Operation Soundstage (OSS)

What is Operation Soundstage (OSS)?

The NMFO provides a program for the film and media industry to connect with and hire NM veterans. Operation Soundstage (OSS) is a NM veteran crew training program under the Film Crew Advancement Program (FCAP). This fast-track program is intended to qualify New Mexicans interested in a film and television industry job. Veterans with transferrable skill sets interested in training to advance in a specific craft department to a higher position are good candidates for this program. This multi-state agency partnership aims to increase the hiring and training of veterans and includes the New Mexico Film Office, the New Mexico Department of Veteran’s Services, and the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions.


What is the IATSE local 480?

IATSE Local 480 is the film technician’s union of New Mexico. They represent professional technicians who work below-the-line in specific crafts on film and television productions. The Local will not find work for you but will provide information about available jobs. Visit https://local480.com/ for more details.


Fast Track benefits for NM veterans joining the IATSE Local 480

IATSE Local 480 is the film technician’s union of New Mexico. They represent professional technicians who work below-the-line in specific crafts on film and television productions. The Local will not find work for you but will provide information about available jobs. If you are interested in joining the IATSE Local 480 contact membership@iatselocal480.com and they can walk you through the process.

    • $700 of the initiation fee is waived. Veterans are only responsible for a $100 processing fee.
    • The membership requirement of working 30 days in a covered craft* on a contract production** is waived.

    *covered craft – ones’ job title – IATSE Local 480 represents 99 different craft departments;

    **contract production – any film, television, or commercial production that has signed a collective bargaining agreement with IATSE Local 480 in which the members are represented by the union and receive benefits from the production


      How do I get involved in OSS?

      Helpful links:
      Industry FAQ's

      Film Production Chain of Command

      Work in Film

      Training Opportunities

      Are you interested in becoming a background/extra?
      Search NMFO's online listing of casting calls.   More casting calls can be found on social and through casting directors; here’s more information to get you started.

      For questions regarding OSS:
      505-476-5600
      info@nmfilm.com

      Questions about New Mexico Workforce Connection (NMWC):
      Juan Diaz

      New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions
      505-841-8444

      Questions about the New Mexico Department of Veteran Services:
      Theresa Figueroa
      Department of Veteran Services


        Veteran's Virtual Acting Panel Discussion

        Panel sesigned to inspire veterans interested in acting to learn about industry opportunities.
        Acting for Veterans virtual digital panel in collaboration with SAG-AFTRA New Mexico Local. Moderated by Sheila Ivy Traister, with Rik Deskin, Rob Estrada, Bodhi Rader, Ryan Begay, and Zeke Alton Linsay Rousseau.

        Veterans Below-the-Line Panel Discussion

        Panel discussion designed for veterans interested in below-the-line technical positions who may have transferrable skills for the local film industry moderated by Talia Pura, with Mike Miller, Jim Twocrow, and Ryan Begay.


        Below are NM Veterans available for OSS. They are listed in alphabetical order and have their city, email and resume ready for download.


        Christopher Bamonte (Santa Fe)

        Locations
        Resume | Email: CHRISTOPHER.BAMONTE@GMAIL.COM

        Christopher Bamonte (Santa Fe)

        Accounting, Art Department, Craft Service, Locations, Office & Admin
        Resume | Email: CHRISTOPHER.BAMONTE@GMAIL.COM

        David Billups (Albuquerque)

        Electric, Sound
        Resume | Email: davidbillups@hotmail.com

        CHANCE BIRDSALL (Albuquerque)

        Accounting, Art Department, Construction, Costumes, Craft Service, Extras Casting, Electric, Grips, Hair & Makeup, Locations, Office & Admin, Paint & Scenic, Props, Script, Set Dressing, Sound, Special Effects, Drivers/Transportation
        Resume | Email: chancebirdsall@gmail.com

        Derek Blakeney (Albuquerque)

        Craft Service, Locations, Set Dressing
        Resume | Email: baaenterprise@gmail.com

        Michelle Bolin (Stanley)

        Art Department, Construction, Costumes, Paint & Scenic, Props, Special Effects
        Resume | Email: mlbolin@live.com

        Freeman Brown (Albuquerque)

        Art Department, Craft Service, Grips, Office & Admin, Paint & Scenic, Props, Sound, Special Effects
        Resume | Email: freemanbrowniii@gmail.com

        Paul DeAngelis (Albuquerque)

        Set Dressing
        Resume | Email: deangelspaul7@gmail.com

        Angelina Hovey (Albuquerque)

        Art Department, Craft Service, Hair & Makeup, Office & Admin, Props
        Resume | Email: hiveyangelina123@gmail.com

        Kim HUGHEY (Abq)

        Extras Casting, Locations, Medic, Script, Drivers/Transportation
        Resume | Email: HUGHEYINC@GMAIL.com

        Adam Hurley (Albuquerque)

        Grips
        Resume | Email: omnichaser@gmail.com

        Katie Jarrell (Albuquerque)

        Office & Admin
        Resume | Email: strivn4success45@yahoo.com

        Leonard Kagan (Albuquerque)

        Office & Admin
        Resume | Email: lkagan505@gmail.com

        Jason Kinzy (Albuquerque)

        Art Department, Hair & Makeup, Props, Special Effects
        Resume | Email: jkinzy3072@gmail.com

        Jose Levario (Albuquerque)

        Construction, Extras Casting, Grips, Locations, Office & Admin
        Resume | Email: jose.l.levario@gmail.com

        Steven Montano (las cruces)

        Accounting, Extras Casting, Locations, Office & Admin, Drivers/Transportation
        Resume | Email: nmpap@yahoo.com

        Danny Montoya (Albuquerque)

        Electric, Grips
        Resume | Email: punkymunkey2009@gmail.com

        Neil Ortiz (Albuquerque)

        Costumes, Grips, Locations, Props, Script
        Resume | Email: neilantonio77@yahoo.com

        Joshua Palmer (Rio Rancho)

        Construction, Electric, Grips
        Resume | Email: palmer98@live.com

        Huston Pardee (Albuquerque)

        Art Department, Extras Casting, Props, Set Dressing, Special Effects
        Resume | Email: ihpardee@gmail.com

        Ian Reed (Rio Rancho)

        Extras Casting, Grips, Office & Admin, Script, Drivers/Transportation
        Resume | Email: isreed81@gmail.com

        Devin Reilly (Albuquerque)

        Extras Casting, Office & Admin, Script, Sound, Special Effects
        Resume | Email: devinnreilly@gmail.com

        Randy Ritsema (Pie Town, NM)

        Electric, Grips, Locations, Props, Sound
        Email: randy_ritsema@msn.com

        Joshua Shepard (Rio Rancho)

        Hair & Makeup
        Resume | Email: joshua8838@gmail.com

        Jim Twocrow (Corrales)

        Art Department, Construction, Electric, Grips, Special Effects
        Resume | Email: jtcwbb2@gmail.com

        Kraig Valdez (Albuquerque)

        Craft Service, Grips, Props, Set Dressing, Sound, Special Effects
        Resume | Email: kraig729@gmail.com

        Kraig Valdez (Albuquerque)

        Costumes, Craft Service, Set Dressing, Sound, Special Effects
        Resume | Email: kraig729@gmail.com

        Daniel Valerio (Alcalde)

        Electric, Locations
        Email: bilitoschilitos8651@gmail.com

        Ian Wilkerson (Albuquerque)

        Art Department, Costumes, Props, Script, Special Effects
        Resume | Email: Ian.Wilkerson81@gmail.com

        Ronell Wright (Albuquerque)

        Grips, Props, Sound
        Resume | Email: ronellwright@hotmail.com

        Ronell Wright (Albuquerque)

        Costumes, Craft Service, Props, Set Dressing, Sound
        Resume | Email: ron.wright@warbyparker.com