Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Filmmaking incentives losing glamour in cash-strapped states

In a Troy office building where advertising executives once courted Motor City automakers, film production workers discuss which stretch of downtown Detroit would offer the best sense of urban decay. Down the hall, in a warehouse that has been converted to a makeshift studio, dozens of prop builders are fashioning blocks of foam and stacks of plywood to build a set for a rocky mine shaft.

For the next 11 weeks, the cast and crew of "Red Dawn," a remake of the 1980s action thriller that Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer is scheduled to release next year, will be working in Michigan. The film, starring Chris Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson, is one of dozens of Hollywood productions drawn in part by the state's generous film tax-credit program, which could shave as much as $14 million off the movie's estimated $54-million budget.

Nearly 95 miles to the west in the state capital of Lansing, lawmakers are wrestling with how to bridge a $2.7-billion budget gap -- and whether a state with the highest unemployment rate in the nation can afford to subsidize the movie business. The budget woes have hit cities across the state and have forced the layoffs of thousands of Michigan police officers and firefighters in recent years.

To read the full article, click here.

Site Visitor Map for 9.22!


Curious if listing on crewnewmexico.com will get you any exposure? With 8,000-10,000 visitors/month searching our directory, the answer is a big yes. But don't take our word for it - have a look at our site visitor map for today alone! Contact us a membership@crewnewmexico.com to learn how we can help you or your business reach out to the NM Film Industry.

Bryan Cranston of Breaking Bad, Filmed in New Mexico, Wins Second Emmy!


So many crewnewmexicans are involved in making Breaking Bad, and we're thrilled that Bryan Cranston has pulled off an amazing feat - his second consecutive Emmy. Great job by all.

Bryan Cranston has done it again: Breaking Bad's Emmy-winning actor picked up his second consecutive trophy as Best Actor in a Drama Series at the 61st Annual Primetime Emmy awards Sunday night. "Lee Trevino was struck by lightning twice," Cranston said, accepting the award. "Now I know how he feels."

The veteran actor faced stiff competition for the honor: Dexter's Michael C. Hall, House's Hugh Laurie, In Treatment's Gabriel Byrne, The Mentalist's Simon Baker and AMC's own Jon Hamm of Mad Men. (Click here to read more about Mad Men's Emmy wins.)

The award was Breaking Bad's second of the year, the first of which went to Lynne Willingham, who picked up the best editing trophy -- her second consecutive as well -- at the Creative Arts Emmys last week.

AMCtv.com congratulates Breaking Bad and Mad Men for all their successes.

Great Acting Class This Sunday! Register Now!

On Camera Auditioning: Fall Class at Healing Gate

September 27 - December 6, 2009
(no class Thanksgiving week)

Go big or go home! When you’re ready to explore the acting scene beyond extra work it’s time to make sure that you’re audition technique is at its best. Develop your audition skills in all areas of on camera acting so you know what to expect and how to be your best! Cold readings, working from actual film scripts, and watching yourself on camera will give you an edge and build your confidence.

Ages 18 and up
Sundays 3:00 pm-5:00 pm
Cost: $195.00

Location
3212 Monte Vista Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
At Healing Gate near UNM

Simply click the registration button, and then pay online with the Pay Now button.