Diane Villegas is New Mexico local SAG-AFTRA board member

 

(Click photo for official website)

By Diane Villegas

SAG-AFTRA New Mexico Local Board Member

"As a relatively new union member, I am continually discovering fantastic benefits of belonging to SAG-AFTRA, and my latest discovery is the SAG-AFTRA Foundation. If you are not familiar with the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, it is a goldmine of free resources geared toward supporting actors across the country and it serves the public through its children’s literacy programs. If you are in L.A., you can catch the events live, but here in New Mexico, you can access the event via livestream or watch the video later on the SAG-AFTRA Foundation website. Oh, and I did I mention, they are all free?"

Some of the main programs the foundation offers are:

"Casting Access Online Workshops - Casting directors and associates from the Casting Society of America and representatives from the independent casting community lead workshops that offer actors a wide range of educational and professional insights, from approaching the text to the auditioning process to casting etiquette."

"Educational Seminars - Established entertainment industry professionals share information and offer valuable insights on the business side of acting.

Conversations Program - Features inspiring Q&As and career retrospectives with well-known actors who explore the process and profession of acting with an audience of fellow performers.

Financial Assistance Programs - Designed to help actors weather the ups and downs in the performing arts.

Children’s Literacy Program - SAG-AFTRA members make a difference through the Foundation's children’s literacy programs, reading to children in public schools and online, and contributing even further to spreading creative knowledge and inspiration while giving back to our communities."

"For more information or to explore the vast library of resources and to see a schedule of upcoming events, go to SAG-AFTRA Foundation."

"American Gothic" The Hawthorne family all give up DNA samples

“American Gothic” (CBS) was moved one hour earlier on Wednesday at 9/8 p.m. It aired at 8 p.m. (central time) in Albuquerque, NM on KRQE 13. Last night's episode on July 27, 2016 was called, “The Chess Players.” In the overnight TV ratings it garnered 2.48 million TV viewers overall. It reached 0.6 million TV viewers in the all important 18 to 49 adult demographic. "Modern Family" (ABC) grabbed 3.08 overall & 0.9 with adults (repeat). "The Night Shift" (NBC) nabbed 5.99 overall & 1.1 with adults.

“American Gothic” stars, Juliet Rylance (Alison Hawthorne-Price), Antony Starr (Garrett Hawthorne), Justin Chatwin (Cam Hawthorne), Stephanie Leonidas (Sophie Hawthorne) & Virginia Madsen (Madeline Hawthorne).

“The Chess Players.” A familial DNA match is connected to the Hawthorne family. One of them might be the “silver bells killer” (SBK) except for Cam. The press breaks the story during Alison's political debate for mayor. The media surrounds the Hawthorne mansion and police already have a warrant for DNA samples. Garrett goes camping with Christina whose dad was the last victim of the SBK. Police need his DNA sample.

Subscribe and watch episodes of “American Gothic” at CBS. Click photo.

(Police look for Garrett Hawthorne in Center)

A 2-hour "48 Hours" Saturday July 30, 2016

48 HOURS on CBS. This Saturday's back-to-back episodes are repeats beginning at 9/8 p.m. 

KISS OF DEATH AND THE GOOGLE EXEC.

CBS says, "The mysterious death of a Google executive and his last night with an exotic beauty captured on video -- now a court decides her fate. "48 Hours" correspondent Maureen Maher updates the case Saturday, July 30 at 9 p.m."

Click photo for 48 HOURS Sneak Peek. 

(CBS photo)

THE HUNTER: SEARCHING FOR KELLI BORDEAUX

CBS says, "When a young U.S. Army combat medic goes missing, a bounty hunter takes on his biggest case ever. "48 Hours"' Troy Roberts investigates Saturday, July 30 at 10 p.m."

Click Photo for 48 HOURS Sneak Peek.

(CBS Photo)

An All New "Rush Hour" Saturday July 30, 2016

RUSH HOUR on CBS. (S01E10). The new episode is called, "Knock, Knock...House Creeping" which will air Saturday at 8/7 p.m. 

CBS says, "Captain Cole enlists the help of Detectives Carter and Lee as she fears the return of a serial killer when a young woman’s recent disappearance at a hotel believed to be haunted mirrors a series of chilling unsolved cases from five years ago."

Click photo for RUSH HOUR over at CBS.

(Carter & Lee check-in with Medical Examiner)

Mel Mackaron SAG-AFTRA 1st Vice President of New Mexico 2016

 

(Click photo for official website)

By Mel MacKaron

National Board Member and New Mexico Local 1st Vice President

"Every two years, the union takes a census of its members. This is very important, particularly for the small and mid-sized locals, because the census helps to determine many things vital to the functioning of the locals. To name a few, this includes 1) how many committee seats are allotted to the Committee of Locals; 2) the number of delegates a local may have at the 2017 convention; and 3) the amount of money available to a local in its annual budget."

"Therefore, it is important that you have your dues paid and current. So far as local board members are concerned, if they are late in their dues payments, they may not serve until they are paid up. For members at large, late dues payments may affect your eligibility to vote, nominate and run in elections and participate in referenda."

"New Mexico is a growing local and has a steadily expanding film industry. But this means little (from a representative standpoint) if SAG-AFTRA does not have a precise count of our membership. The more members in good standing we have (i.e., paid up) by Oct. 31, 2016 (the date of the census), the stronger our voice will be."

"So what can you do to help? Here are three simple things:

1. Get your dues paid and current. You can easily do this online at sagaftra.org. Once you log in, go to Member Services, Pay Dues Online. Then, follow the simple instructions.

2. If you have moved to New Mexico from another local, transfer your membership here. You will lose no union benefits, but will strengthen our local and you will not miss out on important communications relevant to you.

3. If you know anyone who is behind, encourage them to get caught up on their dues."

"With a little effort on your part, you can help the SAG-AFTRA New Mexico Local get the representation it deserves."

"American Gothic" airs at special time Wednesday at 9/8 p.m.

AMERICAN GOTHIC on CBS. (S01E06). The murder mystery moves from 10/9 p.m., to one hour earlier at 9/8 p.m., on Wednesday July 27, 2016. The Democratic National Convention will air at 10/9 p.m. The new episode is called, "The Chess Players." The media and police are cracking down on the Hawthorne family as DNA traces back to one of them as the "Silver Bells Killer."

Jackie Chan's "Skiptrace" bows in China with $62 million

SKIPTRACE for SABAN FILMS. July 22-24, 2016 weekend. The latest Jackie Chan film had the biggest opening in China for him with $62.2 million. He teams with Johnny Knoxville for live action and comedy which is similar to Chan's other partner, Chris Tucker (Rush Hour 1, 2, 3). "Skiptrace" also opened in Malaysia, Indonesia, Romania, Vietnam, Bulgaria and Singapore to an estimated $64 million. The movie will open in U.S., theaters on Sept. 2, 2016, but also on direct-TV and Video-On-Demand.

"Skiptrace" has Connor Watts (Johnny Knoxville) witnessing the death of a woman and he is marked for death. Bennie Chan (Jackie Chan) comes to Connor's aide and comedy ensues as they run from killers.

"Dateline" Mini-Episode called, "While They Were Sleeping"

DATELINE on NBC. Keith Morrison reports on a repeat episode turned into a mini-episode online.

NBC says, "A break-in in the middle of the night in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains. Thirty-six-year-old husband and father Ben Oxley is shot in the head as his wife lies sleeping next to him. No one in the house saw or heard anything. Who could have committed this brutal murder?"

Click photo for complete DATELINE Mini-Episode.

(NBC Photo)

An All New "Dateline" this Friday July 29, 2016

DATELINE on NBC. The new episode TV Preview doesn't have a title yet, but it airs this Friday at 10/9 p.m. Keith Morrison reports on a young woman who disappears in the state of Montana. The missing case goes cold for several years until clues bring it back to life by investigators. 

Click photo for DATELINE TV Preview.

New Mexico SAG-AFTRA Local President's report July 2016

(Click this photo for official website)

Local President’s Report / Tom Schuch

Dear SAG-AFTRA New Mexico Members,

"Your SAG-AFTRA New Mexico Local Board has been busy, as always, behind the scenes advocating for our membership. The board consists of a diverse group of dedicated volunteers elected by you from our local membership. Because of the continued increase in production volume here in the Land of Enchantment, our membership continues to grow."

"For many years, actors left New Mexico to pursue their careers in markets where the opportunities were more abundant. But, ever since the tax incentives were passed, that trend has reversed. Actors are staying here, actors are coming back, and “pre-members” are joining the union. We are now one of the fastest growing markets in the country. The expectation of professionalism has also risen with this trend, resulting in more work days on average throughout our talent pool."

"For those of us who have lived in New Mexico for at least 10 years, you will remember this being an active commercial market. Commercials can be a very important part of an actor’s career, especially financially. Your local organizing committee is working on a strategy to educate commercial production companies, ad agencies and advertisers on the advantages of shooting here. Commercial production is included in our state’s film/TV incentive program and provides credit for resident actors. It is our intention to make sure the entities listed above know that we are open for business!"

"Keep training, keep your focus and, above all, don’t give up. See you on the set!"

Sincerely,

Tom Schuch -- SAG-AFTRA New Mexico Local President

TV Preview "The Night Of" Sunday July 31, 2016

THIS CONTAINS SPOILERS..., (Don't watch if you haven't seen the previous episode).

THE NIGHT OF on HBO. The cable network has already released the new Promo Trailer for the 4th episode called, "The Art of War." It airs Sunday at 9/8 p.m.  It looks like "Naz" has to stand up and defend himself in prison. He is represented by a new lawyer named Alison, but John Stone looks like he continues to investigate on his own. We haven't seen the last of Detective Box who might be a little friendly with the district attorney as he pushes for the conviction of "Naz." The inside politics of the prison inmates does reach a tipping point. This is good Television people...,

"Rush Hour" moves to Saturday nights at 8/7 p.m.

RUSH HOUR on CBS. This cancelled TV crime show has been moved one hour earlier on Saturday nights (8/7 p.m.). The network will run out the final episodes in this time slot. It is the grave-yard of TV ratings too. "Angel from Hell" finished its' run on Saturdays which was also cancelled by CBS. "Hour" is a TV reboot of the popular movie franchise that starred Jackie Chan. The only good thing about this reboot is the cousin of James Carter and his name is Gerald. He is a scene-stealer in every episode.

You have to subscribe to "CBS All Access" to watch recent episodes. Click photo.

(Detectives Jonathon Lee and James Carter)

An All New "American Gothic" Wednesday July 27, 2016

AMERICAN GOTHIC on CBS. (S01E06) The next episode is called, "The Chess Players" which will air at 10/9 p.m. (You have to subscribe to get CBS All Access).

CBS says, "When the Hawthornes are publicly implicated in the SBK (Silver Bells Killer) case and forced to hole up in the house to avoid media scrutiny, they quickly begin to turn on one another. Also, Garrett lures Christina to the woods for a camping trip that takes a dangerous turn on -- The Chess Players."

Click photo for AMERICAN GOTHIC over at CBS.

(CBS Photo)

"The Night Of" Prison turns Naz's innocent life upside down

THE NIGHT OF on HBO. Mini-Series Part 3. Last night's episode was called, “The Dark Crate." The main characters are, “Naz” (Riz Ahmed) John Stone (John Tuturro). HBO will run repeats of this episode after the original airing. Check your listings.

“The Dark Crate.” The prison known as “Riker's Island” has “Naz” sitting by himself with his asthma inhaler. He's being watched by the leader inside that prison who used to be a champion boxer. Freddy has money, drugs, cell phones and gives sexual favors to a female guard. “Naz” is told to keep to himself or he could likely be killed. The other prisoners watch TV news about him who becomes a celebrity rapist and killer.

The parents of “Naz” have no money to pay for a lawyer. John brings his fee down from $75,000 to $50,000. The press already assumes “Naz” has ties to middle-east terrorism because he is a Pakistan. Detective Box makes sure his homicide investigation is solid. John hasn't received any money, but defends “Naz” to the press. He also goes to the crime scene to record his own video. The victim named Andrea had a cat and John lets it back inside her home. (Is this a clue?).

Alison Crowe is a top defense lawyer who trashes John. She wants to represent “Naz” for no money. She persuades his parents, but “Naz” likes John. Alison is a lot more sleazier because her law firm goes after media-hyped murder cases. Who cares about the guilt or innocence of “Naz?." Apparently, only his parents, who know nothing about the U.S., judicial system. They are in way over their heads. 

Click photo for THE NIGHT OF over at HBO.

(HBO Mini-series)

"Hara" is magnificent Illusionist & Magician on "America's Got Talent" 2016

AMERICA'S GOT TALENT on NBC. The judges made their talent cuts and many good ones didn't make it. Japanese Illusionist "Hara" wowed the judges twice and is moving onto the Live shows. There are good "golden buzzer" talent performers, but this man is a fine showman who is unexpected and fun. He is the only top magician this year 2016, besides the guy who does the card tricks. "Hara" looks like he already has a Las Vegas show. I can't wait to see what he's gonna do next. He is my second favorite behind "The Clairvoyants."

The much anticipated "Jason Bourne" opens Friday July 29, 2016

JASON BOURNE from UNIVERSAL PICTURES. It's finally here and "Bourne" fans get to see Matt Damon return in the title role. I am of course the biggest fan and I even enjoyed "The Bourne Legacy" (2012) with Jeremy Renner as Aaron Cross. This is the only movie I want to watch this Summer 2016. Let the action begin. -Wahoo!

2016 Comic-Con unleashes "Wonder Woman" first movie trailer

WONDER WOMAN from WARNER BROS. PICTURES. It will star Gal Gadot and Chris Pine. The scheduled release will be Summer 2017. (Where is my favorite, Lynda Carter?). The trailer was unveiled at the 2016 Comic-Con where many trailers are released from studios. Gal Gadot made her debut as Wonder Woman in this year's "Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice."

Click poster for internet Movie Database (IMDB).

"Rush Hour' returns to low TV ratings on Saturday night

"Rush Hour" (CBS) can be seen each Saturday evening at 9/8 p.m. It aired at 8 p.m. (central time) in Albuquerque, NM on KRQE 13. Last night's episode on July 23, 2016 was called, "Prisoner of Love." In the overnight TV ratings it garnered 1.85 million TV viewers overall. It reached 0.3 million TV viewers in the all important 18 to 49 adult demographic. "The Bourne Indentity" (NBC) grabbed 2.93 overall & 0.6 with adults (8-11 p.m.). "20/20" (ABC) nabbed 2.98 & 0.6 with adults.

"Rush Hour" stars, Justin Hires (Detective James Carter), Jon Foo (Lee), Aimee Garcia (Didi Diaz), Page Kennedy (Gerald), Wendie Malick (Captain Lindsay Cole).

“Prisoner of Love” opened with Boston Massachusetts and a prison break by Steven Baker. The FBI believes he is headed for Los Angeles. Carter and Lee talk to Steven's ex-wife Pam. She tells them she has been in protective custody since Steven went to prison 12 years before. They have never spoke to each other since. Pam is paranoid and tells her daughter to pack some clothes to leave. Steven is using fake ID's and stealing cars as he gets to Los Angeles.

You can watch “Rush Hour” over at CBS. Click photo.

(CBS Photo)

"Dateline" Did Michael kill Martha Moxley back in 1975?

"Dateline" (NBC) can be seen each Friday evening at 10/9 p.m. It aired in Albuquerque, NM at 9 p.m. (central time) on KOB 4. Last night's episode on July 22, 2016 was called, "The Murder of Martha Moxley." In the overnight TV ratings it garnered 3.75 million TV viewers overall. It reached 0.7 million TV viewers in the all important 18 to 49 adult demographic (repeat). "Blue Bloods" (CBS) grabbed 5.15 overall & 0.7 with adults (repeat). “20/20" (ABC) nabbed 3.76 overall & 0.8 with adults.

“Dateline” is an investigative program focusing on crime & murder in the United States. The reporter and narrator of this episode is Matt Lauer.

“The Murder of Martha Moxley” opened with Greenwich, Connecticut. Martha was 15-years-old and didn't return from a Halloween party in 1975. Her dead body was found near a tree. She was beaten to death with a golf club. Part of that club was jammed inside her neck. The club also belonged to the Skakel family. Michael Skakel was a troubled teen who was said to be obsessed with Martha's death. He had a solid alibi when she was killed, but changed his story. Michael was charged with Martha's murder 27 years later.

You can watch episodes of “Dateline” streaming online at NBC. Click photo.

(NBC Logo)

"America's Got Talent" Judges cut the competition for the live shows

AMERICA'S GOT TALENT on NBC. The rules have changed since the last time I watched. The "Golden Buzzer" is used by the judges to move a talent act to the "Live" shows. They pass over the second round where the cuts are made. In the past, the second round was in Las Vegas and the talent performed only for the judges. Many performers crack under pressure and are sent home. Now, the second round has a live audience plus a guest judge like country music legend, Reba McEntire. The judges can also push the "Golden Buzzer" again to send a talent act to the first Live show. 

The second round of performances are a deal breaker for the judges. Why? It separates the top talent from those who don't step up their game. Judge Heidi Klum said many talent performers did not step up and they didn't. Remember, the winner will receive $1 million dollars and a Las Vegas show at Las Vegas, Nevada. It is now up to America because they "vote" after the live shows on who will win the top prize. I usually "vote" online after watching the live show again. I make sure which talent act I want to send through to the next round.

The Olympic Games at "Rio" kicks off Aug. 5, 2016. "America's Got Talent" as well as all other NBC TV shows will be pre-empted for Two Weeks. Below is my favorite talent act so far and they are called "The Clairvoyants." The Husband and Wife team read minds.

"Star Trek Beyond" opens in wide release Friday July 22, 2016

STAR TREK: BEYOND 2016. This next installment was executive produced by J.J. Abrams and directed by Justin Lin. According to Box Office Mojo that tracks box office receipts. The last installment, "Star Trek: Into Darkness" grabbed $228,778,661 in the U.S. It nabbed $238,602,808 at the Foreign box office. The worldwide total climbed to $467,381,469 and the production budget was $190 million.

"Star Trek: Beyond" opens in 3,928 theaters in the U.S.

Submissions for 2017 SAG awards are now open

SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS 2017. It has been announced that acting submissions are now being accepted for the 23rd annual SAG awards. The deadline to submit to be nominated is Monday, Oct. 24, 2016 at 5 p.m. (PST). The nominations will be announced Wednesday Dec. 14, 2016. The winners will be announced live on Sunday Jan. 29, 2017. You can submit online. 

Click SAG Awards Logo for complete information on your submissions.

(SAG Logo)

"American Gothic" Cam Hawthorne hallucinates and see's a dead body

Attention everybody. I turned on the TV and "American Gothic" aired one hour earlier last night. CBS instead ran the Republican National Convention at 10/9 p.m.

Last night's episode on July 20, 2016 was called, “The Artist in his Museum.” In the overnight TV ratings it garnered 2.46 million TV viewers overall. It reached 0.6 million TV viewers in the all important 18 to 49 adult demographic. "Modern Family" (ABC) grabbed 2.74 overall & 0.8 with adults (repeat). "America's Got Talent" (NBC) nabbed 10.22 overall & 2.2 with adults (8-10 p.m.).

“American Gothic” stars, Juliet Rylance (Alison Hawthorne-Price), Antony Starr (Garrett Hawthorne), Justin Chatwin (Cam Hawthorne), Stephanie Leonidas (Sophie Hawthorne) & Virginia Madsen (Madeline Hawthorne).

“The Artist in his Museum” opened with Cam going back on the list as the “silver bells killer” (SBK). Gunther was cleared as a suspect. Cam goes cold turkey from drugs and starts drying out. He has hallucinations and see's his dad showing him a dead body. Police want to question Cam. Detective Cutter tries to question Sophie, Alison and then Cam's son. Sophie gives her detective husband a drug needle with Cam's DNA on it. If it matches the DNA on the last victim. Cam will be arrested as the SBK.

You can watch recent episodes of “American Gothic” online at CBS. Click photo.

(Cam "Drying out" who talks with Alison)

"48 Hours" Saturday July 23, 2016 is a repeat, repeat.

48 HOURS on CBS. The next episode is called, "Vengeance in Vegas" which will air at 10/9 p.m. This is a repeat episode.

CBS says, "A beautiful mom is murdered while her West Point grad husband was at work -- was someone stalking women in Las Vegas? "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant investigates."

Click photo for 48 HOURS TV Preview.

(CBS Press Express photo).

"Dateline" Sunday Night July 24, 2016 is a repeat, repeat.

DATELINE on NBC. The episode coming Sunday is called, "Troubled Waters" which airs at 7/6 p.m. It is a repeat and NBC hasn't announced when they will air the next "On Assignment."

NBC says, "A California couple's romantic getaway on a boat turns tragic when the young wife and mother is lost at sea. Did she accidentally drown or was it something more sinister? The case goes cold for years — until a gorgeous model with a checkered past goes undercover to find the truth. Josh Mankiewicz reports."

Click photo for DATELINE TV Preview.

(This a repeat episode and will air this Sunday instead of Friday)