THE LABOR MARKET: Portland film and TV workers put on a free weekend public market and maker fair in Old Town on December 9 and 10.
IATSE Local 488, representing Studio Mechanics (Motion Picture workers) in Oregon, Washington, Northern Idaho, and Montana will host The Labor Market, a holiday event for the general public from 10 am until 6 pm on Saturday and Sunday, December 9 -10 in the Goldsmith Blocks Building on 412 NW Couch Street in Old Town Portland.
The event comes after over six months of an historical industry-wide work shut-down due to the twin Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) strikes. Film crew and other entertainment-related union members and support businesses face unprecedented hardship during this holiday season.
The Labor Market will feature original works of art, handcrafts and other creative products made by film workers, and a flea market where treasures you’ve seen on the screen in locally filmed tv shows and movies could be waiting to be discovered. All sales of goods go directly to the vendor. The market will have live music, entertainment, raffles, and special guest Santa Claus.
Bruce Lawson, Local 488 President, said “Now the recovery begins. 191 days on strike for combined WGA and SAG-AFTRA! For those of you who are not in our business, please understand that this doesn’t mean we automatically have work again. It’s the holidays and we all are hurting, both financially and emotionally. It will take a long time to recover from this. Many people in our industry have lost their homes, health insurance and depleted their life savings to try and stay afloat. We appreciate your patience, understanding and support.”
The IATSE Local 488 Labor Market is sponsored by Portland Events & Film, Prosper Portland, Oregon Film, the Portland Old Town Community Association, and Morel Ink.
