Welcome New Mexico Stuntman Michael Walter to crewnewmexico.com!

We would like to introduce all our blog readers to another one of our new members, New Mexico Stuntman Michael Walter of the Albuquerque Stunt Association! Michael is one of the newest New Mexico Film Crew members to join crewnewmeixco.com, and we're thrilled to have him on board. Michael has been a professional stuntman for 30 years now, and has worked on numerous local New Mexico film projects, most recently In Plain Sight and Breaking Bad.

Michael was inducted to the Hollywood Stuntman's Hall of Fame in 1993 is a credited author, producer, director, and stunt coordinator. Michael can operate heavy equipment like motorcycles, boats, and snowmobiles, and has 40 years martial arts experience on top of that! To learn more about Michael Walter check out his full profile at www.crewnewmexico.com/albuquerquestuntassociation.

IATSE General Membership Meeting This Weekend

The 480 hosts its monthly General Membership Meeting this Sunday, down in ABQ at the Sheraton Uptown.

When: Sunday, January 25th 11am
Where:
Sheraton Uptown
2600 Louisiana Blvd. NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110

Welcome Production Outfitters to crewnewmexico.com!

We'd like to give a big shout out and welcome to Production Outfitters to the New Mexico Film Directory on crewnewmexico.com. These guys are a one-stop production powerhouse: Production, HD Editing, Mobile Editing Suites, Crew, Sound, Teleprompters, Post-Production, and more. Watch for a more detailed introduction over the next few days.

See their profiles here:
Equipment Rentals
Crew
Production Company

Contact Production Outfitters for your HD and Sound Rental needs, for a talented crew, and for Production and Post-Production Support and Services.

Welcome Gianni Biasetti of Stunt World Inc. to crewnewmexico.com!

Gianni Biasetti from Stunt World Inc. is one of our newest members on crewnewmexico.com!

Gianni is a professional stunt coordinator, stuntman, and stunt rigger who owns his personal equipment. Gianni's resume boasts such big name credits as Iron Man, The Fall, and episodes of CSI: Miami.

Check out Gianni Biasetti's full profile at www.crewnewmexico.com/www.stuntworldinc.com. You can also view his personal website at www.stuntworldinc.com.

Welcome Cathleen Kane to crewnewmexico.com!

We just wanted to give a quick welcome to Cathleen Kane, one of our new members on crewnewmexico.com! Cathleen is an Albuqueruqe, New Mexico-based award-winning video producer, director and editor with extensive experience in broadcast television, documentary, promotional and educational formats.

Cathleen prides herself on being able to work on small projects with tight deadlines, but has also worked with big name clients like Inside Edition, CBS Early Show, and CNN. You can learn more about Kathleen's work by checking out her profile at www.crewnewmexico.com/cathleenkane. Or shoot her an email at cathleen@productionoutfitters.com

Check out B n B Production Services on crewnewmexico.com!

Here's a quick welcome to another one of our new members of crewnewmexico.com, B&B Productions! Harold Woods, the President of B&B, takes pride in his company's standing as of New Mexico's leading production vehicle companies.

B&B has provided truck, vehicle and generator rentals to nearly every major production made in New Mexico. Located in Albuquerque, B&B has vehicles of all varietes, including single and double plant trucks, tractors, generator trucks, wardrobe trailers, and much more! All equipment is held to the highest maintenance standards.

Check out their full profile at www.crewnewmexico.com/bnbproductionservices.

harowoo8@aol.com
505-818-266-8843

Casting Call This Weekend - 48 Hour Film Project

New Mexico Film Industry Casting Call from RiffRaff Entertainment

Our company created the short film "Tinkerin'" for the Albuquerque 48 Hour Film Project last summer...and we won Best Film!

Check out the teaser: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmSSlStyVtQ

Now 40 of the city winners of Best Film from all over the world are competing again this weekend and we need a cast for this Saturday!!!

For those of you who don't know what the 48 Hour Film Project is...it's a timed film competition in which we must write, direct, produce, edit and deliver a short film (5 minutes or less) in a weekend. It's hard work but it's a lot of fun.

If you are interested please send Riffraff Entertainment a message on myspace or e-mail your headshot and resume to info@riffraffentertainment.com right away! (you can also visit their page on http://www.crewnewmexico.com/riffraffrentertainment)

Now, it's against the rules to pay cast or crew in this competition, but we will feed you, give you a copy of the movie for your reel, and the film has a guaranteed screening at the 2009 Miami International Film Festival this March!

Come be part of our team!

Welcome Al Goto to crewnewmexico.com!

We would like to give a quick shout out to stuntman and stunt coordinator Al Goto, another one of our new members on crewnewmexico.com! Al has over 24 years experience in the stunt and safety industry, and has worked on several film and TV projects based here in New Mexico, as well as around the country.

Several of his New Mexico film/television stunt credits include Crazy Heart, My One and Only, Swing Vote, In Plain Sight, and Beaking Bad. Al has also worked on big name films and TV series like Windtalkers and Friends.

You can learn more about Al Goto by checking out his full profile at www.crewnewmexico.com/www.algoto.com. You can also visit his personal web page at www.algoto.com.

Studios Move Ahead - But Stars Earning Less

Studios proceed cautiously for 2010

Few stars currently earning their quotes

By MICHAEL FLEMING

Last fall, studios were bullish with plans to put 40 or more films in production to fill 2010 and 2011 slates.

The majors might still meet that goal, but it hardly feels like a bull market so far.

Studios are proceeding cautiously as they wait for the SAG dispute to play itself out. And they are using economic hard times to slash talent salaries to the point where, even when the business is back, it won’t nearly be the same as it used to be. They are working through the volume of pre-strike films they put into production in early 2008 and are still in need of product for 2010 and especially 2011.

"Studios are telling us, we need movies, but they want us to proceed with projects without spending money, and without actually pulling the trigger and making commitments," said one studio-based producer with projects in limbo. "Producers have been wedged into this netherworld where it’s like hurry up and wait."

Click here to see the full article

Who Needs Movies - We Can Just Watch SAG for Drama!

SAG's Rosenberg still defiant

Dissent not dissuading guild president

By DAVE MCNARY

The SAG standoff over national exec director Doug Allen remains inflamed, with president Alan Rosenberg still defiant in the face of efforts by the board's majority to topple Allen.

"These people are like children," Rosenberg said of his opponents in a Tuesday interview with Daily Variety. "They refuse to take responsibility for anything they do."

More than one option

• (Co) Daily Variety
  Filmography, Year, Role
• (Co) Daily Variety

The moderates have pledged they will fire Allen on grounds that he's bungled SAG's negotiations, defied the will of the board and left members without a new feature-primetime contract for nearly eight months. Despite having the votes to toss Allen out, the moderate wing was blocked by Rosenberg and his allies at the Jan. 12-13 board meeting via a 30-hour filibuster.

Rosenberg said it remains unclear when the strike authorization may be sent out as he and Allen attempt to persuade other board members to go along with a new plan to enter last-ditch negotiations with the congloms, then send the final offer out to the members without a recommendation. The moderates have already ridiculed the plan, saying they don't trust Allen.

Rosenberg questioned the latest promise by the moderates, asserting they may not have enough votes to dismiss the exec by the process of obtaining individual written signatures -- which could be submitted before the end of the month. "I suspect that they can't get enough votes for written assent, which would take us back to the dark ages," he added.

Click here to see the full article

Article on the Possible SAG Strike, in CounterPunch

Capitulation in Hollywood

SAG Watches It All Slip Away

By DAVID MACARAY

While American labor unions are having their usual rough time of it (not to mention the additional burden of having weathered eight brutal years of Elaine Chao as Secretary of Labor), the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) is facing not only potential defeat in the form of getting jammed with an inferior contract, but stands to be dealt a bitter humiliation. And the entity applying that humiliation isn’t its long-time adversary, the AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers). It’s SAG’s own membership.

Typically (and understandably), a union membership wants it all. That’s the standard dynamic. The members want a first-rate union contract, with all the goodies; but, because of the dangers involved, they want it to come all neatly wrapped up, without any risks. There’s a baseball analogy. The manager goes out to the mound and glibly instructs the pitcher on how to pitch to a dangerous batter: “Don’t walk him, but don’t give him anything to hit.”

What SAG’s rank-and-file wants from its leadership is much the same thing. Bring us back a good contract, a substantial contract, an improved contract, but don’t ask us to join you in a battle or otherwise sacrifice anything important to get it. Above all, don’t ask us to get tough.

Click here to see the full article

Estate Sale This Weekend In Santa Fe - Prop-Houses Take Note

Martin Rosenberg of the Vintage Poster Gallery on Canyon Road is holding an estate sale this weekend. Here's a list of some of the items being sold. Prop houses and antique buffs take note!

AMAZING ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES
ESTATE SALE
901 CANYON RD.
(Corner Canyon Rd. & Palace)
Parking on Alameda

Private collection of vintage collectibles being sold.
Includes: Art glass, Native American, old oil paintings,
Scholder signed lithos, Castillo silver pitcher, cradle
boards, cast iron circus wagons, Peruvian pottery,
antique art posters, Huichol yarn paintings from 1950’s,
Casas Grandes pottery, Nampeyo signed ladle, rare Star
Trek V lobby display, Apache Dance Masks, jade
pendants, Pacific carved bone masks, Papago & Apache
baskets, original Crumb comic books, and more!
(note: No clothes or household items)
Great chance to buy the best at years ago prices!
HOURS OF SALE
JAN. 24th, SATURDAY 8 A.M. - 1 P.M.
JAN. 25th, SUNDAY 8 A.M. - 1 P.M.
For more info or a pre-sale preview, contact Marty at (505) 577-7419

Last Call for Entries - IndieFest

Deadline: January 30, 2009

The Indie Fest is an independent, top-tier international film awards competition.

Our goal: The Indie is about helping independent filmmakers gain publicity and secure distribution, the Holy Grail of filmmaking. We have relationship with distributors friendly to independent filmmakers. Indie Fest winners can use our Screener Distribution Service to reach even more distributors. Details are on the Indie website. http://www.TheIndieFest.com/Dist.aspx

How you will benefit: If you win an Indie Fest award you will benefit from our dedicated focus and from our relationships with indie-friendly distributors. The Indie Fest is a virtual festival. It does not have physical screeners. Rather, winners receive publicity as we broadcast the list of winners via press releases and to our email database of more than 28,000 filmmakers and industry insiders. Winning an Indie will help you get noticed.

Entries are judged against high standards of excellence and against each other. The Indie Fest provides an equal chance of winning for all entrants, regardless of size and budget. Entries are judged on quality of craft and creativity. The Indie Fest is a showcase for cinematic gems and unique voices.

There are three levels of awards: Best of Show, Award of Excellence and Award of Merit. No more than 15% of entries will be granted Awards of Excellence. Best of Show will only be granted if unique films are discovered. In fact, there is no requirement that any Best of Show awards be given. Notable artistic and technical productions that exceed industry standards are recognized at the Award of Merit level.

Judging is a three phase process. Like most traditional festivals, the first round of judging takes place internally and is a screening to find those productions that have outstanding craft, i.e., cinematography/videography, sound, editing, etc. Many films wash-out during phase. Those productions that survive are evaluated to find the films that excel at storytelling, entertainment and communication. Entries judged to be potential Best of Show winners may be sent to outside judges for additional review. Judging standards are high and selective.

Please take a look at the Indie Fest website, www.TheIndieFest.com, so you'll better understand the Competition. On the website you'll find lots of original content of interest to independent filmmakers including articles about indie-friendly distributors.

Go to www.TheIndieFest.com for rules and entry form.

Hollywood Heads to Bollywood

Warner Bros calls action on Bollywood blockbuster

By Joe Leahy in Hyderabad

Published: January 16 2009 19:33 | Last updated: January 16 2009 19:33

Warner Brothers launched the most ambitious attempt yet by a Hollywood studio to crack the world’s most prolific movie market, Bollywood, with the commercial release of Chandni Chowk to China.

The film is the first full-scale campaign by a large US studio to create a Bollywood blockbuster, with Warner enlisting India’s star of the moment, action hero Akshay Kumar. He plays a poor cook who goes to China and learns kung fu.

“Indian [local language] movies are 95 per cent of the domestic business so if you’re serious about the Indian market, you really have to enter that sector,” said Richard Fox, executive vice-president of Warner Brothers International.

Read the full article by clicking here

Ernst & Young: NM film Incentives = Good ROI

by Megan Kamerick, NMBW Staff

The film industry and its supporters in New Mexico are most likely breathing a sigh of relief.

The long-awaited study by Ernst & Young on the economic return by the state’s film and media incentives found that for every $1 extended in state tax credits, state and local governments received $1.50.

Gov. Bill Richardson made the announcement Friday and said the state’s incentives to attract film and television productions have created high-quality jobs, health coverage and benefits for New Mexico workers.

To read the full article, click here!

Highlights of the New Mexico Film Tax Incentive Program Study

crewnewmexico.com is proud to relay the following press release from the office of Governor Bill Richardson. We told you. . .

New Study of Film Industry Incentives Show Strong Job and Revenue Creation for New Mexico

SANTA FE- A new study released today shows that New Mexico’s film industry tax incentives are delivering impressive economic and fiscal results for the state and its workers. The study, using the year 2007 as a base measure, was conducted by Ernst & Young, one of the world’s largest professional service firms. Results showed that combined New Mexico’s state and local governments garner a positive 1.5 return on investment on the tax credits extended to companies producing films in the state, or $1.50 for every $1 extended in state tax credits.

“I am pleased at the results of today’s study. Not only are we are seeing a net gain to state and local tax revenues as a result of these incentives to attract these film and television productions, but we are also creating high quality jobs with health coverage and benefits for the people of our state,” Governor Bill Richardson said. “This is a successful initiative worthy of our continued support, especially in these difficult economic times.”

According to the Ernst & Young study:

· New Mexico has a 1.5 return on investment on combined state and local taxes.
· Film production activities in New Mexico created 2,220 direct film and media jobs in 2007
· 3,769 direct jobs from capital expenditures and projected film tourism spending were attributable to productions in 2007.
· 5,989 direct jobs attributable to the film production tax credit in 2007 created a total of 9,210 total jobs in New Mexico
· Average annual salary of film technicians: $49,000
· Average annual salary of New Mexicans just over $30,000
· Over 200 new film-specific businesses established in New Mexico since 2003, directly attributable to the film production tax credit.
· Over 600 additional New Mexico businesses are benefiting from film activities.

The film production incentives were expanded in 2003 at the urging of Governor Bill Richardson, who predicted at the time that it would create good jobs for New Mexicans and diversify our state’s economy.

The Quantitative Economics and Statistics (QUEST) of Ernst & Young authored the study of New Mexico’s film production incentives. This multidisciplinary practice combines business and industry experience with capabilities including federal, state, and local tax policy analysis and revenue estimation; economic development strategy and targeting; and economic and fiscal impact modeling. QUEST also provides analyses to effect legislation and regulatory change, relying on its team of respected tax economists and statisticians to produce quantitative studies of a variety of federal and state issues.
****************************************************

crewnewmexico.com is New Mexico's Premier Film Industry Resource. Click here for information about the New Mexico Film Incentive Program. For our comment, contact crewnewmexico.com at (505) 930-0443, or info@crewnewmexico.com

New Mexico Film Tax Incentive Study is Ready

The State of New Mexico "Economic and Fiscal Impacts of the New Mexico Film Production Tax Credit" report is ready.

The State Film Office, the film unions, and film professionals agreed last year to conduct an intensive study on the fiscal impact that the film incentives, and the resulting production, have on the State. This report is now ready.

It was our contention that the Tax Incentives are an economic boost to the state, and this study has confirmed just that. Please read, and let us know if you have any questions. We'll be following up with a more detailed commentary.

The report is available by clicking here.

ReelzChannel Job Fair a Huge (Overwhelming) Success

REELZCHANNEL DRAWS THOUSANDS AT JOB FAIR TO BUILD TALENTED WORKFORCE FOR NEW CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS

Network Relocates to Albuquerque and Creates New Jobs for Producers, Writers, Editors & More to Make "TV About Movies"

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO [January 15, 2009] - ReelzChannel® - TV About Movies™, the only cable/satellite network and website dedicated to everything about movies, drew thousands of talented individuals to a popular and productive job fair held this week in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the site of the network's new corporate headquarters beginning in early 2009.

Nearly 3,000 people thronged to the all-day event, lining up to meet with ReelzChannel's senior network executives and apply for positions in areas ranging from entry-level administrative jobs to creative and managerial posts in a variety of areas.

In the new location, television programming, website development, creative services, and marketing and communications will all be housed in one facility for the first time since the network launched in September 2006.

ReelzChannel was impressed by the high-caliber group of people who participated in the event. As a result of the Job Fair's success, the network is now confident that it can fill up to 80 percent of the 100 new positions being created by the relocation to the new facility with a workforce experienced in making and marketing television. New Mexico is below the national unemployment rate and has a rich talent pool, so this far exceeds the network's prior projections of a 30 percent fill rate, according to Stan Hubbard, Chairman and CEO of ReelzChannel.

Click HERE to see the whole article.

New Mexico Business Resources

It is our goal to develop and foster the growth of film-supporting businesses through education, outreach, business development, and plain old powerful advertising and marketing. To that end, we've got a collection of resources in our Filmmaker Resources section of our website with links to business supporting organizations across the state. Please have a look at our list here, and contact any of these groups as you develop or launch your new venture. The list is by no means exhaustive, but it is a good starting point.

You're also welcome to call us here at crewnewmexico.com (505) 930-0443, and we'd be happy to work with you to develop your branding and marketing plan, as well as discuss ways to get the word out on what you do. crewnewmexico.com receives nearly 5,000 visitors to our site per month, and if you do, or want to do, something film related, we're the best outreach tool available.

Welcome ABQ Marriott Pyramid North to the New Mexico FIlm Directory on crewnewmexico.com!

We'd like to welcome the newest member of the New Mexico Movie crew on crewnewmexico.com! The Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North has joined the Production Lodging section of our site. Check back for more details soon!

Welcome New Member Club House Inn and Suites to crewnewmexico.com

We'd like to give a warm welcome to our newest Lodging Member - Club House Inn and Suites in Albuquerque! Their profile page is under construction, but here's a link to their main website. Check these guys out, and let them know you saw them on crewnewmexico.com.

Welcome New Member - The Historic Plaza Hotel in Las Vegas New Mexico!

We'd like to extend a warm welcome to the newest members of the New Mexico Film Directory on crewnewmexico.com -- The Plaza Hotel in Las Vegas!

Watch for more details about this amazing destination - for production lodging, dining, and, now, with a 300-seat ballroom for casting, filming, and special events.

NM Media Mix Conference This Weekend - Special Savings for crewnewmexico.com

The NM Media Mix Conference is offering a great deal to all members of crewnewmexico.com! Knock $25 off your registration (from $50 to $25) just by telling them you're a member of crewnewmexico.com (and telling them your crewnewmexico.com web address). What a deal! Even more reasons to join crewnewmexico.com!

To register click here

NM Media Industries MIX Conference This Weekend!

The fifth annual NM Media Industries Conference "MIX" is coming up Saturday, January 17th at UNM with a pretty wide range of sessions and topics in animation, business, education, film, games, web/software and more. We're also particularly pleased to have Ian Bogost for our lead-off talk that day. After growing up in New Mexico, Ian's gone on to become one of the world's leading game educator/writer/producers, with a great ability to describe not only how interactive media is changing, but also how it can be used to better understand our world.

I think we're all concerned about the effects we'll see from the current economic situation, including decreased funding for many programs. However, the film and media industry is still a bright spot in New Mexico's economic landscape -- positioned to consolidate some of our gains and harness our talents for continued success.

We hope you can join us!

More conference info, with schedule and links to registration is at http://www.nm-mix.org / http://nm-mix.ning.com

WHAT: NM Media Industries MIX
WHEN: Saturday, January 17th 9AM - 5PM
WHERE: UNM Student Union Building Ballroom B, UNM Main Campus
COST: $50 Regular / $25 Students and members of supporting organizations* (includes buffet lunch and snacks, etc.)
HOW: Register at http://www.acteva.com/booking.cfm?bevaID=171155&CFID=13610872&CFTOKEN=30747945

The Indie Fest - Call for Entries

The Indie Fest: Call for Entries

Deadline: January 30, 2009

Download the entry form at: www.TheIndieFest.com

The Indie Fest is an independent, top-tier international film awards competition.

Our goal: The Indie is about helping independent filmmakers gain publicity and secure distribution, the Holy Grail of filmmaking. We have relationship with distributors friendly to independent filmmakers. Indie Fest winners can use our Screener Distribution Service to reach even more distributors. Details are on the Indie website. http://www.TheIndieFest.com/Dist.aspx

How you will benefit: If you win an Indie Fest award you will benefit from our dedicated focus and from our relationships with indie-friendly distributors. The Indie Fest is a virtual festival. It does not have physical screeners. Rather, winners receive publicity as we broadcast the list of winners via press releases and to our email database of more than 28,000 filmmakers and industry insiders. Winning an Indie will help you get noticed.

Entries are judged against high standards of excellence and against each other. The Indie Fest provides an equal chance of winning for all entrants, regardless of size and budget. Entries are judged on quality of craft and creativity. The Indie Fest is a showcase for cinematic gems and unique voices.

There are three levels of awards: Best of Show, Award of Excellence and Award of Merit. No more than 15% of entries will be granted Awards of Excellence. Best of Show will only be granted if unique films are discovered. In fact, there is no requirement that any Best of Show awards be given. Notable artistic and technical productions that exceed industry standards are recognized at the Award of Merit level.

Judging is a three phase process. Like most traditional festivals, the first round of judging takes place internally and is a screening to find those productions that have outstanding craft, i.e., cinematography/videography, sound, editing, etc. Many films wash-out during phase. Those productions that survive are evaluated to find the films that excel at storytelling, entertainment and communication. Entries judged to be potential Best of Show winners may be sent to outside judges for additional review. Judging standards are high and selective.

Please take a look at the Indie Fest website, www.TheIndieFest.com, so you'll better understand the Competition. On the website you'll find lots of original content of interest to independent filmmakers including articles about indie-friendly distributors.

Go to www.TheIndieFest.com for rules and entry form.

Thomas Baker, Ph.D.
Competition Chairperson
The Indie Fest
7946 Ivanhoe Avenue, Suite 201
La Jolla, California 92037 USA
Email: info@theindiefest.com
Telephone: 858-454-9787
Fax: 858-454-6287
Website: www.TheIndieFest.com

It's the Return of the Santa Fe Film Biz Happy Hour!

The Film Biz Happy Hour Returns!

Join a cadre of film professionals and film lovers for light snacks,
drinks, and mingling at the ever-famous Cowgirl BBQ in Santa Fe.

Tuesday Jan 13
Cowgirl BBQ Bar & Western Grill
319 S. Guadalupe St.
Santa Fe

5:30pm - 7:30pm

Howdy!

Welcome Luna Luz Properties to crewnewmexico.com!

crewnewmexico.com wants our blog readers to check out the Luna Luz Properties on our New Mexico Film Directory website!

Luna Luz has 1-3 bedroom furnished rentals for those seeking acommodations for their film crew while shooting in Santa Fe, or anywhere else in Northern New Mexico. Casita Martin is one of their featured rentals. This wonderful 1 bedroom has all the charm and amenities one needs to enjoy your Santa Fe experience, including high speed internet, cable tv, full washer and dryer, private patio, and off street parking. The casita is located in downtown Santa Fe, and is within walking distance of the Historic Plaza, the Railyard, and DeVargas Mall.

The Luna Luz Properties have housed film crews from blockbuster films like Wild Hogs, No Country for Old Men, and 3:10 to Yuma. You could be their next big-name resident! Check out their full profile at www.crewnewmexico.com/lunaluz, or visit their website at http://www.lunaluz.com/.

316 Garfield St.
Santa Fe, NM 87505

505-820-6977

New Mexico Residency - Required to Work in NM Film?

One of the most frequent questions we receive is whether New Mexico residency is required for two things: 1. To work on productions in New Mexico, 2. To list on crewnewmexico.com. This post should answer both.

Firstly, residency for productions. She short answer is No, you do not need to be a NM resident to work on productions in New Mexico. The New Mexico film incentive program does require a certain percentage (60%) of below-the-line crew be NM residents if the production is receiving financial assistance from the state. However, that leaves 40% of the crew spots open to non-residents, and, for example, LA and Austin-based crew are frequent members of our production. So, while productions first seek NM crew, there's often a lot of gaps to be filled. In addition, there is frequent reciprocity between local NM unions, and out-of-state unions when crew members are coming from out of state.

Secondly, for crewnewmexico.com. While the majority of the people and businesses listed on our site are New Mexico based, being a NM resident or NM registered business is not requirement to be on our site - in fact we welcome qualified members from any area. There are hundreds of crew and vendors who provide specialized services we need that are based out of state, and want to make sure that our productions have access to their information at any time. So, if you're based in Austin, LA, Phoenix, Denver, etc, and want to get involved in the NM Film industry, you're welcome to be a part of crewnewmexico.com.

Drop us a line if you have any questions membership@crewnewmexico.com

Nick Tarabay on "Crash"

The TV show Crash was filmed in and around Albuquerque, New Mexico last fall. Here's an interview with lead actor Nick Tarabay.

In the Starz original television series Crash, Nick E. Tarabay plays hot-blooded police lieutenant Axel Finet, who uses his good looks to manipulate and bend the rules. Best remembered for his recurring role as the sexy drug dealer Matush on the hit HBO show The Sopranos, Tarabay made his television debut on Sex and the City, and appeared on such series as CSI: Miami, The Unit and Moonlight, among others.

Born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon, Tarabay began exploring various creative outlets, at a very early age. After a detour playing semi-pro soccer for leagues in Lebanon and Kuwait, and a brief stint in the restaurant business in New York City, he decided to follow his calling and set his sights on becoming a professional actor.

From the producers of the Academy Award-winning Best Motion Picture, the provocative 13-episode drama Crash looks at the way different lives intersect and collide in the melting pot of L.A. Tarabay recently spoke to MediaBlvd Magazine about being involved with such a complicated and complex show.

To read the full article/interview, click here

Reelz Channel Coming to New Mexico

By Paul J. Gough

Jan 7, 2009, 03:43 PM ET

NEW YORK -- Movie-focused digital cable ReelzChannel is pulling the bulk of its operations out of Los Angeles and Minneapolis and moving to Albuquerque, N.M.

It is uncertain how many of the 2-year-old channel's roughly 200 full- and part-time employees will make the move, though most if not all will get the opportunity to apply for about 100 jobs at the new facility. An affiliate-relations unit will remain in Minneapolis for now.

Three top executives -- president and COO Gary Thorne, executive vp and GM Terry O'Reilly and executive vp finance and administration Bernie Weiss -- already have said they won't move. Other executives have committed, including chairman and CEO Stan Hubbard, who will oversee all aspects of the operation.

To read the full article, click here