The ongoing strikes have rocked the media community throughout the summer of 2023. Host Candice Bloch had a discussion on August 18th with three Mid-Atlantic SAG-AFTRA members and strike captains – Towanda Underdue, Gabriel Kornbluh, and Keith Flippen (bios below) – to learn more about their experiences being on strike. They discuss the current SAG-AFTRA strike which began on July 14, 2023, its impact and importance, as well as the value of solidarity with other unions. For more information about the strike and how you can show support, head to sagaftrastrike.org.
To donate to the Entertainment Community Fund: https://entertainmentcommunity.org/
To donate to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation: https://sagaftra.foundation/
Towanda Underdue is a SAG-AFTRA award winning actress, writer, producer, voiceover artist, educator, social activist, and host. She serves on the SAG-AFTRA National Board (Actor/Performer) for the Washington Mid-Atlantic, the President’s National Executive Committee, and the TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee.
Gabriel Kornbluh, a native Washingtonian, started in the production world nearly two decades ago and joined AFTRA in 2009, first with Voiceover and background/stand-in work. He continues to work on political ads, commercial VO, TV and Film background, and corporate-educational content on and off screen. He comes from a legacy union family and is finishing his first term as a board member for the SAG-AFTRA Washington Mid-Atlantic Local. His passion is spreading the gospel of the “Union Difference” as this country witnesses a desperately needed resurgence in the labor-movement and the fight for worker’s rights.
Keith Flippen is a 30 year veteran film/tv/voiceover actor who has spent the majority of that time in Virginia working in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern states with over 70 recognizable screen credits. He is also owner and chief instructor of The Actors Place, Inc. where he has educated hundreds of students over 20 years in the technique and business of camera acting. Currently the Secretary of the Mid-Atlantic SAG-AFTRA local, Keith is also Vice-Chair of the National Professional Representatives Committee and National LGBTQ Committee.
