Simonette Berry is the Business Agent for IATSE Local 478, representing film workers across Louisiana, Arkansas, Southern Mississippi, and Mobile, Alabama, and advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, and creative opportunities for members. Her union leadership has spearheaded impactful programs such as IATSE 478’s Parental Leave program and their Disaster Response Team, supporting both union members and the broader community. As an Executive Board member of Film Louisiana, Simonette actively champions the state’s vibrant film industry while showcasing the talent and creativity of its skilled workforce.

A classically trained artist and writer from New Orleans, Simonette began her film career in 2012 as a scenic artist, sculptor, and mold maker, contributing to major productions like Underwater, Terminator: Genisys, and Maze Runner. Later in her career, she co-produced and designed the award-winning documentary City of a Million Dreams, which explores the history of jazz funerals in New Orleans. 

She and her husband Dave Whatley own Scenic Art and Casting Studio, where  a team of artists creates specialty props, scenery, and more for film, commercials, theater, and events. They also teach moldmaking and scenic art skill seminars to industry professionals throughout the year.

In her free time, she serves as one of three leaders of the Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus, a 3,000-person science fiction and fantasy-themed Carnival krewe that parades yearly in New Orleans.