles of chives, if you like.
12/07/2020:
• Cut the cable with Sling - Thanks Randy Love!
• "Under the Arctic Sky" - Behind the Scenes with the Sony A7s - Thanks Christina Tucker!
• Jay O’Rourke Band “Monotypical” - Thanks Scott Stender!
• LightSource Fine Art Printing in San Francisco - Thanks Richard Neill!
• Some great Camper & Trailer porn at EarthRoamer - Thanks Jon Morris!
• Jon Morris also says "...for those who were successful with the 1st PPP loans, looks like a second round will be included in next Covid/economic relief bill, if it ever passes.
And finally, for those interested (mentioned in a club chat a few weeks ago) Daily Kos reports DFA (Democracy for America) has arranged a texting campaign to influence voters in Georgia to get out and vote for the Dem candidates in the US Senate runoff in early January. If both Dems win, then Dems take control of the US Senate from "his supreme A-hole, Mitch McConnell" and hopefully Congress will be able to pass desperately needed bills. The stalemate between the Senate and House has got to end. The RSVP says sign up for Dec 6th event (yesterday's texting), but it sounds like this will be a reoccurring event through Jan 4th?
GA-Sen A & B: DFA Launches Huge Text Out The Vote Initiative To Help Flip The Senate Blue
• Cut the cable with Sling - Thanks Randy Love!
• "Under the Arctic Sky" - Behind the Scenes with the Sony A7s - Thanks Christina Tucker!
• Jay O’Rourke Band “Monotypical” - Thanks Scott Stender!
• LightSource Fine Art Printing in San Francisco - Thanks Richard Neill!
• Some great Camper & Trailer porn at EarthRoamer - Thanks Jon Morris!
• Jon Morris also says "...for those who were successful with the 1st PPP loans, looks like a second round will be included in next Covid/economic relief bill, if it ever passes.
And finally, for those interested (mentioned in a club chat a few weeks ago) Daily Kos reports DFA (Democracy for America) has arranged a texting campaign to influence voters in Georgia to get out and vote for the Dem candidates in the US Senate runoff in early January. If both Dems win, then Dems take control of the US Senate from "his supreme A-hole, Mitch McConnell" and hopefully Congress will be able to pass desperately needed bills. The stalemate between the Senate and House has got to end. The RSVP says sign up for Dec 6th event (yesterday's texting), but it sounds like this will be a reoccurring event through Jan 4th?
GA-Sen A & B: DFA Launches Huge Text Out The Vote Initiative To Help Flip The Senate Blue
11/23/2020:
• DragonFrame timelapse/motion control software
• Motion VFX & mTracker 3D plug ins for Final Cut Pro X - Thanks Scott Stender!
• StreamYard is a live streaming studio in your browser. Interview guests, share your screen, and much more. Stream directly to Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and other platforms. - Thanks Cael Hazard!
• The Spanek Original Vertical Roaster - Ancient standard def video here. Thanks Scott Stender!
• The Wilhelm Scream - YouTube, and the final scene from HBO's "Togetherness," set to James Blake's song of the same name. - Jarid Johnson says "I binge-watched HBO's TV series "Togetherness" this past weekend. I cannot get that song from the season finale out of my head. It is so beautifully haunting. The lyrics are very spare but the music itself is very complex and so the song is very evocative and emotional. I recommend both the show, which is quirky and honest and fun and sad all at once, and James Blake."
• Jim Iacona's recent Sony PlayStation 5 Trailer - YouTube - Thanks Jim!
• DragonFrame timelapse/motion control software
• Motion VFX & mTracker 3D plug ins for Final Cut Pro X - Thanks Scott Stender!
• StreamYard is a live streaming studio in your browser. Interview guests, share your screen, and much more. Stream directly to Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and other platforms. - Thanks Cael Hazard!
• The Spanek Original Vertical Roaster - Ancient standard def video here. Thanks Scott Stender!
• The Wilhelm Scream - YouTube, and the final scene from HBO's "Togetherness," set to James Blake's song of the same name. - Jarid Johnson says "I binge-watched HBO's TV series "Togetherness" this past weekend. I cannot get that song from the season finale out of my head. It is so beautifully haunting. The lyrics are very spare but the music itself is very complex and so the song is very evocative and emotional. I recommend both the show, which is quirky and honest and fun and sad all at once, and James Blake."
• Jim Iacona's recent Sony PlayStation 5 Trailer - YouTube - Thanks Jim!
11/16/2020:
• Final Cut Pro X Global Virtual Summit, November 16-22 - Thanks Scott Stender!
• Ripple Training for Final Cut Pro and Resolve - Thanks Scott Stender!
• LinkedIn Learning - Online Training Resources - Thanks Jarid Johnson!
• iShowU audio extension to enable recording stream audio from within the Quicktime Player application. This is just the plugin, and is free.
• California employees and federal independent contractors - Audio Recording (3 minutes, 40 seconds) - Spidell Publishing Inc. - Thanks Lenny Levy!
• Details about the production crew robbery in the Marina on 11/12 (from the Nor Cal Mixers mailing list):
...I wanted to bring to our attention that the crew I was working with and myself were robbed at gunpoint on Thursday November 12th. This is the third time I have had my gear stolen from me. The first time it was taken at gunpoint in Ingleside (I was not there, but had rented it to another mixer). The second time was out of my car and on set in the same night working a really bad job right out of college. The producer on the second job didn't pay a single cent to get me my gear back. This time was way different and here is why.
We were working in the Marina district in San Francisco on Thursday. We were shooting close to the corner of Pierce and Toledo Way. We were getting set up to do an interview. Due to Covid 19 the subject wanted little to no one in the apartment along with the least amount of time possible. We had same day rapid tests and looking back at this, they were set up on the sidewalk for a long time and we all had to wait around for 30 minutes to get results. So it was decided to set up equipment on the sidewalk and then bring it into the apartment and only let 2 people in at a time. We never got to the letting people in to set up phase.
When the robbery happened I was sending tone to cameras to check levels via XLR. Both cameras were tethered and set up on their tripods. Because of Covid again we were keeping 6 feet apart. So I was given a chance with the cameras to check timecode and levels. This is when the robbers pulled up in a black toyota sedan with a red paper dealer plate that read Toyota of Vallejo. A man stepped out of the front passenger seat and cocked his gun. Another person came from the back seat on the passenger side and the driver stayed in the car. The man with the gun aimed it at me, the only person next to the cameras. He said I am taking the cameras and to back up. So when I backed up I remembered that I was still attached to cameras. They were taking the cameras and I unplugged my boom and threw my bag on the ground. They packed it all into the car and drove off with my XLR cables stuck in the door dragging on the ground.
The cops came minutes later and we all filed a report with the police. The production company filled a claim with the insurance company and offered me a check on friday to replace everything, even before the insurance company offered them money. The most significant thing I took away from this was that it happened with 8 of us outside of the location (including the two from the agency), it was broad daylight and there were pedestrians on the other sidewalk and of course construction workers working out of a garage across the street. Not to mention we were in the Marina. Essentially it was just so brazen that there was nothing we could have done. None of us could identify them either because of the masks and it all happened so fast. So what I guess I am saying is be just extra careful. It is nuts out there and I can hear the question now "Was there security?" and that answer is No. However I don't know what else security could have done. One more person to call the police when it's over? Perhaps even have escalated the situation even more? These are just my thoughts and I don't know exactly what a security guard can and can't do.
I have a list of the gear taken with serial numbers and will attach it to this email. (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1cjevCvr96RYVY4TLolZc6INWabGNo1MvxIp3ytuokY0/edit#gid=0) If these items pop up let me know and if you want to chat more about it please let's talk. I hope you all stay safe out there and pay a little more attention while on set.
Happy Mixing,
Steven Lagosh
• More Movie/TV recommendations:
The Queen's Gambit - Netflix
In and Of Itself - Doc NYC (Frank Oz-directed one-man show combining the art of illusion and storytelling) - available for streaming through 11/19
The Morning Show - Apple TV+
• Final Cut Pro X Global Virtual Summit, November 16-22 - Thanks Scott Stender!
• Ripple Training for Final Cut Pro and Resolve - Thanks Scott Stender!
• LinkedIn Learning - Online Training Resources - Thanks Jarid Johnson!
• iShowU audio extension to enable recording stream audio from within the Quicktime Player application. This is just the plugin, and is free.
• California employees and federal independent contractors - Audio Recording (3 minutes, 40 seconds) - Spidell Publishing Inc. - Thanks Lenny Levy!
• Details about the production crew robbery in the Marina on 11/12 (from the Nor Cal Mixers mailing list):
...I wanted to bring to our attention that the crew I was working with and myself were robbed at gunpoint on Thursday November 12th. This is the third time I have had my gear stolen from me. The first time it was taken at gunpoint in Ingleside (I was not there, but had rented it to another mixer). The second time was out of my car and on set in the same night working a really bad job right out of college. The producer on the second job didn't pay a single cent to get me my gear back. This time was way different and here is why.
We were working in the Marina district in San Francisco on Thursday. We were shooting close to the corner of Pierce and Toledo Way. We were getting set up to do an interview. Due to Covid 19 the subject wanted little to no one in the apartment along with the least amount of time possible. We had same day rapid tests and looking back at this, they were set up on the sidewalk for a long time and we all had to wait around for 30 minutes to get results. So it was decided to set up equipment on the sidewalk and then bring it into the apartment and only let 2 people in at a time. We never got to the letting people in to set up phase.
When the robbery happened I was sending tone to cameras to check levels via XLR. Both cameras were tethered and set up on their tripods. Because of Covid again we were keeping 6 feet apart. So I was given a chance with the cameras to check timecode and levels. This is when the robbers pulled up in a black toyota sedan with a red paper dealer plate that read Toyota of Vallejo. A man stepped out of the front passenger seat and cocked his gun. Another person came from the back seat on the passenger side and the driver stayed in the car. The man with the gun aimed it at me, the only person next to the cameras. He said I am taking the cameras and to back up. So when I backed up I remembered that I was still attached to cameras. They were taking the cameras and I unplugged my boom and threw my bag on the ground. They packed it all into the car and drove off with my XLR cables stuck in the door dragging on the ground.
The cops came minutes later and we all filed a report with the police. The production company filled a claim with the insurance company and offered me a check on friday to replace everything, even before the insurance company offered them money. The most significant thing I took away from this was that it happened with 8 of us outside of the location (including the two from the agency), it was broad daylight and there were pedestrians on the other sidewalk and of course construction workers working out of a garage across the street. Not to mention we were in the Marina. Essentially it was just so brazen that there was nothing we could have done. None of us could identify them either because of the masks and it all happened so fast. So what I guess I am saying is be just extra careful. It is nuts out there and I can hear the question now "Was there security?" and that answer is No. However I don't know what else security could have done. One more person to call the police when it's over? Perhaps even have escalated the situation even more? These are just my thoughts and I don't know exactly what a security guard can and can't do.
I have a list of the gear taken with serial numbers and will attach it to this email. (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1cjevCvr96RYVY4TLolZc6INWabGNo1MvxIp3ytuokY0/edit#gid=0) If these items pop up let me know and if you want to chat more about it please let's talk. I hope you all stay safe out there and pay a little more attention while on set.
Happy Mixing,
Steven Lagosh
• More Movie/TV recommendations:
The Queen's Gambit - Netflix
In and Of Itself - Doc NYC (Frank Oz-directed one-man show combining the art of illusion and storytelling) - available for streaming through 11/19
The Morning Show - Apple TV+
11/09/2020:
• THIS OLD BUILDING: The Closing of Winterland - Jarid Johnson's website is live! "A Celebration in Words & Pictures."
• Text of AB 2257
Book Recommendations:
Movie Recommendations:
• THIS OLD BUILDING: The Closing of Winterland - Jarid Johnson's website is live! "A Celebration in Words & Pictures."
• Text of AB 2257
Book Recommendations:
- Zucked: Waking Up to the Facebook Catastrophe by Roger McNamee
- Jaws: Memories from Martha's Vineyard by Matt Taylor
- The Making of Star Wars: The Definitive Story Behind the Original Film by J.W. Rinzler
- The Making of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back by J.W. Rinzler
Movie Recommendations:
- The Social Dilemma - Netflix
- The Trial of the Chicago Seven - Netflix
- Girl Boss - Netflix
- My Octopus Teacher - Netflix
- Ted Lasso - AppleTV+
- Tales from the Loop - Amazon Prime
- Dark - Netflix
- The Ministry of Time - not currently streaming
- The Adjustment Bureau - Amazon Prime
- TomorrowLand - Amazon Prime
11/02/2020:
• Renegade Labs in Oakland - 24-48 hour Covid Testing for $125.00 - Thanks Michele Dennis!
• BROAD Rechargeable Electrical Air Purifying Respirator - Amazon - Thanks Saul Rouda and Conrad Slater!
• Renegade Labs in Oakland - 24-48 hour Covid Testing for $125.00 - Thanks Michele Dennis!
• BROAD Rechargeable Electrical Air Purifying Respirator - Amazon - Thanks Saul Rouda and Conrad Slater!
9/30/2020:
• The U.S. Department of Labor has proposed a new rule to clarify who is a freelancer - Freelancers Union
• COVID-19 active infection at-home collection kit - Thanks Pauline Barry!
• The U.S. Department of Labor has proposed a new rule to clarify who is a freelancer - Freelancers Union
• COVID-19 active infection at-home collection kit - Thanks Pauline Barry!
9/29/2020:
• Federal Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate (Form DE4) - Thanks Danielle Cheifetz!
• Maestro Medical & Onsite Medics - On-site COVID-19 testing
• Federal Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate (Form DE4) - Thanks Danielle Cheifetz!
• Maestro Medical & Onsite Medics - On-site COVID-19 testing
9/22/2020:
• Christina Tucker offers this thorough analysis of many of the AB5 issues:
AB5 : A Fox in Sheep's Clothing
This write-up is an attempt to pull together information -- and insights from AB5 Guru Lenny and other Java people -- to see if there are any immediate action steps to be taken to address the issue of AB5; and then to determine the size of this potential dark cloud that now hovers over all Independent Contractors who aren't prepared to hire lawyers and lobbyists. As a reminder of the timeline: AB5 became law in January 2020; AB2257 is a listing of exemptions to AB5 and this just recently was signed into law; the upcoming November election includes Proposition 22, which if passed would essentially exempt Uber, Lyft, and other app based drivers from the AB5 law (which was supposed to be about them in the first place); and then there is the PRO Act, a duplicate of AB5 but on the Federal level.
Most immediate issue of an exemption from AB5
Initially, as a pragmatic approach, it seems reasonable to focus primarily on getting 'Filmmakers' (or whatever occupational title is appropriate) exempted from AB5, as a precautionary measure to prevent future CA tax or payroll complications. Kathleen Pender's great Chronicle article (see link) suggests that even having an LLC may not be a perfect protection under the wild and changing circumstances of AB5. [In fact, I could have saved myself a lot of time, if I had just read her article more thoroughly!] It seems the main reason to try to be included in an exemption [and to continue to support the opposition to AB5] is to maintain a CHOICE of using 1099s or W2s, being a sole proprietor or LLC or other, and with the flexibility to adapt to changing requirements of hiring agents, some of us both hiring and being hired, fat and lean years, etc.
Are we already exempted? A first step might be to determine what Java members want to call themselves in relation to the already established exemptions: videographers, producers, etc. under the most likely categories exemptions in AB2257: of 'business to business' (section 2776) or 'professional services' (section 2778). [see links of the entire AB5 and AB2257 documents, plus the attached Comparison of Exclusions] Once there is some general agreement of fitting into one or both categories; then it seems best to bring this comparison first to a general lawyer (such as California Lawyers for the Arts] and then to an employment lawyer who specializes in independent contractors, sole proprietors, etc. to determine IF a more particular exemption is necessary for the chosen title of occupation. See the 'Comparisons of Exclusions' attachment to compare your business with the ABC & Borello Test to see if you would 'reasonably' be exempt from AB5.
If filmmakers match this, that's great. If not, then it may be desirable to work out a process for having this happen. I made calls to California's Dept. of Industrial Relations and the CA State Labor Commission. One of the attorneys I spoke with said there was no 'process' for exemptions of AB5; but that lobbyists made contact with the legislators in order to get exempted. I got the impression that there was a LOT of people and occupations wanting exemptions and that this issue was not going to be solved right away.
Setting aside the idea of hiring expensive lobbyists (who are quite possibly paying money to legislators), a first step would probably be to try to connect up with a similar occupation or group who has already done the work of getting exempted. Otherwise, it would require letters to legislators and other people of influence; plus articles, calls and direct contact, etc. In this time period, it seems to make sense to speak to a non-expensive general lawyer at California Lawyers for the Arts, simply to match up the filmmaker occupation with the ABC and Borello exemption requirements. Then; it makes sense to wait until after the election; to see the results of Prop 22.
General issues of AB5 (& AB2257) for Independent Contractors (i.e. freelancers and others) who are not specifically excluded from AB5 and the confusing impact of it. Also, the implications of a Federal duplication of it with the ProAct.
Regarding the general issues of AB5, what is particularly striking is that it would have been (and could be) so simple to clearly and precisely make a distinction between companies like Uber and Lyft VS all the many people and companies (sole proprietors, freelancers, LLC's, etc.) who are hired, hire others (or both) on an intermittent or small scale. If the intention was honest, it would be about app drivers; and in a wider sweep it could be about SIZE! The CA Tax agents or IRS can easily quantify the number of individuals employed or hired as independent contractors by any company, producer, etc. and the amounts paid.
And even in the more twisted iteration of exemptions; in a reasonable world, individuals or business entities could pass the Borello Test and easily prove that they are not running an Uber-like business or giving steady and substantial employment to ICs. While I believe that taking the initiative to make the comparison ahead of time is a good idea; still this innocent idea encounters what AB5 ACTUALLY seems to be VS what it purports to be. One in ten workers in California is an Independent Contractor. What role might the Unions play in this?
If there is a threat of harassment and penalties for 'misclassifications' by California (& perhaps future Federal IRS) tax agents; it's not openly stated. And yet, there are lawsuits and a rush of occupations intently wanting to be exempted from AB5. A glance through the AB2257 exemptions shows it to be a wildly disparate crowd, ranging from comedians to doctors and realtors, many who clearly don't belong on any fair and reasonable Borello tested list. What is paranoia and what is a real concern for now and the future?
Is an LLC desirable for a filmmaker? This is also about size to some extent. At some point an LLC makes sense for covering liability of personal assets; however, it requires hiring a payroll service, an accountant to do two sets of taxes, and should there be a court case, you have to hire counsel. Plus, the yearly $800 fee. All fine, unless you hire many different Independent Contractors for short periods of time, which doesn't warrant the complications of payroll vs a 1099. And it may not offer AB5 cover after all.
There are so many potential complications and questions. For now it's probably good to see where filmmakers might match up to the ABC & Borello tests and whether they either are naturally exempt or need to start considering a process to be exempt; then see what happens with the election and Prop 22. Meantime, collecting stories and facts for post election articles and letters and whatever else a creative group of filmmakers can dream up.
Links:
Comparison of Exemptions (excerpt from Nolo Press article)
Lenny's Liability article
Kathleen Ponder article 'CA Freelancers' (Chron)
Nolo's Exempt Categories w/ ABC & Borello test
Independent Contractor vs Employee (CA Dept Indust Relations)
AB5 (in its entirety)
AB2257 (exemptions)
Who's In, Who's Out article (dated)
LA Times article (dated)
• Editorial: Don’t stifle the gig economy, vote yes on California Prop. 22 - SF Chronicle
• Plaster of Paris & Oatmeal Dispenser for rodent control
• Rat in Mi Kitchen - UB40 - YouTube - thanks Jarid Johnson!
9/7/2020:
• Unity Intercom - A Full Duplex intercom system that connects over WiFi or Cellular data.
• How Metallica secretly filmed a concert at a Sonoma winery - The Press Democrat - Thanks Rod Williams!
• Link to the text of Assembly Bill 2257, an ammendment to AB5.
• Alister Chapman's Video Blog - lots of great Sony FX-9 news and tips
• River of Ghosts pre pre trailer - Thanks Jack Morris!
• Phyllis! Trailer - Harris Cohen's profile of Phyllis Thelen has been chosen for inclusion in this year's Mill Valley Film Festival!
• From Lenny Levy:
"I sent the following to Rafael Espinoza who is asking for questions to ask Schumer. I think we should bombard him with requests that they fix hybrid PUA problem now - not wait for some new Cares act that may never happen."
:Rafael,
Now that's the kind of thing I've been asking you for - so Thanks!
Please impress upon him how much Hybrid workers continue to suffer from the ill advised wording in the PUA program that shuttles many of us into very low paying UI awards. PUA should include all income - both W-2 and 1099.
Likewise I would strongly suggest that there's no reason fixing that needs to be tied to a large new agreement with the Republicans - which may never happen. I don't understand why it wasn't fixed immediately as I doubt even the Republican planned on artificially limiting PUA so much. Likewise it shouldn't even require new expenditures since no one expected so many people to be under-paid. It should have been fixed right away and still could. Personally I've been losing $350 /week since March 1st. There are thousands of people in my boat and we are hurting badly especially now that the $600/wk payments are gone.
Furthermore it should be retroactive. That wouldn't be neccessary if Congress had acted right away as we all expected, but it has put many of us in a dreadful hole.
Thanks for help and good luck with Senator Schumer.
From Freelancers Union:
I hope you're having a good Labor Day weekend, a holiday born out of the courage of working people who fought for their rights nearly 150 years ago. Once a radical movement, it’s now a holiday that governments and companies commemorate with a day off — though, as a freelancer on your own schedule, it’s just as likely you’re working tomorrow.
For us at Freelancers Union, this day is an occasion to look at what’s at stake right now for the freelance workforce, who continue to be marginalized and left behind by government systems that do not work for them.
As we go on Month 6 of this pandemic, we’re looking back at months of mismanaged PUA payments, evaporated contracts, and economic anxiety. There have been great leaps forward — the acknowledgement of freelancers as part of the workforce for purposes of unemployment insurance and PPP and EIDL funding. But there is still a long way to go.
This Thursday, I’ll be having a one-on-one conversation with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer about the current status of relief negotiations and what we can do to ensure freelancers’ needs are met. I’ll also discuss the PRO Act with him, so we can continue to advocate for labor laws that preserve your right to freelance.
I will also be speaking with other guests who can shed light and guidance on these issues.
Please join us at www.freelancersunion.org/live on Thursday, September 10, at 5:30pm ET to watch the conversation, and respond to this email with questions that you’d like me to ask any of our guests.
This holiday is a reminder that once-radical ideas can become second nature. 25 years ago, when Freelancers Union was founded, freelancing was a radical career choice, too. Let’s keep the movement going together.
Take care and stay safe,
Rafael Espinal
President and Executive Director
• Unity Intercom - A Full Duplex intercom system that connects over WiFi or Cellular data.
• How Metallica secretly filmed a concert at a Sonoma winery - The Press Democrat - Thanks Rod Williams!
• Link to the text of Assembly Bill 2257, an ammendment to AB5.
• Alister Chapman's Video Blog - lots of great Sony FX-9 news and tips
• River of Ghosts pre pre trailer - Thanks Jack Morris!
• Phyllis! Trailer - Harris Cohen's profile of Phyllis Thelen has been chosen for inclusion in this year's Mill Valley Film Festival!
• From Lenny Levy:
"I sent the following to Rafael Espinoza who is asking for questions to ask Schumer. I think we should bombard him with requests that they fix hybrid PUA problem now - not wait for some new Cares act that may never happen."
:Rafael,
Now that's the kind of thing I've been asking you for - so Thanks!
Please impress upon him how much Hybrid workers continue to suffer from the ill advised wording in the PUA program that shuttles many of us into very low paying UI awards. PUA should include all income - both W-2 and 1099.
Likewise I would strongly suggest that there's no reason fixing that needs to be tied to a large new agreement with the Republicans - which may never happen. I don't understand why it wasn't fixed immediately as I doubt even the Republican planned on artificially limiting PUA so much. Likewise it shouldn't even require new expenditures since no one expected so many people to be under-paid. It should have been fixed right away and still could. Personally I've been losing $350 /week since March 1st. There are thousands of people in my boat and we are hurting badly especially now that the $600/wk payments are gone.
Furthermore it should be retroactive. That wouldn't be neccessary if Congress had acted right away as we all expected, but it has put many of us in a dreadful hole.
Thanks for help and good luck with Senator Schumer.
From Freelancers Union:
I hope you're having a good Labor Day weekend, a holiday born out of the courage of working people who fought for their rights nearly 150 years ago. Once a radical movement, it’s now a holiday that governments and companies commemorate with a day off — though, as a freelancer on your own schedule, it’s just as likely you’re working tomorrow.
For us at Freelancers Union, this day is an occasion to look at what’s at stake right now for the freelance workforce, who continue to be marginalized and left behind by government systems that do not work for them.
As we go on Month 6 of this pandemic, we’re looking back at months of mismanaged PUA payments, evaporated contracts, and economic anxiety. There have been great leaps forward — the acknowledgement of freelancers as part of the workforce for purposes of unemployment insurance and PPP and EIDL funding. But there is still a long way to go.
This Thursday, I’ll be having a one-on-one conversation with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer about the current status of relief negotiations and what we can do to ensure freelancers’ needs are met. I’ll also discuss the PRO Act with him, so we can continue to advocate for labor laws that preserve your right to freelance.
I will also be speaking with other guests who can shed light and guidance on these issues.
Please join us at www.freelancersunion.org/live on Thursday, September 10, at 5:30pm ET to watch the conversation, and respond to this email with questions that you’d like me to ask any of our guests.
This holiday is a reminder that once-radical ideas can become second nature. 25 years ago, when Freelancers Union was founded, freelancing was a radical career choice, too. Let’s keep the movement going together.
Take care and stay safe,
Rafael Espinal
President and Executive Director
9/4/2020:
• Watch the webinar recording: Sony FX9 latest news & future updates
• Watch the webinar recording: EIDL & PPP Webinar with the SBA
• Watch the webinar recording: Sony FX9 latest news & future updates
• Watch the webinar recording: EIDL & PPP Webinar with the SBA
9/1/2020:
• From Eli Adler and Clean Slate Video: Are you experiencing "Zoom Fatigue"? Check out our Webcam on Steroids.
• Google Earth Studio - An animation tool for Google Earth’s satellite and 3D imagery.
Thanks Jack Morris!
• Legal Handbook for Photographers: The Rights and Liabilities of Making and Selling Images - Amazon
Thanks Jack Morris!
8/23/2020:
• From the Freelancers Against AB5 Facebook Group: On behalf of our group, I wrote this "floor alert" to support Assemblyman Kevin Kiley's amendment to repeal AB5. A hard copy will be hand-delivered to every assemblymember prior to tomorrow's vote. I also personally emailed a PDF copy to every assemblymember's office. If you haven't done so already, add your name to the link below. All of our names will be attached to the floor alert so that the legislators can see the thousands of us who want this horrible law repealed. Please sign by the end of the day to be included. We are aiming for 10K signatures and are almost there, but we need your help. Sign here and share widely:
https://electkevinkiley.com/ab5/?fbclid=IwAR3MGM1CCK6kN6d-kSX3bHw8fanBaNHJ24tzXp1Gf4pMIOXOLIMS68HyseE <https://electkevinkiley.com/ab5/?fbclid=IwAR1oIMnSj7Yzr30x20dZSpRplOTEofWBIqgpLKlTL2ie37EOADm6cedDNZc>
• From the Freelancers Against AB5 Facebook Group: On behalf of our group, I wrote this "floor alert" to support Assemblyman Kevin Kiley's amendment to repeal AB5. A hard copy will be hand-delivered to every assemblymember prior to tomorrow's vote. I also personally emailed a PDF copy to every assemblymember's office. If you haven't done so already, add your name to the link below. All of our names will be attached to the floor alert so that the legislators can see the thousands of us who want this horrible law repealed. Please sign by the end of the day to be included. We are aiming for 10K signatures and are almost there, but we need your help. Sign here and share widely:
https://electkevinkiley.com/ab5/?fbclid=IwAR3MGM1CCK6kN6d-kSX3bHw8fanBaNHJ24tzXp1Gf4pMIOXOLIMS68HyseE <https://electkevinkiley.com/ab5/?fbclid=IwAR1oIMnSj7Yzr30x20dZSpRplOTEofWBIqgpLKlTL2ie37EOADm6cedDNZc>
8/17/2020:
• Nikon D780 - Jarid's new camera
• Blackmagic Design 4k Pocket Camera - Tim Metzger's camera of choice, and a link to some footage he has shot with it.
• Sony α6500 Premium E-mount APS-C Camera
• Sony α7S III
• Matt Hofman Photography
• Jack Morris' drone footage: Thunder and Lightning over San Francisco
• Scott Stender's music video: "Short Fuse" - The Jay O'Rourke Band
• Production/liability insurance company & agent recommendations:
Dan Anderson: Redwood City Insurance, Kent Johnson, (650) 365-8800
Louis Block: SBC Insurance, Erica Berumen, (650) 469-0400
Michele Dennis: Tom C. Pickard & Co, Inc, (800)726-3701
Scott Stender: Hiscox Business Insurance: (866) 739-0722
• Nikon D780 - Jarid's new camera
• Blackmagic Design 4k Pocket Camera - Tim Metzger's camera of choice, and a link to some footage he has shot with it.
• Sony α6500 Premium E-mount APS-C Camera
• Sony α7S III
• Matt Hofman Photography
• Jack Morris' drone footage: Thunder and Lightning over San Francisco
• Scott Stender's music video: "Short Fuse" - The Jay O'Rourke Band
• Production/liability insurance company & agent recommendations:
Dan Anderson: Redwood City Insurance, Kent Johnson, (650) 365-8800
Louis Block: SBC Insurance, Erica Berumen, (650) 469-0400
Michele Dennis: Tom C. Pickard & Co, Inc, (800)726-3701
Scott Stender: Hiscox Business Insurance: (866) 739-0722
8/10/2020:
• Here we go again: Trump’s latest coronavirus relief plan suckers the media - RawStory (apologies for muddying the waters by sending out yesterday's "executive order" story)
• ElGato Cam Link 4k - HDMI to USB adapter/converter
• Will my health insurance policy cover a work related injury? - InsuranceQnA - Thanks Jim Iacona!
• "Moonwalk" - Remarkable 8 minute video about the moon & nighttime tightrope adventure, filmed using the new Sony A7S3III - Thanks Christina Tucker!
• A Century Late, a Giant of Early Cinema Gets Her Closeup - New York Times article about the documentary, "Be Natural: The Untold Story of Alice Guy-Blaché" - Thanks Richard Neill!
• Team Deakins - Great Podcast by Roger Deakins and his wife, James. The Joel Coen episode is a particularly good listen.
• "Disfarmer" - Documentary about Mike Disfarmer, small town portrait photographer turned posthumous art star. This is the story of an eccentric curmudgeon and artistic icon whose powerful pictures of depression-era USA have left an unlikely mark on the modern Manhattan art world. - Amazon Prime - Thanks Drake Rice!
• "Jay Myself" - Documentary about photographer Jay Maisel, as he prepares to move out of the six-story former bank building in Manhattan that he, his family and his random collection of objects have inhabited for 48 years. - Amazon Prime
• WEBINAR: PLANNING A SAFE SHOW? THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW - Avixa, via IATSE - Thanks Rod Williams!
• Learning session Wednesday part of potential Sir Francis Drake Blvd. name change - KTVU
• Shareholder Capitalism aka 'How We Got Here' is a 5 part audio series on KQED (aired in July but posted on their website) .. which includes Shareholder Capitalism'. This is also remarkable -- in a different way!! - Thanks Christina Tucker!
• The Unraveling of America - Anthropologist Wade Davis on how COVID-19 signals the end of the American era - Rolling Stone - Thanks Jarid Johnson!
• Is Trump Sabotaging U.S. Postal Service Ahead of Election as Part of His Attack on Mail-in Voting? - Democracy Now - Thanks Jack Morris!
• The Lincoln Project Videos - The Lincoln Project is an American political action committee formed in late 2019 by several prominent current and former Republicans. The goal of the committee is to prevent the reelection of Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election and defeat his supporters in the United States Senate.
• Here we go again: Trump’s latest coronavirus relief plan suckers the media - RawStory (apologies for muddying the waters by sending out yesterday's "executive order" story)
• ElGato Cam Link 4k - HDMI to USB adapter/converter
• Will my health insurance policy cover a work related injury? - InsuranceQnA - Thanks Jim Iacona!
• "Moonwalk" - Remarkable 8 minute video about the moon & nighttime tightrope adventure, filmed using the new Sony A7S3III - Thanks Christina Tucker!
• A Century Late, a Giant of Early Cinema Gets Her Closeup - New York Times article about the documentary, "Be Natural: The Untold Story of Alice Guy-Blaché" - Thanks Richard Neill!
• Team Deakins - Great Podcast by Roger Deakins and his wife, James. The Joel Coen episode is a particularly good listen.
• "Disfarmer" - Documentary about Mike Disfarmer, small town portrait photographer turned posthumous art star. This is the story of an eccentric curmudgeon and artistic icon whose powerful pictures of depression-era USA have left an unlikely mark on the modern Manhattan art world. - Amazon Prime - Thanks Drake Rice!
• "Jay Myself" - Documentary about photographer Jay Maisel, as he prepares to move out of the six-story former bank building in Manhattan that he, his family and his random collection of objects have inhabited for 48 years. - Amazon Prime
• WEBINAR: PLANNING A SAFE SHOW? THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW - Avixa, via IATSE - Thanks Rod Williams!
• Learning session Wednesday part of potential Sir Francis Drake Blvd. name change - KTVU
• Shareholder Capitalism aka 'How We Got Here' is a 5 part audio series on KQED (aired in July but posted on their website) .. which includes Shareholder Capitalism'. This is also remarkable -- in a different way!! - Thanks Christina Tucker!
• The Unraveling of America - Anthropologist Wade Davis on how COVID-19 signals the end of the American era - Rolling Stone - Thanks Jarid Johnson!
• Is Trump Sabotaging U.S. Postal Service Ahead of Election as Part of His Attack on Mail-in Voting? - Democracy Now - Thanks Jack Morris!
• The Lincoln Project Videos - The Lincoln Project is an American political action committee formed in late 2019 by several prominent current and former Republicans. The goal of the committee is to prevent the reelection of Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election and defeat his supporters in the United States Senate.
8/8/2020:
• Trump signs executive orders after stimulus talks break down on Capitol Hill - one of which will provide $400 in enhanced unemployment benefits -- 25% of which states are expected to cover -- after Democrats and the White House were unable to reach an agreement on a coronavirus stimulus relief bill this week. - CNN
• Trump signs executive orders after stimulus talks break down on Capitol Hill - one of which will provide $400 in enhanced unemployment benefits -- 25% of which states are expected to cover -- after Democrats and the White House were unable to reach an agreement on a coronavirus stimulus relief bill this week. - CNN
8/6/2020:
• Jonathan Morris says "Just read a clarification/caveat regarding GOP plan on Federal UI supplement... don't get too excited about the "70% plan" being push by GOP cause the fine print says 70% of pre-Covid pay WITH A CAP OF $500 PER WEEK. Most state UI computer systems will be overwhelmed by the extra calculations needed to pay different amounts of Fed supplement to each recipient that it could takes months to implement So once again, GOP offering less than the $600/week that just expired."
• The PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) is set to end Sunday, June 8th. This is your last chance for PPP funding. With no relief package in sight from the Senate, if you've been on the fence about taking on this forgivable loan, there's no more time to wait. PPP Info from Freelancer's Union.
• Jonathan Morris says "Just read a clarification/caveat regarding GOP plan on Federal UI supplement... don't get too excited about the "70% plan" being push by GOP cause the fine print says 70% of pre-Covid pay WITH A CAP OF $500 PER WEEK. Most state UI computer systems will be overwhelmed by the extra calculations needed to pay different amounts of Fed supplement to each recipient that it could takes months to implement So once again, GOP offering less than the $600/week that just expired."
• The PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) is set to end Sunday, June 8th. This is your last chance for PPP funding. With no relief package in sight from the Senate, if you've been on the fence about taking on this forgivable loan, there's no more time to wait. PPP Info from Freelancer's Union.
8/4/2020:
• Lenny offers this analysis of 3 payroll services he wrote for a client back in March. WrapBook may have lowered their fees since.
• New Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12k Camera
• AJA ADA Mini-Converters - Analog-to-Digital converters for digitizing legacy media
• Scott Stender is selling 3 O'Connor tripods (Craigs List link here). You can also contact him here.
• TriVision Tripod Sales and Repair (Keith Takenaka) - currently located in Pleasanton
• Assemblyman Kevin Kiley urges Governor Newsom to suspend AB-5 amid the coronavirus pandemic - KUSI News
Kiley's latest TWEET regarding AB5
• Lenny offers this analysis of 3 payroll services he wrote for a client back in March. WrapBook may have lowered their fees since.
• New Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12k Camera
• AJA ADA Mini-Converters - Analog-to-Digital converters for digitizing legacy media
• Scott Stender is selling 3 O'Connor tripods (Craigs List link here). You can also contact him here.
• TriVision Tripod Sales and Repair (Keith Takenaka) - currently located in Pleasanton
• Assemblyman Kevin Kiley urges Governor Newsom to suspend AB-5 amid the coronavirus pandemic - KUSI News
Kiley's latest TWEET regarding AB5
7/28/2020:
• Adam Schiff wants to hear from Mixed Earners!
Adam Schiff wants to hear the experience of hybrid freelance workers NOW regarding those of us who got hurt because PUA (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance) for freelancers forced us into regular UI based on small amounts of W-2 income. He has a form on a website specifically for us to report the nature of out hybrid jobs and what our experience has been with Unemployment.
This is our best chance to get this problem rectified and what we have been asking for.
From Adam Schiff:
“Are you a freelance, contract, or gig worker who has been prevented from receiving pandemic unemployment assistance because you earned W-2 income as well? I want to hear from you – contact me at https://schiff.house.gov/mixed-earners. I introduced a bill, the Mixed Earners Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Act, to rectify this issue and ensure no one is left behind in our response to the coronavirus economic crisis."
PLEASE respond immediately and make a point of explaining why a fix should be retroactive. Below is a source of reference for the economics of making it retroactive:
I want to make sure you realize how important it is to be made retroactive to the beginning of the Pandemic. Dutifully following Federal Guidance most freelancers waited till PUA became available on April 28th to apply for Unemployment. While under PUA they were allowed to start benefits retroactively from when they became unemployed (often March 1st.), those of us who were unexpectedly channelled into regular UI had to start benefits from the date we applied (May 1st) - thus losing as much as 2 months of benefits, including a month of the $600/wk PUC. The difference for many of us adds up $5-6000. ( 4 weeks PUC= $600x4/5 + 2 months of undercounted UI benefits = 8 /9 x $300.) Add another 3 months of undercounted Unemployment benefits (May-July @ $300/wk ) and you can add $3600+ to the penalty for working a few days as an employee. This is nearly $10,000 - a lot of money when you're not working.
I realize this will require some minor accounting from EDD but it was Congress’s mistake, has affected many lives and could have been addressed much sooner.
• California may offer $600 a week in extra jobless benefits if Congress doesn’t act - SF Chronicle - Thanks John Kraus!
• Richard Neill has published The STAR System for Successful Video Meetings, guidelines developed to help you, and your clients, look and sound your best in video meetings.
• Adam Schiff wants to hear from Mixed Earners!
Adam Schiff wants to hear the experience of hybrid freelance workers NOW regarding those of us who got hurt because PUA (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance) for freelancers forced us into regular UI based on small amounts of W-2 income. He has a form on a website specifically for us to report the nature of out hybrid jobs and what our experience has been with Unemployment.
This is our best chance to get this problem rectified and what we have been asking for.
From Adam Schiff:
“Are you a freelance, contract, or gig worker who has been prevented from receiving pandemic unemployment assistance because you earned W-2 income as well? I want to hear from you – contact me at https://schiff.house.gov/mixed-earners. I introduced a bill, the Mixed Earners Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Act, to rectify this issue and ensure no one is left behind in our response to the coronavirus economic crisis."
PLEASE respond immediately and make a point of explaining why a fix should be retroactive. Below is a source of reference for the economics of making it retroactive:
I want to make sure you realize how important it is to be made retroactive to the beginning of the Pandemic. Dutifully following Federal Guidance most freelancers waited till PUA became available on April 28th to apply for Unemployment. While under PUA they were allowed to start benefits retroactively from when they became unemployed (often March 1st.), those of us who were unexpectedly channelled into regular UI had to start benefits from the date we applied (May 1st) - thus losing as much as 2 months of benefits, including a month of the $600/wk PUC. The difference for many of us adds up $5-6000. ( 4 weeks PUC= $600x4/5 + 2 months of undercounted UI benefits = 8 /9 x $300.) Add another 3 months of undercounted Unemployment benefits (May-July @ $300/wk ) and you can add $3600+ to the penalty for working a few days as an employee. This is nearly $10,000 - a lot of money when you're not working.
I realize this will require some minor accounting from EDD but it was Congress’s mistake, has affected many lives and could have been addressed much sooner.
• California may offer $600 a week in extra jobless benefits if Congress doesn’t act - SF Chronicle - Thanks John Kraus!
• Richard Neill has published The STAR System for Successful Video Meetings, guidelines developed to help you, and your clients, look and sound your best in video meetings.
7/27/2020:
• Fix The Mask Essential Mask Brace Kickstarter - A cool design for a strap to improve the efficacy of surgical masks.
• STS KN95 Silicon Face Masks
• Erica Jo Wilson's (Louis' sister) cloth masks - on Facebook, or via text message at (707) 935-7895. Pleated, double layer, reversible with metal nose bridge. Room for a filter between layers. Covers your chin and allows for free jaw movement.
• Fix The Mask Essential Mask Brace Kickstarter - A cool design for a strap to improve the efficacy of surgical masks.
• STS KN95 Silicon Face Masks
• Erica Jo Wilson's (Louis' sister) cloth masks - on Facebook, or via text message at (707) 935-7895. Pleated, double layer, reversible with metal nose bridge. Room for a filter between layers. Covers your chin and allows for free jaw movement.
• RoboCup spring-loaded cup holders and accessories - Great for production carts
• Movette Film Transfer Service - 8/16mm film transfers in the Mission
• Skydio Drones
• JW Rinzler's excellent "warts and all" Making-of books on Star Wars, Alien, Aliens, Planet of the Apes, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Rick Baker.
• FX9 Gyro Metada Stabilization done in the new release of Sony Catalyst Browse - YouTube
• Crew Stories Facebook Group - "When the credits roll all those names have stories - this is where they're told."
• Sony A7s III mirrorless Digital Camera - B&H Photo - Available tomorrow?
7/26/2020:
• As the House and Senate are debating the next installment of Pandemic Relief, The Democrats in the House have finally offered HR 7691 (2020) which is intended to address the inequity by which so called "hybrid” freelancers who expected to get PUA (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance) based on their 1099 income, were instead forced into much lower paying regular UI based on often tiny amounts of W-2 income. At this point though, the text of HR7691 still hasn’t been released so we don’t know if it will retroactive or not - thus it may not redress the last 5 months of underpaid Unemployment. As the Congress is debating, I urge all of you to write your local Representative and both State Senators something like the letter I’ve written below. Likewise if you have friends and co-workers in other states - especially Republican States - those Senators are probably the best people to try to reach.
Dear
I was pleased to finally see Congress address the enormous inequity in how the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program (PUA for freelancers) often channelled so called “hybrid workers” into low paying regular UI based on tiny amounts of W-2 instead of their larger 1099 income . With HR 7691 the House of Representatives seeks to redress this issue by calling for PUA to count all income from 1099s and W-2s in determining awards.
However, because the text is still not available I want to make sure you realize how important it is to be made retroactive to the beginning of the Pandemic. Dutifully following Federal Guidance most freelancers waited till PUA became available on April 28th to apply for Unemployment. While under PUA they were allowed to start benefits retroactively from when they became unemployed (often March 1st.), those of us who were unexpectedly channelled into regular UI had to start benefits from the date we applied (May 1st) - thus losing as much as 2 months of benefits, including a month of the $600/wk PUC. The difference for many of us adds up $5-6000. ( 4 weeks PUC= $600x4/5 + 2 months of undercounted UI benefits = 8 /9 x $300.) Add another 3 months of undercounted Unemployment benefits (May-July @ $300/wk ) and you can add $3600+ to the penalty for working a few days as an employee. This is nearly $10,000 - a lot of money when you're not working.
I realize this will require some minor accounting from EDD but it was Congress’s mistake, has affected many lives and could have been addressed much sooner.
Please support and if necessary amend HR 7691 in the House and please support a similar measure in the Senate.
• As the House and Senate are debating the next installment of Pandemic Relief, The Democrats in the House have finally offered HR 7691 (2020) which is intended to address the inequity by which so called "hybrid” freelancers who expected to get PUA (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance) based on their 1099 income, were instead forced into much lower paying regular UI based on often tiny amounts of W-2 income. At this point though, the text of HR7691 still hasn’t been released so we don’t know if it will retroactive or not - thus it may not redress the last 5 months of underpaid Unemployment. As the Congress is debating, I urge all of you to write your local Representative and both State Senators something like the letter I’ve written below. Likewise if you have friends and co-workers in other states - especially Republican States - those Senators are probably the best people to try to reach.
Dear
I was pleased to finally see Congress address the enormous inequity in how the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program (PUA for freelancers) often channelled so called “hybrid workers” into low paying regular UI based on tiny amounts of W-2 instead of their larger 1099 income . With HR 7691 the House of Representatives seeks to redress this issue by calling for PUA to count all income from 1099s and W-2s in determining awards.
However, because the text is still not available I want to make sure you realize how important it is to be made retroactive to the beginning of the Pandemic. Dutifully following Federal Guidance most freelancers waited till PUA became available on April 28th to apply for Unemployment. While under PUA they were allowed to start benefits retroactively from when they became unemployed (often March 1st.), those of us who were unexpectedly channelled into regular UI had to start benefits from the date we applied (May 1st) - thus losing as much as 2 months of benefits, including a month of the $600/wk PUC. The difference for many of us adds up $5-6000. ( 4 weeks PUC= $600x4/5 + 2 months of undercounted UI benefits = 8 /9 x $300.) Add another 3 months of undercounted Unemployment benefits (May-July @ $300/wk ) and you can add $3600+ to the penalty for working a few days as an employee. This is nearly $10,000 - a lot of money when you're not working.
I realize this will require some minor accounting from EDD but it was Congress’s mistake, has affected many lives and could have been addressed much sooner.
Please support and if necessary amend HR 7691 in the House and please support a similar measure in the Senate.
7/22/2020:
• Hiscox Business Insurance: (866) 739-0722 - recommended by Scott Stender during Monday's chat.
• Office Hours Webcast on YouTube (recommended by Andy Neddermeyer during Monday's chat) - email [email protected] or follow him on Twitter at @alexlindsay to get information on how to join the group.
• All Information (Except Text) for H.R.7691 - To amend subtitle A of title II of division A of the CARES Act to provide Pandemic Unemployment Assistance to individuals with mixed income sources, and for other purposes. - Congress.gov - Hopefully the full text of the bill will be available within a day or so.
• Listen to U.S. Rep Adam Schiff Explain Bill on Pandemic Unemployment Assistance - 89.3 KPCC
• Freelance Workers Shut Out of Pandemic Unemployment Aid Could Receive Relief From New Congressional Bill - Billboard
• State Says 230,000 Californians Employed In Arts, Entertainment & Recreation Have Filed For Unemployment - Deadline
• Hiscox Business Insurance: (866) 739-0722 - recommended by Scott Stender during Monday's chat.
• Office Hours Webcast on YouTube (recommended by Andy Neddermeyer during Monday's chat) - email [email protected] or follow him on Twitter at @alexlindsay to get information on how to join the group.
• All Information (Except Text) for H.R.7691 - To amend subtitle A of title II of division A of the CARES Act to provide Pandemic Unemployment Assistance to individuals with mixed income sources, and for other purposes. - Congress.gov - Hopefully the full text of the bill will be available within a day or so.
• Listen to U.S. Rep Adam Schiff Explain Bill on Pandemic Unemployment Assistance - 89.3 KPCC
• Freelance Workers Shut Out of Pandemic Unemployment Aid Could Receive Relief From New Congressional Bill - Billboard
• State Says 230,000 Californians Employed In Arts, Entertainment & Recreation Have Filed For Unemployment - Deadline
7/14/2020:
• SBA says there’s no more money for emergency loan advances to small businesses - Fast Company - This appears to refer currently only to the advance grant portion of the EIDL (Economic Injury Disaster Loan). The loan portion of the program (up to $150,000 at 3.75% for 30 years) seems to still be in place. The SBA's PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) loan program is also still available through August 8th.
• SBA says there’s no more money for emergency loan advances to small businesses - Fast Company - This appears to refer currently only to the advance grant portion of the EIDL (Economic Injury Disaster Loan). The loan portion of the program (up to $150,000 at 3.75% for 30 years) seems to still be in place. The SBA's PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) loan program is also still available through August 8th.
7/13/2020:
• Intrepid Studios - San Rafael xR Stage
• Studysync - Petaluma Production Studio
• Covered California - health insurance marketplace
Pauline Barry recommends Marc Fisher, (415) 246-1670, for health insurance needs!
• Meet the Gaffer #206: Remote Teleprompting with Neil Tanner
• BubbleBee Industries Visor Face Shield Hats (3 styles) - via Gotham Sound
• Topstick Men's Grooming Tape - via Amazon - Great for preventing glasses fogging when wearing a cloth face mask
• Intrepid Studios - San Rafael xR Stage
• Studysync - Petaluma Production Studio
• Covered California - health insurance marketplace
Pauline Barry recommends Marc Fisher, (415) 246-1670, for health insurance needs!
• Meet the Gaffer #206: Remote Teleprompting with Neil Tanner
• BubbleBee Industries Visor Face Shield Hats (3 styles) - via Gotham Sound
• Topstick Men's Grooming Tape - via Amazon - Great for preventing glasses fogging when wearing a cloth face mask
7/12/2020:
• ExtendPUA.org - A site full of tools YOU can use to get out the message to your representatives and others that Pandemic Assistance should continue until the pandemic is over.
• ExtendPUA.org - A site full of tools YOU can use to get out the message to your representatives and others that Pandemic Assistance should continue until the pandemic is over.
7/11/2020:
• From John Kraus:
"Wanted to share about a national group that’s fighting for the PUC $600/week extension, and invite members of our group to join.
It’s name is ‘Unemployed Action’- so just click the link or type that into facebook search to join the group.
They’re also on the platform ‘Slack’ for sharing information that way. that address is:
unemployedaction.slack.com
There have been many calls and texts to Senators, as the House already passed the extension months ago.
They’re also trying to organize town halls in each state.. though not sure CA needs that as I’d think both our Senators support the extension.
Anyway... I think it’s a good thing for us all to support and give a little time to.
• Attorney Explains EIDL Contract Documents (Detailed Overview of Loan Terms) - YouTube - goes through entire DocuSign process and explains caveats - Thanks Jonathan Morris!
• From John Kraus:
"Wanted to share about a national group that’s fighting for the PUC $600/week extension, and invite members of our group to join.
It’s name is ‘Unemployed Action’- so just click the link or type that into facebook search to join the group.
They’re also on the platform ‘Slack’ for sharing information that way. that address is:
unemployedaction.slack.com
There have been many calls and texts to Senators, as the House already passed the extension months ago.
They’re also trying to organize town halls in each state.. though not sure CA needs that as I’d think both our Senators support the extension.
Anyway... I think it’s a good thing for us all to support and give a little time to.
• Attorney Explains EIDL Contract Documents (Detailed Overview of Loan Terms) - YouTube - goes through entire DocuSign process and explains caveats - Thanks Jonathan Morris!
7/08/2020:
• From Lenny Levy: Please go on Jarid Huffman's 2PM Facebook Live today and ask him why the Dems don't seem to be doing anything about fixing Hybrid workers' unemployment.
You need to write your question down on the right side of the site and someone else will read it to him.
• Tracking PPP Loans - Search Every Company Approved for Federal Loans Over $150k - Check your Zip Code. VERY interesting.
• From Lenny Levy: Please go on Jarid Huffman's 2PM Facebook Live today and ask him why the Dems don't seem to be doing anything about fixing Hybrid workers' unemployment.
You need to write your question down on the right side of the site and someone else will read it to him.
• Tracking PPP Loans - Search Every Company Approved for Federal Loans Over $150k - Check your Zip Code. VERY interesting.
7/06/2020:
• How the PPP, EIDL & PUA work together - Thanks Christina Tucker!
• EIDL for Sole Props - Thanks Christina Tucker!
• SBA PPP Loan Forgiveness Application Form 3508EZ
Notes from my tax person for sole proprietors filling out the EZ form:
This is written to only those of you who received PPP loan proceeds and have no other employees.
On the top of the form you would just be filling out the required fields. The PPP Loan Disbursement Date is the actual date the monies were given to you and put into your account. The number of employees at time of forgiveness is 1.
EIDL Advance Amount
If you received $1000 (one employee) from the $10,000 EIDL grant, you indicate that where it says EIDL advance amount. It is now concluded that, that amount will be deducted from your total forgiveness and will not be forgiven.
Example 1
This is when your actual Schedule C amount divided by 12 times 2.5 was the actual amount of PPP loan proceeds received. So, if you used your actual Schedule C, then simply the entire amount will be forgiven less later the EIDL advance grant amount unless that changes.
Line 1- Payroll Costs is always your actual net schedule C divided by 12 times 2.5.
Lines 2-4 can be left blank
Line 5 is the total
Line 6 is the actual PPP amount
Line 7 is the 60% payroll cost requirement
Line 8 is the lesser of which ends up just being the total loan forgiven
Print Example 1 and you will see how easy it is.
Example 2
This is when you probably estimated your Schedule C and you received a PPP amount larger than what you were entitled to.
Line 1- Same
Line 2- Would be your mortgage interest if you own the building your office is in or your allocated home office mortgage interest for 24 weeks from the date your receive your PPP loan. So, in my example, you received the PPP loan March 15th, so you have until September 15, 2020. I showed in this example the allocated amount based on home office percentage.
Line 3- Would be your business rent or your allocated home office rent in 2020 for 24 weeks from the loan disbursement date. You can also pre-pay rent during that time. So, if your loan was received 03/15th, you have until 09/15/2020 (24 weeks). This also would include a copier lease.
Line 4- Business utilities (electricity, gas, water, telephone and internet) This would be the allocated home office percentage for elect, gas and water and business percentage of your phone and actual internet.
Depending on the bank, they may ask for proof of those expenses.
Line 5 is the total
Line 6 is the actual PPP amount you received
Line 7 is the payroll 60% requirement
Line 8 is the total forgiveness which in Example 2 is simply the the payroll costs plus 24 weeks of mort int allocation, rent or rent allocation and utilities.
IF SOME OF THE LOAN IS NOT FORGIVEN:
The rate is 1%
If you received the PPP loan before June 5, 2020, the maturity is two years but you can negotiate with your banker to extend it to five years.
If you received the PPP loan after June 5, 2020, the loan will mature after five years.
You don't have to start making payments until 10 months after the covered period.
The original intent in the CARES Act was not to make this forgiveness taxable.
However, IRS currently is saying they are.
BUT, a bipartisan group of lawmakers are making it clear to the IRS that they are not being in the spirit of the law. My opinion, is that it will not be taxable.
The forgiveness application is not due I believe until at least the 24 weeks is up, so probably in October. You may be hearing from your bank. You do not in the meantime have to send this in now.
If you have a very simple situation as in Example 1, and your entire amount is forgiven, then you could send this in at any time.
• The Gerry Todd Show - SCTV (YouTube) - Thanks Cael Hazard!
• Magewell USB Capture HDMI Gen 2 - B&H Photo - Thanks Jim Iacona!
• Aputure MC RGBWW LED Light - B&H Photo - Thanks Cael Hazard!
• BigClivedotCom - YouTube - UVC and other technology debunker - Thanks Cael Hazard!
• American Ultraviolet UV-C Dosimeter Cards - Thanks Dave Wendlinger!
• Google Shopping link to the UV-C Sanitizer box discussed in past meetings and purchased/tested by Louis, Dave, Andy, and others.
• Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240 and SolarSaga 60W Solar Panel - Amazon
• Home Solar Power System Installation recommendations:
From Ben Little: Paul Reinken, [email protected]
From Scott Stender: Aaron Masseira, Sunpower, [email protected], (707) 235-9176
• How the PPP, EIDL & PUA work together - Thanks Christina Tucker!
• EIDL for Sole Props - Thanks Christina Tucker!
• SBA PPP Loan Forgiveness Application Form 3508EZ
Notes from my tax person for sole proprietors filling out the EZ form:
This is written to only those of you who received PPP loan proceeds and have no other employees.
On the top of the form you would just be filling out the required fields. The PPP Loan Disbursement Date is the actual date the monies were given to you and put into your account. The number of employees at time of forgiveness is 1.
EIDL Advance Amount
If you received $1000 (one employee) from the $10,000 EIDL grant, you indicate that where it says EIDL advance amount. It is now concluded that, that amount will be deducted from your total forgiveness and will not be forgiven.
Example 1
This is when your actual Schedule C amount divided by 12 times 2.5 was the actual amount of PPP loan proceeds received. So, if you used your actual Schedule C, then simply the entire amount will be forgiven less later the EIDL advance grant amount unless that changes.
Line 1- Payroll Costs is always your actual net schedule C divided by 12 times 2.5.
Lines 2-4 can be left blank
Line 5 is the total
Line 6 is the actual PPP amount
Line 7 is the 60% payroll cost requirement
Line 8 is the lesser of which ends up just being the total loan forgiven
Print Example 1 and you will see how easy it is.
Example 2
This is when you probably estimated your Schedule C and you received a PPP amount larger than what you were entitled to.
Line 1- Same
Line 2- Would be your mortgage interest if you own the building your office is in or your allocated home office mortgage interest for 24 weeks from the date your receive your PPP loan. So, in my example, you received the PPP loan March 15th, so you have until September 15, 2020. I showed in this example the allocated amount based on home office percentage.
Line 3- Would be your business rent or your allocated home office rent in 2020 for 24 weeks from the loan disbursement date. You can also pre-pay rent during that time. So, if your loan was received 03/15th, you have until 09/15/2020 (24 weeks). This also would include a copier lease.
Line 4- Business utilities (electricity, gas, water, telephone and internet) This would be the allocated home office percentage for elect, gas and water and business percentage of your phone and actual internet.
Depending on the bank, they may ask for proof of those expenses.
Line 5 is the total
Line 6 is the actual PPP amount you received
Line 7 is the payroll 60% requirement
Line 8 is the total forgiveness which in Example 2 is simply the the payroll costs plus 24 weeks of mort int allocation, rent or rent allocation and utilities.
IF SOME OF THE LOAN IS NOT FORGIVEN:
The rate is 1%
If you received the PPP loan before June 5, 2020, the maturity is two years but you can negotiate with your banker to extend it to five years.
If you received the PPP loan after June 5, 2020, the loan will mature after five years.
You don't have to start making payments until 10 months after the covered period.
The original intent in the CARES Act was not to make this forgiveness taxable.
However, IRS currently is saying they are.
BUT, a bipartisan group of lawmakers are making it clear to the IRS that they are not being in the spirit of the law. My opinion, is that it will not be taxable.
The forgiveness application is not due I believe until at least the 24 weeks is up, so probably in October. You may be hearing from your bank. You do not in the meantime have to send this in now.
If you have a very simple situation as in Example 1, and your entire amount is forgiven, then you could send this in at any time.
• The Gerry Todd Show - SCTV (YouTube) - Thanks Cael Hazard!
• Magewell USB Capture HDMI Gen 2 - B&H Photo - Thanks Jim Iacona!
• Aputure MC RGBWW LED Light - B&H Photo - Thanks Cael Hazard!
• BigClivedotCom - YouTube - UVC and other technology debunker - Thanks Cael Hazard!
• American Ultraviolet UV-C Dosimeter Cards - Thanks Dave Wendlinger!
• Google Shopping link to the UV-C Sanitizer box discussed in past meetings and purchased/tested by Louis, Dave, Andy, and others.
• Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240 and SolarSaga 60W Solar Panel - Amazon
• Home Solar Power System Installation recommendations:
From Ben Little: Paul Reinken, [email protected]
From Scott Stender: Aaron Masseira, Sunpower, [email protected], (707) 235-9176
6/29/2020:
• Small Business Administration's Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Emergency Loan and Advance Application page
• David Langsam showed off his new TeraDek Bond backpack system. https://teradek.com/collections/bond-family
• David Langsam's mortgage provider/broker: [email protected]
• Sennheiser SC-60 headset with microphone - Cael Hazard's teleconferencing headset of choice!
• Other mask options besides Masktopia that use replaceable filters:
Snaptotes
Vida
VistaPrint
- Thanks Danielle Cheifetz!
• Luke Seerveld's very informative and entertaining Meet the Gaffer series on YouTube.
• Ripple Training - Video tutorials for every editor - Thanks Scott Stender!
• Magnetic on Netflix - Thanks Scott Stender!
Recipes!
• Apple Slab Pie with Maple Icing - Thanks Cael Hazard!
• Old Bay Salmon Cakes - Thanks Adam Neville!
• Fish Tacos (feel free to replace the tilapia with your favorite fish)
• Small Business Administration's Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Emergency Loan and Advance Application page
• David Langsam showed off his new TeraDek Bond backpack system. https://teradek.com/collections/bond-family
• David Langsam's mortgage provider/broker: [email protected]
• Sennheiser SC-60 headset with microphone - Cael Hazard's teleconferencing headset of choice!
• Other mask options besides Masktopia that use replaceable filters:
Snaptotes
Vida
VistaPrint
- Thanks Danielle Cheifetz!
• Luke Seerveld's very informative and entertaining Meet the Gaffer series on YouTube.
• Ripple Training - Video tutorials for every editor - Thanks Scott Stender!
• Magnetic on Netflix - Thanks Scott Stender!
Recipes!
• Apple Slab Pie with Maple Icing - Thanks Cael Hazard!
• Old Bay Salmon Cakes - Thanks Adam Neville!
• Fish Tacos (feel free to replace the tilapia with your favorite fish)
6/23/2020:
• A new PPP update could increase your loan forgiveness to 100% - Freelancer Union
A little clarification on the new PPP rules that could lead to full forgiveness for sole proprietors. This is still confusing to me, but I think that the gist is that if you use the 24-week covered period (as opposed to the original 8-week period) in your calculations, the salary number goes from 2x your monthly salary to 8x. Although you won't get any further money, that calculation results in the entire amount of the original loan being forgiven. I hope for even more clarification by month's end.
• A new PPP update could increase your loan forgiveness to 100% - Freelancer Union
A little clarification on the new PPP rules that could lead to full forgiveness for sole proprietors. This is still confusing to me, but I think that the gist is that if you use the 24-week covered period (as opposed to the original 8-week period) in your calculations, the salary number goes from 2x your monthly salary to 8x. Although you won't get any further money, that calculation results in the entire amount of the original loan being forgiven. I hope for even more clarification by month's end.
6/22/2020:
• George Rosenfeld sez
"I want to thank all my friends from the Java Club and the production community for coming through for me on my hearing aid campaign. Thanks to you, the goal was reached, and I’ll be ordering my new hearing aids very shortly. May your generosity return to you 1000-fold. George"
• Masktopia - Great local source for masks and (non-N95) filters - Thanks Danielle Cheifetz!
• Blipshift - Car logo face masks - Thanks Rod Williams!
• California Statewide industry guidance to reduce risk -
"Music, TV and film production may resume in California, recommended no sooner than June 12, 2020 and subject to approval by county public health officers within the jurisdictions of operations following their review of local epidemiological data including cases per 100,000 population, rate of test positivity, and local preparedness to support a health care surge, vulnerable populations, contact tracing and testing.
To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, productions, cast, crew and other industry workers should abide by safety protocols agreed by labor and management, which may be further enhanced by county public health officers. Back office staff and management should adhere to Office Workspace guidelines published by the California Department of Public Health and the California Department of Industrial Relations, to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission." - thanks Cael Hazard!
• Sarah Cooper Comedy YouTube Channel - Brilliant Trump lip-sync videos
• The shiny new swashbuckler in the de Young Garden of Enchantment - SF Chronicle
• FixtheMask.com - instructions to make a Surgical Mask Brace, allowing a surgical mask to seal better.
• George Rosenfeld sez
"I want to thank all my friends from the Java Club and the production community for coming through for me on my hearing aid campaign. Thanks to you, the goal was reached, and I’ll be ordering my new hearing aids very shortly. May your generosity return to you 1000-fold. George"
• Masktopia - Great local source for masks and (non-N95) filters - Thanks Danielle Cheifetz!
• Blipshift - Car logo face masks - Thanks Rod Williams!
• California Statewide industry guidance to reduce risk -
"Music, TV and film production may resume in California, recommended no sooner than June 12, 2020 and subject to approval by county public health officers within the jurisdictions of operations following their review of local epidemiological data including cases per 100,000 population, rate of test positivity, and local preparedness to support a health care surge, vulnerable populations, contact tracing and testing.
To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, productions, cast, crew and other industry workers should abide by safety protocols agreed by labor and management, which may be further enhanced by county public health officers. Back office staff and management should adhere to Office Workspace guidelines published by the California Department of Public Health and the California Department of Industrial Relations, to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission." - thanks Cael Hazard!
• Sarah Cooper Comedy YouTube Channel - Brilliant Trump lip-sync videos
• The shiny new swashbuckler in the de Young Garden of Enchantment - SF Chronicle
• FixtheMask.com - instructions to make a Surgical Mask Brace, allowing a surgical mask to seal better.
6/17/2020:
• SBA Finally Clarifies PPP Loan Forgiveness Rules: Full Forgiveness For Self-Employed Borrowers
• SBA Finally Clarifies PPP Loan Forgiveness Rules: Full Forgiveness For Self-Employed Borrowers
6/15/2020:
• Norman Bonney's setup - Thanks Rod Williams!
• City Enters Phase 4 Of Pretending Coronavirus Over - The Onion - Thanks Cael Hazard!
• 30 Second Reading: The Well of Madness - Thanks Cael Hazard!
• COVID-19 Testing at One Medical - Thanks Cael Hazard!
• SARS-COV-2 IS MUTATING SLOWLY, AND THAT'S A GOOD THING - Johns Hopkins University Hub - Thanks Cael Hazard!
• Compositing Toilets and Greywater Systems - Clivus Multrum - Thanks Cael Hazard!
• Why was I paid UI benefits with PPP? - Reddit
• PPP Loan Forgiveness Application Guidance For The Self-Employed, Freelancers And Contractors - Forbes
• Norman Bonney's setup - Thanks Rod Williams!
• City Enters Phase 4 Of Pretending Coronavirus Over - The Onion - Thanks Cael Hazard!
• 30 Second Reading: The Well of Madness - Thanks Cael Hazard!
• COVID-19 Testing at One Medical - Thanks Cael Hazard!
• SARS-COV-2 IS MUTATING SLOWLY, AND THAT'S A GOOD THING - Johns Hopkins University Hub - Thanks Cael Hazard!
• Compositing Toilets and Greywater Systems - Clivus Multrum - Thanks Cael Hazard!
• Why was I paid UI benefits with PPP? - Reddit
• PPP Loan Forgiveness Application Guidance For The Self-Employed, Freelancers And Contractors - Forbes
6/11/2020:
• How to use a dSLR with Zoom using eCamm and Magewell - Thanks Mike Van Dine!
• The hidden ways the CARES Act can improve your cashflow - Freelancers Union
• CalMediaSolutions and Sony offering 4yr 0 down 0% financing on gear. Thanks to Scott Stender, who says "Detroy Moore at CalMedia Solutions contacted me yesterday to let me know Sony is offering a great deal on gear, 4 year loan at 0% interest, 0% down. He included an application and a sheet explaining the basics, below and asked me to pass this on to our group...This is the best deal I’ve ever seen Sony do. I thought some of the group might be very interested...we all could use a good deal like this if we were looking to buy gear."
• How to use a dSLR with Zoom using eCamm and Magewell - Thanks Mike Van Dine!
• The hidden ways the CARES Act can improve your cashflow - Freelancers Union
• CalMediaSolutions and Sony offering 4yr 0 down 0% financing on gear. Thanks to Scott Stender, who says "Detroy Moore at CalMedia Solutions contacted me yesterday to let me know Sony is offering a great deal on gear, 4 year loan at 0% interest, 0% down. He included an application and a sheet explaining the basics, below and asked me to pass this on to our group...This is the best deal I’ve ever seen Sony do. I thought some of the group might be very interested...we all could use a good deal like this if we were looking to buy gear."
6/08/2020:
• Upcoming List of Bay Area Protests (June 8-13) - Thanks Adam Neville!
• Links to current Bay Area C.A.R.E. Telethon TALENT PowerPoint Deck and Sponsor Summary Deck.
Contact Jim Hurwitz for more info.
• New York Rise Up Clips from Jim Hurwitz - "If you have the chance, please watch the video at this link. It is only 2:17 in length. Be sure to watch it through to the end. This is what happens when video professionals, artists, performers and the local broadcasters get together for the common good. Inspirational…"
• West Wind All-Digital Drive-ins - Thanks Cael Hazard!
• Upcoming List of Bay Area Protests (June 8-13) - Thanks Adam Neville!
• Links to current Bay Area C.A.R.E. Telethon TALENT PowerPoint Deck and Sponsor Summary Deck.
Contact Jim Hurwitz for more info.
• New York Rise Up Clips from Jim Hurwitz - "If you have the chance, please watch the video at this link. It is only 2:17 in length. Be sure to watch it through to the end. This is what happens when video professionals, artists, performers and the local broadcasters get together for the common good. Inspirational…"
• West Wind All-Digital Drive-ins - Thanks Cael Hazard!
6/07/2020:
• Proposed Health and Safety Guidelines
for Motion Picture, Television, and Streaming Productions During the COVID-19 Pandemic - Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers - Thanks Scott Stender!
• Unemployment Benefits and Paycheck Protection Program Loans FAQ - Lawyers for the Creative Arts - though this is out of Chicago, it seems that much of this information/advice applies nationally. - Thanks John Kraus!
• Proposed Health and Safety Guidelines
for Motion Picture, Television, and Streaming Productions During the COVID-19 Pandemic - Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers - Thanks Scott Stender!
• Unemployment Benefits and Paycheck Protection Program Loans FAQ - Lawyers for the Creative Arts - though this is out of Chicago, it seems that much of this information/advice applies nationally. - Thanks John Kraus!
6/06/2020:
• Good news for small businesses as Senate passes PPP reform bill - CNBC - Thanks Adam Neville!
• The Wall Street Journal: Major Fixes Made to Small-Business Loan Program - Wall Street Journal via Apple News (Direct Link) - Thanks Adam Neville!
• Good news for small businesses as Senate passes PPP reform bill - CNBC - Thanks Adam Neville!
• The Wall Street Journal: Major Fixes Made to Small-Business Loan Program - Wall Street Journal via Apple News (Direct Link) - Thanks Adam Neville!
6/01/2020:
• NorCal-Freelancers Google Group - A great local email forum for freelance crew members. Email Charles Griswald or Jeff Nealon to be added to the list.
• Petaluma filmmaker shifting gears - Profile of Petaluma filmmaker Ali Afshar - Thanks Rod Williams!
• Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers Industry-Wide Labor Management Safety Committee Task Force Return to Work Paper - Thanks Rod Williams!
• Unemployment California Information and Help Facebook Group - Thanks John Kraus!
• Followup from Jim Iacona regarding his EIDL loan:
"I just talked to the guy who approved my SBA EIDL loan. He said that typically they are making these loans to businesses for a specific disaster - like a flood or hurricane. Usually there are several to many thousand applicants. He said that because in this case there are 5.5 million applicants there is no way that they can monitor every loan. They are using the same verbiage that they typically use for their loans but he said that as long as you continue to file your taxes and there are some business expenses on there that they will assume that the loan was used to cover some or all of those expenses. It really sounds like this is like any other business loan that you might get. You have virtually complete discretion over how it is used.
Also there is no timetable for using the loan. You can use it at whatever pace you want to use it. It just sounds like they want to get money into the hands of business owners so that they don’t go out of business due to the crisis. He said (somewhat paraphrasing): “Can I say that no one will ever get monitored for this? No. I’m sure that there will be some gross misuse of funds but it’s going to have to be pretty major before we do an audit.” I got the feeling that these guys are completely overwhelmed by the situation and have been given very broad discretion to distribute funds."
Note: This is not official SBA policy. It is simply Jim's account of what he was told verbally.
• Jack Morris provided this pdf illustrating our recommendations when completing the EDD's weekly certification questionnaire. - Thanks Jack Morris!
• Richard Neill asks "Question for the group: has anyone been offered or able to get a reduction on their biz insurance premiums—either liability or equipment coverage?
Given reduction of exposure due to work stoppage, etc.
I know auto insurers have offered it…."
Send any responses to me at [email protected] and I'll post them here in future updates.
• What your tax resolution clients need to know about Economic Injury Disaster Loans (reposted from 5/19) - Tax Marketing HQ - Thanks Mike Van Dine!
Some important takeaways from Mike:
According to the attached article, there actually are quite a few restrictions as to what the loan can be used for and “capital improvements” is one of those restrictions. Apparently commercial rent, business insurance and business utilities are eligible loan expenses. And the big point that the author makes is the EIDL can be used to pay tax debt. This is a fairly affordable way to keep cash available for monthly bills and delay a big tax expense while we wait for work to resume.
Also note!
1) The SBA will put a lien on ALL your business assets if your EIDL loan is greater than $25K. This will make acquiring additional credit a hassle and they will need to know if you are selling any of your assets etc.
2) The SBA will begin to charge interest on the EIDL loan immediately upon funding even though your first payment is not due for several months.
• Old Bay Salmon Cakes Recipe - Very easy and delicious recipe. My tips: Add the salmon last, and don't overmix to keep a better consistency. Baking times in the recipe are worded oddly - I bake them at 375° for 10 minutes, then broil them until they're nicely browned (another 10 minutes or so). - Thanks Adam Neville!
• UK production gets greenlight to resume as BFC issues Covid-19 safety guidance - Screen Daily
• Mush Emmons posted this photo to the Zoom meeting today to illustrate how a local (Brazil) production company was dealing with on-set hand sanitization:
• NorCal-Freelancers Google Group - A great local email forum for freelance crew members. Email Charles Griswald or Jeff Nealon to be added to the list.
• Petaluma filmmaker shifting gears - Profile of Petaluma filmmaker Ali Afshar - Thanks Rod Williams!
• Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers Industry-Wide Labor Management Safety Committee Task Force Return to Work Paper - Thanks Rod Williams!
• Unemployment California Information and Help Facebook Group - Thanks John Kraus!
• Followup from Jim Iacona regarding his EIDL loan:
"I just talked to the guy who approved my SBA EIDL loan. He said that typically they are making these loans to businesses for a specific disaster - like a flood or hurricane. Usually there are several to many thousand applicants. He said that because in this case there are 5.5 million applicants there is no way that they can monitor every loan. They are using the same verbiage that they typically use for their loans but he said that as long as you continue to file your taxes and there are some business expenses on there that they will assume that the loan was used to cover some or all of those expenses. It really sounds like this is like any other business loan that you might get. You have virtually complete discretion over how it is used.
Also there is no timetable for using the loan. You can use it at whatever pace you want to use it. It just sounds like they want to get money into the hands of business owners so that they don’t go out of business due to the crisis. He said (somewhat paraphrasing): “Can I say that no one will ever get monitored for this? No. I’m sure that there will be some gross misuse of funds but it’s going to have to be pretty major before we do an audit.” I got the feeling that these guys are completely overwhelmed by the situation and have been given very broad discretion to distribute funds."
Note: This is not official SBA policy. It is simply Jim's account of what he was told verbally.
• Jack Morris provided this pdf illustrating our recommendations when completing the EDD's weekly certification questionnaire. - Thanks Jack Morris!
• Richard Neill asks "Question for the group: has anyone been offered or able to get a reduction on their biz insurance premiums—either liability or equipment coverage?
Given reduction of exposure due to work stoppage, etc.
I know auto insurers have offered it…."
Send any responses to me at [email protected] and I'll post them here in future updates.
• What your tax resolution clients need to know about Economic Injury Disaster Loans (reposted from 5/19) - Tax Marketing HQ - Thanks Mike Van Dine!
Some important takeaways from Mike:
According to the attached article, there actually are quite a few restrictions as to what the loan can be used for and “capital improvements” is one of those restrictions. Apparently commercial rent, business insurance and business utilities are eligible loan expenses. And the big point that the author makes is the EIDL can be used to pay tax debt. This is a fairly affordable way to keep cash available for monthly bills and delay a big tax expense while we wait for work to resume.
Also note!
1) The SBA will put a lien on ALL your business assets if your EIDL loan is greater than $25K. This will make acquiring additional credit a hassle and they will need to know if you are selling any of your assets etc.
2) The SBA will begin to charge interest on the EIDL loan immediately upon funding even though your first payment is not due for several months.
• Old Bay Salmon Cakes Recipe - Very easy and delicious recipe. My tips: Add the salmon last, and don't overmix to keep a better consistency. Baking times in the recipe are worded oddly - I bake them at 375° for 10 minutes, then broil them until they're nicely browned (another 10 minutes or so). - Thanks Adam Neville!
• UK production gets greenlight to resume as BFC issues Covid-19 safety guidance - Screen Daily
• Mush Emmons posted this photo to the Zoom meeting today to illustrate how a local (Brazil) production company was dealing with on-set hand sanitization:
5/29/2020:
• A second round of stimulus checks could be on the way. Here’s what you can do to prepare - CNBC
• House Passes Bill Loosening Rules on PPP Small-Business Loans - Wall Street Journal - Thanks Adam Neville!
• A second round of stimulus checks could be on the way. Here’s what you can do to prepare - CNBC
• House Passes Bill Loosening Rules on PPP Small-Business Loans - Wall Street Journal - Thanks Adam Neville!
5/28/2020:
• Need help with your unemployment insurance claim? Here's what to do. - Freelancers Union - If you have a claim that needs review or has been denied and are having trouble getting through to EDD.
• Watch Eli Adler's SURVIVING SKOKIE on Rafael@Home
Beginning Friday, May 29.
Join us for a Livestream Conversation,
SUNDAY, MAY 31 at 4pm PDT
Featuring
Filmmakers Eli Adler & Blair Gershkow
Film Subject Jack Adler
Moderator Janis Plotkin
• Need help with your unemployment insurance claim? Here's what to do. - Freelancers Union - If you have a claim that needs review or has been denied and are having trouble getting through to EDD.
• Watch Eli Adler's SURVIVING SKOKIE on Rafael@Home
Beginning Friday, May 29.
Join us for a Livestream Conversation,
SUNDAY, MAY 31 at 4pm PDT
Featuring
Filmmakers Eli Adler & Blair Gershkow
Film Subject Jack Adler
Moderator Janis Plotkin
5/27/2020:
• Wooden Camera Live Event - May 28 (tomorrow), 10am: "Tips for Freelancers for Overcoming Downturns in Business" - Thanks Eli Adler!
• Lenny Levy reports Rep. Jared Huffman's office's response to the PUA/UI SNAFU: “We are tracking this intensively, with our DC team looking at the best avenue to address this. There are a large number of freelancers in the district who are in the same boat and we are now very familiar with the issue and working to address it. I will let you know more as soon a I know the exact measures we are going to take, but we will be addressing this for sure."
• Latest SF Bay Area C.A.R.E. Benefit Update:
SOCIAL
Everyone, please connect to our social media platforms:
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/SFBayAreaCARE/
Twitter
@SFBayAreaCARE1
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/bayareacares/
Please join, share, share, share and encourage your network of friends to share.
Danny S. is encouraging everyone to write a short (3-4 graphs) article on LinkedIn about how they are contributing to the event. Something personal from them. Not a promo for the event! But something about what this means to them, what part they are doing and so on.
SPONSORSHIPS
As of day 6 on the job, Bryan Jablonski Plesciahas reached out many corporations’ marketing teams and has interest from Genetech, Nerd Wallet, One Medical – calls are being scheduled this week.
As a reminder, for those of you who are reaching out to companies, please connect directly with Bryan ([email protected]) so we are not duplicating efforts but PLEASE continue to reach out as, raising these funds is what’s driving the entire production.
TALENT UPDATES
We have confirmed:
Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady (Hot Tuna) have confirmed and we will be pre-recording them the wk of June 8th
Van Morrison is contributing a video
Sheila E. has provided 3 MAV’s and wants to record bumpers (date TBD)
Almost confirmed:
Sammy Hagar is interested in being a co-host and wants to bring along other musicians (TBD)
PITCH DECK
Here are the two current versions of the pitch deck for you to use for your outreach efforts. Please note, that this information is updated almost daily so check in with Jim and I before you send out.
Here is the link for potential talent:
SF Bay Area C.A.R.E. - Talent Presentation LATEST
And here is the link for potential sponsors. Almost the same, but with some financial/sponsorship info. If you know any corporate marketing, branding, or foundation types….
SF Bay Area C.A.R.E. - Sponsor ExecSumm LATEST
CHARITIES
Silicon Valley Community Foundation https://www.siliconvalleycf.org/ has declined partnership:
“In our experience, these events typically require a lot of back-office management from our team members, and right now we do not have the bandwidth to be able to participate and be a valuable partner to you.”
We will try to re-connect with United Way Bay Area to reassess their interest.
More info coming soon...
• Wooden Camera Live Event - May 28 (tomorrow), 10am: "Tips for Freelancers for Overcoming Downturns in Business" - Thanks Eli Adler!
• Lenny Levy reports Rep. Jared Huffman's office's response to the PUA/UI SNAFU: “We are tracking this intensively, with our DC team looking at the best avenue to address this. There are a large number of freelancers in the district who are in the same boat and we are now very familiar with the issue and working to address it. I will let you know more as soon a I know the exact measures we are going to take, but we will be addressing this for sure."
• Latest SF Bay Area C.A.R.E. Benefit Update:
SOCIAL
Everyone, please connect to our social media platforms:
https://www.facebook.com/SFBayAreaCARE/
@SFBayAreaCARE1
https://www.instagram.com/bayareacares/
Please join, share, share, share and encourage your network of friends to share.
Danny S. is encouraging everyone to write a short (3-4 graphs) article on LinkedIn about how they are contributing to the event. Something personal from them. Not a promo for the event! But something about what this means to them, what part they are doing and so on.
SPONSORSHIPS
As of day 6 on the job, Bryan Jablonski Plesciahas reached out many corporations’ marketing teams and has interest from Genetech, Nerd Wallet, One Medical – calls are being scheduled this week.
As a reminder, for those of you who are reaching out to companies, please connect directly with Bryan ([email protected]) so we are not duplicating efforts but PLEASE continue to reach out as, raising these funds is what’s driving the entire production.
TALENT UPDATES
We have confirmed:
Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady (Hot Tuna) have confirmed and we will be pre-recording them the wk of June 8th
Van Morrison is contributing a video
Sheila E. has provided 3 MAV’s and wants to record bumpers (date TBD)
Almost confirmed:
Sammy Hagar is interested in being a co-host and wants to bring along other musicians (TBD)
PITCH DECK
Here are the two current versions of the pitch deck for you to use for your outreach efforts. Please note, that this information is updated almost daily so check in with Jim and I before you send out.
Here is the link for potential talent:
SF Bay Area C.A.R.E. - Talent Presentation LATEST
And here is the link for potential sponsors. Almost the same, but with some financial/sponsorship info. If you know any corporate marketing, branding, or foundation types….
SF Bay Area C.A.R.E. - Sponsor ExecSumm LATEST
CHARITIES
Silicon Valley Community Foundation https://www.siliconvalleycf.org/ has declined partnership:
“In our experience, these events typically require a lot of back-office management from our team members, and right now we do not have the bandwidth to be able to participate and be a valuable partner to you.”
We will try to re-connect with United Way Bay Area to reassess their interest.
More info coming soon...
5/26/2020:
Quarantine Life on YouTube: Episode 5 - "TOILET PAPER RUN"
Chris Mann's YouTube Channel: "My Corona"
PBS Nature: Spy in the Wild
Quarantine Life on YouTube: Episode 5 - "TOILET PAPER RUN"
Chris Mann's YouTube Channel: "My Corona"
PBS Nature: Spy in the Wild
5/25/2020:
• SBA PPP Requirements – New Interim Final Rules for Loan Forgiveness
Note: This IFR is being posted in advance of publication in the Federal Register. The official version will appear in the Federal Register
• S.F. Bay Area C.A.R.E. Update
SHOW DATE
We have updated our show date to Sunday, June 28th with rehearsal on Saturday, June 27th. We feel this date is more accessible, allowing time for confirmed corporate PO’s, time to pre-produce segments and marketing promotion efforts.
EMAILS
Updated emails include:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
SPONSORSHIPS
We have updated our strategy for sponsors and have partnered with Bryan Jablonski Plescia to outreach to corporations’ marketing teams to sell advertising/brand recognition. In just one day he has make great strides in reaching out to those leaders. We will have an update from Bryan later this week. For those of you who are reaching out to companies, please connect directly with Bryan so we are not duplicating efforts but PLEASE continue to reach out as, raising these funds is what’s driving the entire production.
TALENT UPDATES
We have confirmed:
PITCH DECK
We have created two versions of the pitch deck for you to use for your outreach efforts. Please note, that this information is updated almost daily so check in with Jim and I before you send out.
Here is the link for potential talent:
SF Bay Area C.A.R.E. - Talent Presentation LATEST-n
And here is the link for potential sponsors. Almost the same, but with some financial/sponsorship info. If you know any corporate marketing, branding, or foundation types….
SF Bay Area C.A.R.E. - Sponsor ExecSumm LATEST-n
CHARITIES
Although we are still talking to United Way Bay Area, their response has been lack luster so we are considering partnering with Silicon Valley Community Foundation https://www.siliconvalleycf.org/. Dialogue has begun and will have more information this week.
Red Cross Bay Area is still interested in having a blood drive on the day of our event.
LIVE AUCTION:
Liam Mayclem is confirmed to be our auctioneer and will be reaching out to 49er’s, SF Giants, Warriors, Dinner Party/Cooking classes with celebrity chefs, etc.
Joe Satriani, although he has declined our invitation to perform, he is happy to offer the following auction items for the event:
ADDITIONAL ITEMS:
Brian Boitano autographed cook book or skating book
Franc D'Ambrosio autographed sheet music from his role as the Phantom in Phantom of the Opera, SF
Rare bottles of wine - valued between $10K - $20K
Fender guitar signed by Bonnie Raitt and Boz Scaggs
Cooking class & dinner party with Chef Hubert Keller via Zoom for 20 or at your home for 10 (post COVID).
NEW ADDITONS TO THE TEAM
Please welcome:
• SBA PPP Requirements – New Interim Final Rules for Loan Forgiveness
Note: This IFR is being posted in advance of publication in the Federal Register. The official version will appear in the Federal Register
• S.F. Bay Area C.A.R.E. Update
SHOW DATE
We have updated our show date to Sunday, June 28th with rehearsal on Saturday, June 27th. We feel this date is more accessible, allowing time for confirmed corporate PO’s, time to pre-produce segments and marketing promotion efforts.
EMAILS
Updated emails include:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
SPONSORSHIPS
We have updated our strategy for sponsors and have partnered with Bryan Jablonski Plescia to outreach to corporations’ marketing teams to sell advertising/brand recognition. In just one day he has make great strides in reaching out to those leaders. We will have an update from Bryan later this week. For those of you who are reaching out to companies, please connect directly with Bryan so we are not duplicating efforts but PLEASE continue to reach out as, raising these funds is what’s driving the entire production.
TALENT UPDATES
We have confirmed:
- Jorma Kaukonen – former guitarist with Jefferson Airplane, now with Hot Tuna..
- Tower of Power – meeting to be set up this weekend
- Sammy Hagar (we will confirm his level of involvement on Tuesday, May 26th) options could include:
- Provided MAV
- Remote crew to his home for shout out
- Co-host a portion of the event
- Jack Cassidy (the other half of Hot Tuna). If he gets on board, Jack and Jorma will appear as Hot Tuna, together apart from their separate homes (Ohio and Los Angeles):
- Sheila E.
- Provided MAV
- Remote crew to her home for shout out
PITCH DECK
We have created two versions of the pitch deck for you to use for your outreach efforts. Please note, that this information is updated almost daily so check in with Jim and I before you send out.
Here is the link for potential talent:
SF Bay Area C.A.R.E. - Talent Presentation LATEST-n
And here is the link for potential sponsors. Almost the same, but with some financial/sponsorship info. If you know any corporate marketing, branding, or foundation types….
SF Bay Area C.A.R.E. - Sponsor ExecSumm LATEST-n
CHARITIES
Although we are still talking to United Way Bay Area, their response has been lack luster so we are considering partnering with Silicon Valley Community Foundation https://www.siliconvalleycf.org/. Dialogue has begun and will have more information this week.
Red Cross Bay Area is still interested in having a blood drive on the day of our event.
LIVE AUCTION:
Liam Mayclem is confirmed to be our auctioneer and will be reaching out to 49er’s, SF Giants, Warriors, Dinner Party/Cooking classes with celebrity chefs, etc.
Joe Satriani, although he has declined our invitation to perform, he is happy to offer the following auction items for the event:
- Signed JS Ibanez guitar
- Guitar lesson with Joe
- Backstage Passes and Tickets to a future Joe concert
- Signed Joe CD
ADDITIONAL ITEMS:
Brian Boitano autographed cook book or skating book
Franc D'Ambrosio autographed sheet music from his role as the Phantom in Phantom of the Opera, SF
Rare bottles of wine - valued between $10K - $20K
Fender guitar signed by Bonnie Raitt and Boz Scaggs
Cooking class & dinner party with Chef Hubert Keller via Zoom for 20 or at your home for 10 (post COVID).
NEW ADDITONS TO THE TEAM
Please welcome:
- Bryan Jablonski Plescia, Sponsor Outreach
- Paul Wright, MAV Talent Producer
- Mike Van Metre, field/segment and/or talent producer
5/21/2020:
• C.A.R.E. Telethon Update from Lauri Clark:
After a lot of outreach to colleagues, I got a recommendation for someone in Sponsorship Sales and Strategic Partnerships. I connected with Bryan J. Plescia, yesterday and thought he could be a great fit to help this project get funding. https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanplescia/
Today, Jim, Karen and I had a call with him and he’s on board… diving right in tonight and working on commission to find our sponsors - so taking the risk just like the rest of us!! He clearly gets the urgency of this funding. He has corporate connections and strong experience in the world of sponsorships and was sounding pretty positive about the possibilities.
We’ll be talking with him again Friday afternoon for a progress report! Will keep you posted…
• Michele Dennis' Democratic Leaders Support Videos - Debbie Brubaker mentioned Michele's project during our last Zoom meeting. Here is an update and links to the videos:
...for the past several weeks I have been in a sort of self imposed isolation, working on a labor of love video campaign to encourage the Democrats to become more visible, prompted by the sorry fact the only political 'thing' that's been truly visible since quarantine and the debates has been Trump!
I've been a little alarmed and dismayed at the video clips out there that feature Joe Biden by himself, reminiscing and criticizing but not containing the substance that is needed to drive more voters to him, and away from Trump. Also alarmed by a lack of unity in the party, though it's improved a bit in the past couple of weeks.
So, partly inspired by the New York Times, Team of Rivals article Thomas Friedman wrote in February, I wanted to see smart candidates, like Sanders, Warren, Klobuchar, Buttigeig, O'Rourke, Harris, Steyer, Newsom, Yang, Bloomberg, Gillibrand, and also Newsom, Pelosi and Obama (and more), speaking with Joe on Zoom and having conversations of substance. Other people I spoke with did too.
I decided to start/create a video campaign featuring many people, and especially the disenfranchised younger crowd to ask the Democratic Leaders to get together, using the Zoom tools to meet, record themselves and share. Pie in the Sky? Maybe, I hope not. With the help of some friends like Annie Speigelman & Matt Riutta we gathered the WeThePeopleTeam and I recorded 49 sessions and edited the best bytes from each person, affording me the opportunity to improve my editing, PS and AfterEffects skills. And with the help of Tom Disher and his team to score and mix these, Rick (LeCompte) who built the grids, and graphics help from John Atkinson, we are done with post-production.
We built 15 spots, One for Joe and 14 versions of the other shorter version for the aforementioned people. Not fancy, and hey it's Zoom!
I'm now working on building the social media campaign. We have a simple website. The 'spots' were all tweeted out today to their respective subjects:
THIS VERSION is for you to share if you wish to. It has a lead in title that is a call to action for people that are not Joe! And it can be downloaded if you want.
Here's the one for Joe
Here's one of the others (Elizabeth Warren)
The website is www.WeThePeopleForAction.com.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/WeThePeopleforAction
• Results of the tests on my UV-C Sterilizer Box (Amazon, $140.99):
Thanks to Dave Wendlinger, I was able to test the actual UV-C output of the sterilizer box I showed off during past meetings.
Each press of the activation button begins a 3:26 sterilization sequence. The LED lights will not activate unless the top of the box is closed. The American Ultraviolet UVC Dosimeter cards obtained by Dave measure exposure of 50 mJ/cm² and 100 mJ/cm². According to the manufacturer, only 5.0 mJ/cm² is required to kill the Coronavirus and ANY color change in the card indicates that you have delivered enough energy to disinfect. I ran a card through multiple exposures to check on the amount of UV-C light being delivered.
• C.A.R.E. Telethon Update from Lauri Clark:
After a lot of outreach to colleagues, I got a recommendation for someone in Sponsorship Sales and Strategic Partnerships. I connected with Bryan J. Plescia, yesterday and thought he could be a great fit to help this project get funding. https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanplescia/
Today, Jim, Karen and I had a call with him and he’s on board… diving right in tonight and working on commission to find our sponsors - so taking the risk just like the rest of us!! He clearly gets the urgency of this funding. He has corporate connections and strong experience in the world of sponsorships and was sounding pretty positive about the possibilities.
We’ll be talking with him again Friday afternoon for a progress report! Will keep you posted…
• Michele Dennis' Democratic Leaders Support Videos - Debbie Brubaker mentioned Michele's project during our last Zoom meeting. Here is an update and links to the videos:
...for the past several weeks I have been in a sort of self imposed isolation, working on a labor of love video campaign to encourage the Democrats to become more visible, prompted by the sorry fact the only political 'thing' that's been truly visible since quarantine and the debates has been Trump!
I've been a little alarmed and dismayed at the video clips out there that feature Joe Biden by himself, reminiscing and criticizing but not containing the substance that is needed to drive more voters to him, and away from Trump. Also alarmed by a lack of unity in the party, though it's improved a bit in the past couple of weeks.
So, partly inspired by the New York Times, Team of Rivals article Thomas Friedman wrote in February, I wanted to see smart candidates, like Sanders, Warren, Klobuchar, Buttigeig, O'Rourke, Harris, Steyer, Newsom, Yang, Bloomberg, Gillibrand, and also Newsom, Pelosi and Obama (and more), speaking with Joe on Zoom and having conversations of substance. Other people I spoke with did too.
I decided to start/create a video campaign featuring many people, and especially the disenfranchised younger crowd to ask the Democratic Leaders to get together, using the Zoom tools to meet, record themselves and share. Pie in the Sky? Maybe, I hope not. With the help of some friends like Annie Speigelman & Matt Riutta we gathered the WeThePeopleTeam and I recorded 49 sessions and edited the best bytes from each person, affording me the opportunity to improve my editing, PS and AfterEffects skills. And with the help of Tom Disher and his team to score and mix these, Rick (LeCompte) who built the grids, and graphics help from John Atkinson, we are done with post-production.
We built 15 spots, One for Joe and 14 versions of the other shorter version for the aforementioned people. Not fancy, and hey it's Zoom!
I'm now working on building the social media campaign. We have a simple website. The 'spots' were all tweeted out today to their respective subjects:
THIS VERSION is for you to share if you wish to. It has a lead in title that is a call to action for people that are not Joe! And it can be downloaded if you want.
Here's the one for Joe
Here's one of the others (Elizabeth Warren)
The website is www.WeThePeopleForAction.com.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/WeThePeopleforAction
• Results of the tests on my UV-C Sterilizer Box (Amazon, $140.99):
Thanks to Dave Wendlinger, I was able to test the actual UV-C output of the sterilizer box I showed off during past meetings.
Each press of the activation button begins a 3:26 sterilization sequence. The LED lights will not activate unless the top of the box is closed. The American Ultraviolet UVC Dosimeter cards obtained by Dave measure exposure of 50 mJ/cm² and 100 mJ/cm². According to the manufacturer, only 5.0 mJ/cm² is required to kill the Coronavirus and ANY color change in the card indicates that you have delivered enough energy to disinfect. I ran a card through multiple exposures to check on the amount of UV-C light being delivered.
Based on this evidence, it appears that this box in particular puts out enough UVC light in one 3:26 session to kill the Coronavirus. Doubling the time delivers 10x the amount of radiation to kill the virus, and an exposure of 17:30 delivers approximately 20x.
5/19/2020:
• Sample letter from Lenny Levy to Senator McGuire regarding AB5 (please copy and send to your representatives before tomorrow's hearing!):
I strongly oppose Assembly Bill AB5. As a lifelong liberal Democrat and an Independent Contractor (IC) who works in the Video/Film business everyone I work with is deeply disturbed by the cavalier way your party is going forward with this ill considered attack on our livelihoods. Although we all support the need to defend workers intentionally misclassified by large corporations, this law is a sledgehammer where a scalpel is needed. Recent changes to AB5 still misunderstand the nature of our’s and many businesses in California. Please stop AB5 until a full reassessment is made and before more damage is done.
I work for dozens of producers every year often for no more than a day at a time. Although I could be considered an employee on the job, I nevertheless have to maintain my own business, advertise, run an office, do bookkeeping, provide equipment (with insurance) for the job, and invest substantially to remain current. I am not anyone’s “Employee” - I am an independent business person . However under AB5 I will not be able to deduct any of these very real costs from my taxes. This will upend my family’s finances.
Likewise while large production companies (typically in LA) already payroll, many producers I work for are simple 1 person operations hiring many different people often for only a day at at a time. AB5 imposes onerous complicated bookkeeping requirements that impose additional costs and labor even if they use a payroll service. It is cavalier and naive to simply tell them , “just charge more.” In reality they can't. The result is that they are already hiring and working less.
If you've gotten most of your information from the Film/Video Unions, be aware that while they have an important role, they don't represent or understand the needs of freelancers on smaller shoots. Listen to to the thousands of us who are already demonstrating against AB5.
There is plenty to dislike about how current law categorizes workers as “Independent Contractors” or “Employees”, but properly solving this morass requires a lot more thought and respect for the diversity of work in California than has gone into AB5. This should be obvious from the wild number and assortment of exemptions that have been proposed.
For example there is already a “Common Practice” that is widely accepted in the Film/Video business and perhaps in others. We are treated as “IC’s” for tax purpose, but for liability and work conditions we are treated as employees. Thus every Producer carries liability insurance and workman’s compensation as if we were employees despite sending us 1099s. . Although I call myself an IC, I have successfully had the Labor Commission consider me an employee for deadbeat producers who didn’t pay me. Producers who’ve tried to foist liability expenses onto their “IC’s” have lost in court.
This Common Practice WORKS. It protects workers and employers and is enforced by the Labor Commission, but AB5 is upending it to our detriment. Formalizing aspects of Common Practice into law is worth looking into as a component of future legislation.
I and many of my fellow freelancers are lifelong liberal Democrats who feel betrayed by your party and astonished that the only people who seem to be defending our rights are Republicans who are pointing to AB5 as a classic example of government overreach into the “free market” that only ends up hurting people. Unfortunately in this case they are right. Senator Hannah Beth-Jackson’s remarks last week accusing of us of being upset that “our lollipops were being taken away” was especially callous and taint the whole party.
Wake up and look around. Don’t lose our support. We do vote. Stop AB5 until a carefully crafted alternative can straighten out employment in California.
• PPP Loan Forgiveness Application Guidance For The Self-Employed, Freelancers And Contractors - VERY helpful - Thanks Randy Love!
• What your tax resolution clients need to know about Economic Injury Disaster Loans - Tax Marketing HQ - Thanks Mike Van Dine!
Some important takeaways from Mike:
According to the attached article, there actually are quite a few restrictions as to what the loan can be used for and “capital improvements” is one of those restrictions. Apparently commercial rent, business insurance and business utilities are eligible loan expenses. And the big point that the author makes is the EIDL can be used to pay tax debt. This is a fairly affordable way to keep cash available for monthly bills and delay a big tax expense while we wait for work to resume.
Also note!
1) The SBA will put a lien on ALL your business assets if your EIDL loan is greater than $25K. This will make acquiring additional credit a hassle and they will need to know if you are selling any of your assets etc.
2) The SBA will begin to charge interest on the EIDL loan immediately upon funding even though your first payment is not due for several months.
• Sample letter from Lenny Levy to Senator McGuire regarding AB5 (please copy and send to your representatives before tomorrow's hearing!):
I strongly oppose Assembly Bill AB5. As a lifelong liberal Democrat and an Independent Contractor (IC) who works in the Video/Film business everyone I work with is deeply disturbed by the cavalier way your party is going forward with this ill considered attack on our livelihoods. Although we all support the need to defend workers intentionally misclassified by large corporations, this law is a sledgehammer where a scalpel is needed. Recent changes to AB5 still misunderstand the nature of our’s and many businesses in California. Please stop AB5 until a full reassessment is made and before more damage is done.
I work for dozens of producers every year often for no more than a day at a time. Although I could be considered an employee on the job, I nevertheless have to maintain my own business, advertise, run an office, do bookkeeping, provide equipment (with insurance) for the job, and invest substantially to remain current. I am not anyone’s “Employee” - I am an independent business person . However under AB5 I will not be able to deduct any of these very real costs from my taxes. This will upend my family’s finances.
Likewise while large production companies (typically in LA) already payroll, many producers I work for are simple 1 person operations hiring many different people often for only a day at at a time. AB5 imposes onerous complicated bookkeeping requirements that impose additional costs and labor even if they use a payroll service. It is cavalier and naive to simply tell them , “just charge more.” In reality they can't. The result is that they are already hiring and working less.
If you've gotten most of your information from the Film/Video Unions, be aware that while they have an important role, they don't represent or understand the needs of freelancers on smaller shoots. Listen to to the thousands of us who are already demonstrating against AB5.
There is plenty to dislike about how current law categorizes workers as “Independent Contractors” or “Employees”, but properly solving this morass requires a lot more thought and respect for the diversity of work in California than has gone into AB5. This should be obvious from the wild number and assortment of exemptions that have been proposed.
For example there is already a “Common Practice” that is widely accepted in the Film/Video business and perhaps in others. We are treated as “IC’s” for tax purpose, but for liability and work conditions we are treated as employees. Thus every Producer carries liability insurance and workman’s compensation as if we were employees despite sending us 1099s. . Although I call myself an IC, I have successfully had the Labor Commission consider me an employee for deadbeat producers who didn’t pay me. Producers who’ve tried to foist liability expenses onto their “IC’s” have lost in court.
This Common Practice WORKS. It protects workers and employers and is enforced by the Labor Commission, but AB5 is upending it to our detriment. Formalizing aspects of Common Practice into law is worth looking into as a component of future legislation.
I and many of my fellow freelancers are lifelong liberal Democrats who feel betrayed by your party and astonished that the only people who seem to be defending our rights are Republicans who are pointing to AB5 as a classic example of government overreach into the “free market” that only ends up hurting people. Unfortunately in this case they are right. Senator Hannah Beth-Jackson’s remarks last week accusing of us of being upset that “our lollipops were being taken away” was especially callous and taint the whole party.
Wake up and look around. Don’t lose our support. We do vote. Stop AB5 until a carefully crafted alternative can straighten out employment in California.
• PPP Loan Forgiveness Application Guidance For The Self-Employed, Freelancers And Contractors - VERY helpful - Thanks Randy Love!
• What your tax resolution clients need to know about Economic Injury Disaster Loans - Tax Marketing HQ - Thanks Mike Van Dine!
Some important takeaways from Mike:
According to the attached article, there actually are quite a few restrictions as to what the loan can be used for and “capital improvements” is one of those restrictions. Apparently commercial rent, business insurance and business utilities are eligible loan expenses. And the big point that the author makes is the EIDL can be used to pay tax debt. This is a fairly affordable way to keep cash available for monthly bills and delay a big tax expense while we wait for work to resume.
Also note!
1) The SBA will put a lien on ALL your business assets if your EIDL loan is greater than $25K. This will make acquiring additional credit a hassle and they will need to know if you are selling any of your assets etc.
2) The SBA will begin to charge interest on the EIDL loan immediately upon funding even though your first payment is not due for several months.
5/18/2020:
• AB5 Update! From Lenny Levy:
California State Assembly hearing schedule for Wednesday, 5/20/2020
"The 2 bills are the first and I guess they are amendments or exemptions for/to AB5.
I’ve been looking at the 2 bills that will be under discussion or voted on or whatever and I just find it hard to understand all the legal-ese. i guess I’m impatient. Would have fallen asleep as a lawyer I think."
Here is a good post from the Freelancers Against AB5 Facebook page:
"Once upon a time just a few short days ago, there were almost 34 pending bills to amend, suspend, or repeal AB5 waiting to be heard in the legislature. As of today, most all of these bills —which would have helped hundreds of thousands of California freelancers and small businesses across a variety of trades, industries and professions — have been tabled, spiked, or voted down by a tiny cabal of committee members in the Senate and the Assembly. Now we are left with Lorena Gonzalez's half-baked "cleanup" bills, which will be voted on by the Assembly's Labor and Employment Committee THIS COMING WEDNESDAY at 10:00 a.m. Her "fixes" to AB5 are a hodgepodge of mishmash, mumbo-jumbo and smoke-and-mirrors scotch-taped together as "exemptions" for a handful of chosen few. And before anybody gets too excited about the alleged relief coming your way, as always, the devil is in the details. CALL TO ACTION: You have until this coming Wednesday to submit your comments about her two bills. Watch the live stream on Wednesday at https://www.assembly.ca.gov/todaysevents beginning at 10 a.m. The public can submit comments via: https://calegislation.lc.ca.gov/Advocates/ or participate via a call-in option.
Here is a quick synopsis of the pitfalls and poison pills contained in these bills, but first, some background: The so-called placeholder bill, AB1850, has been a "work in progress" for the last year and is filled with strikethroughs, edits, additions, carveouts, and vague, overly broad and ambiguous language that ultimately will be subject to interpretation by the Labor Commissioner and ripe for an audit. If passed, the changes would not go into effect until next year, meaning that the 35 cap for journalists, for example, would still be in effect until next January. The other bill, AB2257, is an "urgency bill" that contains the new "carveouts" for musicians and writers, as well as the new addition of videographers. Once brought to the floor, it must pass by a 2/3 majority vote and would go into effect right away. So here are the problems, per profession:
Videographers: No relief at all if the content is "commercial," for a "production," or for "internet streaming on any device," to name a few. Plus you can't perform the work at the hiring entity's place of business, which eliminates being hired on-site to film training seminars, fundraisers, corporate events, trade shows, or conferences, for example.
Translators: The exemption won't help anyone but for maybe a handful of "certified" translators. Some languages do not have a certification test available, and most professional translators in CA are not certified because it is not a state requirement. Interpreters are not included in this exemption. Per Gloria Rivera Baldassari, these "solutions" are ill-informed, arbitrary, and do not allow professionals who provide language access to minorities work per Title VI, ADA, and language access in the courts.
Musicians: Although gigging musicians and recording arts professionals will receive some legitimate relief, the law still punishes orchestra musicians, "touring" musicians (what defines a touring musician?), festival musicians, and musicians working in opera, musical theater, and ballet. As Pam Spaulding points out, the exemption does not apply to a live performance that occurs more than one time in a week, which eliminates a Fri/Sat booking. Festivals and festival musicians are screwed, and the 1,500 attendance threshold is arbitrary.
Writers, photographers, editors, cartoonists, etc: The ridiculous cap on submissions has been eliminated but the remaining language does not give enough clarity to pass lawyer muster. The freelancer cannot replace an employee to do the same work at the same volume. This vague language, according to attorney Lizzle Brandt, is not adequate enough to give the client the green light to hire an independent contractor without risk of misclassification. Curiously, translators are now "captured" under the writers' category, but by that logic, so should court reporters and transcriptionists.
B2B exemption: It now says that the contracted entity cannot further subcontract out the work. The person you hire must satisfy the Dynamex classification test only. Say wut?
Don't forget to tune into the hearing this coming Wednesday beginning at 10 a.m. Please visit this page and look under May 20, 2020, for the Labor Hearings: https://www.assembly.ca.gov/dailyfile"
• Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Application - Thanks Adam Neville!
• WHERE TO FIND COVID-19 TESTING FOR BAY AREA RESIDENTS - Thanks Scott Kinzey!
• Sonoma county COVID-19 testing - Thanks Rod Williams!
• Research into decontamination of N95 masks
"The findings, in a nutshell, are that alcohol decontamination is not recommended as it “results in loss of N95 integrity..”, what ever that means. Exposure to 70°C dry heat for 60 minutes is effective but only for two times.
It should also be noted that several sources (I’m still trying to find authoritative references ) indicate that, left alone, the virus will become ineffective on mask surfaces after somewhere around 48 hours." - Thanks Rod Williams!
• The Risks - Know Them - Avoid Them - erinbromage.com
• AB5 Update! From Lenny Levy:
California State Assembly hearing schedule for Wednesday, 5/20/2020
"The 2 bills are the first and I guess they are amendments or exemptions for/to AB5.
I’ve been looking at the 2 bills that will be under discussion or voted on or whatever and I just find it hard to understand all the legal-ese. i guess I’m impatient. Would have fallen asleep as a lawyer I think."
Here is a good post from the Freelancers Against AB5 Facebook page:
"Once upon a time just a few short days ago, there were almost 34 pending bills to amend, suspend, or repeal AB5 waiting to be heard in the legislature. As of today, most all of these bills —which would have helped hundreds of thousands of California freelancers and small businesses across a variety of trades, industries and professions — have been tabled, spiked, or voted down by a tiny cabal of committee members in the Senate and the Assembly. Now we are left with Lorena Gonzalez's half-baked "cleanup" bills, which will be voted on by the Assembly's Labor and Employment Committee THIS COMING WEDNESDAY at 10:00 a.m. Her "fixes" to AB5 are a hodgepodge of mishmash, mumbo-jumbo and smoke-and-mirrors scotch-taped together as "exemptions" for a handful of chosen few. And before anybody gets too excited about the alleged relief coming your way, as always, the devil is in the details. CALL TO ACTION: You have until this coming Wednesday to submit your comments about her two bills. Watch the live stream on Wednesday at https://www.assembly.ca.gov/todaysevents beginning at 10 a.m. The public can submit comments via: https://calegislation.lc.ca.gov/Advocates/ or participate via a call-in option.
Here is a quick synopsis of the pitfalls and poison pills contained in these bills, but first, some background: The so-called placeholder bill, AB1850, has been a "work in progress" for the last year and is filled with strikethroughs, edits, additions, carveouts, and vague, overly broad and ambiguous language that ultimately will be subject to interpretation by the Labor Commissioner and ripe for an audit. If passed, the changes would not go into effect until next year, meaning that the 35 cap for journalists, for example, would still be in effect until next January. The other bill, AB2257, is an "urgency bill" that contains the new "carveouts" for musicians and writers, as well as the new addition of videographers. Once brought to the floor, it must pass by a 2/3 majority vote and would go into effect right away. So here are the problems, per profession:
Videographers: No relief at all if the content is "commercial," for a "production," or for "internet streaming on any device," to name a few. Plus you can't perform the work at the hiring entity's place of business, which eliminates being hired on-site to film training seminars, fundraisers, corporate events, trade shows, or conferences, for example.
Translators: The exemption won't help anyone but for maybe a handful of "certified" translators. Some languages do not have a certification test available, and most professional translators in CA are not certified because it is not a state requirement. Interpreters are not included in this exemption. Per Gloria Rivera Baldassari, these "solutions" are ill-informed, arbitrary, and do not allow professionals who provide language access to minorities work per Title VI, ADA, and language access in the courts.
Musicians: Although gigging musicians and recording arts professionals will receive some legitimate relief, the law still punishes orchestra musicians, "touring" musicians (what defines a touring musician?), festival musicians, and musicians working in opera, musical theater, and ballet. As Pam Spaulding points out, the exemption does not apply to a live performance that occurs more than one time in a week, which eliminates a Fri/Sat booking. Festivals and festival musicians are screwed, and the 1,500 attendance threshold is arbitrary.
Writers, photographers, editors, cartoonists, etc: The ridiculous cap on submissions has been eliminated but the remaining language does not give enough clarity to pass lawyer muster. The freelancer cannot replace an employee to do the same work at the same volume. This vague language, according to attorney Lizzle Brandt, is not adequate enough to give the client the green light to hire an independent contractor without risk of misclassification. Curiously, translators are now "captured" under the writers' category, but by that logic, so should court reporters and transcriptionists.
B2B exemption: It now says that the contracted entity cannot further subcontract out the work. The person you hire must satisfy the Dynamex classification test only. Say wut?
Don't forget to tune into the hearing this coming Wednesday beginning at 10 a.m. Please visit this page and look under May 20, 2020, for the Labor Hearings: https://www.assembly.ca.gov/dailyfile"
• Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Application - Thanks Adam Neville!
• WHERE TO FIND COVID-19 TESTING FOR BAY AREA RESIDENTS - Thanks Scott Kinzey!
• Sonoma county COVID-19 testing - Thanks Rod Williams!
• Research into decontamination of N95 masks
"The findings, in a nutshell, are that alcohol decontamination is not recommended as it “results in loss of N95 integrity..”, what ever that means. Exposure to 70°C dry heat for 60 minutes is effective but only for two times.
It should also be noted that several sources (I’m still trying to find authoritative references ) indicate that, left alone, the virus will become ineffective on mask surfaces after somewhere around 48 hours." - Thanks Rod Williams!
• The Risks - Know Them - Avoid Them - erinbromage.com
5/15/2020:
• Lenny Levy's letter to Jared Huffman after not seeing a fix for PUA in the Democrats latest Covid relief bill. Please consider sending something like this to your Reps and Senators ASAP:
Dear Jared Huffman,
I was stunned to discover that there is no mention of a fix for the way Hybrid workers (those who are paid both with 1099s and W-2s) are being discriminated against in the Pandemic Unemployment Program (PUA) . After complaining about this previously I was personally phoned by your office and assured that Rep Huffman had heard from many constituents about this and intended to address it. Yet as far as I can see, despite an enormous new Covid Relief Bill introduced this week by the Democrats filled with numerous fixes to problems in previous bills there is no mention of a fix for the way the PUA program shortchanges independent contractors who may have earned a tiny amount of W-2 wages by forcing them into regular UI where their award is based only on those W-2 wages.
This issue has been the subject of numerous newspaper, radio and web stories. Countless individuals have contacted their representatives and there is a change.org petition that already has 7000 signatures. It is hurting many thousands of freelancers if not the vast majority since most freelancer workers occasionally get hired by people who payroll them.
Moreover it should not be controversial or require additional funding because I'm sure the original law did not intend to discriminate in this way. Please Fix PUA as soon as possible or explain to me why it is not even being addressed.
• Two Projects Are Filming Again. Here’s How They’re Doing It - NY Times
• Lenny Levy's letter to Jared Huffman after not seeing a fix for PUA in the Democrats latest Covid relief bill. Please consider sending something like this to your Reps and Senators ASAP:
Dear Jared Huffman,
I was stunned to discover that there is no mention of a fix for the way Hybrid workers (those who are paid both with 1099s and W-2s) are being discriminated against in the Pandemic Unemployment Program (PUA) . After complaining about this previously I was personally phoned by your office and assured that Rep Huffman had heard from many constituents about this and intended to address it. Yet as far as I can see, despite an enormous new Covid Relief Bill introduced this week by the Democrats filled with numerous fixes to problems in previous bills there is no mention of a fix for the way the PUA program shortchanges independent contractors who may have earned a tiny amount of W-2 wages by forcing them into regular UI where their award is based only on those W-2 wages.
This issue has been the subject of numerous newspaper, radio and web stories. Countless individuals have contacted their representatives and there is a change.org petition that already has 7000 signatures. It is hurting many thousands of freelancers if not the vast majority since most freelancer workers occasionally get hired by people who payroll them.
Moreover it should not be controversial or require additional funding because I'm sure the original law did not intend to discriminate in this way. Please Fix PUA as soon as possible or explain to me why it is not even being addressed.
• Two Projects Are Filming Again. Here’s How They’re Doing It - NY Times
5/14/2020:
• Here’s What You Can Do Now To Ensure Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness - Forbes - Thanks Lenny Levy!
• Redwood Credit Union PPP Webinar Recording from today.
• Fairfax Lumber has 1 gallon bottles of 99.9% isopropyl alcohol and distilled water. You can make your own 70% alcohol sanitizing spray solution - Thanks Eli Adler!
• Here’s What You Can Do Now To Ensure Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness - Forbes - Thanks Lenny Levy!
• Redwood Credit Union PPP Webinar Recording from today.
• Fairfax Lumber has 1 gallon bottles of 99.9% isopropyl alcohol and distilled water. You can make your own 70% alcohol sanitizing spray solution - Thanks Eli Adler!
5/13/2020:
• Better federal relief is needed to solve the freelance crisis in America - Freelancers Union
• U.S. Says It Will Trust Small Business Owners When They Say They Need Loans - Wall Street Journal via Apple News - Thanks Adam Neville!
• Redwood Credit Union is presenting a free, 60-minute webinar, titled “PPP 101: Understanding What Happens Next". It will be an informational broadcast focused on the Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
Whether you’ve already been funded, approved, or still in the process of providing needed documentation, we want to make sure you’re kept informed of how PPP loans work, what to expect moving forward, and tips related to setting up your loan for forgiveness. Given that the SBA continues to release new PPP guidance, keeping you updated is very important to us.
Webinar details:
Date: Thursday, May 14th
Time: 4-5pm
Webinar App: Microsoft Teams
Click here to begin the app download process
Be sure to choose “Sign up for free”
How to join the webinar on Thursday, May 14th at 4 PM:
On the afternoon of webinar, click here to log in
We recommend logging in 10 minutes prior to the broadcast’s start
Please note - this information and webinar is meant specifically for Redwood Credit Union members, but I figure it will probably be helpful for many of you.
• Tomorrow (May 14th) is Java Club member Martin Unversaw's birthday. Please join me in wishing Martin a very happy day! Hopefully we'll be able to celebrate next year's in person.
• Better federal relief is needed to solve the freelance crisis in America - Freelancers Union
• U.S. Says It Will Trust Small Business Owners When They Say They Need Loans - Wall Street Journal via Apple News - Thanks Adam Neville!
• Redwood Credit Union is presenting a free, 60-minute webinar, titled “PPP 101: Understanding What Happens Next". It will be an informational broadcast focused on the Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
Whether you’ve already been funded, approved, or still in the process of providing needed documentation, we want to make sure you’re kept informed of how PPP loans work, what to expect moving forward, and tips related to setting up your loan for forgiveness. Given that the SBA continues to release new PPP guidance, keeping you updated is very important to us.
Webinar details:
Date: Thursday, May 14th
Time: 4-5pm
Webinar App: Microsoft Teams
Click here to begin the app download process
Be sure to choose “Sign up for free”
How to join the webinar on Thursday, May 14th at 4 PM:
On the afternoon of webinar, click here to log in
We recommend logging in 10 minutes prior to the broadcast’s start
Please note - this information and webinar is meant specifically for Redwood Credit Union members, but I figure it will probably be helpful for many of you.
• Tomorrow (May 14th) is Java Club member Martin Unversaw's birthday. Please join me in wishing Martin a very happy day! Hopefully we'll be able to celebrate next year's in person.
5/12/2020:
• Schiff, Chu Seek Unemployment Relief For Independent Workers With Mixed Income Types - Looks like our efforts are bearing fruit! - Thanks Lenny Levy!
• 3 things you should know about the Paycheck Protection Program - Freelancers Union - A different take on collecting PPP and UI at the same time.
• Wire-Lists #26: Developing Sanitation Protocols for Lav Work - Lectrosonics - Thanks Dave Wendlinger!
• A concise report on evaluating risks - from erinbromage.com - Thanks Saul Rouda!
• Navigating a New World in Video Production: Feeling Safe on the Set - Production Safety Guidelines from Clean Slate Video - Thanks Eli Adler!
• Following up on yesterday's conversation, Christina Tucker says "I just called Redwood Credit Union and alas, that 'Disaster Relief Loan' closed out this past Friday (so the info was taken off the website). It was 0 percent for a year and no payments for the first 3 months, only to people already a current customer of Redwood." Thanks Christina!
• Schiff, Chu Seek Unemployment Relief For Independent Workers With Mixed Income Types - Looks like our efforts are bearing fruit! - Thanks Lenny Levy!
• 3 things you should know about the Paycheck Protection Program - Freelancers Union - A different take on collecting PPP and UI at the same time.
• Wire-Lists #26: Developing Sanitation Protocols for Lav Work - Lectrosonics - Thanks Dave Wendlinger!
• A concise report on evaluating risks - from erinbromage.com - Thanks Saul Rouda!
• Navigating a New World in Video Production: Feeling Safe on the Set - Production Safety Guidelines from Clean Slate Video - Thanks Eli Adler!
• Following up on yesterday's conversation, Christina Tucker says "I just called Redwood Credit Union and alas, that 'Disaster Relief Loan' closed out this past Friday (so the info was taken off the website). It was 0 percent for a year and no payments for the first 3 months, only to people already a current customer of Redwood." Thanks Christina!
5/11/2020:
• PG&E Covid-19 CARE and FERA discount enrollment - Thanks Cael Hazard!
• On Industry Unions’ Media Call, SAG-AFTRA Chief Says Production Won’t Return To “Normal” Until Vaccine, Testing & Tracing Are In Place - Deadline - Thanks Rod Williams!
• Hollywood Unions Aim to Negotiate "Uniform Terms" With Employers as Industry Plots Restart - Hollywood Reporter - Thanks Rod Williams!
• SAG-AFTRA and IATSE present A Virtual Town Hall with U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff - YouTube (Will be live May 12, 10:30am) - Thanks Rod Williams!
• Here is the UV-C sanitizer box I ordered on Amazon. I should be receiving it on 5/14. It is very similar to the one that Andy Neddermeyer showed off several meetings ago. I'll share any differences next week. Also, here is a link to the UV-C test cards.
• Last Free Ride (A Hip Pirate Movie) - Saul Rouda's 1974 documentary about the Sausalito houseboat community at Waldo Point.
• A reminder - here is the link to the Change.org petition - "Unemployment Relief For Independent Workers With Mixed Income Types." Please sign it today if you haven't yet! - Thanks Lenny Levy!
• Actorsfund.org - Apply for their Covid19 Emergency Financial Assistance here.
• Artistrelief.org - "To support artists during the COVID-19 crisis, a coalition of national arts grantmakers have come together to create an emergency initiative to offer financial and informational resources to artists across the United States."
• PG&E Covid-19 CARE and FERA discount enrollment - Thanks Cael Hazard!
• On Industry Unions’ Media Call, SAG-AFTRA Chief Says Production Won’t Return To “Normal” Until Vaccine, Testing & Tracing Are In Place - Deadline - Thanks Rod Williams!
• Hollywood Unions Aim to Negotiate "Uniform Terms" With Employers as Industry Plots Restart - Hollywood Reporter - Thanks Rod Williams!
• SAG-AFTRA and IATSE present A Virtual Town Hall with U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff - YouTube (Will be live May 12, 10:30am) - Thanks Rod Williams!
• Here is the UV-C sanitizer box I ordered on Amazon. I should be receiving it on 5/14. It is very similar to the one that Andy Neddermeyer showed off several meetings ago. I'll share any differences next week. Also, here is a link to the UV-C test cards.
• Last Free Ride (A Hip Pirate Movie) - Saul Rouda's 1974 documentary about the Sausalito houseboat community at Waldo Point.
• A reminder - here is the link to the Change.org petition - "Unemployment Relief For Independent Workers With Mixed Income Types." Please sign it today if you haven't yet! - Thanks Lenny Levy!
• Actorsfund.org - Apply for their Covid19 Emergency Financial Assistance here.
• Artistrelief.org - "To support artists during the COVID-19 crisis, a coalition of national arts grantmakers have come together to create an emergency initiative to offer financial and informational resources to artists across the United States."
• Diane Oliver sent me these phone tree tips for reaching EDD if you have questions or issues:
To get a live person 8 am - 12 noon:
1-800-300-5616
If it says 'too many calls than we can handle' then hang up and try again.
option 1 - 'speak English'
option 6 - 'update your claim'
option 7 - speak to a representative'
option 3 - 'all other questions' then they ask for your social security number
'if this is correct' - option 1
5/7/2020:
• Bay Area gig workers join 3.2 million filing for unemployment - SF Chronicle - featuring our own Jason Gittens!
• Small Businesses Counting on Loan Forgiveness Could Be Stuck With Debt - NY Times
• Bay Area gig workers join 3.2 million filing for unemployment - SF Chronicle - featuring our own Jason Gittens!
• Small Businesses Counting on Loan Forgiveness Could Be Stuck With Debt - NY Times
5/5/2020:
• ‘It’s a Clusterf-ck’: Musicians Struggle to Get Pandemic Assistance - Rolling Stone - Thanks Lenny Levy!
• Equipment Disinfection Tips from Lectrosonics - Thanks Eli Adler!
• To get a PPP loan forgiven, you'll need to ask - Freelancers Union - Thanks Eli Adler!
• Ten Things We Need To Know About Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness - Thanks Eli Adler!
• ‘It’s a Clusterf-ck’: Musicians Struggle to Get Pandemic Assistance - Rolling Stone - Thanks Lenny Levy!
• Equipment Disinfection Tips from Lectrosonics - Thanks Eli Adler!
• To get a PPP loan forgiven, you'll need to ask - Freelancers Union - Thanks Eli Adler!
• Ten Things We Need To Know About Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness - Thanks Eli Adler!
5/4/2020:
• Advantages & Disadvantages of a Corporation, by Andra Picincu- Thanks Christina Tucker!
• The U.S. Has More Individually Owned Businesses than Corporations - Taxfoundation.org - Thanks Christina Tucker!
• The Senate Corporate Bailout Package Is a 'Robbery in Progress,' Warn Critics - Commondreams.org - Thanks Jack Morris!
• FreelancersUnion.org - Thanks Mush Emmons!
• Advantages & Disadvantages of a Corporation, by Andra Picincu- Thanks Christina Tucker!
• The U.S. Has More Individually Owned Businesses than Corporations - Taxfoundation.org - Thanks Christina Tucker!
• The Senate Corporate Bailout Package Is a 'Robbery in Progress,' Warn Critics - Commondreams.org - Thanks Jack Morris!
• FreelancersUnion.org - Thanks Mush Emmons!
5/2/2020:
• C.A.R.E Telethon Update (updated links):
Two links that you could use to share with more performers and more sponsors… they are two stable, constantly-updated links to the PDF files that will always show the most current, updated lists of performers and sponsors (until our website is live).
For talent/performers: This links to a PDF deck that should be useful in your efforts to recruit performers. Page Six shows the artists who have confirmed (left side/blue), as well as those we are still reaching out to (right side/red).
Count: Six pages plus title and bye-bye page. Eight total pages.
CARE TALENT PRESENTATION DECK PDF (URL corrected - 5/4/2020)
For sponsors:This links to the latest Executive Summary of the deck for potential sponsors. It does NOT include detail such as schedule, other companies we are reaching out to, budget, schedule, etc. These details are on a longer deck we are keeping “backstage” that you can use when you have more interest from a potential sponsor and they want a deeper dive.
This deck DOES outline the sponsorship packages. Use this deck to raise money to help get this thing funded so that we can produce it, raise money for a good cause, and get us all paid for this work!
Count: Seven pages plus title and bye-bye page. Nine total pages.
CARE SPONSOR EXECSUM PRESENTATION DECK PDF
Of course, we have the PowerPoint files with animated slides to do a live presentation on Zoom, Skype, GoToMeeting, etc.
• Why some self-employed Californians are angry about unemployment benefits - San Francisco Chronicle (paywalled)
• C.A.R.E Telethon Update (updated links):
Two links that you could use to share with more performers and more sponsors… they are two stable, constantly-updated links to the PDF files that will always show the most current, updated lists of performers and sponsors (until our website is live).
For talent/performers: This links to a PDF deck that should be useful in your efforts to recruit performers. Page Six shows the artists who have confirmed (left side/blue), as well as those we are still reaching out to (right side/red).
Count: Six pages plus title and bye-bye page. Eight total pages.
CARE TALENT PRESENTATION DECK PDF (URL corrected - 5/4/2020)
For sponsors:This links to the latest Executive Summary of the deck for potential sponsors. It does NOT include detail such as schedule, other companies we are reaching out to, budget, schedule, etc. These details are on a longer deck we are keeping “backstage” that you can use when you have more interest from a potential sponsor and they want a deeper dive.
This deck DOES outline the sponsorship packages. Use this deck to raise money to help get this thing funded so that we can produce it, raise money for a good cause, and get us all paid for this work!
Count: Seven pages plus title and bye-bye page. Nine total pages.
CARE SPONSOR EXECSUM PRESENTATION DECK PDF
Of course, we have the PowerPoint files with animated slides to do a live presentation on Zoom, Skype, GoToMeeting, etc.
• Why some self-employed Californians are angry about unemployment benefits - San Francisco Chronicle (paywalled)
5/1/2020:
• Film Florida Releases Detailed Recommendations For Safe Sets In Era Of COVID-19: No Director’s Chairs, No Trailers, Clear Barriers For Actors & More - Deadline.com -Thanks Eli Adler!
• The Sound Summit - Archived YouTube videos from all of the audio presentations this week from Ambient, Lectrosonics, Ursa, Sound Devices, BubbleBee Industries, Betso, Viviana, SonoSax, Dish.TC, Schoeps, K-Tek, VDB, Film Devices and Sony (for some reason, many of the Sound Devices demos are not present. Hopefully they will be added at some point.)
• Sample letters to local and State Representatives regarding UI and PUI:
"Pandemic Unemployment loophole should be amended
The Cares Act extension of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance is supposed to provide a lifeline to unemployed freelancers whose income is derived from 1099s instead of W-2’s. However in practice it is discriminating against thousands of Californians who may have worked just a few days as employees. This is very common and presents a real hardship.
While the minimum rate for PUA is $167/week, its anticipated to eventually be based on income just like standard Unemployment (UI) which caps at $450. This sounds great but the Federal law also inexplicably demands that anyone who has earned minimal amounts of W-2 income must instead use standard UI where only their W-2 income will count. Thus If someone earned $80,000 freelance, but was payrolled for just a few days they could get as low as $40/week instead of $450. Despite the "Cares Act" providing an additional $600/w for 4 months, they could still lose $15,000 over the full 39 weeks! Imagine what that means to an unemployed parent struggling to raise 2 children and pay $3000 rent in the Bay Area.
Either the Federal law should be amended or the States should find a workaround. I'm sure this wasn't the intent of the Cares Act.
In only 2 days over 2300 people have signed a petition about this through change.org:
https://www.change.org/p/gavin-newsom-california-fix-the-ui-vs-pua-problem?utm_content=cl_sharecopy_21840466_en-US%3Av1&recruiter=435768782&recruited_by_id=58a42350-9473-11e5-964b-59d69a319d45&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=psf_combo_share_initial&utm_term=psf_combo_share_initial
- Lenny Levy
"I am writing today to bring to your attention a huge issue with the way that state unemployment and PUA funds are being distributed to freelancers and other self-employed workers. Last week, the CARE act opened up unemployment benefits (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance) to those that are paid via invoice/1099, and members of the so-called “gig economy.” I appreciate this attempt to distribute aid to those workers. I work in the video production business. Although a majority of my work is paid on an invoice basis (1099 income), a small percentage of my clients (mostly large corporations) choose to payroll me, even for small 1-2 day projects. The problem with the way that assistance is being administered to self-employed workers, is that if a worker is paid ANY W2 proceeds, he/she is not qualified to apply for PUA. That means that, based on my meager W2 income, I may only receive as little as $40/week in UI assistance, whereas my 1099 income alone would qualify me for anywhere between $167 and $450/week in PUA. When I accept a project, it is not my decision whether I am paid via 1099 or W2. That is the decision of my client. I understand that this is part of what has propelled the disastrous implementation of California Assembly Bill 5. I don’t feel that freelancers should be further punished for having been payrolled intermittently. Please work to have the federal law amended, or find a way to amend the state policy. Thanks for all your hard work."
- Louis Block
• Film Florida Releases Detailed Recommendations For Safe Sets In Era Of COVID-19: No Director’s Chairs, No Trailers, Clear Barriers For Actors & More - Deadline.com -Thanks Eli Adler!
• The Sound Summit - Archived YouTube videos from all of the audio presentations this week from Ambient, Lectrosonics, Ursa, Sound Devices, BubbleBee Industries, Betso, Viviana, SonoSax, Dish.TC, Schoeps, K-Tek, VDB, Film Devices and Sony (for some reason, many of the Sound Devices demos are not present. Hopefully they will be added at some point.)
• Sample letters to local and State Representatives regarding UI and PUI:
"Pandemic Unemployment loophole should be amended
The Cares Act extension of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance is supposed to provide a lifeline to unemployed freelancers whose income is derived from 1099s instead of W-2’s. However in practice it is discriminating against thousands of Californians who may have worked just a few days as employees. This is very common and presents a real hardship.
While the minimum rate for PUA is $167/week, its anticipated to eventually be based on income just like standard Unemployment (UI) which caps at $450. This sounds great but the Federal law also inexplicably demands that anyone who has earned minimal amounts of W-2 income must instead use standard UI where only their W-2 income will count. Thus If someone earned $80,000 freelance, but was payrolled for just a few days they could get as low as $40/week instead of $450. Despite the "Cares Act" providing an additional $600/w for 4 months, they could still lose $15,000 over the full 39 weeks! Imagine what that means to an unemployed parent struggling to raise 2 children and pay $3000 rent in the Bay Area.
Either the Federal law should be amended or the States should find a workaround. I'm sure this wasn't the intent of the Cares Act.
In only 2 days over 2300 people have signed a petition about this through change.org:
https://www.change.org/p/gavin-newsom-california-fix-the-ui-vs-pua-problem?utm_content=cl_sharecopy_21840466_en-US%3Av1&recruiter=435768782&recruited_by_id=58a42350-9473-11e5-964b-59d69a319d45&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=psf_combo_share_initial&utm_term=psf_combo_share_initial
- Lenny Levy
"I am writing today to bring to your attention a huge issue with the way that state unemployment and PUA funds are being distributed to freelancers and other self-employed workers. Last week, the CARE act opened up unemployment benefits (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance) to those that are paid via invoice/1099, and members of the so-called “gig economy.” I appreciate this attempt to distribute aid to those workers. I work in the video production business. Although a majority of my work is paid on an invoice basis (1099 income), a small percentage of my clients (mostly large corporations) choose to payroll me, even for small 1-2 day projects. The problem with the way that assistance is being administered to self-employed workers, is that if a worker is paid ANY W2 proceeds, he/she is not qualified to apply for PUA. That means that, based on my meager W2 income, I may only receive as little as $40/week in UI assistance, whereas my 1099 income alone would qualify me for anywhere between $167 and $450/week in PUA. When I accept a project, it is not my decision whether I am paid via 1099 or W2. That is the decision of my client. I understand that this is part of what has propelled the disastrous implementation of California Assembly Bill 5. I don’t feel that freelancers should be further punished for having been payrolled intermittently. Please work to have the federal law amended, or find a way to amend the state policy. Thanks for all your hard work."
- Louis Block
4/29/2020:
• Change.org petition - California: Fix the UI vs PUA Problem - Thanks Jack Morris
• Videography during coronavirus: Content over production quality [Interview] - Thanks Eli Adler!
• Sound Summit April 30 & May 1: Join audio manufacturers Ambient, Lectrosonics, Ursa, Sound Devices, BubbleBee Industries, Betso, Viviana, SonoSax, Dish.TC, Schoeps, K-Tek, VDB, Film Devices and Sony for Sound Summit 2020, a live, online presentation and discussion of the newest products in production sound. The schedule is now live at https://thesoundsummit.org.
• Change.org petition - California: Fix the UI vs PUA Problem - Thanks Jack Morris
• Videography during coronavirus: Content over production quality [Interview] - Thanks Eli Adler!
• Sound Summit April 30 & May 1: Join audio manufacturers Ambient, Lectrosonics, Ursa, Sound Devices, BubbleBee Industries, Betso, Viviana, SonoSax, Dish.TC, Schoeps, K-Tek, VDB, Film Devices and Sony for Sound Summit 2020, a live, online presentation and discussion of the newest products in production sound. The schedule is now live at https://thesoundsummit.org.
4/28/2020:
• Call to action from Jack Morris:
PHONE BLITZ: CALL GOVERNOR NEWSOM’S OFFICE AND COMPLAIN ABOUT THE WAY THAT MOST OF US FREELANCERS IN FILM PRODUCTION HAVE FALLEN THROUGH THE CRACKS DUE TO THE CATCH 22 OF BEING CLASSIFIED AS W2 WORKERS DESPITE MOST OF US GETTING THE VAST MAJORITY OF OUR INCOME FROM 1099 WORK.
GAVIN NEWSOM (916) 445-2841, then 1 for English and 6 to speak to a representative, meantime you can write to them while you’re on hold: https://govapps.gov.ca.gov/gov40mail/
KAMALA HARRIS: (202) 224-3553
DIANE FEINSTEIN: (202) 224-3841
JARED HUFFMAN: (202) 225-5161
You might also want to contact your other state or union representatives, local media, etc.
We also need to complain that UNEMPLOYMENT SHOULD BE BASED ON ALL INCOME; HOWEVER IT IS CATEGORIZED. Film production and smaller scale video production in California is a large business. there is no way to reapply if you’ve already applied apparently. Finding the PUA application is not direct or easy. CALL NOW! Confirm that you will call with the whole group and pass it on! Then call your local reps.
• Today is the first day that self-employed workers and independent contractors can file for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) through the EDD, based on their 1099 income alone. Although the site (Click the UI ONLINE button here) had a placeholder page notifying users that it would be available at 5:30am this morning, it only recently became active (as of 8:00am). You should have a copy of your 2019 taxes handy, as well as a list of your 1099s. It is unclear whether they will accept 2018 tax information if you haven't finished your taxes yet this year. Make sure to save your progress often (via the "save" button at the bottom of every page), as the site has the tendency to log you out often.
• This is a helpful FAQ, especially if you have already applied for regular UI. Unfortunately, it does appear that if you are already receiving any benefit from UI already (based on your W2 income), you are ineligible to claim further assistance based on additional 1099 income. There is some language referring to an appeals process, but I wouldn't expect that to be an easy or quick route to take. Initially, anyway, the benefit amount for 1099 earners is just $167/wk (plus the additional $600 in CARE funds). That amount may be adjusted in the future (possible retroactively) to reflect your actual earnings. I assume the $450/week cap would apply, as it does with standard UI.
• If you are still seeking assistance through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Eli Adler reports some success applying through online bank Bluevine.
• Call to action from Jack Morris:
PHONE BLITZ: CALL GOVERNOR NEWSOM’S OFFICE AND COMPLAIN ABOUT THE WAY THAT MOST OF US FREELANCERS IN FILM PRODUCTION HAVE FALLEN THROUGH THE CRACKS DUE TO THE CATCH 22 OF BEING CLASSIFIED AS W2 WORKERS DESPITE MOST OF US GETTING THE VAST MAJORITY OF OUR INCOME FROM 1099 WORK.
GAVIN NEWSOM (916) 445-2841, then 1 for English and 6 to speak to a representative, meantime you can write to them while you’re on hold: https://govapps.gov.ca.gov/gov40mail/
KAMALA HARRIS: (202) 224-3553
DIANE FEINSTEIN: (202) 224-3841
JARED HUFFMAN: (202) 225-5161
You might also want to contact your other state or union representatives, local media, etc.
We also need to complain that UNEMPLOYMENT SHOULD BE BASED ON ALL INCOME; HOWEVER IT IS CATEGORIZED. Film production and smaller scale video production in California is a large business. there is no way to reapply if you’ve already applied apparently. Finding the PUA application is not direct or easy. CALL NOW! Confirm that you will call with the whole group and pass it on! Then call your local reps.
• Today is the first day that self-employed workers and independent contractors can file for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) through the EDD, based on their 1099 income alone. Although the site (Click the UI ONLINE button here) had a placeholder page notifying users that it would be available at 5:30am this morning, it only recently became active (as of 8:00am). You should have a copy of your 2019 taxes handy, as well as a list of your 1099s. It is unclear whether they will accept 2018 tax information if you haven't finished your taxes yet this year. Make sure to save your progress often (via the "save" button at the bottom of every page), as the site has the tendency to log you out often.
• This is a helpful FAQ, especially if you have already applied for regular UI. Unfortunately, it does appear that if you are already receiving any benefit from UI already (based on your W2 income), you are ineligible to claim further assistance based on additional 1099 income. There is some language referring to an appeals process, but I wouldn't expect that to be an easy or quick route to take. Initially, anyway, the benefit amount for 1099 earners is just $167/wk (plus the additional $600 in CARE funds). That amount may be adjusted in the future (possible retroactively) to reflect your actual earnings. I assume the $450/week cap would apply, as it does with standard UI.
• If you are still seeking assistance through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Eli Adler reports some success applying through online bank Bluevine.
4/27/2020:
• Thom Shafer - The Sound Shack - Great YouTube channel resource for audio and Covid-19 tips - Thanks Jesse Mills!
• IRS: Check on the status of your Economic Impact Payment - Also use this site to designate electronic funds deposit instead of paper check. - Thanks Cael Hazard!
• Take Me to the World: A Sondheim 90th Birthday Celebration
• How to Get Second-Round PPP Funds as a Sole Proprietor - Thanks Christina Tucker - "a second recent article by Kohler in Idaho (Entrepreneur) -- who I do believe best has his finger on the pulse."
• Getting the PPP as a Sole-Proprietor - YouTube link - also from Kohler in Idaho (Entrepreneur) - Thanks Christina Tucker!
• Videofax Webinar: Signature Primes with Art Adams - April 30, 10am-11am
• Small Business Relief Options During COVID-19
Paycheck Protection, Disaster Loans, Tax Credits, and More - The Balance Small Business - Thanks Christina Tucker & Lenny Levy!
• Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Program - Labor & Workforce Development Agency - Thanks Christina Tucker!
Info of particular interest from this site:
• EDD Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program - This is where you'll go to begin the application process.
• New Document Lays Out Plan to Resume Movie and TV Productions With Strict Quarantine Pods - Variety
• Thom Shafer - The Sound Shack - Great YouTube channel resource for audio and Covid-19 tips - Thanks Jesse Mills!
• IRS: Check on the status of your Economic Impact Payment - Also use this site to designate electronic funds deposit instead of paper check. - Thanks Cael Hazard!
• Take Me to the World: A Sondheim 90th Birthday Celebration
• How to Get Second-Round PPP Funds as a Sole Proprietor - Thanks Christina Tucker - "a second recent article by Kohler in Idaho (Entrepreneur) -- who I do believe best has his finger on the pulse."
• Getting the PPP as a Sole-Proprietor - YouTube link - also from Kohler in Idaho (Entrepreneur) - Thanks Christina Tucker!
• Videofax Webinar: Signature Primes with Art Adams - April 30, 10am-11am
• Small Business Relief Options During COVID-19
Paycheck Protection, Disaster Loans, Tax Credits, and More - The Balance Small Business - Thanks Christina Tucker & Lenny Levy!
• Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Program - Labor & Workforce Development Agency - Thanks Christina Tucker!
Info of particular interest from this site:
- 12. I am already receiving regular unemployment insurance (UI) benefits. Can I choose to switch over to PUA benefits if I want to identify myself as an independent contractor or as self-employed?
- No. If you are already receiving regular UI benefits, then you cannot qualify for PUA benefits.
- 13. What if I’m out of work due to COVID-19, have a small amount of W-2 income, and a large amount of income from self-employment? Can I not declare the W-2 wages and just rely on self-employment to get PUA?
- No, if EDD has wages reported from an employer over the last 18 months that would qualify you for a regular UI claim, then the EDD is required by law to proceed with a regular UI claim for you.
• EDD Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program - This is where you'll go to begin the application process.
• New Document Lays Out Plan to Resume Movie and TV Productions With Strict Quarantine Pods - Variety
4/25/2020:
• COVID-19 Corporate & Commercial Video Production Restart Survey - Gorilla Creative - Take a moment to fill out this survey. "The goal for this survey is to start a conversation, foster collaboration, and collect information that can bet used by everyone in the industry as we all begin forming new protocols and best practices that will keep everyone safe and healthy on set." View the survey results here.
• How a Nashville Production Company Plans to Return to Filming - Rolling Stone - Thanks Randy Love!
• Hollywood and hygiene: Sanitary conditions in the age of coronavirus - Los Angeles Times
• That Show You Love? There's No One on Set for It - NY Times
• COVID-19 Corporate & Commercial Video Production Restart Survey - Gorilla Creative - Take a moment to fill out this survey. "The goal for this survey is to start a conversation, foster collaboration, and collect information that can bet used by everyone in the industry as we all begin forming new protocols and best practices that will keep everyone safe and healthy on set." View the survey results here.
• How a Nashville Production Company Plans to Return to Filming - Rolling Stone - Thanks Randy Love!
• Hollywood and hygiene: Sanitary conditions in the age of coronavirus - Los Angeles Times
• That Show You Love? There's No One on Set for It - NY Times
4/24/2020:
• "CAREBay" Bay Area Covid-19 Action Relief Effort Fundraiser Project prospectus - email Jim Hurwitz for more information
• Jersey 4 Jersey benefit event (via Apple, may require Apple Music subscription) - very good audio & overall production value - via Jim Hurwitz
• Video recording of Entrepeneur SBA Small Business Webinar form 4/23/2020 - Thanks Diane Oliver!
• "CAREBay" Bay Area Covid-19 Action Relief Effort Fundraiser Project prospectus - email Jim Hurwitz for more information
• Jersey 4 Jersey benefit event (via Apple, may require Apple Music subscription) - very good audio & overall production value - via Jim Hurwitz
• Video recording of Entrepeneur SBA Small Business Webinar form 4/23/2020 - Thanks Diane Oliver!
4/21/2020:
• This is a webinar co-hosted by the attorney who wrote the very comprehensive article for Entrepreneur magazine about relief for small businesses - Thanks to Christina Tucker!
Free Webinar | April 23: Understanding the Small Business Relief Package
Thu, Apr 23, 2020 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM PDT
Entrepreneur Insider
• This is a webinar co-hosted by the attorney who wrote the very comprehensive article for Entrepreneur magazine about relief for small businesses - Thanks to Christina Tucker!
Free Webinar | April 23: Understanding the Small Business Relief Package
Thu, Apr 23, 2020 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM PDT
Entrepreneur Insider
4/20/2020:
• 10 Ways Business Owners Can Take Advantage of the Federal Stimulus Package - Entepreneur Magazine - Thanks to Christina Tucker!
• Financial Relief for Independent Contractors During Coronavirus - Nolo Press - Thanks to Christina Tucker!
• Phone Numbers for EDD: 1 (833) 978-2511, alternate Santa Cruz number: 1 (831) 464-6286 - Thanks to Dick Favaro & Lenny Levy!
• Clean Slate Video Twitter Feed - "Shame on you @Harvard for taking nearly $9 million of PPP money while having a $40 million endowment. Do the right thing like @shakeshack and return it"
- Please reTweet!
• Deal Near on Small Business Funding - NY Times via East Bay Times - Thanks to Ted Leyhe!
• Pro USA by Sony - Apps for iPhone and Android to track camera announcements and firmware updates - Thanks Tim Azzaria!
• 10 Ways Business Owners Can Take Advantage of the Federal Stimulus Package - Entepreneur Magazine - Thanks to Christina Tucker!
• Financial Relief for Independent Contractors During Coronavirus - Nolo Press - Thanks to Christina Tucker!
• Phone Numbers for EDD: 1 (833) 978-2511, alternate Santa Cruz number: 1 (831) 464-6286 - Thanks to Dick Favaro & Lenny Levy!
• Clean Slate Video Twitter Feed - "Shame on you @Harvard for taking nearly $9 million of PPP money while having a $40 million endowment. Do the right thing like @shakeshack and return it"
- Please reTweet!
• Deal Near on Small Business Funding - NY Times via East Bay Times - Thanks to Ted Leyhe!
• Pro USA by Sony - Apps for iPhone and Android to track camera announcements and firmware updates - Thanks Tim Azzaria!
4/19/2020:
• Links to information about the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Program (application open to unemployed or partially unemployed individuals who are not eligible for regular unemployment insurance on 4/28/2020):
California Labor & Workforce Development Agency PUA info page
California Employment Development Department PUA info Page
• Microphone Use & Covid-19: Schoeps
• Rt Covid-19 - Instagram founders Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger have launched their first new project since leaving Facebook, a website dedicated to tracking how fast COVID-19 is spreading across each state in the U.S.
“Rt” has been a commonly used metric during the COVID-19 pandemic. It measures the average number of people who become infected by an infectious person. The higher the Rt is above 1 for a state, the quicker the virus is spreading.
• Links to information about the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Program (application open to unemployed or partially unemployed individuals who are not eligible for regular unemployment insurance on 4/28/2020):
California Labor & Workforce Development Agency PUA info page
California Employment Development Department PUA info Page
• Microphone Use & Covid-19: Schoeps
• Rt Covid-19 - Instagram founders Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger have launched their first new project since leaving Facebook, a website dedicated to tracking how fast COVID-19 is spreading across each state in the U.S.
“Rt” has been a commonly used metric during the COVID-19 pandemic. It measures the average number of people who become infected by an infectious person. The higher the Rt is above 1 for a state, the quicker the virus is spreading.
4/18/2020:
• Java Club member Drake Rice emails that "I heard from Ned Kopp's wife recently she said that he is in critical condition in the hospital and he may not survive. I don't have many detail at this point. If I get more information I will share it with the group." Ned joined us for one of our in-person Coffee Clubs over a year ago. So far as we know, this is not Coronavirus-related.
Here is an article written about Ned in 2012:
https://www.sfgate.com/movies/article/Ned-Kopp-film-veteran-prefers-Bonds-4001456.php
• Covid-19 Resources - Mortgage & Finance Help:
Banks vary on waiving fees, eliminating surcharges and deferring payments, but many are offering some kind of aid during this difficult time. Because information changes often, you should check with your bank to find out the latest help offered. Below is a list of banks that are offering some kind of assistance right now, links to their COVID-19 response, and current contact information.
• Ally Bank COVID-19 Response
Banking: 1-877-247-2559
Home Loans: In process: 1-855-256-2559, Servicing: 1-866-401-4742
Investing: 1-855-880-2559
• Bank of America COVID-19 Response
Banking: 1-800-432-1000
Auto Loans: 1-844-892-6002
Home Loans/Mortgage: 1-800-669-6607
• BBVA COVID-19 Response
Banking: 1-844-BBVA-USA
• Capital One COVID-19 Response
Credit Cards Customer Care: 1-800-CAPITAL (1-800-227-4825)
Bank Customer Care: 1-800-655-BANK (2265)
Capital One 360 customer care: 1-888-464-0727
Personal Loans Customer Care: 1-800-926-1000
Auto Customer Care: 1-800-946-0332
• Chase Covid-19 Response
Mortgage: 1-800-848-9380
Mortgage assistance available upon request, click here for info.
Personal Credit Cards Customer Care: 1-800-432-3117
Banking Customer Care: 1-800-935-9935
Auto Customer Care: 1-800-336-6675
Chase Mortgage Assistance: 1-800-848-9380
• Citi Covid 19 Response
Banking: 1-800-374-9700
Mortgage: 1-800-223-6527
Banking Customer Care: 1-800-374-9700
Personal Loans Customer Care: 1-800-685-0935
Credit Card Customer Care: 1-800-950-5114
Cenlar FSB Mortgage Assistance: 1-800-2CENLAR (1-800-223-6527)
• Fannie Mae COVID-19 Response
Fannie Mae - Know Your Options
• Fifth Third Bank Covid-19 Response
Business: 1-877-534-2264
• Freddie Mac COVID-19 Response
Freddie Mac - My Home Info
• Goldman Sachs COVID-19 Insights
Marcus COVID-19 Response
Savings customer care: 1-855-730-SAVE (1-855-730-7283)
Lending customer care: 1-844-MARCUS1 (1-844-627-2871)
• Guild Mortgage COVID-19 Response
COVID-19 Relief email: [email protected]
COVID-19Relief FAX: 1-858-386-7225
Loan Counseling: 1-800-365-4884
Customer Service: 1-800-365-4441
• Huntington Bank COVID-19 Response
Homeowner Payment Assistance: 1-800-323-9865
Personal Credit Line Payment Assistance: 1-800-250-6660
Auto Loan Payment Assistance: 1-866-480-2234
Consumer Loan Payment Assistance: 1-877-477-6855
For payments that are current, contact: 1-614-480-6522
For payments that are past due, contact: 1-800-372-7725
Debit Card Assistance: 1-800-480-2265
Small Business Owners Credit Card Payment Assistance: 1-888-696-9982
• PNC COVID-19 Response
PNC customer care: 1-888-762-2265
• Quicken Loans/Rocket Mortgage COVID-19 Response
Mortgage assistance: 1-888-452-8179
• Santander Bank COVID-19 Response
Bank customer care: 1- 844-728-0999
Business banking customer care: 1-877-768-2265
• TD Bank COVID-19 Response
TD Bank customer care: 1-888-751-9000
• Truist Bank COVID-19 Response
Heritage BB&T clients, contact 1-800-226-5228.
Heritage SunTrust clients, contact 1-877-820-2103
• U.S. Bank COVID-19 Response
U.S. Bank dedicated customer care: 1-888-287-7817
• Wells Fargo COVID-19 Response
Wells Fargo customer care: 1-800-219-9739
Loan, credit line, and credit card payment deferrals/extensions: 1-844-222-3862
Auto Loans: 1-888-925-2559
• Java Club member Drake Rice emails that "I heard from Ned Kopp's wife recently she said that he is in critical condition in the hospital and he may not survive. I don't have many detail at this point. If I get more information I will share it with the group." Ned joined us for one of our in-person Coffee Clubs over a year ago. So far as we know, this is not Coronavirus-related.
Here is an article written about Ned in 2012:
https://www.sfgate.com/movies/article/Ned-Kopp-film-veteran-prefers-Bonds-4001456.php
• Covid-19 Resources - Mortgage & Finance Help:
Banks vary on waiving fees, eliminating surcharges and deferring payments, but many are offering some kind of aid during this difficult time. Because information changes often, you should check with your bank to find out the latest help offered. Below is a list of banks that are offering some kind of assistance right now, links to their COVID-19 response, and current contact information.
• Ally Bank COVID-19 Response
Banking: 1-877-247-2559
Home Loans: In process: 1-855-256-2559, Servicing: 1-866-401-4742
Investing: 1-855-880-2559
• Bank of America COVID-19 Response
Banking: 1-800-432-1000
Auto Loans: 1-844-892-6002
Home Loans/Mortgage: 1-800-669-6607
• BBVA COVID-19 Response
Banking: 1-844-BBVA-USA
• Capital One COVID-19 Response
Credit Cards Customer Care: 1-800-CAPITAL (1-800-227-4825)
Bank Customer Care: 1-800-655-BANK (2265)
Capital One 360 customer care: 1-888-464-0727
Personal Loans Customer Care: 1-800-926-1000
Auto Customer Care: 1-800-946-0332
• Chase Covid-19 Response
Mortgage: 1-800-848-9380
Mortgage assistance available upon request, click here for info.
Personal Credit Cards Customer Care: 1-800-432-3117
Banking Customer Care: 1-800-935-9935
Auto Customer Care: 1-800-336-6675
Chase Mortgage Assistance: 1-800-848-9380
• Citi Covid 19 Response
Banking: 1-800-374-9700
Mortgage: 1-800-223-6527
Banking Customer Care: 1-800-374-9700
Personal Loans Customer Care: 1-800-685-0935
Credit Card Customer Care: 1-800-950-5114
Cenlar FSB Mortgage Assistance: 1-800-2CENLAR (1-800-223-6527)
• Fannie Mae COVID-19 Response
Fannie Mae - Know Your Options
• Fifth Third Bank Covid-19 Response
Business: 1-877-534-2264
• Freddie Mac COVID-19 Response
Freddie Mac - My Home Info
• Goldman Sachs COVID-19 Insights
Marcus COVID-19 Response
Savings customer care: 1-855-730-SAVE (1-855-730-7283)
Lending customer care: 1-844-MARCUS1 (1-844-627-2871)
• Guild Mortgage COVID-19 Response
COVID-19 Relief email: [email protected]
COVID-19Relief FAX: 1-858-386-7225
Loan Counseling: 1-800-365-4884
Customer Service: 1-800-365-4441
• Huntington Bank COVID-19 Response
Homeowner Payment Assistance: 1-800-323-9865
Personal Credit Line Payment Assistance: 1-800-250-6660
Auto Loan Payment Assistance: 1-866-480-2234
Consumer Loan Payment Assistance: 1-877-477-6855
For payments that are current, contact: 1-614-480-6522
For payments that are past due, contact: 1-800-372-7725
Debit Card Assistance: 1-800-480-2265
Small Business Owners Credit Card Payment Assistance: 1-888-696-9982
• PNC COVID-19 Response
PNC customer care: 1-888-762-2265
• Quicken Loans/Rocket Mortgage COVID-19 Response
Mortgage assistance: 1-888-452-8179
• Santander Bank COVID-19 Response
Bank customer care: 1- 844-728-0999
Business banking customer care: 1-877-768-2265
• TD Bank COVID-19 Response
TD Bank customer care: 1-888-751-9000
• Truist Bank COVID-19 Response
Heritage BB&T clients, contact 1-800-226-5228.
Heritage SunTrust clients, contact 1-877-820-2103
• U.S. Bank COVID-19 Response
U.S. Bank dedicated customer care: 1-888-287-7817
• Wells Fargo COVID-19 Response
Wells Fargo customer care: 1-800-219-9739
Loan, credit line, and credit card payment deferrals/extensions: 1-844-222-3862
Auto Loans: 1-888-925-2559
4/14/2020:
• Above is a link to a recording of the EDD's Webinar yesterday (4/14/2020), "Filing for Unemployment in the Entertainment Industry". My takeaway is that the opportunity is approaching soon for freelancers and small business owners to apply for UI aid, so be patient. If you've already filed for UI, and also have 1099 income, you will have the opportunity to update that info. However, they are overwhelmed, and it may take some time to sort things out. The additional $600/wk payments should be rolling out this week.
• The IRS' "Get My Payment" site is now active. Go here to verify that the government has your correct mailing address or bank routing info to make sure you get your $1200 relief payment. The site is heavily impacted, so expect to wait a bit.
•The Producer's Legal Guide to Covid-19:
A Virtual Legal Clinic on Your Rights & Obligations During the Pandemic.
with David Albert Pierce of Pierce Law Group, LLP
Are you an independent film producer who's had to postpone or cancel a shoot? Do you run a production company figuring out payroll when there is no longer any income? Are you an event producer who's had to cancel events and are wondering what expenses you can recover or what is protected by insurance?
If you missed our Livestream on April 9th, you can still watch the virtual legal clinic online on demand here. Entertainment attorney David Albert Pierce answered the pressing legal questions submitted by filmmakers on what you legally can and should do to protect yourself, your production, your for-profit or non-profit company, or your employees in light of these unprecedented circumstances. Look out for more virtual legal clinics in the upcoming weeks.
Thanks Jim Hurwitz!
•The Producer's Legal Guide to Covid-19:
A Virtual Legal Clinic on Your Rights & Obligations During the Pandemic.
with David Albert Pierce of Pierce Law Group, LLP
Are you an independent film producer who's had to postpone or cancel a shoot? Do you run a production company figuring out payroll when there is no longer any income? Are you an event producer who's had to cancel events and are wondering what expenses you can recover or what is protected by insurance?
If you missed our Livestream on April 9th, you can still watch the virtual legal clinic online on demand here. Entertainment attorney David Albert Pierce answered the pressing legal questions submitted by filmmakers on what you legally can and should do to protect yourself, your production, your for-profit or non-profit company, or your employees in light of these unprecedented circumstances. Look out for more virtual legal clinics in the upcoming weeks.
Thanks Jim Hurwitz!
4/13/2020:
• IRS Economic Impact Payments: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments - go here to check your eligibility and enter your payment info. It looks like there will be a "Get My Payment" application available "mid-April" to be able to check status and enter bank account info, but it's not available yet. Thanks Jim Hurwitz!
• Public Counsel: H.E.L.P Navigating Unemployment during COVID -19 - This webinar was scheduled for 1pm today, but hopefully there will be further information posted here after the fact. Thanks Dave Wendlinger!
• Here’s What the Relief Packages Give Self-Employed Workers - a link to today's New York Times article about benefits for freelancers. It includes sick leave, caregiver, etc to be offset by taxes owed. Also, another assistance program if you don't qualify for UI. Thanks Diane Oliver!
• ONLINE COMMUNITY CONVERSATION: POTENTIAL HOSPITAL SURGE - Tonight! - Join us for a virtual town hall meeting with some of Marin’s top experts in public health and emergency planning. This community conversation event will review what hospital surge means and how COVID-19 is currently affecting our hospitals. In addition, the panel of experts will answer questions about how the County’s medical network is prepared for a rapid increase in future coronavirus cases.
WHEN: Monday, April 13, 2020 at 6:30 PM
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Supervisor Katie Rice, President, Marin County Board of Supervisors
Lisa Santora, M.D., Deputy Public Health Officer, County of Marin
Dustin Ballard, M.D., Kaiser Permanente
Mark Brown, Deputy Fire Chief, Marin County Fire
Watch live online at marincounty.org/townhall or on Comcast Ch. 27 (Ch. 30 in Novato).
Thanks Martin Unversaw!
• From Pat Sielski: Here are recordings from a tax person and a lawyer. They talk about real estate but our biz is very similar to yours. Some people get 1099 some get W2 some sole proprietors some S-corps. Check it out and see if these help. I know it made a lot of things clear to me.Need a refresher on topics that were covered?
Realtors® COVID-19 Disaster Relief Programs
Timestamp shortcuts. Click the timestamps below to jump directly to relevant topics.
2:54 Active 401(k) and IRA Withdrawal
3:45 Filing for unemployment while closing on a home.
6:34 Donations as deductions
7:05 Net Operating Lose as a Deduction
11:08 Programs Now Available 3 Program
11:45 All About PPP
13:20 How to Apply for PPP
16:36 What can the loan be used for?
19:50 Paying yourself with PPP. Income vs Commission
27:11 PPP as a real estate team (including example).
32:00 What to do if no business bank account?
33:48 Where to find average growth income and gross commission.
37:15 Forgiveness and filing as independent contractor or self employed
39:50 EIDL What is it and should you apply and how to apply?
45:00 New business owners and PPP
46:20 Florida Bridge Loan
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Application Process for Realtors®
View the full recording here. Timestamp shortcuts. Click the timestamps below to jump directly to relevant topics.
0:15 Can you participate in PPP if you don't have a bank account or you're a new business?
2:40 How to fill out the PPP Application.
3:38 What type of business do you select?
11:40 How to come up with average monthly payroll?
19:20 Do you have to file 2019 taxes?
22:36 Purpose of the loan. What to check.
24:08 How to prove you are using funds for payroll?
27:30 Applicant Owner section of PPP Application.
33:00 Independent contractor part of team but no LLC
35:26 Personal checking account but no business account
37:21 What address should I use?
39:35 What if I earned more in 2018 than 2019? Use 2019
40:20 The questions you need to be prepared to answer
45:42 Certifications and Authorizations
54:01 Am I allowed to pay health insurance?
59:03 If you have not formed an LLC, all members of team need to file the form
• Drone footage from Jack Morris' 2018 trip to Brazil: https://vimeo.com/406439473
• IRS Economic Impact Payments: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments - go here to check your eligibility and enter your payment info. It looks like there will be a "Get My Payment" application available "mid-April" to be able to check status and enter bank account info, but it's not available yet. Thanks Jim Hurwitz!
• Public Counsel: H.E.L.P Navigating Unemployment during COVID -19 - This webinar was scheduled for 1pm today, but hopefully there will be further information posted here after the fact. Thanks Dave Wendlinger!
• Here’s What the Relief Packages Give Self-Employed Workers - a link to today's New York Times article about benefits for freelancers. It includes sick leave, caregiver, etc to be offset by taxes owed. Also, another assistance program if you don't qualify for UI. Thanks Diane Oliver!
• ONLINE COMMUNITY CONVERSATION: POTENTIAL HOSPITAL SURGE - Tonight! - Join us for a virtual town hall meeting with some of Marin’s top experts in public health and emergency planning. This community conversation event will review what hospital surge means and how COVID-19 is currently affecting our hospitals. In addition, the panel of experts will answer questions about how the County’s medical network is prepared for a rapid increase in future coronavirus cases.
WHEN: Monday, April 13, 2020 at 6:30 PM
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Supervisor Katie Rice, President, Marin County Board of Supervisors
Lisa Santora, M.D., Deputy Public Health Officer, County of Marin
Dustin Ballard, M.D., Kaiser Permanente
Mark Brown, Deputy Fire Chief, Marin County Fire
Watch live online at marincounty.org/townhall or on Comcast Ch. 27 (Ch. 30 in Novato).
Thanks Martin Unversaw!
• From Pat Sielski: Here are recordings from a tax person and a lawyer. They talk about real estate but our biz is very similar to yours. Some people get 1099 some get W2 some sole proprietors some S-corps. Check it out and see if these help. I know it made a lot of things clear to me.Need a refresher on topics that were covered?
Realtors® COVID-19 Disaster Relief Programs
Timestamp shortcuts. Click the timestamps below to jump directly to relevant topics.
2:54 Active 401(k) and IRA Withdrawal
3:45 Filing for unemployment while closing on a home.
6:34 Donations as deductions
7:05 Net Operating Lose as a Deduction
11:08 Programs Now Available 3 Program
11:45 All About PPP
13:20 How to Apply for PPP
16:36 What can the loan be used for?
19:50 Paying yourself with PPP. Income vs Commission
27:11 PPP as a real estate team (including example).
32:00 What to do if no business bank account?
33:48 Where to find average growth income and gross commission.
37:15 Forgiveness and filing as independent contractor or self employed
39:50 EIDL What is it and should you apply and how to apply?
45:00 New business owners and PPP
46:20 Florida Bridge Loan
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Application Process for Realtors®
View the full recording here. Timestamp shortcuts. Click the timestamps below to jump directly to relevant topics.
0:15 Can you participate in PPP if you don't have a bank account or you're a new business?
2:40 How to fill out the PPP Application.
3:38 What type of business do you select?
11:40 How to come up with average monthly payroll?
19:20 Do you have to file 2019 taxes?
22:36 Purpose of the loan. What to check.
24:08 How to prove you are using funds for payroll?
27:30 Applicant Owner section of PPP Application.
33:00 Independent contractor part of team but no LLC
35:26 Personal checking account but no business account
37:21 What address should I use?
39:35 What if I earned more in 2018 than 2019? Use 2019
40:20 The questions you need to be prepared to answer
45:42 Certifications and Authorizations
54:01 Am I allowed to pay health insurance?
59:03 If you have not formed an LLC, all members of team need to file the form
• Drone footage from Jack Morris' 2018 trip to Brazil: https://vimeo.com/406439473
4/11/2020:
The Los Angeles Federation of Labor’s EDD Webinar has been rescheduled for Tuesday, April 14 at 10 AM.
We know many of you are applying for California Unemployment Insurance (UI) and the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Relief provided in the CARES Act passed by Congress and signed into law at the end of last week. We also know there are many unanswered questions and you need information about how to apply, in the most efficient manner, to get the maximum benefits you are entitled to.
The California Economic Development Department (EDD) who administers Unemployment Insurance, Paid Family Leave, and State Disability Insurance is well aware that the entertainment industry has unique work patterns that do not fit into the typical single-employer model. We made them aware of some of the key issues and questions from members for which the EDD website does not provide answers.
In response, and to provide you with much needed answers and assistance, EDD is doing a webinar specifically for those who work in the entertainment industry. Ken Gomez of the EDD will be holding the webinar in partnership with the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL CIO and the California IATSE Locals, Directors Guild of America, Laborers Local 724, SAG-AFTRA and Teamsters Local 399.
The webinar is scheduled for Tuesday, April 14 at 10 AM. Please see the Zoom link in the attached flyer. Click here for the flyer. Register quickly. If you can’t make it, or if it is full when you register, don’t worry; it will be recorded and we make sure it is available to you as soon as possible.
We know many of you are applying for California Unemployment Insurance (UI) and the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Relief provided in the CARES Act passed by Congress and signed into law at the end of last week. We also know there are many unanswered questions and you need information about how to apply, in the most efficient manner, to get the maximum benefits you are entitled to.
The California Economic Development Department (EDD) who administers Unemployment Insurance, Paid Family Leave, and State Disability Insurance is well aware that the entertainment industry has unique work patterns that do not fit into the typical single-employer model. We made them aware of some of the key issues and questions from members for which the EDD website does not provide answers.
In response, and to provide you with much needed answers and assistance, EDD is doing a webinar specifically for those who work in the entertainment industry. Ken Gomez of the EDD will be holding the webinar in partnership with the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL CIO and the California IATSE Locals, Directors Guild of America, Laborers Local 724, SAG-AFTRA and Teamsters Local 399.
The webinar is scheduled for Tuesday, April 14 at 10 AM. Please see the Zoom link in the attached flyer. Click here for the flyer. Register quickly. If you can’t make it, or if it is full when you register, don’t worry; it will be recorded and we make sure it is available to you as soon as possible.
• LA Times: Aid to unemployed freelancers lags as California officials await federal guidance
• Latest update from EDD regarding additional $600/week for UI claims
• Update from EDD regarding filing for Unemployment if you're self-employed
4/10/2020:
Marin Independent Journal: Remembering two members of the Marin music community: Jerry Slick & Rahman D’Amato - A very touching tribute.

Applying for Federal Coronavirus Relief as a Filmmaker Helpdesk Session Update
Hi everyone,
For those interested in the 45-minute Technical Helpdesk session with Bill Smith, we have combined the two Friday sessions into one. If you have not signed up, you can RSVP at the link below. These are intimate sessions dedicated fully to answering additional questions from participants who have already watched a webinar and read the FAQ.
Click here to sign up for
Friday, April 10 11:00 - 11:45am PDT
helpdesk session
FAQ Guide
Please help us share the "Filmmaker's Guide To Applying For US Coronavirus Federal Relief" widely so that all creators can take advantage of the federal relief programs.
VIEW & SHARE THE GUIDE
Webinar Recordings
Friday webinar featuring Simon Kilmurry of IDA, Marcia Smith of Firelight Media and filmmaker Jacqueline Olive as applicant case studies; moderated by Tamara Gould of ITVS. This session includes live ASL interpretation.
Monday webinar featuring Jolene Pinder of Kartemquin Films, filmmakers Byron Hurt and Elodie Edjang as applicant case studies; moderated by Jim Sommers of ITVS. CC available.
Tuesday webinar featuring Fallon Young of New Orleans Film Festival, filmmakers Erika Cohn and Nausheen Dadabhoy as applicant case studies; moderated by Jim Sommers of ITVS. CC available.
This is a rapidly evolving situation, so as more information becomes available we’ll be working together to get that to you. To stay up to date please sign up for our newsletters at itvs.org, documentary.org and firelightmedia.tv.
4/7/2020:
On April 9th at 10am there will be a Webinar on Filing for Unemployment in the Entertainment Industry. Many are applying for CA Unemployment Insurance (UI) and the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Relief provided in the CARES Act passed by Congress and signed into law at the end of last week. There are many unanswered questions and you need information about how to apply, in the most efficient manner, to get the maximum benefits you are entitled to. EDD is well aware that the entertainment industry has unique work patterns that do not fit into the typical single-employer model. We made them aware of some of the key issues and questions from members for which the EDD website does not provide answers. In response, and to provide you with much-needed answers and assistance, EDD is doing a webinar specifically for those who work in the entertainment industry. Ken Gomez of the EDD will be holding the webinar in partnership with the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL CIO, Labor Community Services, the California IATSE Locals, Directors Guild of America, Laborers Local 724, SAG-AFTRA and Teamsters Local 399. See the above flyer and use the following link to sign up: https://lnkd.in/deyhPCs
UPDATE: CANCELLED.
"We are very disappointed to share that we have been informed by EDD that the UI webinar scheduled for this 4/9 at 10:00 am IS CANCELED. We are told it will be rescheduled at a later date. We know that many of you share our disappointment, and we are committed to applying pressure to reschedule as soon as possible. They still have issues and q’s that they are working on and they are in an “all hands on deck” mode in implementing the CARES Act, which we know many of you have qs on. Some info that EDD provided below: All applications should indicate that their circumstances are a result of COVID-19. If you are self-employed or independent contractors and agree with your classification, you should not file a claim at this time. Instead, you should wait for further guidance on the application process which EDD hopes to release soon. However, if you are unclear as to your proper classification, you can file a claim and the EDD will open an investigation to determine your correct classification."
UPDATE: CANCELLED.
"We are very disappointed to share that we have been informed by EDD that the UI webinar scheduled for this 4/9 at 10:00 am IS CANCELED. We are told it will be rescheduled at a later date. We know that many of you share our disappointment, and we are committed to applying pressure to reschedule as soon as possible. They still have issues and q’s that they are working on and they are in an “all hands on deck” mode in implementing the CARES Act, which we know many of you have qs on. Some info that EDD provided below: All applications should indicate that their circumstances are a result of COVID-19. If you are self-employed or independent contractors and agree with your classification, you should not file a claim at this time. Instead, you should wait for further guidance on the application process which EDD hopes to release soon. However, if you are unclear as to your proper classification, you can file a claim and the EDD will open an investigation to determine your correct classification."
4/6/2020:
• How California Plans to Keep Small Businesses Afloat
CalMatters talks to the Small Business Advocate office director at GO-Biz as part of the "Getting Through Coronavirus, Explained" series.
TOMORROW, Tue, April 7, 2020
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM PDT
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/how-california-plans-to-keep-small-businesses-afloat-tickets-102045885992?aff=odeimcmailchimp&utm_source=CalMatters+Newsletters&utm_campaign=ea9f44ba11-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_31_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_faa7be558d-ea9f44ba11-150250905&mc_cid=ea9f44ba11&mc_eid=d7af58993f
• The Donner Party Diet
"Eating Great With What You Got" from Laura Adler and her brother, Bill
A site in progress - great ideas for cooking with what you have on hand!
• SBA Small Business Loans - Side by Side comparison - the is a link to the document that Randy (Love) referred to in our conversation
• The Business Times - "Wells Fargo closes loan window for SBA relief program"
• Abel Cinetech Online Courses
• Training & Events Calendar
• Sound Devices Free Training with Paul Isaacs
• UV Sterilizer Bag
• UV Flashlight - Pet Urine Detector
• How California Plans to Keep Small Businesses Afloat
CalMatters talks to the Small Business Advocate office director at GO-Biz as part of the "Getting Through Coronavirus, Explained" series.
TOMORROW, Tue, April 7, 2020
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM PDT
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/how-california-plans-to-keep-small-businesses-afloat-tickets-102045885992?aff=odeimcmailchimp&utm_source=CalMatters+Newsletters&utm_campaign=ea9f44ba11-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_31_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_faa7be558d-ea9f44ba11-150250905&mc_cid=ea9f44ba11&mc_eid=d7af58993f
• The Donner Party Diet
"Eating Great With What You Got" from Laura Adler and her brother, Bill
A site in progress - great ideas for cooking with what you have on hand!
• SBA Small Business Loans - Side by Side comparison - the is a link to the document that Randy (Love) referred to in our conversation
• The Business Times - "Wells Fargo closes loan window for SBA relief program"
• Abel Cinetech Online Courses
• Training & Events Calendar
• Sound Devices Free Training with Paul Isaacs
• UV Sterilizer Bag
• UV Flashlight - Pet Urine Detector
4/2/2020:
• The Freelancer’s Guide to The CARES Act: New Funds and Benefits
• Self-Employment and the Paycheck Protection Program - The first document that I've read that's convinced me that I should reconsider applying for this program.
Documents for download from my DropBox:
EDD News Release 02Apr2020 - The first concrete response I've seen from the EDD that they're working toward a solution for freelancers.
EDD Unemployment Insurance Benefit Table - A helpful table for figuring out how much your unemployment benefits might be, based on your W2 income over the last 18 months (Amount of Wages in Highest Quarter).
Northern CA Small Business Development Center Covid 19 Resources - Slide pack detailing features of the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program and Small Business Paycheck Protection Program.
Small Business Development Center - Understanding the CARES ACT Impact
The Small Business Owner's Guide to the CARES Act
Live Oak Bank Covid-19 Small Business Loan Option: The Paycheck Protection Program
"How the Relief Bill Will Help You" from Edelman Managed Asset Program - Interesting analysis and advice from a manager of a managed asset program.
US Chamber of Commerce - CoronaVirus Emergency Loans - Small Business Guide & Checklist
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Info Sheet
• The Freelancer’s Guide to The CARES Act: New Funds and Benefits
• Self-Employment and the Paycheck Protection Program - The first document that I've read that's convinced me that I should reconsider applying for this program.
Documents for download from my DropBox:
EDD News Release 02Apr2020 - The first concrete response I've seen from the EDD that they're working toward a solution for freelancers.
EDD Unemployment Insurance Benefit Table - A helpful table for figuring out how much your unemployment benefits might be, based on your W2 income over the last 18 months (Amount of Wages in Highest Quarter).
Northern CA Small Business Development Center Covid 19 Resources - Slide pack detailing features of the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program and Small Business Paycheck Protection Program.
Small Business Development Center - Understanding the CARES ACT Impact
The Small Business Owner's Guide to the CARES Act
Live Oak Bank Covid-19 Small Business Loan Option: The Paycheck Protection Program
"How the Relief Bill Will Help You" from Edelman Managed Asset Program - Interesting analysis and advice from a manager of a managed asset program.
US Chamber of Commerce - CoronaVirus Emergency Loans - Small Business Guide & Checklist
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Info Sheet
4/1/2020:
• Unemployment benefits for gig and self-employed workers stalled by confusion, delays (CNBC)
• East Bay Times: Why Some Get Sick, Why Some Don't
• Federal Assistance Overview: https://home.treasury.gov/cares
• Good overview of various programs for small businesses with links to additional details all worth reading: https://evergreensmallbusiness.com/covid-19-small-business-tax-relief/
• SBA website with various information and resources
• Link to the new online SBA 7(A) loan application + $10,000 Loan Advance:
• Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan (up to $10 million) for small business + independent contractors and self employed individuals to fund up to 8 weeks of payroll + benefits. Loan may be partly of fully forgiven based on qualified use of funds.
Overview
Fact Sheet
• More info on the PPP from Shoot Magazine
• PPP loan lenders:
Live Oak Bank
US Bank
Sunrise Bank
• Small Business Development Center (Marin County): Provides free assistance filling out applications and other valuable ongoing resources to Marin County small businesses:
Other offices for SF and throughout the country can be looked up here.
• Useful guides and resources, including available programs, eligibility requirements and instructions on how to file applications: https://www.norcalsbdc.org/covid-19
• LISC - an organization that helps connect communities with resources: https://www.lisc.org/covid-19/
• Verizon Small Business Recovery Fund providing a grant up to $10,000. Application is due by April 4th.
• Various San Francisco specific resources:
https://oewd.org/businesses-impacted-covid-19
Includes the New City Program that provides small business with grants up to $10,000, but they’ve already stopped taking applications.
• Unemployment benefits for gig and self-employed workers stalled by confusion, delays (CNBC)
• East Bay Times: Why Some Get Sick, Why Some Don't
• Federal Assistance Overview: https://home.treasury.gov/cares
• Good overview of various programs for small businesses with links to additional details all worth reading: https://evergreensmallbusiness.com/covid-19-small-business-tax-relief/
• SBA website with various information and resources
• Link to the new online SBA 7(A) loan application + $10,000 Loan Advance:
• Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan (up to $10 million) for small business + independent contractors and self employed individuals to fund up to 8 weeks of payroll + benefits. Loan may be partly of fully forgiven based on qualified use of funds.
Overview
Fact Sheet
• More info on the PPP from Shoot Magazine
• PPP loan lenders:
Live Oak Bank
US Bank
Sunrise Bank
• Small Business Development Center (Marin County): Provides free assistance filling out applications and other valuable ongoing resources to Marin County small businesses:
Other offices for SF and throughout the country can be looked up here.
• Useful guides and resources, including available programs, eligibility requirements and instructions on how to file applications: https://www.norcalsbdc.org/covid-19
• LISC - an organization that helps connect communities with resources: https://www.lisc.org/covid-19/
• Verizon Small Business Recovery Fund providing a grant up to $10,000. Application is due by April 4th.
• Various San Francisco specific resources:
https://oewd.org/businesses-impacted-covid-19
Includes the New City Program that provides small business with grants up to $10,000, but they’ve already stopped taking applications.
3/31/2020:
• Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Loan Advance
In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are eligible to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up to $10,000.
The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. The loan advance will provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. Funds will be made available within three days of a successful application, and this loan advance will not have to be repaid. (emphasis mine)
I am told that this program may be limited to the first million applicants. Can't hurt, right? Also, the advance may be conditional on the loan. For example you may get a loan of $100k and then up to $10k advance is forgiven and everything else up to $100k has interest of 3.75%.
APPLY HERE
• A lot of you have contacted me asking how I navigated the Unemployment Insurance process. In short:
I started the application process here. Once you provide your name and Social Security number, your previous W2 employers' information should be auto-populated. They are interested in your last 18 months of W2 income only. You can add any employers' information that is missing. You will have to supply the amount received from each company for each of the past 18 months (back to 10/1/2018). DO NOT list any 1099 income. My understanding is that, in the past, this would likely trigger a Franchise Tax Board audit of those clients. There is one question toward the end of the application that asks if you are also self-employed. So far as I know, this is the only place this is asked, and I checked "yes." After 3 days, I received an email verification that I qualify for a (small) benefit weekly. This number does not include the $600/wk that has been promised to self-employed workers. I sent an email inquiring about this, but don't expect an answer in the short term. Hopefully this will be clarified soon.
Note: I just received this clarification from Diane Feinstein's office: "The exact amount you can receive through unemployment insurance depends on your state and your previous earnings. Between now and July 31, an additional $600 will be added to every unemployment compensation check, so no one eligible will receive less than $600 per week." I'm still unclear on whether self-employed workers are entitled to more than this, or why that amount wasn't included in my verification from EDD.
A requirement of the EDD UI process also seems to be that you file your resume with CalJobs. I just did that today, just to make sure I wasn't missing any technicalities, but I did receive verification of my benefit before doing this. Hopefully this won't lead to a ton of spam and inappropriate job offers after this is all over with.
• Diane Feinstein: Economic Recovery Bill Makes More California Workers Eligible for Unemployment Insurance
https://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id 7530F4-292D-4C8F-A6D4-41FF425EDCA3
• Marin County CoronaVirus Information & Statistics
• Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Loan Advance
In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are eligible to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up to $10,000.
The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. The loan advance will provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. Funds will be made available within three days of a successful application, and this loan advance will not have to be repaid. (emphasis mine)
I am told that this program may be limited to the first million applicants. Can't hurt, right? Also, the advance may be conditional on the loan. For example you may get a loan of $100k and then up to $10k advance is forgiven and everything else up to $100k has interest of 3.75%.
APPLY HERE
• A lot of you have contacted me asking how I navigated the Unemployment Insurance process. In short:
I started the application process here. Once you provide your name and Social Security number, your previous W2 employers' information should be auto-populated. They are interested in your last 18 months of W2 income only. You can add any employers' information that is missing. You will have to supply the amount received from each company for each of the past 18 months (back to 10/1/2018). DO NOT list any 1099 income. My understanding is that, in the past, this would likely trigger a Franchise Tax Board audit of those clients. There is one question toward the end of the application that asks if you are also self-employed. So far as I know, this is the only place this is asked, and I checked "yes." After 3 days, I received an email verification that I qualify for a (small) benefit weekly. This number does not include the $600/wk that has been promised to self-employed workers. I sent an email inquiring about this, but don't expect an answer in the short term. Hopefully this will be clarified soon.
Note: I just received this clarification from Diane Feinstein's office: "The exact amount you can receive through unemployment insurance depends on your state and your previous earnings. Between now and July 31, an additional $600 will be added to every unemployment compensation check, so no one eligible will receive less than $600 per week." I'm still unclear on whether self-employed workers are entitled to more than this, or why that amount wasn't included in my verification from EDD.
A requirement of the EDD UI process also seems to be that you file your resume with CalJobs. I just did that today, just to make sure I wasn't missing any technicalities, but I did receive verification of my benefit before doing this. Hopefully this won't lead to a ton of spam and inappropriate job offers after this is all over with.
• Diane Feinstein: Economic Recovery Bill Makes More California Workers Eligible for Unemployment Insurance
https://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id 7530F4-292D-4C8F-A6D4-41FF425EDCA3
• Marin County CoronaVirus Information & Statistics
3/30/2020:
• Live Stream: LUTs 101 and 201 - Wednesday, April 1st, 10:30am-1:30pm PST ($45)
LUTs 101 and 201 gives participants a good grounding in the theory and practical applications of LUTs for both technical and creative purposes.
https://www.abelcine.com/learn/calendar/live-stream-luts-101-and-201
• Sound Devices online training
Although all of their upcoming training sessions are booked, look here for information about upcoming sessions with the 8 Series and Mix-Pre mixers.
• Advice from ElectroVoice for keeping microphones clean in a CoVid world:
https://www.electrovoice.com/news-details.php?id53
• Jerry Slick, filmmaker and founder of Great Society, pioneering SF rock band, dies at 80
• Live Stream: LUTs 101 and 201 - Wednesday, April 1st, 10:30am-1:30pm PST ($45)
LUTs 101 and 201 gives participants a good grounding in the theory and practical applications of LUTs for both technical and creative purposes.
https://www.abelcine.com/learn/calendar/live-stream-luts-101-and-201
• Sound Devices online training
Although all of their upcoming training sessions are booked, look here for information about upcoming sessions with the 8 Series and Mix-Pre mixers.
• Advice from ElectroVoice for keeping microphones clean in a CoVid world:
https://www.electrovoice.com/news-details.php?id53
• Jerry Slick, filmmaker and founder of Great Society, pioneering SF rock band, dies at 80
• California EDD - Disaster Unemployment Assistance
• California EDD - Disaster-Related Services
• Overview Of The Paycheck Protection Program
• Links to each state’s unemployment office website(s)
• National Employment Law Project fact sheet on who qualifies for CARES Act aid
• CoronaVirus Dashboard
• Coronavirus Deaths by U.S. State and Country Over Time: Daily Tracker (NY Times - may be paywalled)
• Coronavirus in the U.S.: Latest Map and Case Count, by State and County (NY Times - may be paywalled)
• Covid-19 US state-by-state Projections and Hospital Resource Forecasting
• One Doc's view on how to avoid the virus
• Pat Sielski's Home Check Service (Sarasota/Bradenton)
• Alistair Chapman's XD-CAM Users Blog - lots of good FX9/FS7 info
• California EDD - Disaster-Related Services
• Overview Of The Paycheck Protection Program
• Links to each state’s unemployment office website(s)
• National Employment Law Project fact sheet on who qualifies for CARES Act aid
• CoronaVirus Dashboard
• Coronavirus Deaths by U.S. State and Country Over Time: Daily Tracker (NY Times - may be paywalled)
• Coronavirus in the U.S.: Latest Map and Case Count, by State and County (NY Times - may be paywalled)
• Covid-19 US state-by-state Projections and Hospital Resource Forecasting
• One Doc's view on how to avoid the virus
• Pat Sielski's Home Check Service (Sarasota/Bradenton)
• Alistair Chapman's XD-CAM Users Blog - lots of good FX9/FS7 info