SAG Hosts NM Conference Exploring Future of Filmmaking and Digital Storytelling in Albuquerque

2011 Business of Acting Conference, November 4 -5 at the Nativo Lodge, Albuquerque

Albuquerque (November 1, 2011) — Filmmakers looking at the 21st Century, with its changing technology, formats and distribution, are trying to figure out how to stay relevant. How to do so will be discussed at the 2011 Business of Acting Conference, presented by the Screen Actors Guild New Mexico Branch.

While primarily aimed at actors, this year’s conference topics are applicable to a much broader audience.

On Friday, November 4, the conference will focus on the needs of local indie producers with an informative tutorial, Q&A and industry meetup. “SAG Contracts Made Simple - The Reel Deal about the Screen Actors Guild Theatrical Low Budget and New Media Agreements” will begin at 4 p.m. and is co-sponsored by film!ABQ.

On Saturday, November 5, actors and filmmakers of all types will benefit from some of the “21st Century Marketing Tools” breakout sessions, including information about social media, creating a reel and personal branding.

Performers can learn about what it means to be a professional actor with a session on working with agents, casting directors and Screen Actors Guild.

The highlight of the conference will be the panel discussion “21st Century Filmmaking & Digital Storytelling:  How to Stay Relevant.” Panelists include Mark Friedlander, SAG’s national director of New Media; filmmaker Luca Ceccarelli (Naked Fear, Doc West, Shoot First and Pray You Live); casting director Jo Edna Boldin and talent agent Carissa Mitchell. Moderated by SAG NM Branch President Bill Sterchi and with opening remarks by Film Office Director Nick Maniatis, this is sure to be a fascinating peek at the future of filmmaking.

Click here for additional details.

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About SAG
Screen Actors Guild is the nation’s largest labor union representing working actors. Established in 1933, SAG has a rich history in the American labor movement, from standing up to studios to break long-term engagement contracts in the 1940s to fighting for artists’ rights amid the digital revolution sweeping the entertainment industry in the 21st century. With 20 Branches nationwide, SAG represents more than 125,000 actors who work in film and digital motion pictures and television programs, commercials, video games, corporate/educational, Internet and all new media formats. The Guild exists to enhance actors’ working conditions, compensation and benefits and to be a powerful, unified voice on behalf of artists’ rights. SAG is a proud affiliate of the AFL-CIO. Headquartered in Los Angeles, you can visit SAG online at SAG.org.

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Contact: Tamara Decker
SAG West Region Executive
(505) 268-2127
tdecker@sag.org