Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/308664
BYRON COHEN/FX Check out Just Say ¡Sí! The Latino Media Explosion — Opportunities in Any Language at sagaftra.org/sag-aftra-tv. 25A SAG-AFTRA | Spring 2014 | SAGAFTRA.org Latino Media Explosion — Opportunities in Any Language, that brought together Latino luminaries in three cities to discuss the opportunities and obstacles to media targeting Hispanic audiences. SAG-AFTRA President Ken Howard gave introductory remarks. "e rapidly changing landscape of 21st century entertainment offers tremendous opportunities for all performers," he said. In Los Angeles, actor, writer and producer Yareli Arizmendi and humorist Lalo Alcaraz moderated the panel, which consisted of Louie Pérez of Los Lobos; actor, writer and producer Ruth Livier; and actor Oscar Torre. ey were joined by actor and writer Adrian Martinez and broadcaster Clemson Smith Muñiz from New York, and by actors Adriana Barraza and former Miami Local President Memo Sauceda from Miami. e event was organized by the SAG-AFTRA National Spanish Language Media Committee, chaired by Hernán de Béky; the MOVE (Member Organizing Volunteer Efforts) L.A. Committee, chaired by Ellen Crawford; the MOVE N.Y. Committee, chaired by Rebecca Damon; and event Chair Mike Genovese. Hispanic media targets a diverse group of people and cultures from across Latin America and the world, but sometimes it goes even beyond that. During the discussion, Livier noted that while her new media series Ylse is about the Latino experience, its appeal is much wider than she realized. She received an email from a Russian Jewish woman living in France, who said the show's presentation of the challenges of adapting and living in two cultures struck a chord with her. "By being authentic about our biculturalism, we reached an even broader audience," Livier said. When more people like Livier are producing their own shows, that can lead to more work for everyone, Latino or not. De Béky sees this ongoing transformation as something that can benefit members throughout the union. "is Hispanic media explosion is a win-win for every member of SAG-AFTRA," he said. Above, from left, Lalo Alcaraz and Yareli Arizmendi moderated a panel that included Los Lobos' Louie Pérez, actor/producer Ruth Livier and actor Oscar Torre at SAG-AFTRA's Los Angeles headquarters; at right, Demián Bichir and Diane Kruger on FX's The Bridge; below, former local President Memo Sauceda and actor Adriana Barraza at the SAG- AFTRA Miami Local.