New Mexico Film & Media Day Recap

"Your SAG-AFTRA New Mexico Local participated in the annual Film & Media Day at the Roundhouse in Santa Fe on Monday, Feb. 12. It was a culmination of the first annual New Mexico Film Week, which included the Santa Fe Film Festival and the first New Mexico TV + Film Hall of Fame banquet gala. New Mexico Local Board members participated in panel discussions about diversity, attended the Hall of Fame gala and, of course, spent Monday with industry folks and hopefuls on Film & Media Day. What a week!

"I’m reporting specifically on Film & Media Day. This is a big day for us, as we get the opportunity to speak with a wide range of industry professionals, legislators and young people looking to make their way into the industry. It’s also a great opportunity for New Mexico members to meet our board. Much of the day was spent chatting up industry professionals, explaining the benefits of membership to pre-members, tracking down legislators and keeping abreast of the “right-to-work” (for less) legislation making its appearance in various committees. 

"Kerri Wood Einertson, our SAG-AFTRA director of government affairs and public policy, flew in from San Francisco to monitor the “right-to-work” (for less) legislation and to support our efforts to stop its progress. Part of that effort is to schedule a high-profile actor to attend and address the industry during the midday press conference. This year we were very fortunate to have actor Brendan Fehr (The Night Shift, Roswell, Longmire, Better Call Saul) as our guest speaker. He spoke very clearly about the importance of the industry in New Mexico, the crucial tax incentives and the joy of shooting here. He enjoyed New Mexico so much we learned that he moved his family here and they are now permanent residents. Welcome Brendan!

"All in all, it was a great day. We hope you take the opportunity to join us next year at the Roundhouse for the 2019 Film & Media Day!"

— This item orriginally appeared the New Mexico Local newsletter.

Photo: SAG-AFTRA members and staff show their pride during annual Film & Media Day event at the Roundhouse. Photo by Michael L. Miller