The Screen Actors Guild might be getting a little closer to a strike, which could mean bad news for New Mexico's booming film industry. According to SAG's Web site the national board met for 30 hours on Monday and Tuesday but, as of yet, hasn't come up with a firm plan. The strike is still in the air but it looks like it's getting closer and closer. According to the New York Times SAG is moving toward a strike authorization vote.

The film industry in general has already slowed down production in anticipation of a strike, which means, of course, that more than just actors are out of work. Though not a blow from the economy it is another blow to it. It's important to remember, especially on a local level, that a SAG strike affects a lot of our own neighbors who shuttle film from one location to another, cleanup sets when filming is done and other, various, off-camera tasks.

If the strike does occur it'll be interesting to see what comes out in theaters in the next year or so. Hopefully this year's Sundance festival, which kicked off today, will provide distributors with some great choices that they can trickle out to fill the void that a strike will leave. Sundance, however, is also feeling the economic bust. The Associated Press is reporting that hotels and parties are down, though ticket sales are up. Speculation of course is that the tickets are being bought by locals rather than out of towners--a mixed blessing for the industry. It's great that locals get to experience the festival that makes their town so famous but if less industry insiders are hitting the fest it will be harder for flicks to be picked up.