Oregon Turns Out in Force for David White Visit

On Feb. 24, SAG-AFTRA members in Portland welcomed National Executive Director David White into their midst. A board meeting was followed by a general membership and stakeholders meeting, which included agents, producers and members of the Alliance of Professional Performers – NW, a sister organization to the SAG-AFTRA Portland Local.

On Feb. 25, chief policymakers in Oregon met with White, SAG-AFTRA Portland Local President Duane Hanson and National Board member Mary McDonald-Lewis to discuss the importance of the SAG-AFTRA presence in Oregon, which is emerging as a growing production center, valued for its proximity to Los Angeles, its respected crews, wealth of Pacific Northwest talent, breadth of locations and film-friendly government.
 
Present at the meeting were Vince Porter, executive director, Oregon Governor’s Office of Film and Television; Duke Shepard, labor and human services policy advisor to Gov. John Kitzhaber; Tom Chamberlain, executive director, Oregon AFL-CIO; David Cress, executive producer, Portlandia; Tom McFadden, executive director, Oregon Media Production Alliance; Lana Veenker, president, Cast Iron Productions; Susan Haley, president, Pay Dog Production pay services; Justin Habel, president, Q6 Talent Agency; Charlie Carlson, executive director, IATSE; Bruce Lawson, key grip, IATSE; Johnny Gage, legislative aide for Rep. Lew Frederick; Andee Short, legislative aide for House Speaker Tina Kotek. The event was held at the Governor's Office of Film and Television and catered by Emily Pomar of GRIMM craft services.

CAPTION: Members and stakeholders gather at the Oregon AFL-CIO hall to welcome David White. Photo by Mary McDonald-Lewis