Friday, April 30, 2010

Albuquerque Studios Update - Lawsuit Filed

A lawsuit alleges three former managers of Albuquerque Studios, which has seen filming of such movies as "Terminator Salvation" and "Book of Eli," were funneling business to a competitor, costing the studio more than $50,000, the Albuquerque Journal reported Friday in a copyright story.

The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles by Pacifica Mesa Studios LLC, alleges Nick Smerigan and brothers Jeremy and Jason Hariton caused the losses but does not describe when and what business was routed to other studios.

Smerigan was Albuquerque Studios' chief operating officer, Jeremy Hariton was executive director of studio operations and Jason Hariton was vice president for operations.

The lawsuit alleges Smerigan told his bosses he was being paid for working for competitors the day before abruptly leaving Albuquerque Studios on Jan. 22.

The trio's attorney, Rick Kurshner, said the lawsuit has no factual basis.

"I can tell you the facts that are alleged in the lawsuit that would constitute damage to Pacifica Mesa are untrue and that the legal theory behind the lawsuit is unfounded," Kurshner said.

Hal Katersky, co-founder and chairman of Albuquerque Studios' parent company, Pacifica Ventures, said the three were building their business on the company's dime.

Smerigan and his wife Gail announced the formation of RoadTown Enterprises, a construction management, design and studio-marketing business, three months after leaving Albuquerque Studios.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2010/04/30/entertainment/e123518D87.DTL#ixzz0md2e7gBP

NM Filmmakers Showcase!!!


The annual NM Filmmakers Showcase at the Guild Cinema in Albuquerque takes place on May 13-16. . Below are more details on time and location, and attached is the Schedule of Films.

We are honored to conduct this annual event as an open platform for New Mexicans to screen their work for the public. Films of all lengths and genres are accepted by filmmakers of all ages.

On a personal note, I’d like to strongly encourage the filmmakers who submitted their work to the 2010 event to please attend your own screening, as no person is a better advocate of your work than you are. It certainly speaks well for you and your film if you’re present to support it, and to answer any questions from the audience and our jurors.

For the second year, we’ll have a panel of jurors from the local film community selecting top honors in a variety of categories. With new submission guidelines in place for 2010, this year’s Showcase will have significantly fewer films than have screened in previous years, thus creating a tremendous slate of work from our very talented, serious filmmakers around the state. Thank you to all who submitted your work – I hope to see you there.

Cheers,
Trish
NM Filmmakers Program Director
NM Filmmakers Showcase 2010
May 13 -16, 2010
Opening Night Reception: Thursday, May 13th – 6:00-7:00pm
(Schedule of Films Attached)

Reception: Laru/CafĂ© Cubano – 3413 Central Ave, NE Albuquerque
Showcase: Guild Cinema – 3405 Central Ave, NE Albuquerque

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Albuquerque Studios

Albuquerque Studios is going to the "auction block." Having defaulted on a $21.4 million loan, their creditor, Chicago Investment Trust, is calling in the chips, and The Studios (including their debt) is scheduled to auction on May 14th, in Albuquerque.

So, if this does happen, what does it mean for the New Mexico film industry?

It depends, but I think it will work out just fine.

Firstly, there was film in New Mexico before Albuquerque Studios, and there would be film after Albuquerque Studios, whether it was shuttered totally (unlikely) or if it was taken over by another studio entity. The notion that this spells the "demise" of anything (other than the careers of some studio executives and, perhaps, the name "Albuquerque Studios") is unfounded.

Secondly, Albuquerque Studios was built during an intense spike in production business in New Mexico, when our state was well out in the forefront of the "film incentive" game. At that time it made a lot of sense to build the world's largest studio for $100 million dollars. But that was before the economic downturn. And before dozens of other states launched their own film incentive programs. That being said, its possible that the current state of Albuquerque Studios as as much a result of management as economy. It's hard to tell.

Either way, under any circumstances, it's never easy to recoup $100 million sheckles.

Much of filming in New Mexico is location based, and not every picture or TV show is going to be mega-budget. Garson Studios in Santa Fe has been around since 1989, and have hosted major productions including No Country for Old Men, Legion, Brothers, Appaloosa and more. While they don't garner much press, they've been here for a long time, and will likely continue to be so. That all being said, there's much clout and function added to a film industry when we have the scope and scale of a facility such as ABQ Studios. So, to lessen its impact would be an oversimplification. And it would, in fact, be more difficult to draw in major, studio-based productions without it.

Yet a lot of film in New Mexico is also sustained by low to mid-budget pictures. While we do see mega-budget shoots that could require a mega-studio, it's the exception more than the rule. So, again, there's no shortage of productions not in need of a major studio, and I don't forsee much of a difference in the number of productions that will be landing in the State. However, without big-spending films, you could see overall expenditures drop. But everything is just conjecture at this point.

Many also felt that the studios were priced high. One of the benefits of filming in New Mexico is the lower cost of doing business, and, of course, our 25% cash rebate for productions. Charging high rates, however, can offset much of that benefit. Twenty-five percent back means little if you're already overpaying. My hope would be that new management would handle the equation differently, and to work with the incentives to make New Mexico an even more affordable destination. So, again, depending on how the cards play out, this could turn out to be a positive development.

Also, the former chief of ABQ Studios, Nick Smerigan, is accused in a lawsuit filed by Pacifica Ventures to have funneled film business to new studios in Mississippi, in which he has an interest (ie, his company Nick Smerigan is the founder of RoadTown Enterprises, the Los Angeles-based firm that is managing the studio.) These are lean times, and every production counts. I have no idea, but let's just say that for conversation sake it is true (its a much more interesting story this way, anway). I'd have to assume any future management would be under much more stringent oversight, and we'd be unlikely to have that happen again. So, perhaps, another plus. I also think there's quite a few parties interested in picking up a film studio for cents on the dollar, and I'd expect they're not a bunch of hacks.

Also, Santa Fe Studios is still firmly in the pipeline. While not nearly as large as ABQ, it would provide New Mexico with an incredible studio space that I feel is in alignment with more sustainable planning; smaller in scope with graduated improvements and expansions. The current situation in ABQ could also help foster a more streamlined process to getting SF Studios up and running - another plus.
It's always easy to hit the panic button, especially in such a tepid market and uneasy times. The real challenge comes in trying to find the good in any situation, because that's part of what helps open the way for new ideas and positive developments. Film professionals are by nature a resilient and inventive lot, and are able to weather a lot of ups and downs. After all, if you can't handle chaos, you shouldn't be involved in film.

Thus far, I'm not seeing anything that's making me reach for the life preserver, and I'd be one of the first to know if the ship is going down. Far from it. In fact, I'm interested to see how things unfold from here and believe that there are some great possibilities in store.

We're fine. Everything changes. There's usually some bumps and bruises along the way, often, in retrospect, just to keep us on the edges of our seats. And those of us in film should be used to that. After all, if we're the one's who create dramas, we should also be the best at navigating them.

Feel free to email us your thoughts and opinions on this issue. Email to info@crewnewmexico.com

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

CNM Film Crew Tech Program - Check it out!


The public is invited to take a behind-the-scenes look at CNM’s Film Crew Technician program, which produces the largest number of film crew professionals for the state’s booming movie and television industry. Admission is free.

Those interested in pursuing a career in the industry can learn about the course offerings at CNM, along with the various career paths and the daily work routine of a film crew professional. Attendees of the event can also ask CNM film crew faculty and students about the program, which teaches the skills to perform a variety of film crafts including camera operation, makeup, hair and wardrobe, sound, post-production, editing, electrical crafts, etc.

Attendees can also watch clips of films that were staffed by CNM film crew graduates.

Tuesday, April 27th 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
CNM Workforce Training Center NE

5600 Eagle Rock Ave.
Albuquerque, NM 87113

Ask questions and get answers from film program faculty and students. Apply for admission to CNM at the event.
http://www.cnm.edu/cnmfilmsneakpeek

Film Class! ETCP Certification for Rigging Grips


Test Preparation: Emphasis on Math
Workshop Location: Santa Fe

Instructor: Johnny Perri
Dates: May 10, 11, 12
Class cost is $25 for the three days, pre-payment required
For registration and all details, email Phyllis at pdetrich@gmail.com or call 505-986-9512

ALL WORKSHOPS REQUIRE ATTENDEES TO BE NM RESIDENTS, ID REQUIRED.
For more information, visit: http://etcp.esta.org/candidateinfo/riggingexams.html

Lights, Camera, Music! Bo Brown and Steven Michael Quezada Headline Special Fundraising Event

Albuquerque Little Theatre (ALT) joins forces and talent with The Film Apprenticeship Programs, Inc (FAPI) to bring you Lights, Camera, Music. This special fundraising event will be held on Sunday May 16 at the historic Albuquerque Little Theater. The event will be emceed by former Miss New Mexico Christina Olmi. Native New Mexican and Country Music Sensation, Bo Brown will perform live. His new album Believe will be released soon.

Also headlining will be local Comedian/Actor, Steven Michael Quezada, who also has a recurring role on AMC’s hit and locally produced television show, Breaking Bad. Steven is a 5-time winner of NMHEA Comedian of the Year Award. He has been making people laugh throughout the Southwest at Comedy Clubs, Casinos and Special Events since 1987 with his unique Chicano style of humor. This special night of music, comedy and all-around entertainment, will be kicked off by the cast of ALT’s upcoming production, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Y’all come on out now and get a sneak-preview of this hilarious Texas tale.

Ticket prices are $10 each for general admission. The event will also feature a VIP lounge with local celebrities, snacks, and beverages. $25 admission for VIP entry. The event will be taped for future broadcast on Encantada TV, Channel 26. Tickets are on sale now through the ALT box office (505.242.4750) and online at www.albuquerquelittletheatre.org/Tickets.htm

All proceeds benefit ALT, now in it’s 80th season, and The Film Apprenticeship Programs, Inc. FAPI, now conducting it’s 3rd term of classes, trains New Mexicans for careers in television and broadcasting. The program’s mission is to put locals to work on productions in our state, keeping our jobs right here at home.

For more information on the event please contact Liz Servis: lservis@filmapprentice.org
For more information on FAPI. please visit www.filmapprentice.org
For more information on ALT, please visit www.albuquerquelittletheatre.org

Thursday, April 22, 2010

48 Hour Film Project - Get Ready!

The 2010 Albuquerque 48 Hour Film Project will take place July 9-11, and registration opens soon!

The 48 Hour Film Project is a great opportunity to flex your creative muscles, hone your production skills, and test your mental mettle.

MEET AND GREET HAPPY HOUR - FRIDAY APRIL 30, 5- 7:3O BLACKBIRD BUVETTE

Come on by to join a team, recruit folks to join your team, chat with me about the 48HFP, check out the competition, or just have a drink on the back patio. It will be a laid-back fun time so come on out!

Learn more and sign up for a team! http://www.48hourfilm.com/albuquerque/

Amazing Animal Productions and Animal Actors Worldwide Join The New Mexico Film Directory on crewnewmexico.com!

The world's largest providers of Movie, TV, and Commercial Animals - now with a New Mexico Office!

Amazing Animal Productions and Animal Actors Worldwide have over 35 years of providing affection-trained exotic and domestic animals to the Television/Motion Picture industry.

Experts in Script Breakdown, Budgeting and Coordinating the Animal Work for any size feature.

Their New Mexico credits include: 2010 - THE BOOK OF ELI - starring Denzel Washington; 2010 - THE SPY NEXT DOOR - starring Jackie Chan; 2009 - YEAR ONE - starring Jack Black; 2008 - BURNING PLAIN - starring Cherlize Theron. Both companies are fully licensed and insured - boast perfect records with American Humane - and are fully rebate-able!

For more information call: (877) 254-8585 or visit their websites:
Amazing Animal Productions: http://www.amazinganimalproductions.com/
Animal Actors Worldwide http://www.animalactorsworldwide.com/

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

crewnewmexico.com for Film Crew, 480, and 399? Absolutely, and Here's Why

No matter if you're listed on the 480 or Film Office website getting a CREW listing on crewnewmexico.com is a solid step. Here's why:
  • You get an entire movie profile page, just like this.
  • Your page gets its own web address: ie http://www.crewnewmexico.com/davidstump - so you have a fully functional web address you can add to business cards, your email signature, Facebook page, and more.
  • Anyone can view our site - and your credits - 24/7. The union website is password protected.
  • You can add/edit your credits and manage your page 24/7! Just login!
  • You can email your film credits direct from your crew account.
  • We'll work with you directly to help you get your talents and skills recognized.
  • We're the most searched directory for New Mexico film, with over 10,000 visitors/mo.
  • New Mexico has some of the top crew in the country, and we're searched by productions far and wide looking for talented crew.
  • You may be listed in IMDB, but that does you no good for people looking for New Mexico crew.
  • We'll introduce you and give a great shout out to you in our New Mexico Movie News, sent out to over 11,000 film professionals.
  • We sponsor film events all over the state to make sure that our company, and our members, are always at top of mind for film professionals looking for services. You invest in us, and we invest in you!
  • We submit your profile page to google search, so you'll start to appear in the top level of google results when your name is searched.
  • Discounts! We often arrange for discounted ticket prices for our members for film festivals, events, and more.
  • We blast our your career highlights to our nearly 2,000 Facebook followers.
Listing with us is quick, easy, effective, and the leading way to keep yourself on industry radar. Contact us at membership@crewnewmexico.com, or call (505) 930-0443 to register today.




Milagro at Los Luceros - Submit Your Application Now!

Governor Bill Richardson announced that applications will be accepted for audition workshops offered in locations around the state through the Milagro at Los Luceros initiative and the New Mexico Filmmakers Program.

Native American, Hispanic, and African American residents of New Mexico who are interested in acting are encouraged to apply for the workshops, which will help participants develop the essential skills needed for casting calls. Applications must be submitted electronically no later than 6:00 p.m. April 12, 2010.

Click here for the application!

Film Networking Event April 12 in Las Cruces

The Muir Studio, invites members of and leaders in the Community, Film and Digital Media, Education, Technology, Business, Government and the Arts to drop in, network and reach out at the area’s first-ever Community, Film and Digital Media After-Hours Mixer this Monday, April 12, 5:30-7:30 pm, in the new Palermo Room of the Original Lorenzo’s de Mesilla, at 1750 Calle de Mercado, adjacent to Historic Old Mesilla just off Avenida de Mesilla. Appetizers will be served along with a no-host bar.

For information or to RSVP, contact 575-521-6261 or MuirStudio@q.com

Monday, April 5, 2010

Hollywood snubs proposed betting on ticket sales

By RYAN NAKASHIMA (AP)

LOS ANGELES — Think you're better than Hollywood at gauging whether an upcoming flick will be a box office bomb or a sleeper hit? You'd get a chance to put your money behind that under two proposals that movie studios are denouncing as legalized gambling.

The proposals the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission are expected to rule on this month would let movie fans, industry executives and speculators bet on expected box office receipts. Investors profit if their predictions come true and lose if they don't.

These online trading forums would be similar to futures markets common for commodities such as corn, pork bellies, natural gas and silver. Although goods are rarely exchanged directly through such markets, they let buyers and sellers reduce risks by locking in prices months ahead of time. A corn farmer might want to do that in case a bumper crop pushes prices down too low.

Now, two companies want to bring that concept to Hollywood, a notoriously risky industry in which big-budget productions can go bust in a single weekend and independent movies can become unexpected hits. But the investors most likely to benefit from such an exchange — the six major Hollywood studios — have rallied against the proposals.

Although the companies behind the exchanges still plan to proceed, regulators pushed back a decision on one of the proposals, Trend Exchange from Veriana Ventures, amid the last-minute opposition. A ruling could now come Friday, more than a week later than originally expected.

A decision on the other proposal, Cantor Fitzgerald LP's Cantor Exchange, is expected around April 20.

The studios' trade group, the Motion Picture Association of America, argues that the proposals tarnish the reputation and integrity of the movie industry by authorizing "legalized gambling on movie receipts."

To read the full article, click here!

Friday, April 2, 2010

Discounted Performance Training for Members of the NM Film Industry!


Southwest Sports Institute in ABQ provides performance fitness training for the New Mexico film industry. They've served Hillary Swank on The Resident, as well as training assistance for The Spirit, Terminator Salvation, Eva Mendes, and Gabriel Macht.

They also provide nutritional counseling for the entire cast and crew to keep everyone healthy, and are dedicated to working with the special needs of film professionals. Their crew of trainers and healers includes chiropractors, physical therapists, nutritionists, and yoga instructors.

And, now, they're offering great $40/month memberships to members of the NM Film Industry!

To learn more, click here!

Contact SWSI to sign up, plan a visit, or ask how they can serve you, or your production! And don't forget to tell them you heard about them from crewnewmexico.com!

Southwest Sports Institute
5910 Midway Park Blvd NE, Ste A
Albuquerque, NM 87109
P 505.344.3600
F 505.344.3601
train@swsinm.com