How the DGA Closed the Deal

While the Screen Actors Guild and the Writers Guild of America have been grabbing headlines for the past year, the Directors Guild of America has mostly gone back under the radar.

A year ago, the DGA achieved a rare stretch of public notice when it came to an agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers on Jan. 17. That fomented hope that the writers strike might end, after talks broke down between the WGA and the producers six weeks earlier.

By the time the WGA put down its picket signs on Feb. 12, the DGA's profile outside of Hollywood had receded. Insiders remember, though, that the DGA leaders had averted an impasse that would have compounded the WGA stalemate -- partly by conducting its own research over the previous two years into the parameters of new media and by maintaining an extensive dialogue with the AMPTP and key member companies.

To read the full article, click here

Incentive Bait Reels in Hollywood Bucks - From the Albuquerque Journal

By Eric Witt
Office of the Governor

A new study that looks at the impact of the film industry on New Mexico's economy, conducted by the respected Ernst & Young company, shows strongly positive results: Hundreds of millions of dollars in direct film production spending, and over 9,000 new jobs attributable to the industry benefitting dozens of communities and hundreds of local businesses across the state.

There is strong evidence of positive effects not only for direct film production, but increasingly for the hospitality, tourism and other support sectors as well as priceless marketing of New Mexico's unmatched beauty and aggressive business environment to the world.

Most pointedly, the film study shows that state coffers directly recover almost every penny paid out in production tax incentives through increased revenues generated by the film industry. This is consistent with Gov. Bill Richardson's long-held position that the state “breaks even” for extending a nominal 25 percent rebate level to the film industry.

To read the full article, click here

Our Newest Members from the Santa Fe Alliance/crewnewmexico.com Partnership

Welcome today's new members:

• Cherie Haymes, Esthetician, of Remedies Skin Care Clinic (and mother of the famous Casey Haymes at the film office.!)
• Deija Cafe in Taos - amazing cafe film location in Ranchos de Taos (not alliance members but they joined us today anyway!)
• Christie Green of Get Down to Earth Landscapes!
• Mary MacGyver of Sagebrush Alpacas
• Actress Frances Richardson (not an Alliance member, but joined us today anway!)
  

crewnewmexico.com for Local Business - Learn More!

Why advertising on crewnewmexico.com is good for your local business.

• The film industry and its professionals actively seek local providers of goods and services
• Your ad dollar goes direct to a high-wage, active demographic.
• Our rates are amazing! One print ad placed elsewhere would buy you an entire year on crewnewmexico.com - and then some!
• You get targeted exposure to the fastest growing industry in New Mexico
• Being a film vendor can be a huge boost to your bottom line
• Online advertising is fast, easy, and affordable.
• You can change/update your listing at any time, at no cost! Click here to see an active listing.
• Choose from hundreds of skill and business specialties. If we don't have your niche, let us know and we'll ad it for you at no cost!
  
• When you sign up for a listing on crewnewmexico.com, you’re not just getting a static ad. You get a powerful and dynamic networking and advertising tool that targets a niche market with little investment.
• We're the leading resource for the New Mexico film industry, searched by 5,000 visitors per month. If you're not listed on our site, you're missing out. Join Now.

Questions? Ask! membership@crewnewmexico.com, or (505) 930-0443.

Welcome New Member "Gallery Lou Lou" - Amazing Furnished Rental to the New Mexico Film Directory on crewnewmexio.com

Gallery LouLou is a home of 20th Century Photography, furnishings, and is the nationally registered Historic Home of Elliott Barker. He was an author, photorapher and famed Commissioner of New Mexico Department OF Wildlife and Game. Knows as Mr. Wilderness, Ellitt also was the man who saved Smokey Bear. Come visit the house everyone stops to admire. Relax with a glass of chilled wine or tea on the porch and watch the southwestern shades of pink, blue, and copper transform your thinking. Pick up a sketch pad, or a notebook, and tell us what you see. It is a gallery of photography so photo fans be sure to bring your Leica. Begin your vacation with a complimentary breakfast for two at La Posada Resort, and end the day with a massage or steam at the Spa. Oooh, your already happy! There's so much more to tell!

http://www.crewnewmexico.com/galleryloulou

Design Our crewnewmexico.com Radio Logo - and Win a Free Year on crewnewmexico.com

We're just starting our crewnewmexico.com Podcast Radio network, and we need a logo! So, we're launching the crewnewmexico.com Podcast Radio Network We Need A Cool Logo Now Contest!

Our logo needs to incorporate the image you see to the right -- and have something to do with radio - but we're open to all kinds of creative license. Think film, radio, fun, cool. You know, that kind of thing. ie logo at right with headphones and shades, etc. (is that cool or cliche? Don't know - that's where you come in!)

The winner will receive a Premium profile page on crewnewmexico.com, including 10 photos and being listed in 2 categories, a free 1 month banner ad, glory and fame and a full explanation of who you are and what you do right here in the blog, and will also be a featured interview on our new Podcast radio network that will at that point have an amazing new logo which you'll be able to talk about.

Submit all entries by February 15th, to radio@crewnewmexico.com. Please send as 72 dpi jpg. Email us if questions.

crewnewmexico.com Radio!

Interviews, information and fun from the heart of the New Mexico film industry.

We've launched (just barely) our Podcast Page - CREWNEWMEXICO.COM RADIO! And then our mic broke, so hang tight for more!

We've only got 1 podcast, and 1 tune live right now, but be sure to check back frequently or subscribe to our Podcast. We'll be featuring interviews with our members, and providing information about the New Mexico Film Industry. Our goal? To support our members in getting the word out on who they are and what they do, facilitate commerce between crewnewmexico.com members and productions, and to keep the film community, and local community, aware of what's happening in the world of New Mexico film.

You know what's super cool? All our members will have their very own Podcast that they can spread around, share, and if its not too goofy, send to potential employers or clients.

crewnewmexico.com Members who would like to be interviewed and broadcast live and unedited to the entire universe, please contact us at radio@crewnewmexico.com

Welcome Massage Therapist Erin Frye to crewnewmexico.com!

Massage therapist, Erin Frye, is one of the newest members to the New Mexico Film Directory on crewnewmexico.com! Everyone knows that a relaxing massage is the best way to unwind after a long day of filming here in New Mexico, and she is ready to offer her services to your cast and crew.

Erin graduated from the Crystal Mountain School of Theraputic Massage in 2005, and has advanced in Neuro Muscular Therapy, and specializes in lower back and cervical spine injuries. She is also certified in Barefoot Massage Therapy where she uses a raised bar for balance to stand on your back and massages you with her feet. Erin is the only therapist who practices this modality in Albuquerque, so it's a one-of-a-kind treat to experience while filming in New Mexico!

Check out Erin Frye's full profile at www.crewnewmexico.com/limakai, or send her an email to schedule an appointment at efrye70@yahoo.com

crewnewmexico.com On the Radio!

crewnewmexico.com be on the air this Sunday Morning, 11am (or so) on 1260AM KTRC Santa Fe. It's our constant goal to get the word out on who we are and what we do so our members get the most exposure possible, to increase the power of our industry, and to play a central role in the world of New Mexico film.

Local individuals and businesses are the heart of this industry, and it is our goal to support them.

We're going to be guests on the Local First radio show, hosted by Vicki Pozzebon of the Santa Fe Alliance. We'll be talking all about the New Mexico Film Industry, our site, the impact of the industry on the local economy, telling tales from the industry and more.

It's a recorded show, so you can't ask questions. If you really do have a question, you can just ask anytime (info@crewnewmexico.com). Listen in!

Welcome New Member Ram Goradia to crewnewmexico.com

We'd like to give a shout out and welcome to one of the newest members of crewnewmexico.com, Set Dresser, Swing Gang, and Gang Boss and 480 member Ram Goradia.

Ram has a Bachelor of Arts in Music with concentration in recording engineering and percussion from UNM. He's been seen climbing around the sets of several pictures in the last 2 years, including T-Salvation, The Year One, Spoken Word, The Eye, Breaking Bad, Crash, and Shoot First and Pray You Live.

He has completed Classes in: General Safety Training, Aerial Boom/Scissor Lift Operation Fall Protection User Training, and has a huge list of references.

You can see his full profile and resume on his crewnewmexico.com profile page here!

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.
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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

Santa Fe Community College Film and Media Classes - Enroll Now!

Getting appropriate training is one of the foremost things you can do to get started in the film industry. Santa Fe Community College offers an excellent variety of classes, and they're enrolling for the upcoming semester now. Hurry up!

FILM CREW TRAINING I CRN 30613 MART 251 is the first in a series of classes to help train and support students as they explore career opportunities in the New Mexico film industry. In this class students will help to produce a short film and work weekly with union film professionals learning the basics about how a movie set works and what skills are need to obtain jobs in set design, make-up, wardrobe, camera, electric, grip, and more.

New Certificate program at SFCC!
Santa Fe Community College’s new Film Crew Certificate program
offers classes, internships and entrepreneurial opportunities to
help you get there! This one year certificate program allows students to get hands-on training in the film industry. Students will work with industry professionals to make short films. All students will learn the fundamental skills needed to begin their careers in the film and media industry.

For more information, see their page here: crewnewmexico.com/santafecommunitycollege
or contact them at filminfo@sfccnm.edu

TAOS SHORTZ FILM FEST - THIS WEEKEND!

Taos Shortz - this weekend - with a meet and greet on the 9th and awards ceremony on January 11th:

The Taos Shortz Film Fest will be held January 10th, 2009
at the Kachina Lodge, 413 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos N.M.

We will feature 30 + juried short films from around the world. Films from India, Netherlands, England and Canada will be highlighted, as well as films from around the U.S. Categories include documentary, fiction, animation and experimental.

3 programs with unique films in each program.
SHOWTIMES:
2PM (all ages)
5PM (mature audiences)
8PM ( mature audiences)

There will be a Q & A with visiting filmmakers after each program

$10.00 per show
$25.00 pass to all shows.
$5:00 children under 12
ADVANCE TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT TAOSOUND

A meet and greet social is planned for Friday evening , Jan 9th, 5pm to 7pm at Ogelvies , where filmmakers can join the public to network before the event. (Drink specials for passholders)

A Sunday Brunch Awards Ceremony will be held Jan 11th, at the Kachina Lodge

The Taos Shortz Film Fest is a program of Open Hearth, a 501 (c)

www.taosshortz.com for film details and festival events…

A Case for Film Incentives - Look What Happened in Florida

Luring Filmmakers - Florida Erred in Cutting Incentives

From the Editorial Pages of the Brandenton (Fl) Herald.

While Florida lawmakers look everywhere in the state budget for savings, at least one cut is backfiring on our economy.

The Sunshine State’s natural beauty and other charms have long drawn Hollywood moviemakers for location shooting. But Florida’s incentive program to help attract even more got whacked from $25 million last year to $5 million this fiscal year.

While that looks like a tidy savings, the bottom line is the significant loss that Florida communities will no doubt suffer as studios take their business to states with generous paybacks.

Filming of the dog flick “Marley & Me,” the Owen Wilson-Jennifer Aniston hit now in theaters, pumped $10 million into the South Florida economy. Some 1,400 local movie industry workers earned wages and area hotels, restaurants and other businesses raked in money.

Click here to read the entire article

The incentives are the nut and bolt of the New Mexico Film Industry, and don't think for a moment that you'd be working in New Mexico Film without them. Watch for increasing updates from crewnewmexico.com about the NM FIlm Incentives, and what you can do to help preserve and strengthen them.

Welcome Michael Buster to crewnewmexico.com!

Dialect Coach Michael Buster is another one of our new members on the New Mexico Film Directory, crewnewmexico.com!

Michael Buster has extensive experience with on set coaching. The bulk of his work is helping actors from the UK, Aussies or Kiwis do some sort of American, be it plain old General American or regional accents. Michael also assists Americans doing regional or foreign accents. And actors who speak English as a second language who need accent reduction in order to express themselves clearly and fully.

Check out his crew profile at www.crewnewmexico.com/dialectcoach, or view his full resume here on imbd.com.

Michael Buster
213-280-6418
michaeljbuster@mac.com

Check Out The Roxbury Suites on crewnewmexico.com!

The Roxbury Suites in Albuquerque is one of our newest members on crewnewmexico.com! Whether here on vacation for a week, or working on a film set for months at a time, the Roxbury Suites offers custom short-term leases to fit your requirements.

The Roxbury offers 22 fully furnished, 1 bedroom/1 bath suites for short term rental while you're filming in the Duke City. The suites feature modern furnishings with full kitchen and bath ammenities, along with wireless internet and satellite TV. With close proximity to the Univeristy and Nob Hill Areas, the Roxbury Suites are in a prime location near to some of the most popular areas to shoot around Albuquerque.

You can learn more about the Roxbury Suites by checking out their full profile at www.crewnewmexico.com/roxburysuites, or visit their website at roxburysuites.com.

Phone: 1-888-210-8549
Fax: 888-615-9513
info@roxburysuites.com

Welcome Dan Strakal to crewnewmexico.com!

We are pleased to introduce our readers to Dan Strakal, one of our newest members on crewnewmexico.com! Dan is a skilled local Albuquerque actor who has appeared in numerous feature films, short films, television programs, and commercials.

Dan Strakal specializes in action-oriented roles and has skills in motion picture fighting/stunts, horseback riding, operation of firearms & other weapons, plus much more! You can learn more about Dan Starkal by checking out his full profile at www.crewnewmexico.com/danstrakal. You can also visit his personal website and view his full resume at www.dantalent.com.

New Member Update for January 2, 2009

We'd like to welcome the following New Members to the New Mexico Film Directory on crewnewmexico.com. Watch over the next days for a detailed introduction for all of our newest members! If you're thinking of joining - now is a great time!

• Ram Goradia- Set Dresser, Key Set Dresser, IATSE Local 480 Member!
• Jeremy Pollaro of New Mexico Fleet Design! Printer, Graphics, Digital Printing, Business Cards, and more.
• Linda Carfagno - Photographer Extraordinairre! Set stills, head shots, commercial, documentary, frequent contributor to New Mexico publications!
• The Crew team at Production Outiftters!
• The Film Center - Home of the Santa Fe Film Festival - Screening room for the New Mexico Film Industry.
• Evan Wright - Award Wining Editor and AVID expert.
• Dr. Kurt Kastendieck and Unity Medical Center in Santa Fe - medical care for film pros.
• The Santa Fe Screening Room
• Southwest Gift Baskets and Coffee Shop in ABQ!
• Route 66 Dry Cleaners in ABQ - Dry Cleaning for the props and wardrobe department