Monday, March 30, 2009

Real Estate for the New Mexico Film Industry? Absolutely!


One of the best things about the film industry is the way in which is has a wide-ranging impact on the economy - and that includes the real estate market. There are several ways that realtors and property owners/managers can open up their marketing efforts to the film industry - it just takes understanding your market!

  • Firstly, there's your every-day home sales. The average film worker earns $20,000+ more per year than the average New Mexican. They are a migrant bunch, with a large swath of LA and New York based filmmakers making New Mexico their new home. With real estate prices significantly lower here (at least in the ABQ market), and high wage jobs, film professionals are an excellent home-buying demographic. From grips to studio executives, film professionals are moving to New Mexico. Here's a realtor listing page.
  • Second. List properties as filming locations (earn $500 - several thousand $ per day, depending on the film, the property, the duration, and the size of the production.) Productions carry at least a $1 million bond to take care of any damages that occur during the shoot, but quite frequently your location will look better after the production leaves than before they arrived! That's because they'll sometimes re-paint or re-plaster, fix up the landscaping, (all with your express permission, of course). You'll work with a locations manager who is essentially the liasion between you and the production - and they'll make sure everything goes smoothly. Any any kind of property can make a great location: residential, commerical, ranch, factory, vacant lot - you name it! See our Locations section to see some listings!
  • Consider marketing your home as a furnished rental. Whether its for the Above the Line film crew, or just film professionals coming to town for business or play, furnished rentals are a very common element of production housing, and a great way to generate income for an investment property. Search our furnished rentals database now!
  • Commercial properties - do you have an open commercial/industral space that can be used as a temporary production office? The film industry needs office space for their productions; leases are typically short-term (3-6 months). Helpful things are: plenty of parking, climate control (obviously), and a flexible amount of space. Some productions just need office space, and some need casting facilities, storage/warehousing, catering/dining spaces, production vehicle parking - it runs the spectrum.
  • Do you have a commercial property that you think makes a good fit for a film professional, a film business, or film studio? Realtor De Ann Ottaway just listed the historic Fred Harvey Hotel La Castenada in Las Vegas with crewnewmexico.com. A great fit, as the Hotel has been used as a film location - and perhaps it can stay in the film world under new ownership.
  • Here's some of the folks who have taken advantage of our current 50% off special for realtors:
  • Frank Warmath and his great new lodging listing! Watch for more details.
  • Great new furnished rental offered by Garrett VeneKlasen. Watch for more details.
  • Realtor De Ann Ottaway (we wrote about this last week but we're so excited we have to say it again) who's listing the historic Fred Harvey Hotel in Las Vegas, NM!
  • Santa Fe Realtor Nancy Chiriboga, who's listing the amazing property Inn of the Turquoise Bear in Santa Fe.
Whether you're a home owner, or a listing agent, you ought to consider the opportunities available to you now that the film industry has become a sizeable and increasingly established part of the New Mexico economy. In 2007 alone, the film industry itself pumped $250,000,000 into the state - and that doesn't include the expenditures made by film professionals in their personal lives. We're proud to be part of such an exciting industry, and always welcome your inquiries and are happy to do what we can to help get you involved!

Welcome American Power Production Services!


We'd like to give a special welcome to Don Newman and American Power Production Services to the New Mexico Film Directory on crewnewmexico.com.
They provide lots of excellent services to the New Mexico film industry, including: Generator Rentals, Video Assist Services, Video Assist Stations/Equipment Rentals, Lighting Equipment Rentals, and more. In fact, their equipment has been used on the recent New Mexico productions In Plain Sight and Crash. Their video assist package includes:
  • Sony 20" CRT Broadcast Color Video Monitors
  • Sony Tuners
  • Canatrans Video Transmitters
  • Dual 7" Hand Held Director's Monitors
  • Single 7" Hand Held Director's Monitor
  • Lithium Ion Batteries
  • 1 Custom Magliner Video Village Cart.
Plus, they have the coolest logo. Their profile page is under construction, but you can contact them at 505.344.3900, or 818.822.9200. Let them know you saw them on crewnewmexico.com!

Friday, March 27, 2009

New Member Update for the Week of 3.23


We'd like to give a warm welcome to all of the newest members of the New Mexico Film Directory on crewnewmexico.com. Our online directory features over 300 cast, crew, and film-supporting vendors for the New Mexico Film Industry. Please tell them you heard about them on crewnewmexico.com!
  • Big welcome to marketing whiz and President of the Business Development Group, Lucy Rosen. One of New Mexico's leading business development experts, providing full-scale marketing, consulting, PR and event coordination for businesses large and small. Lucy and her group will help you launch, grow, or market your company. True professionals and a highly successful company. While their crew profile is under construction, feel free to view their main website here!
  • Great Welcome to Don Newman and American Power - Generator rentals, video playback and projection equipment, video display units and much more! A huge resource for your New Mexico production. Profile under construction. Check back soon for more details!
  • Crossroads Ranch and Rodeo Company - Crossroads provides New Mexico Film Industry with animal rentals, animal wranglers, exotics, movie pets, western movie props - they can even set up an entire rodeo. These guys have been in the animal/rodeo business since 1930, and are a known, trusted provider for the New Mexico film world. Contact Mark Sanchez of Crossroads Ranch for more information for your next production (505) 749-4984
  • Luis Alvadrez of Upward Motion Personal Training - Exclusive, private, and lavish atmosphere where you can come and enjoy a fun and invigorating workout. Flexible scheduling available to accommodate your bizarre movie life.
  • Moonstar - Amazing Santa Fe furnished rental. Super private. Double-gated. Sleeps up to 10. Close to town but country views.
  • Beautiful Santa Fe Furnished Rental: http://www.crewnewmexico.com/canyonroadtreasure - contact marilyn@kokoproperty.com for info or to book.
  • Jane Blume of Desert Sky Communications. Longtime and trusted PR firm for NM. Will help you brand your New Mexico business and keep your message top of mind.
  • Christene Reisch of Room by Room. Draper, upholsterer, interior designer, specializing in window treatments and draperies.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

crewnewmexico.com Member Ivan Wiener of Reel Solutions Makes it to NBC News!



View his profile here: http://www.crewnewmexico.com/reelsolutions
and read the article on KOB here.

The Athena Awards! Submit Now


Announcing the Athena Award Screenwriting Competition sponsored by the NM
Women in Film Writers' Group. Enter your screenplay by April 15th!

The contest is open to all NM residents. The screenplay must have a female protagonist and/or female theme and may be a maximum of 5 pages.

The Contest will be judged blindly by a panel of top industry
professionals, including Kirk Ellis. The award will be presented in May at
an event, during which the top 3 pieces will be read by professional
actors.

Application forms may be downloaded at nmwif.com
Please address all questions to AthenaAward@gmail.com

We're Social! Stay in Touch With Us!


We're always here right here at crewnewmexico.com, but you can also find us and stay in touch with us and what's happening in the film industry by being our friend out there on the internet. Come and find us on the following social networking sites:
  • Facebook - We're "crewnewmexico.com Santa Fe" - Be our friend
  • Twitter - "http://www.twitter.com/crewnewmexico" - Follow us as we brag about our members and their achievements in the film world
  • Duke City Fix - crewnewmexico.com - We'll be posting film news and, as always, keeping everyone posted on the achievements and accolates of our film crew, actors, and vendors.
And don't forget, if you're a member of crewnewmexico.com, let us know what films or media projects you're working on and we'll post that news around all of our social networking sites and our website. It's our way of helping get the word out on who you are and what you do!

WSIFF to Screen The Land of Space and Time



Award winning filmmakers Michael Lennick and Shirley Guilliford will screen their latest documentary epic, The Land of Space and Time, which spans 1,000 years to explore the space adventure tales launched from the enchanted land of New Mexico.

The 5th Annual White Sands International Film Festival (April 23-26, 2009) will premiere The Land of Space and Time in Alamogordo, New Mexico on April 23rd, 2009 at Allen Theatres Cineplex 10. Award winning filmmakers Michael Lennick and Shirley Guilliford will screen their latest epic, The Land of Space and Time, a documentary that spans more than 1,000 years to tell the anecdote and irony-laden tale of sky and space adventures launched from the enchanted land of New Mexico.

Brilliantly directed by Michael Lennick, The Land of Space and Time is a sophisticated and compelling story of the development of the United States Space Program, within the White Sands area. The film features locations such as Cloudcroft, Alamogordo, Holloman Airforce, and the White Sands Missile Range. "It is bound to fascinate audiences of all types," said Dr. Sam Smiley, professor, and author of Playwriting, The Structure of Action.

For tickets and more information, please visit us online at www.wsiff.com.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Special Welcome to the Sheraton Uptown ABQ


We'd like to give a warm welcome to one of our newest members - the Sheraton Uptown Albuquerque. They've just completed a $20 million remodel and have upped the bar considerably on style and comfort for accommodations in Albuquerque - and they're inviting the film industry to come in for a look. Impeccable rooms, conference space, dining, hip place to hang out and have drinks, great location.

About their rooms, perhaps they can say it best:
"The Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown unveiled a 20 million dollar transformation in 2008. Now, each of our 295 guest rooms has been completely reimagined, with everything necessary for a great night’s sleep and a productive workday, including our famous Sheraton Sweet Sleeper(SM) Bed, a state of the art 37" LCD flat screen television, oversized bathroom and amenities, and in-room safe. Our contemporary designed guest rooms also feature wired or wireless High Speed Internet Access, ample workspace, in-room movies, and of course, fresh Starbucks coffee and Tazo teas for the day ahead"

The Uptown would also make an excellent filming location, with its hip new design, clean lines, and welcome attitude to the film industry. We're glad to have them onboard!

crewnewmexico.com News!


  • crewnewmexico.com founder Daniel Taras will be giving a talk on Wed. March 18 at the monthly meeting of the National Association of Women Business Owners. The talk, titled "Capture the Moving Picture Industry" provides an introduction to the itinerant film industry, why its here, and how businesses can get involved. For more information, click here!
  • Great article by Tom Gibbons on crewnewmexico.com in the online version of Albuquerque Arts! Click here!
  • crewnewmexico.com hits the cover of the New Mexico Business Weekly! Check out our great article (please ignore some of the mis-quotes and weird grammar)!

Monday, March 16, 2009

New Production Update for the New Mexico Film Industry


Three new productions officially announced for the New Mexico Film Industry! Busy week. And there's lots more to come for 2009!
  • Did You Hear About the Morgans?
  • Stargate: Enterprise
  • Crash Season Two
To learn more, visit our Who's Filming Now page on http://www.crewnewmexico.com/newmexicofilms

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

New Member Update for the Week of 3.9



We'd like to give a warm welcome to all of our new vendors! Please be sure to tell them you heard about them on crewnewmexico.com!
  • Amazing furnished rental on Canyon Road! 3 bed, 2.5 bath, right in the heart of the arts district!
  • The Sheraton Uptown ABQ! Just finished 20 million dollar remodel! Great location in the heart of historic Albuquerque.
  • Beautiful Santa Fe furnished rental The Miramonte!
  • The amazing La Entrada Bonita furnished rental compound in Santa Fe - Just across from 10,000 Waves - 5 units!
  • The beautiful Sandia Courtyard Hotel & Convention Center
  • The Spa at Encantado Resort! Immaculate, beautiful!
  • Big Welcome to Ted Slampyak of Storytellers Workshop, Inc! Storyboard Artist!
  • Big welcome to Aero West Helicopters! Helicopters, Helicopter Mock-ups, SAG Pilots. Tons of movie experience here in New Mexico!
  • Inn at Santa Fe! Production housing at the south end of Santa Fe. Excellent location if you're shooting at Bonanza Creek, and super easy access to the 25. Great place!
  • 505 Star Limo! Limo services, car rental, bus rental, airport shuttle, transpo coordination. They're worked on tons of movies! Welcome!
  • Special welcome to film industry concierge Ivan Wiener of Reel Solutions - Some of their many services include: meet & greet at the airport for executives and talent, luxury transportation, accommodations that include private homes and hotels, 24/7 reservations for restaurants, events and travel, personal assistants, location management, printing services, crew services, housekeeping services, fly fishing, golfing, art and winery tours, hot air ballooning and team building activities.

    For additional information about Reel Solutions, please contact Ivan Wiener at 505.350.8572, info@reelsolutionsnm.com or visit their website at www.reelsolutionsnm.com.

Friday, March 6, 2009

A Special Welcome to the Encantado - An Auberge Resort


We'd like to give a very special welcome to a select new member of the New Mexico Film Directory on crewnewmexico.com - The Encantado Resort.

The Encantado is part of Auberge, a unique, high-end resort family with locations in select destinations around the world. Perhaps the text from their website says it best:

"Set against the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Encantado is an oasis of serenity, privacy and luxury. Designed to be a destination of wellness and rejuvenation, tapping into the mystic energies for which the New Mexico desert is famous. The resort masterfully complements the breathtaking northern New Mexico landscape with the tranquility of 65 elegantly designed casitas, renowned spa and fine dining, creating an amazing and unique experience that could only come from an Auberge Resort."

We are welcoming the Encantado for their exclusive lodging, fine dining, and their select spa and concierge services.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Reelz Channel Ready to Do Business


Stan Hubbard came prepared for his New Mexico welcome by wearing the official state neckware, a bolo tie, complete with silver clasp.

Hubbard is the CEO of ReelzChannel, which is moving its corporate headquarters to Albuquerque Studios from Minneapolis. The Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce hosted a lunch to formally introduce him to the business community.

Hubbard credited Mike Burgess, general manager of KOB-TV, Channel 4, which is owned by Hubbard Media Group, with encouraging him to move the company to New Mexico.

To read the full article click here

New Member Update for The Week of 3.2


We' like to give a great warm welcome to the newest members of the New Mexico Film Directory on crewnewmexico.com. We're extremely proud to have nearly 300 cast, crew, and film vendors/film serving businesses, and 6,000 visitors to our site per month! Contact us at membership@crewnewmexico.com if you have any questions about getting listed.
  • Welcome to the folks at Aquila Travel - if you've flown in or out of New Mexico for a production, these are the guys you booked you! One of New Mexico's leading film vendors!
  • Big welcome to A-List resort and spa - The Encantado Resort. Just north of Santa Fe, this Auberge resort offers immaculate accommodations, fine dining, and levels of privacy and service not found elsewhere in New Mexico.
  • Big welcome to Crossroads Rodeo Company - Animal wranglers, livestock coordinators, animal rentals, specialty (western) props!
  • Welcome Steve Watson and Reel Chefs Catering to crewnewmexico.com. They're cooking Book of Eli right now!
  • We welcome the talented photographer R. David Marks - Headshots, Set Stills, Commercial Photography: http://www.crewnewmexico.com/davidmarks
  • crewnewmexico.com welcomes Suhanna Gibson and The Chalk Farm Gallery on Canyon Road in Santa Fe - Art Dealers, Art Consultants, and Specialty Props for the New Mexico Film Industry!
  • crewnewmexcio.com welcomes Amazing Placitas furnished rentals for productions and film folks! Casa Placitas!
  • We welcome Santa Fe Realtor Gene Bourne and his nearly 3,000 square foot Santa Fe Home - huge footprint, excellent price, in south Santa Fe.

The Latest from crewnewmexico.com


We're glad to have so many new visitors from our cover story on the New Mexico Business Weekly. We appreciate all of your inquiries, and we're looking forward to welcoming all of you to crewnewmexico.com in the following weeks. Meantime, here's just a few highlights of what's new on crewnewmexico.com
  • We have nearly 6,000 unique visitors to our site per month.
  • Our Podcast Radio interviews and news reports are streamed by listeners far and wide every day!
  • We now have nearly 300 members in our directory.
  • We welcome crew and vendors whether they are affiliated with a union or not. Many of our members are local union affiliates (about 75 of you), however many work in unrelated support businesses or crafts. We offer occasional discounts to union members - inquire within!
  • Our crew skill list is over 150 skills long, and we support listings for over 500 business types!
  • We're working with local chambers of commerce and business support groups to increase vendor awareness about the film industry, and to promote your local film region/locations.
  • We support the local economy. In fact, our partnership with the Santa Fe Alliance added nearly 30 small Santa Fe businesses to our directory just last month.
  • Our New Mexico film forum and discussion board is only 5 weeks old, but already has nearly 100 members and lots of postings. Create an account and contribute!
  • We're flexible - do you have a skill or business type that you don't see available on our site? Don't worry - contact us and we'll add it for you!
  • Do you have a large group of individuals or businesses you'd like to list in our directory? Interested in learning how we can help highlight your economic region and businesses in your area? Simply contact us at membership@crewnewmexico.com!

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

HB 725 is Done!


We're pleased to report that HB 725 which would have modified the New Mexico Film Incentive program has been defeated in the House Business and Industry Committee.

We'd like to give a special thanks to the hundreds of crewnewmexico.com friends, vendors, and advertisers who put forth a lot of time and effort making their opinions known to the committee. It really paid off!

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Movie Crew Brightens Carrizozo Economy

Amazing Exhibit - Check it Out!

*MICHAEL McCORMICK*

OBJECTIVE TO RECORD IMAGE
A LIFE IN ART AND FILM 1960-2009

Exhibition at The Art Center Design College

Albuquerque, New Mexico: Friday, March 6 through Friday, April 17, 2009. The Art Center Design College is proud to announce a retrospective exhibition of work by artist and puppeteer Michael McCormick featuring sculpture, painting, and installations as well as masks, puppets, and other performance objects. Credited for creating memorable props, puppets, and models for films including The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, Return of the Jedi, and White Sands, McCormick explores the theme of Gravity: Decay and Resistance in this comprehensive show of personal and commercial projects.

To Read More About It - Click Here!

Sunday, March 1, 2009

LA Scrambling to Bring Back Film Crews


Facing a sharp decline in the shooting of big-budget productions in Los Angeles, city officials are considering hiring a "film czar" to promote their interests with the multibillion-dollar entertainment industry.

Just three major films - those with budgets more than $75 million - are scheduled to be shot in L.A. this year, city officials said.

By comparison, more than 100 major films were shot in L.A. in 2007, and 22 in 2008.

City Council President Eric Garcetti said the liaison would be an advocate for Los Angeles.

"We need to have one person here who the industry can go to and who can tell us what we need to do," Garcetti said.

To read the full article, click here!

White Sands Film Fest Moves to Las Cruces


A fixture in Alamogordo for the last five years is moving to Las Cruces.

Well, sort of.

The 2009 version of the White Sands International Film Festival is "expanding" to Las Cruces, according to Kierstin Schupack, associate festival producer.

"Most of the screenings, workshops and panel discussions will be in Las Cruces," Schupack said Friday from her Los Angeles home.

She said because of the festival's previous success, it is expanding to Las Cruces, which has several venues from which to choose. Events will be hosted by the new Allen Theatres in Las Cruces, as well as New Mexico State University and Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces.

"Basically, the festival has grown and we needed more venues," Schupack said.

Alamogordo, she said, will host a joint opening night film event Thursday, April 23, at Allen Theatres.

To read the full article, click here!