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As the New Mexico film industry continues to grow, Operation Soundstage is aiming to help veterans and reserve members transition into the industry.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced that the state is working with International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) with offering new incentives for the pilot program.

On Monday at the Roundhouse, Gov. Lujan Grisham said Local 480 is now offering financial waivers to those wanting to enter the training program. The union will waive the $800 initiation fee, so veterans are only responsible for a $100 processing fee. Local 480 is also waiving the membership requirement of working 30 days in a covered craft, with some restrictions.

“Military veterans have given us so much. They have sacrificed and their families have sacrificed, and my administration will always do everything we can to assure them they are valued, recognized, and loved,” Gov. Lujan Grisham said. “To that end, I am thrilled about this new program, which will help veterans who want to enter this exciting industry of film and television get a leg up and a foot in the door.”

Operation Soundstage

To learn more about participating in Operation Soundstage, contact Rochelle Bussey at the New Mexico Film Office by emailing rochelle@nmfilm.com or 505-476-5604. Information on Local 480, contact Morgan at membership@iatselocal480.com

According to the New Mexico Film Office, the program is administered through the Film Crew Advancement Program (FCAP), part of the Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP) for Film & Multimedia, through a multi-agency partnership, which includes the New Mexico Film Office (NMFO), the New Mexico Department of Veteran’s Services, and the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, in collaboration with IATSE Local 480. Its main purpose is to increase the hiring and training of New Mexico veterans.

Currently, potential employers are incentivized by New Mexico Film Office through training reimbursements for crew members that advance their profession.

As part of FCAP, this sub-program will provides a 50% reimbursement of the qualified participant’s wages to the company for up to 1,040 hours physically worked by the crew member. These funds are available for a limited number of positions.