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.

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.

Director Matt Reeves Talks About "Let Me In" - Filmed in New Mexico

MTV2 Interview:

Matt Reeves knows he has a target on his back. The director admits as much roughly two minutes into a conversation about his upcoming film, "Let Me In." That's what happens when your movie: A) takes on the pop-cultural theme-du-jour of vampires, and B) remakes a beloved flick that pretty much everyone agrees is as perfect as genre filmmaking gets.

After helming the inventive disaster adventure "Cloverfield," Reeves built up the Hollywood cred to buy himself some breathing room for his tale of childhood alienation, improbable yet vital friendship and, yup, the bloodsucking undead. Based on a 2008 Swedish film, Reeves' adaptation (due in October) shifts the story to the bleak winter landscape of New Mexico but maintains the original's horror-genre elements. We're so pumped about the film's potential that we've tagged Reeves as one of our 10 to Watch in 2010 — the folks in the movie industry we expect big things from in the next 12 months.

During some downtime on set, Reeves gave MTV News a call to talk about reworking a cult classic, contending with other vampire franchises and what's coming down the line this year and beyond for the director.

MTV: Is "Let Me In" a remake or a reimagining? What are you keeping from the original and what are you changing?

Matt Reeves: It's very much an Americanization of the tale that John Ajvide Lindqvist tells. The film touched me. And I read the book, which he also wrote, and it moved me too. It reminded me so much of my own childhood in certain ways. It's so much about that period of preadolescence, that feeling of being a child and of being bullied, the difficulties of growing up. It's such a beautiful coming-of-age story, in addition to being such a terrific genre story. One of the things I really wanted to do was find my own way into the story while still being very, very reverent to the beautiful film and to the wonderful story that they created. And so the story in many ways follows the same trajectory. I really wanted to put you, even more so, into the point of view of the boy and understand his childhood as vividly as it comes across in the book.

To read the full article, click here!

MovieMaker Magazine Names ABQ as #1 Place to Film!

MovieMaker names ABQ tops for films

by Megan Kamerick, New Mexico Business Weekly

Albuquerque has moved up to the No. 1 spot on MovieMaker Magazine’s list of the best places to live and shoot films, topping Los Angeles, which took the No. 2 spot.

The publication is a quarterly chronicle of the independent motion picture business. The article praises the city’s vibrant nightlife, 300-plus days of sunshine and diverse terrain. It notes that the Duke City is “fast becoming a movie mecca” in its Winter 2010 issue, adding that the city lured 24 film and television productions in fiscal year 2009. They took advantage of the city’s ability to “double for nearly every type of backdrop, as well as its proximity to Los Angeles and experienced crew base of 3,000 and growing,” according to the article.

MovieMaker praises the infrastructure, such as Albuquerque Studios – the largest studio in North America it notes – and Filmmaker Production Services, a 25,000-square-foot prop, costume and wardrobe shop owned by NBC Universal that opened in Albuquerque in 2008.

Independent Producer Ryil Adamson, who made “I Was A Teenage Dragonslayer” here in 2009, with the help of a slew of film students from Central New Mexico Community College, praised the help he got from the city and the local Screen Actors Guild office, as well as the depth of talent.

To read the full article, click here!

Film Vendor Update

In the last few weeks, we've added nearly 20 of New Mexico's leading film industry vendors to the New Mexico Film Directory on crewnewmexico.com, and welcomed several back for a second year on our site.

It's our pleasure to present to the industry the most-searchable, informative, and dynamic tool for finding information for your production.

You're also always welcome to contact us directly if you need assistance. (505) 930-0443, or info@crewnewmexico.com.

Here's some of the newest vendors on crewnewmexico.com!

• DeWitt Stern - Insurance and Risk Advisory services for many of Hollywood's largest productions and studios, now reaching out to New Mexico-based productions. http://www.crewnewmexico.com/dewittstern
• TC Movie Horses - Providers of horses to New Mexico films for nearly 30 years. Experienced wranglers, and also have a host of old-west props. Ask for Tim Carroll. http://www.crewnewmexico.com/tcmoviehorses
• RACO Leasing - Manufacturers and leasing agents for set service rigs, including P-Mo, wardrobe trailers. Based in NM but serve the industry nationwide.
• Delxue Catering - One of Hollywood's leading production catering companies! Credits include Titanic, Magnolia, The Resident, Men Who Stare at Goats, and hundreds of other productions, both in NM and nationwide! http://www.crewnewmexico.com/deluxecatering
• La Posada de Santa Fe Resort and Spa - A Rock Resort. A-List accommodations right in the heart of Santa Fe. http://www.crewnewmexico.com/laposadadesantafe
• Over the Rainbow Cleaning. With over 25 productions under their belt, they're New Mexico's leading set strike/janitorial companies, with a major focus on being green! http://www.crewnewmexico.com/overtherainbow
• and lots more!
• Be sure to tell them you heard about them on crewnewmexico.com
  

Video on Production Insurance Services Provided by DeWitt Stern

DeWitt Stern is one the newest businesses listed on crewnewmexico.com.They provide Insurance and Risk Advisory services for Hollywood's largest studios, productions, and talent - and are now reaching out to New Mexico productions.

Here's a video featuring Peter Marshall, Senior VP and Coordinator Motion Picture, TV and New Media for DeWitt Stern.

Entertainment Partners Seeking Paymaster

Paymaster needed for two-person office in Albuquerque. Must have at least 2 years payroll or accounting background & 10 key by touch. 4-day work week. . . . Entertainment Partners is the largest provider of production management services in the entertainment industry. For 30 years, we have cultivated a commitment to excellence by viewing our clients truly as our Partners. . . Entertainment Partners is an equal opportunity employer. Entertainment Partners requires successful completion of pre-employment background check. We also offer a competitive compensation package, comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurances, ESOP, 401(k), and Paid Time Off.

Send resume to dlenier@entertainmentparters.com

Have a job announcement? Email news@crewnewmexico.com

Coen brothers movie tryout is Saturday in Nashville

How cool is this: they're doing open auditions for their lead!

Paramount Pictures is seeking Caucasian girls, ages 12-16, for the lead in a new Coen brothers feature film entitled “True Grit,” according to a press release. The movie is scheduled to begin shooting in New Mexico and Texas in the spring. No experience necessary. The movie officials are seeking girls for the role of Mattie Ross, a14-year-old “simple, tough as nails young woman.”

The tryout is Saturday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at the Sheraton hotel in downtown Nashville. The address is 623 Union St.Bring a current photo to leave, and a parent/guardian should accompany girls trying out.

There is no fee to audition.

New Accounting Rules for the New Mexico Film Incentive Program

On September 11, 2009, Governor Bill Richarson's office announced the introduction of a new program to help provide greater transparency in the New Mexico Film Incentive process. In light of some recent abuses of incentives in Iowa, these come at a newsworthy time.

New Mexico has the most trusted and stable incentive program in the country, and these new changes show the confidence we have in our current procedures.

Under the new guidelines, production companies that request a tax credit will be required to provide the New Mexico Film Office with detailed information regarding the expenses submitted to qualify for the credit. Previously this data had only been provided to the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department where by law it must be kept confidential. Under the new policy, the film office will provide aggregate totals in specific categories for all film and television productions on a fiscal year basis.

By providing aggregate totals, proprietary industry information will remain confidential while still providing the public greater insight into how the tax credits are being applied, and to show the validity of the credit requests.

To enforce the new rules, the New Mexico Tax and Revenue Department is creating a new film unit consisting of four auditors and a supervisor who will receive specialized training in production practices and terminology.

Says Rick Homans, Secretary of the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, "Our auditors will talk the industry language, visit the sets and understand the complexity of the film and digital media business. The goal is to be open and friendly to the film industry and, at the same time, maintain accountability and a clear set of rules and expectations.

The reporting categories are as follows:

1. Total dollar amount spent in New Mexico (including NM labor)
2. Total dollar amount spent in NM on:
a. NM Crew (all NM crew: director, producers, writer, technical crew, security)
b. NM Talent (principals and background)
c. New Mexico facility/property rental: stage space, production office, location fees
d. NM lodging/accommodations
e. NM food (catering, craft service, other)
f. NM rental vehicles/non-film vehicles
g. NM "rolling equipment" rentals (trucks, trailers, cranes, picture cars)
h. NM film equipment rentals (grip, lighting, camera, other)
i. NM construction costs (lumber, hardware, supplies, other)
j. NM set dressing
k. NM wardrobe
l. NM special effects/props.

Article in Las Cruces Sun News About crewnewmexico.com and Film In Southern New Mexico

by Derrickson Moore
LAS CRUCES— Daniel Taras is bullish on the New Mexico film industry and wants to help ensure southern New Mexico gets its piece of the film pie.

"I'm the founder of a company called crewnewmexico.com. We are a production support, networking, and marketing resource for the New Mexico film industry," said Taras, who has been visiting this month "to begin a big push to bring more film business to the area."

After a planned "couple of days" of meetings stretched into a week, the Albuquerque-based business may open a branch office in Las Cruces, Taras said.

"Everyone was extremely open and accommodating during my stay, and it's a real reflection on the community. You have great weather and infrastructure. I plan to come back in about four weeks for more meetings. I look forward to promoting all that Las Cruces has to offer the film industry," said Taras, whose recent visit included meetings with sources ranging from Alma duarte Charter School for the Arts to New Mexico State University's Creative Media Institute, Dona Ana Community College's Film Tech Training Program, Las Cruces film liaison Bill McCamey and local sources of food,
Advertisement
lodging and possible locations.

Taras, 37, has a deep interest in filmmaking and an eclectic background that includes a bachelor's degree in geography and a stint as a safari guide in Africa. He's lived in New York and Portland, Ore.

In August, 2008, he decided to found his company.

"I felt that if the New Mexico film industry was going to continue to grow, we need to have a dynamic interactive resource when your considering whether to shoot and when you're actually here, as well.

The company's Web site is divided into three categories.

"Find," a free source, offers information on potential cast, crew, production support and personal services, filming locations, production lodging, furnished rentals, real estate. dining and entertainment, plus extensive listings about New Mexico film resources and current news relating to movies and filmmaking in the state.

"Be Found" offers listing opportunities for everyone from cast and crew to those who offer production, support and location services. Prices start at $79 for a basic profile with add-on options for multiple specialties and extras like demo reels.

Want to be a star? The cast profile page features, include "demo reels, video resumes, headshots, bio, credits, and links to your agent. Your profile features critical casting details including your stats, dialects, sports, musical skills and more."

A "What's New section", free to searchers, offers Facebook, a New Mexico film blog, "who's filming now" and "cast and crew calls." The site is now "a 24/7 operation, with over 600 individual and business partners. It's also accessible to citizens of New Mexico who want to know what's going on in their back yard. Every person who lists on the site gets his own URL, Web site and Web address."

Taras said he also has an e-mail list of up to 10,000 sources involved in the film industry.

For more information, call (505) 930-0443, e-mail daniel@crewnewmexico.com or visit online at www.crewnewmexico.com.

S. Derrickson Moore can be reached at dmoore@lcsun-news.com, (575) 541-5450

Due Date to Film in Las Cruces - Great Local Resource

Working on Due Date down in Las Cruces? We're going to point you to an excellent local production resource: Tony Martin and Fourteen30 Production Group. Production vans, grip and lighting equipment, Sony HDXCam, and talented crew. Know the ins and outs of shooting in southern New Mexico. Experienced team. Fully rebate-able.

http://www.crewnewmexico.com/fourteen30productions
Contact Tony at 575-621-4560.

Michigan Film Incentives May Be on the Chopping Block

Production Tax Incentives, such as New Mexico's 25% rebate to productions, are at the heart of today's film industry. Michigan has the most aggressive incentive program in the country, but its likely not sustainable, as the article below will demonstrate.

We're proud that New Mexico's incentives are designed to be sustainable and increasingly transparent, and while other states may come and go on the film landscape, we're a core part of the industry for some time to come. - crewnewmexico.com

The tax credit bringing many Hollywood studios to Michigan could soon see some major changes.

Senate Bill 404, a bipartisan proposal that would top the film tax credit off at $50 million and reduce the available refunds by 7 percent, is being discussed.

The refundable film tax credits would be cut to 35 percent from their current rate of 42 percent.

The bill was introduced on March 25 and is sponsored by State Sens. Nancy Cassis, R-Novi; Jud Gilbert, R-Algonac; Tom George, R-Kalamazoo; and Mickey Switalski, R-Roseville.

“We recognize that Michigan has a significant, large deficit of $2.8 billion, and part of what’s contributing to that is the giveaway money to Hollywood producers,” Cassis said.

The bill would be keeping the film tax credit at $50 million, which would scale back a little on overly generous giveaway money, she said.

“These movie producers are currently not paying taxes in Michigan, but are still getting money,” Cassis said.

The bill would just restore funds to other areas of the state, such as police, fire and Medicare, she said.
Cassis said the bill also would support commercial ads and more jobs.

“We would be able to provide credit for commercials to be done here, and we would hire 90 percent of Michigan workers first,” she said.

In the long run, Cassis said, Bill 404 would recognize all the refundable credits that are not necessarily vital and giving relief to other businesses.

State Sen. Jud Gilbert said even though the majority is not in favor of the bill, it is still necessary.

“The bill is necessary because films last for a short duration, which means the money will run out before anyone gets the subsidy,” Gilbert said.

He said the bill would divert money into a tax relief.

“If the bill passes, people will see gradual employment increases in small businesses with longer durations,” Gilbert said.

To read the full article, click here.

White Sands Film Festival Call for Submissions!

As a sponsor of the White Sands International Film Festival, crewnewmexico.com would like to announce that the festival is now open for submissions!

The White Sands International Film Festival is now open for submissions for the 2010 program. Early Bird deadline is October 15th. Dates of the festival are April 15th-18th, 2010.

The WSIFF is currently accepting feature length and short films in the documentary and narrative category with particular focus on multi-cultural themes and background. Any films from any genres accepted from around the world. Please note that foreign language films should have sub-titles.

We are particularly interested in films that...

• · deal with contemporary issues
• · celebrate the human spirit
• · explore the Latino and or Hispanic World
• · have been made in New Mexico
• · combine good story telling, writing, acting and direction.

For complete submission information,
please visit www.wsiff.com

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.

County backs loan for new film studio: Development of complex off N.M. 14 could begin within weeks

Santa Fe County will lend $6 million to a production company to build a film studio complex on N.M. 14 near the Penitentiary of New Mexico.

County Commissioners approved the loan unanimously Friday morning in a special meeting held in a chamber packed with local film union members.

The county will generate the $6 million for the loan through the sale of bonds backed by gross-receipts tax revenues.

Executives of Santa Fe Studios -- the entity that will use the money to build the studio -- will provide a $2 million letter of credit or escrow payment to secure the loan.

If Santa Fe Studios defaults on the loan, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 480 would take over operating the studios on behalf of the county.

Though the general terms were agreed to in Friday's meeting, several specifics of the deal have yet to be finalized.

Chief among the unresolved details is the extent of financial liability the union would assume in the event Santa Fe Studios, owned by Lance Hool, 59, his brother Conrad Hool, 61 and Lance Hool's 34-year-old son Jason Hool, defaults on the loan. The company's board also includes executives from Warner Bros., SONY/Columbia Pictures and Twentieth Century Fox.

"If (Santa Fe Studios owners) default, the filmmakers union would be taking on all of the debt," said Commissioner Liz Stefancis after the vote. "That's what we intended."

But IATSE Local 480 business agent Jon Hendry had a different perception of what had been approved in the meeting.

"We're not getting into guaranteeing any private debt," Hendry said. "We never offered that and we wouldn't be prepared to do that because it would put us in a position where we would have a vested interest in (the Hools') failure and we're not going to do that."

County Attorney Stephen Ross said resolving the terms of the union's involvement is a small but important detail "because the consequences of not having enough security are serious."

Hendry said 525 of the 1,200 IATSE members in New Mexico members are based in Santa Fe County, so there is strong support for the project within the union.

The Hools have been trying for years to realize a film studio project on a 65-acre tract of land off N.M. 14 that has since been designated a media district.

Santa Fe Studios and the county agreed in June 2008 that the film production company would purchase the land and build a four-stage, $40 million eco-friendly film studio. As part of that deal, the county agreed to contribute about $3.5 million worth of water rights and infrastructure improvements to the project. The studio promised to provide 500,000 hours worth of above-minimum wage jobs in return. The studio project also is slated to receive $10 million in economic development subsidies from the state Department of Finance.

But the Hools have had some difficulty securing the balance of funding needed to meet the terms of that agreement.

The version of the project discussed Friday calls for a scaled-back $16 million start -- with reduced square footage and more flexibility regarding the type of facilities that must be produced -- with a gradual phasing in of more development over time.

All five county commissioners spoke in favor of the project Friday, lauding it as a clean industry that would provide a myriad of economic development benefits for the county.

Lance Hool said making the studio complex a reality in current economic conditions has been tough, but he has been encouraged by the strong support shown by local government and union officials.

To read the full article, click here!

Variety Review of Men Who Stare at Goats

Filmed partially in New Mexico, The Men Who Stare at Goats has already hit the screen in limited release. Good, thoughtful review from Variety.

"A serendipitous marriage of talent in which all hearts seem to beat as one, "The Men Who Stare at Goats" takes Jon Ronson's book about "the apparent madness at the heart of U.S. military intelligence" and fashions a superbly written loony-tunes satire, played by a tony cast at the top of its game. Recalling many similar pics, from "Dr. Strangelove" to "Three Kings," and the screwy so-insane-it-could-be-true illogic of "Catch-22," this is upscale liberal movie-making with a populist touch, in Coen brothers style. Enthusiastic welcome at Venice, likely to be echoed at Toronto, should translate into friendly biz Stateside in November."

To read the entire article, click here.

Native American Filmmakers Wanted

The Second Annual Creative Spirit New Mexico program is seeking American Indian applicants, 18 and older, who are passionate about film, to participate in an intensive two-day movie-making workshop in preparation for the production of the short film “Indios Primeros,” written by Roberto A. Jackson, this year’s Creative Spirit short-script contest winner.

The free workshop is limited to 10 participants and takes place 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, and Sunday, Sept. 20, at the VSA North Fourth Art Center, 4904 Fourth St. N.W. in Albuquerque. Participants who successfully complete the workshop will be eligible for paid positions as apprentices or production assistants in the making of “Indios Primeros,” which will take place at Albuquerque area locations Friday-Sunday, Sept. 25-27.

The film will have its world premiere screening Oct. 9 and 10 at the North Fourth Art Center’s Two Worlds program of short films by Native American filmmakers.

Workshop applicants should send a short bio, including tribal affiliation, resume and letter of interest to –

Creative Spirit Film Workshop
c/o Ollie Reed Jr.
VSA North Fourth Art Center
4904 Fourth St. N.W.
Albuquerque, N.M. 87107

OR

via e-mail to oreedjr@gmail.com

For more information, contact Ollie Reed Jr. at the e-mail above or 345-2872 (Ext. 26)

"Made in New Mexico" Films to Show at New Mexico State Fair

The 2009 New Mexico State Fair in association with the New Mexico Film Museum will present a free-to-fairgoers, made-in-New Mexico film series during this year’s 17-day run of the fair.

“Filmmaking has been a part of New Mexico’s history for longer than most people know,” said State Fair General Manager Craig Swagerty. “The last six or seven years have seen exponential growth in our state’s film industry, and we thought a great way to celebrate our present success in movie-making would be to revisit a history of filmmaking in New Mexico.”

The inaugural New Mexico State Fair Film Retrospective will feature 33 films filmed in the state over the past 100 years. There will be no charge for the films, which are scheduled for three showings per day, 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., during the 17-day fair which runs September 11-27, 2009. All films will be shown in the 300-seat auditorium in the African American Performing Arts Center.

“The State Fair offers the perfect audience for a film series dedicated to New Mexico films,” said Film Museum Director Sharon Maloof. “These are films that many New Mexicans have probably never seen and maybe did not know they were filmed in our state.” Among films scheduled for the made-in-New Mexico retrospective are “Salt of the Earth,” “Red Dawn,” “The Man Who Fell to Earth,” “Young Guns,” “Silverado,” “City Slickers,” “The Milagro Beanfield War,” “Independence Day,” “3:10 to Yuma” and “No Country for Old Men.” Sponsors for the film program, in addition to the State Fair and the Film Museum, are the Carlsbad Caverns Guadalupe Mountain Association; the Albuquerque Film Office; and IATSE Local 480, Film and Television Technicians of New Mexico. Programming for the series is through courtesy of Julesworks Releasing.

Visit www.nmfilmmuseum.org or www.exponm.com for the film schedule.

Beautiful Corrales Furnished Rental for the New Mexico Film Industry

We're thrilled to present this immaculate Corrales vacation rental to the New Mexico Film Industry. Great spot for families and those who require privacy and a rural feel, but want to be close to the film world.

Four bedrooms, 3 baths, on one secluded acre with horse corral, just north of Albuquerque (and Albuquerque Studios).

3600 square feet with four bedrooms, office, three baths, three fireplaces and exercise room. Ideal for family of producer/director.

A great find. Book now. Casa de Suenos
http://www.crewnewmexico.com/casadesuenos