Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1546047
4 • THE ARTISAN FALL 2026 District 2 Conference Highlights: Advocating for More Production in America Delegates from across IATSE District 2 gathered at the 2026 District 2 Conference to address the challenges facing our industry and to develop strategies that strengthen employment opportunities for our members. A primary focus of this year's conference was the urgent need to bring more film and television production back to the United States. Increasing domestic production means more union jobs, stronger local economies, and greater long-term stability for the entertainment industry. IATSE International President Matthew D. Loeb and IATSE Vice President Mike Miller emphasized the importance of advancing a federal film and television production tax incentive. Such an incentive would help keep productions in the United States, preser ve high-quality union jobs, support skilled entertainment workers, and improve the nation's ability to compete with aggressive production incentives offered by other states and foreign countries. California has long been the center of the entertainment industry, with an unmatched workforce, experienced crews, and world-class production resources. While the state's existing tax incentive program has helped retain some productions, it is no longer sufficient to compete in today's global marketplace. As more productions relocate outside the United States, our members lose employment opportunities, local businesses lose revenue, and our communities experience the economic impact. Recognizing the importance of this issue, District 2 delegates unanimously adopted a resolution, submitted by IATSE Local 839, supporting federal action to strengthen domestic production. The resolution calls on District 2 to advocate for labor-based federal production tax incentives and encourages District leadership to build support for the Creative Relief and Expensing for Artistic Entertainment (CREATE) Act (H.R . 4840/S. 2530), legislation designed to expand Section 181 expensing and make the United States more competitive as a production destination. The resolution passed unanimously on June 27, 2026, demonstrating District 2's shared commitment to protecting union jobs and strengthening our industry. Local 706 remains committed to working alongside the IATSE International, District 2, and our sister locals to advocate for policies that create sustainable employment, keep productions in the United States, and ensure our members continue to have opportunities to build successful careers in the entertainment industry. In solidarity, Cheryl Eckert LOCAL PERSPECTIVE by Cheryl Eckert Business Representative, I.A.T.S.E. Local 706 Cyl E Cyl E e r t Managing Editor Adam Brandy Contributing Writers Erin Ayanian Jason Collins Eugene Conde Cheryl Ekcert Kathryn Fernandez Marina Galstyan Lori Guidroz Jacqueline Knowlton Erin Koplow Patrice K. Madrigal Tania McComas Jaime Leigh McIntosh Donald Mowat Robyn Rebbe Julie Socash Kelly "Ginger" Thorpe Brittany White Publisher IngleDodd Media Office & Mailing List Manager Linda Flores The Artisan is published quarterly by Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists, I.A.T.S.E. Local 706, 828 No. Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505 Phone (818) 295-3933 Fax (818) 295-3930 All editorial and photo submissions should be sent to email address: hllywdmkupartist@yahoo.com To update member information, email to: dispatch@ialocal706.org Advertising: IngleDodd Media (310) 207-4410 muahs@IngleDodd.com www.IngleDoddMedia.com Officers of I.A.T.S.E. Local 706 President Julie Socash Vice President Elena Arroy Recording Secretary Porshawna Mosely Secretary-Treasurer Leslie Devlin Sergeant-at-Arms Sherrita Cole Business Representative Cheryl Eckert Official Magazine of Hollywood Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists. Published in the Interest of ALL the Members of Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists I.A.T.S.E. Local 706