Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1012073
44 SAG-AFTRA | Summer 2018 | sagaftra.org On Location TRANSFORMING SPANISH-LANGUAGE MEDIA O n April 7, the Dallas-Fort Worth Local welcomed Pablo Azar, international television star and chair of the Telemundo Negotiations Committee, for an evening of conversation on the changing dynamics in Spanish- language media work. Hosted by National Board member Hector Garcia and sponsored by the National Spanish Language Media Committee, the event at the Sammons Center for the Arts in Dallas started with a members-only meet-and-greet reception. The evening then opened to the public with a one-on-one interview exploring Azar's experiences as a leader of the successful campaign to unionize Telemundo, followed by a Q&A session where Azar answered the audience's questions on organizing and actors' rights. All who attended left energized to continue the work of organizing the Spanish-language sector throughout Texas. Besides on-camera acting, Azar's talents extend to dubbing, voiceovers, live theater and painting. He became a member in 2013, and is now on the board of the Miami Local. Dallas-Fort Worth From left, Miami Local Board member Pablo Azar, member Hugo Urrutia and National Board member Hector Garcia. SHARON GARRISON Representatives of SAG-AFTRA, together with other labor and business leaders, on hand to witness Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan signing the Film Production Tax Credit Bill into law. LIGHTS, CAMERA, JOBS! T hanks to the work of SAG-AFTRA members and the Maryland Film Industry Coalition, SB1154, the Film Production Activity Tax Credit, passed the Maryland General Assembly and was signed into law on May 15. It will offer incentives that increase each year, topping out at $20 million by 2023. It provides for increased and guaranteed funding for the program, funds to be set aside for small local productions, a lower cap on spending in order to qualify, and a cap on rebates that any one project can claim in hopes of attracting multiple productions. This achievement was made possible only through the efforts of members and staff, as well as other labor and business leaders who emailed, called and visited legislators, delivered promotional and informational materials, attended hearings, and offered oral and written testimony. Washington-Mid Atlantic JOSEPH ANDRUCYK NASHVILLE SINGERS VISIT FUND OFFICE Some of the busiest background singers in Nashville made a surprise visit to the AFM & SAG-AFTRA Intellectual Property Rights Distribution Fund in Los Angeles on April 27. The singers wanted to greet and thank the Fund's staff, who work hard to make sure members receive the royalties they are due. Nashville