SAG-AFTRA Colorado Local Honored During SeriesFest Season 10

So much energy! Creatives from many facets of the TV/streaming world gathered in Denver May 2–5 at the Sie FilmCenter and at other event locations to learn, share, stargaze, network and have fun. The Colorado Local is proud to say it has supported this remarkable festival since its inception. In case you missed it, below is a summary of some of the great events SAG-AFTRA and the Colorado Local were involved with — including being the recipient of the festival’s Luminaries in Television Award!

SAG-AFTRA Honored at 10th Anniversary Soiree

On Friday, May 3, during the SeriesFest 10th anniversary soiree, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland accepted the festival’s Luminaries in Television Award on behalf of the union for our dedication to education and promoting diverse, inclusive and accessible storytelling. Colorado Local President Sonny G. was honored to attend, along with several other local leaders, including National Board member Nancy Flanagan, Local Vice President Golden Goodwin, Secretary Denis Berkfeldt and Board member Lysa Usher-Reed. The event was a testament to the union’s ongoing support of content creators and their collaborative efforts to uplift underrepresented voices in the industry.

Spotlight on SAG-AFTRA Leadership Panel
 
On Saturday, May 4, the festival put a spotlight on the union’s leadership. SeriesFest noted that, “throughout the 2023 strike, the executive leadership team of SAG-AFTRA fearlessly navigated key issues and fought for equitable practices on behalf of the 160,000+ members.” 

The event was moderated by Peter White, Deadline’s executive editor, television. Crabtree-Ireland introduced the panelists, a powerhouse of women in the union’s national leadership positions: SAG-AFTRA Executive Vice President Linda Powell; Vice President, Los Angeles and Los Angeles Local President Jodi Long; and Vice President, Actors/Performers Shari Belafonte. 

Subjects ranged from the strike and A.I. to the future of media. The panel was loaded with information useful not only to our members. but also to the content creators and producers in attendance. 

SeriesFest Storytellers Live Read Sponsored by SAG-AFTRA

On Thursday, May 2, the Colorado Local was a proud co-sponsor of the annual SeriesFest Storyteller’s Live Read of Grave Affairs by Harold Abroms. The episodic comedy tells the story of a disgraced funeral planner who returns home to Denver to rebuild her reputation. The reading was directed by actor, director and SAG-AFTRA member Denzel Whitaker. Colorado Local members were well represented, as almost the entire cast was made up of local members — including Local Board VP Goodwin. 

Top photo: From left, SeriesFest co-founder Kaily Smith, Colorado Board Secretary Denis Berkfeldt, National Board Member Nancy Flanagan; Vice President, Actors/Performers Shari Belafonte; Executive Vice President Linda Powell; Vice President, Los Angeles and Los Angeles Local President Jodi Long; SeriesFest co-founder and CEO Randi Kleiner; Colorado Local President Sonny G.; Local Vice President Golden Goodwin.