New Orleans Local members gathered for their annual membership meeting on Oct. 29, 2024, held at the IATSE Local 478 union hall to hear reports from industry leaders, elected representatives and staff.
Special guest Jason Waggenspack, president of Film Louisiana, gave a snapshot of why the industry is struggling right now and shared his projection for what the future might hold. Most urgently, he informed us the governor had proposed a plan to do away with all state tax credits, which would include the state film incentive. He stressed the importance of everyone in the industry taking action, shared info about contacting state legislators and answered questions.
SAG-AFTRA New Orleans Local President Jim Gleason introduced fellow board members and remembered members who passed away since the last annual meeting. He also discussed the state of the industry. He shared that his primary mission has been to increase the size and professionalism of our local membership. He remarked on the negative impact being in a “right-to-work-for-less” state has on building union strength and exploring the possibility of working with others to change that.
National Board member Diana Boylston reported on activities of the National Board for the past year, including attending the first in-person meeting held in five years in Los Angeles in October. While in L.A., she also attended the Committee of Locals meeting and conference, where elected officials from all the mid- and small-sized locals convened to hear reports, learn more about topics such as organizing and discuss matters impacting these locals.
New Orleans Local Executive Director Lisha Brock shared helpful member resources and benefits, including the Member Toolkit and the new IMDbPro SAG-AFTRA badge. She provided contract updates and encouraged members to participate in the Commercials Contracts wages and working conditions process. She reported commercial production is likely to increase with the upcoming Super Bowl being held in New Orleans. She reported on residuals processing and union organizing initiatives, including intimacy coordinators unionizing. She shared recent innovations and the new contract bulletin design. She provided information on diversity, equity and inclusion and union advocacy. She reviewed 2024 local activities, including new member outreach, filmmaker outreach and a blood drive, and promoted the upcoming 2025 SAG Awards local viewing party. Lisha recognized volunteers who helped with the membership meeting and introduced fellow staff member in attendance, including Senior Regional Set Relations Representative, Field Services Joel Reamer, who shared brief remarks.
New Orleans Local Vice President Billy Slaughter highlighted local events and initiatives in the past year and gave special recognition to our new members. Members participated in a Q&A and Local Board member Ritchie Montgomery wrapped up the meeting passionately endorsing Gleason’s position that performers eligible to join the union should, and that any non-union actors should be seeking to go union as soon as possible if they want to be considered professional.
Following the meeting, member Kate Adair commented, “It was an important meeting, and I learned new information about our tax incentives. Louisiana created this tax credit and 40 states followed suit. To keep film here, our tax credits need to stay in place. It helped me to be at the membership meeting to hear this and other reports firsthand.”
Photo: Film Louisiana President Jason Waggenspack speaks to SAG-AFTRA members in New Orleans.
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