A Letter from Your New Mexico Local President

Dear Member,

Almost a decade ago, soon after I joined the SAG-AFTRA New Mexico Local Board, I was participating in a film industry event and talking to a friend in IATSE who told me they didn't realize SAG-AFTRA had a local in New Mexico. Imagine my shock.
 
When I brought this news back to my fellow board members, they too were surprised, and we all pledged then and there to make it our mission to make our presence known in the community and to spread the word: SAG-AFTRA is alive and well and living in New Mexico, and ready to take our rightful place among the industry leaders. 
 
We reached out to city and state film offices. We had coffee meetings. We hosted our own events and educational forums. We served as panelists and emcees for others. We sponsored festivals and conferences. We actively engaged with the New Mexico Federation of Labor and the New Mexico Film Office on issues such as “right-to-work” (for less) and film incentive legislation. We made our presence known everywhere and participated in everything. We built and solidified relationships.
 
Fast forward to today. Our New Mexico Local Board leadership has a seat at the table. In fact, recently I was appointed by our Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to serve a four-year term on the Governor’s Council on Film and Media Industries, where I will be working with other stakeholders in the community to ensure our incentives stay competitive and our industry only continues to grow.

Our promise to you is that we will keep you informed and, whenever possible, engage you in the process and our efforts. As a member, you too can help strengthen those relationships. With this in mind, here’s a first step we all can take:
 
Join your fellow SAG-AFTRA New Mexico Local members at the New Mexico Film & TV Expo Open House, hosted by IATSE Local 480. 
When: Sunday, Aug. 28, noon - 5 p.m./MDT  
Where: IATSE Local 480 Albuquerque Training Center, 8430 Washington Place NE (outdoors).
 
The Expo is free and provides a great opportunity to meet and reconnect with colleagues and friends in the industry. In fact, SAG-AFTRA member and fellow New Mexican Jeremiah Bitsui (Better Call Saul, Breaking Bad, Dark Winds, Yellowstone) will be there and the New Mexico Local will have a table — so be sure to stop by and say hello. 
 
There also will be food trucks and music, and I'm excited to report a demonstration movie set has even been constructed especially for the Expo that will allow spectators to watch as a short film is put together — from the casting process through filming.
 
Let’s continue to work and build together. I’m looking forward to seeing you at the Expo or on the set!
 
In solidarity,
 
Marc Comstock
SAG-AFTRA New Mexico Local President