Organizing Report

As many union activities have been, at the very least, curtailed since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, so too have our local’s organizing efforts and strategy. SAG-AFTRA’s focus on how to get back to work safely has become the major priority. But, that doesn’t mean we can’t continue to build relationships throughout the New Mexico film industry and, very importantly, with our legislators. Obviously, a supportive legislature is key to maintaining the tax incentive and can be instrumental in increasing benefits to SAG-AFTRA New Mexico performers’ representation in those incentives. Building relationships with legislators can serve to increase our influence when the legislative session comes around each year. For now, our strategy lies in educating the powers that be while building relationships.

Having said all that, there is one area of our industry that is somewhat pandemic-proof: regional commercials. They’re generally shot with small cast and crew, making it easier to follow COVID-safe precautions. New Mexico has an incredibly competitive regional commercials contract designed just for our local market. It’s affordable for the advertiser, has excellent rates and protections for our members, is incredibly easy for the advertiser to use, and commercial production is covered under the New Mexico film tax incentives! We've already had four New Mexico productions under these regional commercial contracts since May 2020. You can find more by clicking here. If you know of any local advertiser who is interested in shooting commercials in New Mexico, please refer them to Julie Crane at julie.crane@sagaftra.org.
That’s it for now!

This item originally appeared in the New Mexico Local newsletter