2016: A Look Back Before it Happens

By Richard Van Syckle
Executive Director, SAG-AFTRA Nashville Local

It’s a time-honored staple of the holiday season right up there with mistletoe and heartburn — the ubiquitous “year in review.” But what if we tweaked the formula a bit? What if we decided to look back on 2016 before it happens and then make our resolutions? Wouldn’t we stand a way better chance of having our resolutions come true?  

I’m only half-joking. Because the bottom line is, if we can’t even imagine the future our resolutions so elegantly describe, what chance do we have of making them a reality?   

So without the aid of a DeLorean or even a hot tub time machine, let’s take a look at what 2016 was like for SAG-AFTRA Nashville: It was tremendous.  

Local traffic was a drag and urban sprawl kept sprawling, but with that growth came robust music, film, TV and commercials work throughout Tennessee, Kentucky and Alabama. More people stood up and said Craigslist wasn’t going to be the final arbiter of a lifetime’s worth of experience and decided to fight back. Inspired by the success of local members from Ray Walker to George Jones to Taylor Swift, the next generation of sound recording superstars said, “This is my time. Time to shine!”  

In 2016, we booked more union commercials than ever before. Film and TV production shot up, and as our local grew, the opportunities followed. When they didn’t, we joined together to create them. Our staff and officers traveled to Lexington and Louisville, Memphis and Muscle Shoals, reaching out to members and potential members, telling them how much we appreciate their talents because they are an important part of our family.   

Well, that’s my resolution. And I’m sticking to it.  

So, happy holidays, everyone! You are the creative spark that keeps things interesting and it’s an honor to work for you. From all of us at SAG-AFTRA Nashville, we hope you have a safe, healthy, and not entirely predictable holiday season.