New Mexico Film Office Hosts 'The Film Scene' Virtual Panel

On Thursday, Oct. 22, SAG-AFTRA New Mexico Local President Marc Comstock and Senior Director of Locals Administration Julie Crane participated in the first episode of the new film industry informational series produced by the New Mexico Film Office. Titled The Film Scene, it drew professionals and students from across the state, who were invited to submit questions in advance for the panelists.

Participants were able to view the panel via Zoom and Facebook, and Comstock did a great job moderating the one-hour event, keeping it lively and engaging. In addition to Comstock and Crane, the panel included a number of staff from the film office, representatives from IATSE Local 480, Teamsters Local 492 and the Governor’s Council on Film. 

Amber Dodson, the director of the New Mexico Film Office, kicked off the discussion and other staff joined in to provide an update on both the current and near-future state of the New Mexico industry. It included an overview of the film office’s Back2One safety protocols, general information on projects in production and/or preproduction, and an outline of the great resources and programming they offer through their office.
 
The other panelists gave updates from their respective organizations, noting the resources available in the areas of continuing education and training, mental health and emergency assistance. The unions, in particular, spent time talking about the return-to-work safety protocols and the continued efforts being made to keep performers and crew as safe as possible on set so we can all get back to work doing what we love.

If you were not able to watch live, you can view the panel online here. 

Photo: SAG-AFTRA New Mexico Local President Marc Comstock speaks during the New Mexico Film Office’s informational event.