Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/681774
On Location INDUSTRY PROS OFFER ADVICE S an Diego Local members packed the room on Feb. 29 for a well-attended presentation by local industry panelists, including Casting Director Vivienne Chang, Teatro Máscara Mágica Producing Artistic Director William Virchis and two local franchised talent agents, Pam Pahnke, owner of Elegance Talent Agency, and Carol Shamon, owner of Shamon Freitas & Company. Local Board member Lorenzo Rodriguez moderated the Q&A. The industry pros covered a wide range of topics, answering members' questions and discussing work in San Diego. From left, Pam Pahnke, Carol Shamon, William Virchis, Vivienne Chang and Lorenzo Rodriguez DEFEATING 'RIGHT-TO-WORK' F eb. 8 was Film & Media Day in New Mexico, and a big agenda item was once again the battle against a bid by the governor and some legislators to make New Mexico a "right-to-work" (for less) state. SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Local Board member Patrick Fabian gave a moving keynote address. Fabian stressed that unions create the opportunity for workers to achieve a middle-class lifestyle and that "right-to-work" has not lived up to its "promise" anywhere, while neighboring, union-friendly states are thriving. There was strong staff support from the union's GAPP representative, Kerri Wood Einertson, and the members of the SAG-AFTRA New Mexico Local Board, who worked alongside IATSE Local 480 and other industry professionals to carry the day. The ill-advised bill failed and New Mexico remains open for business as a labor-friendly state. New Mexico Patrick Fabian speaks before a standing-room-only crowd at the New Mexico State Capitol. San Diego