Friedlander set to guide SAG's new-media unit

Friedlander set to guide SAG's new-media unit "In an appointment underscoring the industry's increased focus on emerging media, SAG on Wednesday promoted contracts veteran Mark Friedlander to head the guild's newly formed new-media department.

As director of new media, Friedlander and his department's staff will work closely with SAG's new technologies, interactive contract and organizing committees. He will report to deputy national executive director Pamm Fair.

"Mark's expertise in new-media and interactive contracts, combined with his knowledge of emerging technologies and his legal background, make him the perfect choice for this new position," Fair said. "Our elected leaders and staff have made new media a top priority, and this new department, along with our research and economics department, will provide essential research, analysis and strategy to guide our long-term decisions and policies."

SAG and other guilds have been ramping up operations dedicated to tracking and researching new-media issues. In the next round of film and TV contract talks, the guilds are expected to demand significant improvements in residuals paid for the re-use of member-created entertainment content distributed over the Internet and other new-media platforms.

"This is the dawn of a new era in entertainment," Friedlander said. "The developments in new-media formats give actors new opportunities, but it's important to make sure they are compensated fairly for their work, no matter what the format. The department will help accomplish that, and I'm excited to lead this critical area for the Screen Actors Guild."

Friedlander joined SAG in 2005 as a business representative in the contracts department, specializing in theatrical, new-media and interactive projects. He previously worked as an entertainment attorney."

Its a bit weird when I threw parties I wanted in URB or Project X. Now I get in the Reporter! COOL!