490 Plays Key Role on MN Film Industry Promo Shoot

On Saturday Dec 17th, IATSE Local 490 participated in a promotional shoot highlighting Minnesota crew, studios and gear for; the MN Film Board, The Upper Midwest Film Office and the Minnesota Film Alliance. In attendance from the film office was Riki McManus and Shari Marshik.

Acme Stage is the location for the “Film in Minnesota” Promo for 2023!

The shoot was produced by Sammy Halabi and coordinated by union producer Briana Rose Lee. Assistant director was Bryan Shelly of the DGA. It was filmed at ACME Stage owned by 490 member Michael Handley. Most of the lighting and grip gear used was from Tasty Lighting, also owned by Mr. Handley. The wardrobe trailer on set was provided by Wheels up Rentals, co-owned by 490 member April Hinrichs and Mr. Halabi. Producer Halabi commented, "Local 490 crew is the real backbone of our industry.  Us having union crew on our shoot made this project very special" 

Producers ; Sammy Halabi & Briana Rose Lee with the Upper Midwest Film office team. Photo by S. Halabi

Art Dept who dressed the set were 490 members; Cheri Anderson, Melissa Pritchett, Jinny Jacobsen, Scott Nordhausen and Mark Wojahn. Set walls were provided by union member Brian Simpson of Jack Pine Scenic.

490 Member Scott Nordhausen paints the trim on the set wall.

The union grip and electrics on set were Joe Gallup, Layton Umpleby, Thomas VandenDolder and Matt Muegge. The shoot was gaffed by Michael Handley.

Union Member Layton Umpleby on the dolly

Union Hair and Make Up was April Hinrichs. Union sound was Jeff DesLauriers. Wardrobe was provided 490’s Deborah Fiscus. Union Craft service was Natasha Georgia. Script supervisor was 490 member Molly Worre.

the Set seen on the monitors, photo provided by Jeff Deslauriers

There were many more crew and talent that were non-union on set. We thank the whole team, union and non-union, that was able to pull this shoot off. We hope that the promotional stills, videos and commercials made from this shoot will help encourage the MN State legislature to continue and/or increase funding the State Film Tax incentive and rebate. We believe the film industry is an important engine for economic and creative development in Minnesota.

Union Members Melissa Pritchett and Jinny Jacobsen work the dolly & Camera.

Productions in town and from out of town can support our film industry by hiring union members and shooting your next production on a union contract. In doing so, you are getting the best crew in Minnesota, your project will be safe, well run, your crew will be professional. You will be paying the crew good wages, supplying workers comp, unemployment insurance and even retirement benefits. This supports our union brothers and sisters before, during and after your project. Contact our business agent at this email, businessagent@iatse490.net, to find out more about shooting union.

If you are a local 490 union member and would like to be featured on this page, pls contact Mark Wojahn in the social media committee, or email him at socialmedia@iatse490.net.

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