Category Archives: Features

Healing Through Music: Nathaniel Blume releases a heartfelt tribute to his father’s memory with ‘nootbar’ EP

Composer Nathaniel Blume recently completed a recording session for his EP, “nootbar,” featuring a 33-piece string ensemble of AFM Local 47 members at the historic Warner Bros. Eastwood Scoring Stage. The session took place on July 20, under an AFM Limited Pressing Agreement, ensuring that union musicians were central to the project’s creative realization. Continue reading

Demand an End to the Government Shutdown

Across the country, federal workers are struggling to pay bills without their paychecks. On October 22, American Federation of Government Employees TSA Local 1260 hosted a press conference and food distribution at LAX demanding an end to the government shutdown, which has now dragged on for over three weeks. Continue reading

SOLIDARITY WINS: Jimmy Kimmel Returns to Late Night

Jimmy Kimmel Returns to Late Night After Massive Outcry Over Free Speech Concerns Causes ABC to Lift ‘Indefinite Suspension’

In the wake of ABC’s sudden “indefinite suspension” (and later reversal) of late-night show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, which sparked outrage across the nation about threats to the First Amendment and free speech, Rep. Laura Friedman (CA-30) organized a press conference and rally September 22 near Kimmel’s taping location of the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood. Continue reading

2025 Burbank Media Industry Expo & Job Fair

AFM Local 47 proudly participated for the second time at the Burbank Media Industry Expo & Job Fair at Woodbury University on August 1.

Sponsored by the City of Burbank, this year’s 2nd-annual event event welcomed over 5,000 attendees ranging from students and newcomers to seasoned industry professionals, fostering valuable conversations and connections across the media landscape.

Pictured: AFM Local 47 EMD Business Representative Russell Winkler and Communications Director Linda Rapka.

AFM Local 47 member holds a "Musicians

Musicians Rally in Support of Stephen Colbert

On Sunday, July 27, 2025, dozens of members of AFM Local 47 and WGA West joined the 50501-hosted rally outside CBS headquarters at Television City in the Fairfax District of Los Angeles to support Stephen Colbert following the cancellation of his show. The bi-coastal event saw a similar action take place in New York on the same day. Continue reading

MI Career & Industry Fair 2025

On May 29, AFM Local 47 was thrilled to exhibit for the second year in a row at the Musicians Institute Career & Industry Fair. The event brought out MI students and alumni, allowing them to meet and network with industry representatives.

Business Representative Russell Winkler and Communications Director Linda Rapka spent the sunny afternoon in Hollywood speaking with a steady stream of inquisitive music students about what they can expect after working their first AFM job and about the myriad benefits of union membership.

Production Assistants Rally to Unionize with LiUNA

AFM Local 47 musicians rallied in solidarity with Production Assistants on May 4th (aka “Star Wars Day”) in their fight to unionize.

Held at IATSE Local 80 in Burbank, AFM Local 47 President Stephanie O’Keefe served as a guest speaker. Also in attendance from Local 47 were Vice President Marc Sazer and Secretary/Treasurer Gail Kruvand, Honorary Member Lewis Levy, and Communications Director Linda Rapka. Continue reading