Thursday, August 1, 2013

Three New Productions Announced for New Mexico.

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Three new films projects are coming to New Mexico.


New Mexico Film Office Director Nick Maniatis on Wednesday announced that a dramatic thriller called “The Guest,” will be filming through the end of August in Moriarty, Edgewood and Estancia.
Starring Downtown Abbey’s Dan Stephens, “The Guest” is about a family that takes in a houseguest who claims to have been friends with their deceased eldest son.
Also being filmed in the state this month and next is a political drama called “Persecuted,” and a movie called “Dry Lake.
“Persecuted” is the story of a contemporary evangelist who is framed for murder by a senator and his allies. Stars include James Remar, Bruce Davison, Fred Thompson, Raoul Trujillo and Natalie Grant.
“Dry Lake” is about three Native American teenagers, an adopted Christian girl, a rebellious father-to-be, and a promiscuous friend trying to escape the hardships of life on an Indian reservation.

Monday, April 1, 2013

The New Mexico Film Office Announces the Second NM Filmmakers Experience Panel Discussion in Santa Fe COMPOSING FOR FILM


SANTA FE —The New Mexico State Film Office has announced the expansion of the New Mexico Filmmakers Program including a new series of discussions entitled the "NM Filmmakers Experience” to be held at the Santa Fe Center for Contemporary Arts. 

The New Mexico Filmmakers Experience will consist of screenings and panel discussions, which will take place on the 3rd Sunday of each month from February to June. For more information, visit our website at: http://nmfilm.com/Filmaker_Programs.aspx or contact Dirk Norris at 505-476-5671 or dirk@nmfilm.comdirk@nmfilm.com

These events are free and open to the public. Our second Filmmakers Experience panel discussion is Composing for Film. What is involved in making music for a film? Who does it and why? Our March panelists are CK Barlow, Jeff Mettling, John Rangel, Andy Gabrys and Sue Lucas. 

Date: Sunday, March 17th Time: 11:00 am to 1:00 pm 

Location: Santa Fe Center for Contemporary Arts 1050 Old Pecos Trail Santa Fe, NM 87505 505-982-1338;  email: contact@ccasantafe.org.

Panelist Bios: CK BARLOW is an Albuquerque-based composer whose work has been heard on ABC, NBC, BBC, Bravo, MTV, National Geographic, VH1, CMT, Discovery Channel, G4, History Channel, Animal Planet, Style Network, etc. ANDY GABRYS has scored a number of short films including “Plots” and “Leather Kittens Gone Bad” with director Holly Adams, and the 2010 Notable New Mexico documentary on Astronaut Sidney Gutierrez: “The Sky’s Not the Limit” with director Tara Walch. SUE LUCAS is the owner of SkyLimit Music, LLC an on-line music library consisting of cleared, and original stock music of all genres by independent artists. JEFF METTLING lives in Albuquerque and is a multi-award winning musical composer and recording artist. JOHN RANGEL is a Composer and Jazz Pianist. John now lives in Santa Fe New Mexico and teaches at the Santa Fe School of Arts and Sciences.

crewnewmexico.com is not affiliated with the New Mexico Film Office (but we like to help promote their news and events!)

Film Industry Town Hall, April 18th in Taos!

SANTA FE—The New Mexico Film Office today announced a Town Hall meeting scheduled to take place in Taos on Thursday, April 18, 2013. 

This Town Hall follows a series of town hall meetings that took place in Las Cruces, Ruidoso, Roswell, Raton, Clovis, and Carlsbad. Film Office director Nick Maniatis will discuss the state of the New Mexico film industry – including an update about legislation, the outlook going forward, and the opportunities available to New Mexicans.


The meetings are intended to provide an open forum for each community to share information about their educational programs, film related businesses and issues of concern. Prior to each Town Hall meeting, participants will have an opportunity to have their headshot (photograph) taken by a representative of the film office which will be given to Extra Casting Directors in New Mexico. 

Those who already have a headshot are encouraged to bring them to the Town Hall meeting and fill out the Extras Casting Information Registration form (headshots do not have to be taken by a professional). This opportunity is for informational purposes only and is not in response to a particular production. The Town Halls are free and open to all, including students, local filmmakers, businesses and the general public. The NM Film Office is collaborating with local film liaisons, schools and chambers of commerce in conducting these events. 

The schedule is as follows: When: Thursday, April 18, 2013 Time: 6:00 PM Location: Harwood Museum of Art 238 Ledoux St., Taos, NM 87571 Phone: 575-758-9826 Contact: Asia Golden, Coordinator of Public Programs asiagolden@gmail.com 

Agenda: 6:00 pm - Headshots for casting directors 7:00 pm - Welcome and Introductions David Hinske 7:15 pm - State of the NM Film Industry, Director Nick Maniatis 7:30 pm - Q and A session There is no RSVP necessary to attend any of the Town Hall meetings and surrounding communities are encouraged to participate in the discussion. 

The expected timeframe for the town hall is approximately two (2) hours with Q&A. For more information on the 2013 Film Industry Town Hall meetings contact Dirk Norris at 505-476-5671 or dirk@nmfilm.com. # # #

Cast & Crew Entertainment Services - The Interview!


Payroll Companies play a large and increasingly critical part of the production industry, and are _C&C-Albuquerque-192x384-r4often the “unseen heroes” that really help a film tick.  In this interview with our New Mexico clients – Cast & Crew Entertainment Services – Senior VP of Client Services, Shardell Cavaliere, explains about the role of the Payroll Company in the modern production landscape.

What are the core services Cast & Crew provides to the film industry?

As a leading Entertainment Industry services company, Cast & Crew offers a turnkey solution for the Industry’s payroll and production needs.  Our suite of services includes specialized payroll and residuals processing, Cast & Crew’s own proprietary software products: PSL production accounting software, (the most stable in the industry), onBudget, (Cast & Crew’s premier production budgeting software) and onSet, (Cast & Crew’s Purchasing and Procurement Company.)

  
Most people would be surprised at how large and diverse a role payroll companies play in the production of feature films. In addition to payroll, what services and/or logistics does Cast & Crew provide to the industry?

Cast & Crew has a suite of proprietary technology solutions for production from budgeting via our onBudget software to our production accounting software, PSL.  For our clients, Cast & Crew facilitates all areas of Worker’s Compensation, provides access to our extremely knowledgeable Labor Relations group and provides state-by-state production incentive advice.  Additionally, through our onSet service, productions are able to procure goods and services through Cast & Crew to take advantage of various state incentives.

As production continues to decentralize from LA to “incentive” states, what challenges or opportunities does that present for a company like Cast & Crew, and how do you stay on top of it all? Is that the benefit of having offices nationwide?

At Cast & Crew, we look at every change in the industry as an opportunity to increase both our knowledge base and our role in the ever changing industry.  We work directly with film commissions in all US and Canadian jurisdictions and participate in numerous panels and discussions all year long.  Through these relationships, Cast & Crew is kept abreast of proposed changes and is able to work proactively with our clients to ensure that they get the most out of the individual incentives. 

While traveling to take advantage of incentives is beneficial to the productions, are there areas where it makes things more difficult or less cost effective? How does working with a company like Cast & Crew minimize those challenges and help maximize incentives?

Cast & Crew’s relationships with various state agencies only benefit our clients.  The ever changing world of incentives poses a challenge to all productions but, by utilizing our services, they do not need to be worried that they are missing out.  We all know that it is not practical for a production to purchase and own all of the equipment that is necessary.  From the expense of traveling that equipment across the country to the expense of storing it until it is liquidated at the end of production, the viability of owning just does not make sense.  This is where Cast & Crew onSet provides an amazing service.  Productions are able to procure their equipment from onSet and take advantage of the state incentives.  No need to store or transport equipment and they get credit for incentive purposes.  This is a double win for productions! 

Productions are increasingly mobile, going from New Mexico to New Orleans or beyond. Do you follow along and provide services throughout, regardless of the location? What about overseas locations? What's one of the most exotic places your staff has traveled to?

When a production starts with Cast & Crew, they may begin working in the US and soon find themselves across the country or the ocean.  Cast & Crew currently has offices across the United States and Canada and we are pleased to be opening our first overseas office in London this spring.  Cast & Crew will be with them every step of the way. We have had productions in various parts of the world, including remote parts of Africa.  We are able to process US nationals working anywhere in the world and, with the opening of our London office, will be able to process payroll across Europe as well.

Does Cast & Crew help productions navigate all the State incentives to help them decide where to shoot? Or do your services begin once the locations are set and the project is green-lit?

Cast & Crew is available to work with any of our clients to get the most out of the state incentives.  We are not in the business of keeping our clients out in the cold and that philosophy extends to production incentives.  A client simply needs to call and let us know where they are going and we are ready to assist them with the most up-to-date information available.  We provide monthly email updates and twice yearly we publish a physical version of our TIP Guide which details the incentives on a state-by-state basis.  These tools and the personal relationships that we have with state agencies enable us to provide up to the minute information to our production partners allowing them to maximize their return.  

New Mexico remains one of the top production locations in the US. What is it about New Mexico that continues to keep it so successful in light of aggressive competition from other States?

New Mexico has state-of-the-art stage facilities, a good crew base and no per project cap except for the $20M aggregate cap on performing artists’ salaries.  In addition, the incentive is fully refundable, a short commute from Los Angeles for weekend trips home, and good weather,
all of which provide a very competitive landscape.

What are some of the more notable New Mexico productions Cast & Crew has worked on? 
Cast & Crew has been privileged to work with many productions in New Mexico such as The Lone Ranger, Game Change, Longmire and The Lying Game, to name just a few.

Tell us about your New Mexico crew. What makes them the best in the industry?

Our New Mexico office is led by a seasoned team of industry professions.  The majority of the team has also worked on the production side which adds to the client experience.
  
Cast & Crew uses "the most stable and sophisticated production accounting software available on the market." Explain a bit about the system, what it enables Cast & Crew to do, and how it gives you an edge over other Payroll companies.

PSL was designed to track production incentives efficiently and effectively. In addition, the user friendly interface makes it the go-to software for the biggest films ever produced, most recently THE LONE RANGER filmed in New Mexico. The flexibility of PSL allows for customized reports to be created effortlessly, allowing productions to maximize their return and speed up the incentive process.   Combine that with the 24/7 customer support, PSL has become the choice of production accountants everywhere.

To learn more, contact Cast & Crew!
Cast & Crew Entertainment Services 
5700 Harper Drive, NE, Suite 310, Albuquerque, NM 87109
Tel: (505) 247-0868


Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Get Listed Now! Choose Your Discount!

Be one of the next 10 9 people or businesses to list on the New Mexico Film Directory on crewnewmexico.com and YOU GET TO CHOOSE YOUR DISCOUNT!!
  • Option 1: 25% Discount. That's right, opt for Option 1 and we'll instantly refund you 25% of your total purchase price! That means you can get listed on crewnewmexico.com starting at just $60/year! Whatever your total, you'll get 25% right back!
  • Option 2: $100 in Free Account Upgrades. The moment you register, we'll instantly upgrade your account with $100 worth of free extras, including photos, account upgrades, extra listing categories or even a banner ad! 
Simply click here and register and we'll be in touch right away to confirm your discount option. It's that easy! New listings only. You can list in any area of the site: Cast, Crew, Production Support, Locations, Lodging, Furnished Rentals, Dining!

Email us at membership@crewnewmexico.com if you have any questions!




Thursday, February 21, 2013

NM House OKs larger subsidy for TV production


SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Television shows filmed in New Mexico could qualify for larger tax incentives under a proposal the state House unanimously approved Wednesday in hopes of bringing more long-running TV series and their jobs to the state.
The award-winning series "Breaking Bad" is set in Albuquerque and filming a fifth and final season. One of its actors, Steven Michael Quezada, sat in the House chamber as lawmakers debated the measure.
New Mexico offers a 25 percent tax refund for certain film and TV production expenses.
Under the legislation, the incentive would increase to 30 percent for a TV show producing at least six episodes in New Mexico. The extra 5 percent also would be offered for film and TV projects that spend an extended time in New Mexico doing their main photography at one of the state's film studios.
Quezada, a New Mexico actor who won a seat on the Albuquerque school board, said in an interview that the higher incentives should encourage more TV series to come to the state.
"It's a great investment. It's a long-term thing," he said.
"Breaking Bad" follows Bryan Cranston's character Walter White, who produces and sells methamphetamine with a former student. Quezada plays DEA agent Steven Gomez.
In 2011, the state imposed a $50 million annual limit on the tax credits provided for all film and TV projects. However, the legislation will allow unused subsidies to be carried over to the next year. That could mean that more than $50 million would be available in some years.
The cap was established when New Mexico faced a budget squeeze and state officials wanted more control over the costs of the film incentives.
The state provided about $96 million in film and TV tax refunds in the 2011 budget year, as production companies rushed to receive payments before the $50 million limit took effect. The state paid out about $9.5 million in 2012, and the New Mexico Film Office estimates the incentives could reach about $45 million this year.
The proposed incentives will "send a clear and strong message to the industry that the government of the state of New Mexico welcomes the film industry and also wants more TV production filmed here locally as well," said Rep. Antonio "Moe" Maestas, an Albuquerque Democrat who sponsored the proposal.
The measure heads to the Senate, where a similar proposal has cleared one committee.

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Bill designed to lure more TV series to N.M.


From The Santa Fe New Mexican, by Steve Terrell, 
 SANTA FE — Call it the "'Breaking Bad' Bill."
In a bill meant to spur more production of television series in New Mexico, Rep. Antonio "Moe" Maestas, D-Albuquerque is proposing bigger film-incentive rebates for television series.
"TV series are good for job creation and sustained economic growth," Maestas told reporters Monday. "TV series that are successful stay around for several years. Movies come and go."
Longer series mean more job security for New Mexico crews, Maestas said.
The legislator said his House Bill 379 is meant to attract more series like AMC's critically acclaimed "Breaking Bad" and USA Network's "In Plain Sight."
Both series, shot primarily in Albuquerque, lasted five seasons.
HB 379 also would allow the state to carry forward unused film tax credit production funds from previous years, if the state spent less than the current $50 million annual cap. For example, if the state spent only $40 million on the rebates one year, the next year the cap would go up to $60 million.
The bill appears to have legs. One good sign for it was that it only received one committee assignment in the House, to the House Taxation and Revenue Committee.
And Gov. Susana Martinez, who hasn't been one of the biggest backers of the film incentive program in the past, supports at least part of the bill.
"The governor fully supports carrying over unused film incentives from one year to the next," Martinez's spokesman, Enrique Knell, said Monday. It allows us to maximize use of the fund while providing budget certainty."
But, Martinez hasn't committed to support the other part of the legislation.
"We haven't seen the bill yet, and haven't reviewed the proposal to increase the rebate level to 30 percent," Knell said. "That's something we will have to look at."
Martinez in 2011 spent much of her first legislative session criticizing the film incentive program. She frequently made statements like, "I'm not willing to give Hollywood a 25 percent subsidy on the backs of our kids."
However, since the Legislature agreed to the cap on the program that year, she has warmed up to the film industry.
The final eight episodes of Breaking Bad, the story of an Albuquerque high-school science teacher turned methamphetamine producer, will be aired later this year.
Another series, being shot in Las Vegas, N.M., is the A&E network's "Longmire," a crime drama in its second season.
To read the full article, click here!

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Vme Selects Denver-Based CMC’s Content Solutions Unit for VOD Distribution


Colorado Film News by Shoot Colorado.
 Vme Media Inc. announced today url
that it has selected Denver-based Comcast Media Center’s(CMC) Content Solutions unit to manage and deliver video on demand (VOD) programming for its Spanish-language television network. Vme’s on demand programming delivered via the CMC’s VOD distribution platform includes PeepDiboBruno and the Banana Bunch,Wild Animal Baby Explorers, and Rosie’s World. CMC’s VOD footprint encompasses cable systems across multiple MSOs serving more than 56 million VOD –enabled households in the U.S. and Canada.
Vme’s smart, engaging and empowering entertainment uniquely serves the Latino community with extraordinary programming that encourages learning, imagination and originality. Its 24-hour digital broadcast service is already carried on basic digital cable in major markets across the country and nationally via satellite.
“Distribution of Vme’s one-of-a-kind entertainment and educational programming through CMC’s platform will complement both carriage of our linear channel in markets serving more than 10 million U.S. Latino households and introduce us to new markets as free VOD content for digital video customers,” said Alvaro Garnica, Vme’s General Manager.
”We are very pleased to count Vme among the growing number of video service providers that rely upon us to meet their goal of reaching Spanish-language households throughout North  America,” said Richard Buchanan, Vice President and General Manager of Content Solutions at Comcast Media Center. “CMC’s VOD distribution platform is ideally suited to meet the needs of Vme and other television programming networks looking for a fast, reliable, cost effective, widely adopted and quality-driven solution for their content distribution requirements.”
CMC, which distributes more than 12,000 hours of on demand video programming per month, provides its wide range of VOD services from one central location including content acquisition, transcoding, editing and distribution. The platform operates under automated workflows and remote management capabilities to accelerate the delivery of VOD content. In addition to its role in uploading and managing television programming and related metadata, the CMC’s web-based portal lets clients track each VOD asset from CMC receipt to distribution across the VOD platform’s footprint.
About VmeVme delivers drama, music, sports, news, current affairs, food, lifestyle, nature and educational preschool content to our viewers. The 24-hour Spanish network, partnered with public television stations, is currently available in more than 10 million Hispanic homes reaching nearly 80 percent of the market. Vme is the first venture of the media production and distribution company, Vme Media, Inc.  To find out more please visit www.VmeTV.com.
About Comcast Media Center
Launched in 2003, the CMC’s national VOD platform provides a highly secure content distribution environment for films and other licensed video programming.  Denver-based Comcast Media Center (CMC), a subsidiary of Comcast Cable, provides centralized content management and distribution solutions for cable systems, video content providers and advertisers. More information about the CMC is available at www.comcastmediacenter.com.
Comcast and Comcast Media Center are trademarks or registered trademarks of Comcast. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners. ###
Media Contacts:  Vme: Natalie Judd, njudd@dex-p.com, 203-605-9515  Comcast Media Center: Andy Holdgate, holdgatepr@comcast.net, 720.270.1325

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Open Arms: Three Basic Tips to Welcome Production Crews


Breckenridge is one of Colorado’s most production friendly locations, and here’s some tips from Rachel Zerowin of GoBreck on how to welcome and work with incoming film and photo shoots. See why they’ve been so successful in bringing film to Colorado.
by Rachel Zerowin, GoBreck.
We all know that film, video and photos tell stories. When a crew wants to help tell your community’s story, it can be valuable to welcome them with open arms. Of course, permitting processes vary, but no matter the community’s structure or size, considering a few basics can help open the door to productions.
Recognize (and reward) public relations value
Some productions seek nondescript backgrounds that can’t be placed in a specific town. When productions want to identify and show off your signature shots – the locations you use to sell your community – the result is often public relations (PR) value. Say thanks by waiving permitting fees.
Travel programs can show major and obvious PR value but with the wealth of resources in the state, Colorado communities can (and should) think beyond that. A field test of cycling gear can show off mountain bike trails or a commuter cycling network; and a reality TV show on home purchasing may reveal perks of visiting the community. Whatever the focus of the program, be open to how it can share your community’s story, and be willing to give accordingly.
Be a resource
From permitting and parking to knowing the best overlook and which coffee shops open before 6:00 a.m., it’s the little details that can be difficult to wrangle. Even if you don’t have all the answers to every question – and you won’t – assign someone to wrangle. That person should work closely with those who issue permits, and have a connection with, or be willing to contact, local businesses. Additionally, this person can serve as the on-site contact for any on-the-spot questions or requests.
In Breckenridge, crews typically work through town permitting, ski area permitting and permission for private property. Many handle these steps on their own, but some seek our assistance here at the GoBreck office. Beyond sending crews to the appropriate permitting offices, we make ourselves available to be involved as much or as little as requested.
This varies from providing an on-site host, to setting up activities for cast members (often at no charge based on PR value), connecting producers with private property owners, or simply suggesting shoot/b-roll locations.
Be flexible
As crews communicate needs through the permitting process, be flexible and communicate any changes in normal procedures. For example, police/parking would probably be made aware if you issued a longer-term parking permit, but you may also want to notify impacted businesses or the public works department. Consider internal fact sheets so that crews with special permissions aren’t bothered. For those that want a crowd, use your in-town resource to inform businesses, rally crowds and contact media as appropriate.
In addition to fulfilling basic operational requests, be willing to make (or consider) changes for outdoor lighting, schedule demands, street closures, and close-in permitting requests. (Remember the first tip?) We’ve secured lifts, moved event locations/times and worked with activity outfitters to offer special trips. Yes, there will be limitations. But be flexible and be prepared with second and third choices
—-
Rachel Zerowin is the public relations manager for GoBreck, the destination marketing organization for the Town of Breckenridge. GoBreck works closely with the town and the ski resort to assist productions interested in shooting in Breckenridge. The community has hosted everything from movies and catalogue shoots to ski films and reality television programs. For more information on film and video permitting in Breckenridge, visit the Town of Breckenridge website or the Shoot Colorado location guide to Breckenridge. To get a taste of the town’s character, check out the BreckConnection blog.
Photos from the production of “After the Catch” – a followup to “The Deadliest Catch,” shot this summer in Breckenridge.
Credit Daniel Dunn
After the Catch, the Deadliest Catch recap show that relives the last crab fishing season, was shot in Breckenridge in summer 2012. In addition to fulfilling basic operational needs, the town and the ski area hosted a sampling of town’s signature activities and events, including the annual Outhouse Races.


Credit Ian Leirfallom. Captains from the Deadliest Catch participate in Breckenridge activities as part of shooting for After the Catch.
Credit Daniel Dunn
When After the Catch shot in Breckenridge in summer 2012, GoBreck assisted with rallying crowds for the Main Street shoot.