The Konnect: Diversity in Film
The Konnect: Diversity in Film
On Saturday, April 2 , we partnered with the Secret Society Of Black Creatives (SSBC), the MA Film Office (MFO), SAG-AFTRA, the Massachusetts Production Coalition (MPC), and other IATSE Locals to organize an in-person DEI outreach event - The Konnect: Diversity In Film.
The event was held at the Roxbury branch of the Boston Public Library and welcomed over 150 attendees! Event activities focused on introducing attendees from underrepresented communities to various aspects of the New England film and television industry, helping them identify possible transferrable skills, and encouraging networking.
The first hour of the event consisted of a presentation by a team of industry leaders, including Vladimir Minuty (President & Director of the SSBC), Chris O'Donnell (Local 481 Business Manager), and Lisa Strout (Director of the MA Film Office). Attendees learned about the basics of our industry, how it operates, and common pathways to breaking in.
After the presentation, attendees had the opportunity to chat with working members of several IATSE Locals (including Local 481), across 14 different crafts. Members discussed their experiences, how they got into the industry, and answered attendee questions about their respective crafts - all in a relaxing one-on-one conversational format.
A huge shout out to all of the Local 481 members who generously donated their time and efforts to this important event:
| Fatima Amira Beavers | Kody Fraser | Cassie Jenness |
| Luke Bellamy | Jesse Goldberg | Kimmie Johnson |
| Aaron Bouchard | Rebecca Greene | Lisa Nagid |
| Nicole Cook | Dennis Grullon | Jeremy Ogungbadero |
| Rob Dew | Claire Harrison | Eli Stevens |
| Catrin Evans | Jose "Flecha" Hermandez | Taryn Walsh |
A big thank you to our fellow IATSE Locals and their members who volunteered as well:
Local 161 (Production, Script Supervisors, & Accountants):
| Kimmie Johnson | Feifei Ling |
Local 600 (Camera):
| Chaim Kantor (Eastern Reg. Dir) | Keenan Kimetto | Julia Liu |
| Anna Nowlan (Business Rep.) | Jill Tufts |
Local 798 (Hair & Makeup):
| Jerry DeCarlo | Irene Hartmann (Field Rep.) | Joanna Raskin |
Local USA829 (Scenic Artists, Graphic Artists, Set & Costume Designers):
| Danielle Butler | Kevin Sciotto (New England Bus Rep) | Lauren White |
Also, thank you to our partners: The Secret Society Of Black Creatives (SSBC), the MA Film Office (MFO), SAG-AFTRA, the Massachusetts Production Coalition (MPC).
Finally, thank you to the vendors who supported our efforts by providing equipment, props, and signage: High Output, Westerman's Prop Warehouse, and LeFletch Services.
Local 481 is committed to community outreach and to advancing the overall diversity within our Local, and our industry as a whole. We look forward to organizing more of these events in the near future.
