A Message from NY President Rebecca Damon

I hope you are all enjoying the unofficial final stretch of summer. 
 
We have great news from the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME). The NYC Film and Television Industry Economic Impact Study 2021 confirms what SAG-AFTRA and the entertainment unions have known for many years: Our industries are a vital part of the NYC economy. The film, television and broadcast industries create and sustain strong union jobs and will lead the way as the city comes roaring back from the pandemic. It’s an exciting time to live and work in New York and SAG-AFTRA members are eager to play a large part in our city’s recovery. We look forward to working with the MOME, our fellow unions, and our industry partners to keep NYC at the forefront of the digital entertainment and media revolution.
 
Highlights from the NYC Film and Television Economic Impact Study include:

• The film and television industry has added roughly 35,000 direct jobs over the last 15 years, growing at an annual rate of 3% and outpacing the citywide job growth rate of 2% over this period.
• The motion picture and video production sector, the industry's largest employer, grew at an annual rate of 5% between 2004 and 2019, outpacing the city average job growth rate of 2% over the same period, and accounted for 46,700 direct industry jobs in 2019.
• New York State tax credit programs have been instrumental for industry growth and attracting industry activity to NYC. New York State's Film Production Tax Credit has accounted for 75% of the direct industry jobs added since 2004.
• Television drives production spending and hiring in NYC, as TV series budgets continue to soar. Local spending and hiring by television productions that received the tax credit in New York City have increased year-over-year since at least 2015. In 2018, television productions receiving tax credits spent $2.6 billion and employed 167,000 locally.

As efforts to contain COVID-19 continue, I want to make sure you are aware of updates regarding access to and proof of vaccinations in New York. First, the New York State Department of Health has authorized a third COVID-19 vaccine dose for New Yorkers with compromised immune systems. Following the CDC's recommendation, eligible New Yorkers can receive their third vaccine dose 28 days after the completion of their two-dose vaccine series, effective immediately.

Additionally, in New York City, as of this week, people ages 12 and older are required to show proof they have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized for emergency use by the FDA or WHO for:

• Indoor dining - includes restaurants, catering halls, event spaces, hotel banquet rooms, bars, nightclubs, cafeterias, grocery stores with indoor dining, coffee shops and fast food or quick service with indoor dining.
• Indoor fitness - includes gyms, fitness centers, fitness classes, pools, indoor studios and dance studios.
• Indoor entertainment - includes movie theaters, music and concert venues, museums and galleries, aquariums and zoos, professional sports arenas, indoor stadiums, convention centers, exhibition halls, performing arts theaters, bowling alleys, arcades, pool and billiard halls, recreational game centers, adult entertainment and indoor play areas.

This new requirement — called the Key to NYC — includes bars, fitness gyms, theaters and movie houses, museums and other indoor venues. Staff at these locations are also required to be vaccinated.

The highly contagious delta variant is spreading quickly in NYC, and unvaccinated people are at the most risk for infection, hospitalization and death. Learn how you can get vaccinated for free today.

SAG-AFTRA surveyed members between April 7 and June 7, and more than 13,500 responded. About 82% of respondents reported they are vaccinated, and of the remaining members, 72% said they intend to get the vaccine.

Proof of vaccination may include:

• NYC COVID Safe App: Android | iOS
• Excelsior Pass
• CDC Vaccination Card (or photo)
• NYC Vaccination Record
• An official immunization record from outside NYC or the U.S.

Finally, I remind you that updates to the industrywide COVID-19 Safety Agreement reflecting vaccines and other scientific advances are available here. 

Please remain vigilant. 

Onward together,

Rebecca Damon
New York Local President