A Message From Seattle Local President Deborah Horne

I always love the start of spring! It feels like a fresh opportunity to write a new story, to enjoy new experiences and to make a difference in a new way.

My hope for 2024 is that we capitalize on the momentum and the greater profile SAG-AFTRA earned during our difficult but necessary and successful strike.

Several months ago, while the strike was in full force, I was at Elliott Bay Bookstore in Seattle when my SAG-AFTRA card fell out of my wallet. The clerk gasped, “Are you a SAG member?” I proudly confirmed I am. “The AFTRA side,” I told her, “so I’m not on strike. We, as journalists, are not allowed to express our opinion publicly. But we are absolutely in full support of our fellow union members.” And so, it turns out, was she.

That small moment spoke volumes. Perhaps the strike reminded others that though we entertain and inform the world in jobs we love, we, too, need a union to protect our rights.

So, that made this year’s SAG Awards even more special. I was excited to see everyone who came to Elysian Fields in Pioneer Square, especially since it was just a couple doors down from my condo. I met members I never had before, and some I met during the annual holiday party.

I would like to do more of that in 2024. It is my hope that actors and broadcasters will create more opportunities to gather together. We humans need to meet in person. That is how we have connected for millennia. And that has not changed, in spite of today’s rapid technological advances.

To that end, we are inviting all SAG-AFTRA members to tour King County’s first-ever sound stage, Harbor Island Studios. I was there for its grand opening last June. And, believe me, it is a grand setting. I even did a story there for KIRO TV about the “Thai Guys,” a trio of movie-making brothers who grew up in Des Moines.

The in-person tour of Harbor Island is set for Friday, April 12. Arrangements are being made for a later virtual tour and Q&A for those who cannot be there in person. We are indebted to Kate Becker, King County creative economy director, for working with us to make this tour a reality.

Still, I don’t want this to be a one-off.

I am hoping we can begin having more organic meetings among our members. We would like to hear from you. How would you like to achieve this? Coffee klatches? Midday gatherings? Happy hours? How often? Quarterly? Monthly? More often? Let us know your thoughts at seattle@sagaftra.org.

Before COVID, we had a couple of happy hours for broadcasters. We want to do that again. 

Let’s make 2024 a year of reconnection. We are a union composed of vibrant, creative people. I love nothing more than being in your company.

In unity,

Deborah Horne 
Seattle Local President