SAG / IATSE Happy Hour at Conduit Sound & 56 Brewing

The Twin Cites locals of SAG-AFTRA and IATSE 490 held a happy hour meet n’ greet this last Monday on June 10th at Conduit Sound & Stage / 56 Brewing in NE Minneapolis. Crew and Talent mingled with political supporters from the MN House of Representatives. Some of the notable politicos present were; Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman, MN State Rep. Dave Lislegard and MN Rep. John Hout.

From Left; IATSE & MN Film Board of Diresctors-Brian Simpson, MN. Rep. Lislegard, MN House Speaker Hortman, MN Rep. Huot, Mark Bradley SAG, Casey Lewis SAG. Photo provided by SAG-Aftra.

One thing talked about was the omnibus Jobs and Economic Development Bill passed by the MN Senate and the MN House.  In that bill was funding for a new state film office. IATSE & SAG are very happy to see MN get an official state funded film office and not a privately held Film Board.

The new MN Film Office will be a sub-office of Explore MN Tourism.  That connection was needed because Explore MN Tourism is the only state agency that can legally use taxpayer dollars for marketing.  Our MN Film Office will fall under that umbrella. Moving the Film Office to a state agency will eliminate the need for fundraising and put the staff in closer contact with the Governor and Legislators.

From Left, IATSE 490 Pres. Gary Surber, Brian Simpson and Rep Lislegard. hoto provided by SAG-Aftra.

490 would like to thank Conduit Sound for co-hosting this event. Conduit is owned by 490 member Sound Mixer Jim Morgan. Much thanks to SAG-Aftra and the politicians who were able attend and to pass this most recent bill to support a Film Office in MN! We hope to see y’all at the next happy hour TBD!