Film Industry Mixer in Las Cruces!

Come check out the New Mexico Filmmakers Showcase, then come for cocktails!

IATSE Local 480 and CrewNewMexico.com will be co-sponsoring a mixer for the Southern NM film community on Saturday, November 7th at 6:30pm in Mesilla, NM.

Saturday, November 7th - 6:30pm
Vintage Wines
(across the street from Fountain Theatre)
2461 Calle de Principal
Mesilla, NM 88046

Don't miss out!

New Mexico Film Office Announces Filmmakers’ Showcases in Roswell, Carlsbad and Las Cruces

SANTA FE—Lisa Strout, Director of the New Mexico Film Office and Trish Lopez, New Mexico Filmmakers Program Director, today announced a series of three Filmmakers’ Showcase presentations in Roswell, Carlsbad and Las Cruces. The showcases will be held November 3, 6, and 7 and will feature the winning films from this year’s four-day, 2009 New Mexico Filmmakers Showcase in Albuquerque. Over 70 local filmmakers from across the state submitted their work to this annual event, where the public had the opportunity to see all of the films on the big screen at no cost.

“This is a great opportunity for the communities in Southern New Mexico to see the work of the talented filmmakers in our state. It is one of the ways we can do our part to bring their work to a wider audience,” said Lisa Strout. “I encourage everyone to come out to support our film community and see how our state is benefiting from our efforts to create film industry jobs and opportunities for New Mexicans.”

“We are extremely proud of our local filmmakers and crew and very thankful to the supporters in Southern New Mexico who are providing these venues,” said Trish Lopez.

Dates and times of the three free showcases are below:

ROSWELL: Tuesday, November 3rd – 6:30pm Introduction of Films
New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) – Daniels Leadership Center
Room 200A/B Auditorium
Roswell, NM 88201
(Directions: On 19th Street, Between North Main and North Kentucky Streets –Turn west at the corner of North Main--Dairy Queen and Walgreens are on the corners of 19th Street)
Questions: Contact Mrs. Linda Marquez, Daniels Leadership Center (575) 624-8148.

CARLSBAD: Friday, November 6th – 5:30pm Introduction of Films
New Mexico State University – Carlsbad
1500 University Dr
Carlsbad, NM 88220
Questions: Contact Cynthia Niedland (575) 234-9412 | cniedland@cavern.nmsu.edu

LAS CRUCES: Saturday, November 7th – 1:30 pm Introduction of Films
Fountain Theatre
2469 Calle de Guadalupe (one block south of the Mesilla Plaza)
Mesilla, New Mexico
Questions: Contact Jeff Berg, Fountain Theatre: (575) 524-8287 | nedludd76@hotmail.com

*In addition to the Las Cruces screenings, IATSE Local 480 and CrewNewMexico.com will be co-sponsoring a mixer for the Southern NM film community on Saturday, November 7th at 6:30pm in Mesilla, NM.
Film Mixer: Saturday, November 7th - 6:30pm
Vintage Wines
(across the street from Fountain Theatre)
2461 Calle de Principal
Mesilla, NM 88046


2009 NM Filmmakers Showcase winning films to be screened:

Best Comedy Short Film:
Preschool’s a Bit** by Christopher Boone (14 min.)

Best Documentary Short Film:
Abraham Lincoln: The One Sided Story (10 min.)
by Jessie Weahkee

Best Documentary Feature Film:
A Shmal World (46 min.)
by Michelle Friedline & Laureen Ricks

Best “Wildcard” Film:
Vancouver by Bryan Konefsky (13.5 min.)

Best Drama Short Film:
In the Wake by Craig Strong (18min.)

Best Horror/Sci-Fi Film:
The Sitter by Kim Liphardt (4 min)

Best Drama Feature Film:
Price of the American Dream II (Lean Like a Gangster) (1 hr 40 min.)
by Michael Amundsen

Article/Interview With crewnewmexico.com!

The following interview appears on the Albuquerque Examiner online news site.

by Juanita Lee, Albuquerque Examiner
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Whether you are interested in making a name for yourself in the film industry or are on the production side looking for talent, crew, a location, industry-supporting vendors, or the best place to house your actor while they are on a shoot, you need look no further. New Mexico's premier film industry resource, crewnewmexico.com, is where you can find all your answers.

Home to a booming film industry, New Mexico offers locals many opportunities to shine in a variety of movies and television productions. For example, the film "Let Me In" will need over 500 background extras, meaning job opportunities for many people. In addition, most movies need around 100 on-set crew members, and the support of dozens of companies and hundreds of individuals that provide services to that particular film.

Founder of crewnewmexico.com, Daniel Taras, recently provided more insight, not only into the industry as a whole but also to what other opportunities are coming for New Mexicans that would like to work in the film industry.

You are the founder of crewnewmexico.com. How did you get into this industry?

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial life, but also a creative one. Photographer, professional writer and editor, traveler, safari guide, documentary cameraman.

When I started working in New Mexico film, I kept hearing the same question: “How do I get involved in the film industry.” Another big question – this one from the production side - was “Where can we find who and what we need to make this movie?” I decided to answer both questions at the same time, in a really cool way.

I felt that if we were to grow into the major film destination that’s been envisioned for New Mexico, we needed to have a production resource commensurate with the scope of what was happening. Since the film industry is largely here due to tax funded film incentives, I also wanted to ensure that the citizens of New Mexico have a way to feel informed and involved in the industry that’s right in their backyard. In a state that is as large as New Mexico, with a population spread so far and wide, I also saw a great need for networking and connectivity.

In just one year, we’ve added over 600 New Mexico individuals and businesses to our directory, receive around 10,000 site visitors per month, and send out our New Mexico Movie News industry newsletter to 8,000 filmmakers. Based on those numbers, I know we’re doing it right.

What sets crewnewmexico.com apart from other similar companies?

crewnewmexico.com was built from the ground up as a dynamic and interactive online tool that takes advantage of how business and networking are done in the year 2009. There have been print directories in the past, but they are expensive to publish and use a lot of natural resources to deliver a final product that is often out-of-date.

crewnewmexico.com is built on sustainable principles. We use very few natural resources. We only use digital format in all of our communications. No printed mailings, no print-outs, no fax machine. We can telecommute. We had a visit from an office supply salesman who wanted to set up an account for us. I said, “Nothing personal, but we don’t use office supplies.” You’d be amazed at how it helps minimize overhead and lessen environmental impact. All those paper clips come from somewhere.

In two years since the inception of crewnewmexico.com we’ve used a total of 5 packs of printer paper and a few ink cartridges. I never go to Staples. I have 3 printers collecting dust in the closet if you want one.

What has been your best experience, thus far, in the film industry?

The amazing interaction I have with such a wide variety of New Mexico film people and businesses – that’s the most rewarding. In one day, I can be doing business with an actor, caterer, grip, realtor, lawyer, location, hotel, producer and ice-delivery man. It’s like a Mr. Rogers tour through the economy.

Being in a place where we can bring together such a wide variety of people and services, all with the ultimate goal of helping make great movies and helping keep business flowing – that’s the best experience. Our goal is to make sure that anyone considering shooting in New Mexico is fully informed of the amazing array of talent, goods and services available to them. And for local individuals and businesses to have an opportunity to be involved.

I also love seeing people I know on screen or in the film credits. That’s brilliant.

What advice would you give to aspiring actors?

Hone your craft. Follow your heart. Get great headshots. Life is short. Live your passion. If you’re not doing what makes you happy, you’re wasting very precious time. Whatever happens, you’ll be richer for the experience.

What should people who want to get a foot in the door avoid doing?

I always go by the 3 Ps. Be polite, professional and persistent. Oh, and if you do get on a movie set, never run. It looks like you forgot something.

As an extra or a cast member, what should one expect as a typical day?

Days on a set are long, usually never less than 12 hours, up to 16 or more. In New Mexico, weather conditions can swing wildly, so be prepared. If you’re going to be an extra, bring snacks, a book, and a pillow for your bottom because you might spend half the day waiting for your scene.

Making movies reminds me of football games. They spend a lot of time preparing for the next scene, and then there’s only a few seconds of action. Now I know why people drink so much beer on Superbowl Sunday.

What would you like to see happen in the NM film industry in the next few years?

New Mexico is becoming synonymous with film-making, and that’s free advertising for us as a movie-making state. The longer the industry is here, the deeper its financial impact and the more ingrained it becomes into our economic culture.

Productions are here largely because of financial incentives. Keeping the New Mexico film incentives competitive is critical to the ongoing success of the industry, and we need to keep proving to the citizens of New Mexico that having film as an economic backbone for the state is a rare and amazing opportunity. I have 600 people in my directory alone who are involved in film, and a lot of them make a great living.

There’s talk of new film studios, a tentative opening of Santa Fe Studios, and a deepening of the industry to include digital media, gaming, and more post-production. Plus, citizens around the state are rallying to bring production to their cities. That’s all good news.

Is there anything specific coming up that people should know about right now?

There are currently six projects shooting in New Mexico, including Due Date starring Robert Downey Jr., Breaking Bad, starring Bryan Cranston, and Passion Play starring Megan Fox and Mickey Rourke.

You can stay up to date on what’s happening in the New Mexico by reading our New Mexico Film Blog, and our Who’s Filming Now pages.

Of course, using our directory, or contacting us directly, is an excellent way to help you get set-up for a scouting trip or production.

Do you have a favorite scene in a movie or a favorite line from a movie?

Any scene and any line from “When Harry Met Sally.” And, of course, anything made in New Mexico.

New Accounting Rules for the New Mexico Film Incentive Program

by crewnewmexico.com
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.

New Mexico One of the Top 3 Film Locations in the US (but we knew that already)

Survey of film professionals cites New Mexico’s incentives, statewide locations, and crew base

SANTA FE- A survey published today in the film industry trade publication Variety ranks New Mexico as the third-best location in North America for film production, behind only California and New York. The rankings were compiled from an online poll of hundreds of location managers, unit production managers, cinematographers, directors and assistant directors who were asked to rate locations based on a number of specific criteria: visual appeal, incentives, film-office support, production resources, and ability to substitute for another location.

“This survey is further confirmation that New Mexico’s film industry is strong and our skilled and talented professionals are among the finest in the world,” said Governor Richardson. “I am especially proud that this recognition comes from our industry peers- the people on the ground actually making movies- who say New Mexico is one of the very best places to work.”

The Variety survey specifically notes the state’s diverse scenery, film incentives, large crew base, and production facilities, such as Albuquerque Studios. It also mentions the fact that more than a dozen major film projects have already been produced here this year (there are currently more in production and scheduled to shoot) in communities around the state.

“At Governor Richardson’s direction, we created a long-term plan to build New Mexico’s film industry into a sustainable economic engine,” said Eric Witt, the Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff and top film adviser. “I’d note that even with what is now a relatively modest incentive program by national standards, the industry continues to favor our state due to our targeted investment in human and physical infrastructure, the professionalism of our people, and our vision toward building a strong base for the future.”

“We’re proud to be recognized and grateful New Mexico’s film industry continues to do well, even in these uncertain economic times,” said Lisa Strout, director of the New Mexico Film Office. “However, we never lose sight of our top priorities, which are to help generate revenue for the state and create good, high-wage jobs for New Mexicans.”

Since Governor Richardson took office in 2003, 131 major film and television projects have been produced in New Mexico, with an estimated economic impact of approximately $3 billion. In the state there are an estimated 10,000 direct and indirect jobs related to the film industry, and over 200 local film-specific businesses and services.

Click to see the article here!

"Red Mesa" Takes Top Honors and International Film Festival

Governor Bill Richardson today congratulated “New Visions/New Mexico winner Ilana Lapid for winning best short film for “Red Mesa” during the13th Annual Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival. Lapid wrote and directed the film, which beat out hundreds of other entries for top honors. The prestigious event is an Oscar qualifying film festival, which means that “Red Mesa” can now be submitted to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for consideration of Oscar contention.

Lapid was one of the first recipients of the state’s New Visions/New Mexico Contract Awards, receiving $15,000.00 toward the making of “Red Mesa.” She co-produced the film with local New Mexicans Jake Pokluda and John Ward, worked with local first Assistant Director, Dennis Crow, and many other New Mexico film crew on this project through the Film Technician Training Program at New Mexico State University Dona Ana Community College and with the support of the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees Local 480.

“Ilana Lapid has made the State of New Mexico proud with her win at this prestigious international film festival,” Governor Richardson. “I created the New Visions program to support the overwhelming talent and creativity of our homegrown filmmakers and I am proud that this effort is helping our filmmakers realize their deserved international acclaim.”

In exchange for their contract awards, recipients of the New Visions/New Mexico Contract Awards must provide a service to the state’s film efforts, such as training other New Mexico filmmakers who are new to the industry, workshops and seminars and conducting outreach to high school students interested in pursuing film/media careers. The Film Technician Training Program is now offered at five community colleges around the state including: Dona Ana Community College, Santa Fe Community College, CNM in Albuquerque, Northern New Mexico College at El Rito, and Eastern New Mexico University at Roswell. More information on these programs are available on the New Mexico Film Office website, www.nmfilm.com under “Workforce Advancement.”

Set against the backdrop of the US/Mexico border, “Red Mesa” is the coming of age story of Lynn, 17, caught in between her love for her grandfather and her forbidden romance with a Mexican laborer from a neighboring ranch. Lynn’s deception of both men leads to a terrible accident when the three of them are thrown together under a situation of great stress. Coming face to face with the painful realities of the border, Lynn realizes that meaningful relationships can only be based on honesty and the courage to stand up for what you believe.

The film is dedicated to the late Michael Laurence, who was in charge of the NMSU Film Technician’s Training Program at that time and was a strong supporter of Ilana and this project.

Mentors Needed for Film Students

Capital High School in Santa Fe is seeking mentors for students who are interested in pursuing a career in film!

1. Mentors for CHS students would have a general meeting at the school with their proteges in November to kick off the program.
2. They would be asked to have their student shadow/work with them at least 2hrs. each week.
3. The mentors would be asked to attend an end of the year presentation given by their student.

If you're interested, can recommend someone great, or need more information, please contact Bernadette Pena at Capital High School - btop5678@gmail.com

YDI Mi Voz Auditions for Fall 2009 Session

After-school program for New Mexico Middle School kids teaches documentary filmmaking!

On Wednesday, October 21st and Thursday, October 22nd Youth Development Inc.’s (YDI) Mi Voz program, which teaches above-the-line filmmaking skills to middle school age kids, will hold auditions for its Fall 2009 session. The auditions will be held in the YDI Mi Voz office at 518 1st Street, Albuquerque, New Mexico from 4 -5:30pm each day.

YDI Mi Voz has established a rock-solid after school program since its beginnings in 2006. So far it has produced 25 films that have all been exclusively helmed by its carefully-selected students, who range in age from 11-16. Kids who are interested in the program must first do well at their audition, where former graduates of YDI Mi Voz turn the studio lights on them, flip a tape in a camera, and grill them in an on-camera interview. “The audition is the hardest part,” says Sarena Whitten, 12, who premiered her documentary on New Mexican art this past summer. “The actual filmmaking is probably one of the most fun things, I’ve ever done.”

When their films are “in the can,” (industry speak for “done”) they are premiered in the newly-renovated Wool Warehouse theater in downtown Albuquerque. The affair is one to remember: arriving dressed up and emerging from a limo, they get swarmed by “paparazzi” – in this case, proud friends and family members with cameras. The smell of freshly made popcorn wafting through the lobby, the theater lights go low, and then it’s official – they are a filmmaker from now on.

Many if not all participants continue their work in one shape or another. Paul Brennan, 13, who first came to YDI Mi Voz when he was in 6th grade, has written 3 feature length screenplays, started shooting 1, acts in plays, and most recently is starring in an anti-smoking ad currently airing on your TV. He is easily recognized as “that kid stomping out the burning tumbleweed.” 2 of his short experimental films showed at 3 film showcases this year: Experiments in Cinema v 4.2, the New Mexico Filmmaker’s Showcase, and a screening at 2009’s New Mexico State Fair.

Like his peers, Paul was asked back to act as a youth mentor for the subsequent YDI Mi Voz seasons, and hasn’t left since. “[Mi Voz is] My favorite after school program, no questions asked. I’ve been in all kinds of extracurricular stuff- acting classes, dance, theater- but [Mi Voz] is the one I always go back to,” Paul says.

“Spirits of Enchantment” is a series of short documentaries that will be produced, directed, shot, edited and delivered by a group of middle school age students in Albuquerque. Each short documentary will spotlight a different tale of the supernatural. Students will document these stories by people who have experienced them and relate it to how it makes New Mexico unique. These will not just be “ghost stories,” but retellings of some of our great mythological and legendary heritage as a state. With history and architecture that goes back to colonial Spanish days as well as a close association to extraterrestrial activity, New Mexico presents a diverse set of opportunities for aspiring filmmakers to tell these extraordinary tales.

The purposes of the program are:

1. It contributes to building a “native workforce” for New Mexico’s blossoming film industry, giving young people a head start in using industry standard tools and techniques.
2. The finished products will showcase a marketable and exciting aspect of New Mexico, which will also engage youth participants and audiences alike.
3. By providing Mi Voz classes under the YDI banner, students and their families have access to the wide range of social services YDI provides.

We are actively seeking out participants for this session. During the 16-week after school course, students will be taught producing, directing, shooting, and editing using top of the line digital video equipment. The course is free to participants, but interested students must audition first to gauge their interest and dedication. 14 students will be selected. Classes are taught by Marcos Baca and Brian Beeler, working professionals in the area of digital art and filmmaking. 4 youth instructors who have participated previously will be at every class to mentor new students, as well as guest lectures by UNM Cinematic Arts Professors and other independent producers.

For more information contact YDI Media Relations Manager Marcos Baca at (505)212-7442 or mbaca@ydinm.org

Michael Bay on Directing Without a Script

from i09.com
-
As you might know, the writers' strike forced Bay to start work on TF2 without an actual script — all he had was an outline by writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman. So a lot of the movie's early designs and ideas came about without a real script, and when Orci and Kurtzman came back to work after the strike, Bay was able to tell them which robots he wanted in the movie. As he says in this clip, all of that pre-visualization work and brainstorming with artists actually informed the movie's script, once it finally had one. You probably have your own ideas about whether that was a good thing.

Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen comes out on DVD tomorrow, October 20, on Blu-Ray and DVD, wherever awesomeness is available.

Click here to see the clip!

Casting Call for Passion Play

Paid EXTRAS for the feature film "Passion Play" starring Megan Fox & Mickey Rourke to be filmed in the SANTE FE/ALBUQUERQUE, NM areas from 11/2/09-12/15/09.

We will be looking for ALL types, ALL ages of local Santa Fe/Albuquerque area talent to work on this project. NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE REQUIRED!!!

Some specific types of Featured Extras we will need include:

• -Midwestern whitebread family (mom with 2 kids)
• -Tiny Jewish comics (male, 50+ years old, jewish or jewish looking)
• -Tarahumara Indians (REAL preferred, but can use dark skinned Native Americans)
• -Rural Mexican Farmers/Mexican Cowboys (weathered character faces)
• -Rural Mexican Families
• -Rough Looking Bikers
• -African American Male Bodyguards (huge guys)
• -Sailors and other Soldier types with military haircuts
• -Disfigured men & women (facial disfuration, burn victims & upper limb amputees)
• -Circus Sideshow types (Fat Lady, Bearded Lady, Snake Charmer, Sword Swallower, etc. - Specifically need a Female with experience handling aggressive snakes)
• -Carnies and odd circus "freaks"
• -Businessmen with suits
• -Strippers/Burlesque Dancers (please specify willingness to do nudity)
• -Seedy Character types (extreme interesting character faces, all ages)
• -"smoking hot" MODELS
• -Chinese Waitresses
• -Homeless types
• -Pawn Shop Owner: male, caucasian, Jewish looking, 45-65 years old, kind of sleazy, would love to have someone hairy
• -Starlets & beautiful ladies
• -Wealthy "Old Money" Aristocrats (men & women - ages 40+)
• -Power Broker Men and their Upscale Wives
• -African American Waiters
• -"Giant" men: not bouncer big, more like Ron Perlman or Richard Kiel types. Giants without having to be giants.
• -Male Little Person (4'10" or shorter) willing to wear a diaper to play Cupid
• -Fat Sweaty Man in his 40s-50s
• -Standins/Photos Doubles for Megan Fox: female, 5'3"-5'5", thin, caucasian, dark brown or black hair, age range 18-30, attractive
• -Standins/Photos Doubles for Mickey Rourke: male, 5'10"-6'0", average build, caucasian, blondish/brown hair
• -Standins/Photos Doubles for Kelly Lynch: female, 5'9"-5'10", thin, caucasian, long blonde hair, age range 18-45, attractive
• -(2) different JAZZ Quartets (REAL Musicians to include drums, upright bass, keyboard, trumpet and/or saxophone)
• -African American jazz quartet - acoustic, bluesy, soft, sultry jazz group to include drums, upright bass, keyboard, saxophone
• -Symphony Strinq Quartet - to include (2) violinists, viola, cello (prefer group who plays together regularly and doesn't need a conductor)

Plus many other General Extra roles. All Extra roles are PAID. Rate TBD.

In order to be considered for EXTRA work, you will need to be in the casting agency database at onlocationcasting.net. Please make sure to upload 1-2 photos to your talent profile. It is FREE to be in our talent files. Paid upgrades not required.

*NEW MEXICO Residents ONLY! We will NOT pay for your travel/accomodations to/in Santa Fe/Albuquerque.

If you have further questions - you can reach us via email at: onlocationcasting@yahoo.com. If you are already in our database, please DO NOT email us to express interest in this project. You automatically be considered just by being in our database, just make sure your contact numbers are up to date.

We will NOT be handling the principal (speaking role) casting for this project.

New Mexico Movie News #2

We're pleased to announce that the second edition of the New Mexico Movie News is live, and can be viewed by clicking this link!

Site Vistor Map for 10.14.09

We think its fascinating who's looking around our site. This is from today alone!

Southwest Gay and Lesbian Film Festival - This Weekend

The Southwest Gay and Lesbian Film Festival continues thru this week!

Click here to see the screening schedule; and if you're a locally-made film buff, be sure to check out "The War Boys."

Panelists Warn Against Cutting Film Incentives

From the Santa Fe New Mexican

Oct. 7--If New Mexico did away with or substantially reduced its tax incentive program for movies, productions in the state would dry up, according to a veteran production executive speaking Tuesday.

"In 18 to 24 months, you would feel it," said John Hadity -- president and CEO of a self-named company that specializes in production finance and risk management for film and television. He spoke at a panel discussion at a conference for Western state legislators.

Hadity was asked the question by Rep. Brian Egolf, D-Santa Fe, a supporter of the film incentives. Egolf asked Hadity whether he'd send productions to this state if there were no incentives. "No," he said. "Finances drive decision making." Earlier he said that people who make decisions on where to shoot films don't even consider states that don't offer incentives. Only seven states do not offer incentives for film productions.

"If you don't have an incentives program, you're dead," Hadity said.

But because of the ever-increasing state revenue crisis, there might be a move in the Legislature to reduce or eliminate those incentives to help balance the budget.

Gov. Bill Richardson, a champion of the film program, has said while some tax incentives for other industries should be looked at, the movie incentives should be kept in place. But skeptics have questioned whether the benefits of the program, the cost of which could reach about $80 million this year.

The panel discussion was part of the program at the Council of State Governments-West annual meeting, taking place in Santa Fe this week.

Another panelist, Ned Richtor, president of a Massachusetts company that has studied economic development program, noted there is a "pushback" against film programs in several states. "This is a business deal you're bankrolling with taxpayer dollars," he said. "Competition is fierce because so many states (have programs) and accounting is murky."

Another panelist, Eric Witt, who has served as Richardson's liaison with the film industry, was asked how other businesses in the state feel about the film program.

To see the full article, click here.

Indiefest Call for Entries!

Deadline: October 30, 2009
The Indie Fest is an independent, top-tier international film awards competition. Our goal is to help independent filmmakers gain publicity and, when appropriate, exposure to distributors.

The Indie Fest is unique; it's an awards competition, not a traditional film festival. Winners receive publicity as we broadcast the list of winners via press releases and to our email database of more than 27,000 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.

Production Support for NM Film

We'd like to give a special shout out to NM Fleet Design - providing support services to props and transpo crews in the New Mexico film industry, and film-supporting businesses. They do amazing vehicle wraps, magnetics, vehicle lettering, wall murals, reflective banners, architectural signage, pole banners, trade-show graphics, and more. Locally owned, 12,000sqft facility right in Albuquerque. http://www.crewnewmexico.com/nmfleetdesign

I Was a 7th Grade Dragonslayer

I was a 7th Grade Dragonslayer - filmed this year in Albuquerque. The trailer is now live on You Tube!

A Great Cause. . . Festival of the Soul, in Silver City.

"Festival of the Soul" proceeds will help Penny Park in Silver City

Organizers of the Nov. 14-15 "Festival of the Soul" in Silver City plan to donate 50 percent of their proceeds to benefit Penny Park, which celebrated its 10th anniversary this year.

"Festival of the Soul" is a two-day family-oriented musicfest which features inspirational, uplifting and exciting "World" music performed by well-known professional bands from across the country as well as the local area. This is the first of what is hoped to be a yearly event and it is the first of its kind to be held in Silver City and all of southern New Mexico, organizers say. It will be held at Penny Park, 1305 N. Grant, in Silver City.

The park in downtown Silver City is a community project built by hundreds of volunteers. The park's first phase, the Penny Playground, was completed in the spring of 1999. The playground is filled with a variety of imaginative climbing structures, castle playhouses, slides, swings, balance beams, bridges, and picnic grounds. Donations of volunteer labor, and materials cut construction costs in half.

In the fall of 1999, volunteers constructed above-ground ramps and other structures for a temporary skate park, which has been used for many years while funds were being raised for the construction of a 20,000 square foot in-ground extreme sports park. In April 2000 volunteers gathered again to build a 310-seat amphitheater and dance floor. Silver City is proud of its community park which helped promote similar, though less elaborate projects in Carlsbad, Las Cruces, and Ruidoso.

In April 2009 the park was damaged when an arson-caused fire burned a large portion of the park. The community was committed to rebuilding the park. Festival of the Soul's donation will help to rebuild.

It takes a lot of volunteers to put on a two-day music festival and more are needed. To volunteer send an email to info@festivalofthesoul.org. For more info go to: www.festivalofthesoul.org.

The World musicfest is a non-profit organization and donations are tax deductible.

Environmental Documentaries Lecture at UNM

A cool New Mexico film event.

Join UNM for a FREE infoByte session October 8 on MAKING A DIFFERENCE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTARIES by Documentary Filmmaker Reinhard Lorenz. Learn about the making of environmental documentaries and discuss New Mexico’s initiative to make feature film productions more environmentally conscious. No need to register. See you there!

Making a Difference with Environmental Documentaries
Thursday, October 8, 2009, 5:00 PM - 6:15PM
UNM Continuing Education
South Building, Room 222

For more information, click here.

Reinhard Lorenz, MA
MA in Filmmaking from University of the Arts in Berlin, Germany. His focus as a filmmaker is on creative documentary, and he has worked as Director, Editor and DoP for documentaries and image films. His professional experience also includes teaching film, distribution and festivals. As a film artist, he has received several grants and fellowships.

UNM Continuing Education is located at 1634 University Blvd NE in Albuquerque, just north of Indian School, with free parking in the front and back. This free seminar will focus on the making of documentaries about the environment.

Southwest Gay and Lesbian Film Festival - This Weekend

Lights! Camera! Action! The Southwest Gay and Lesbian Film Festival is just four short days away and luckily you still have a chance to participate. SWGLFF is still searching for volunteers to help staff events at the National Hispanic Cultural center, the Southwest Film Center, the Guild, and the Kimo! Positions still available are: box office, crowd control, usher/counter, and venue manager. Join our fantastic volunteer team and become a star in your own right by making this year’s film festival another smash hit! Comp tickets will be provided for every shift a volunteer works so this is also a great chance to watch free movies. Contact at volunteer@closetcinema.org.

Site Visitor Map for 10.5

Curious who searches crewnewmexico.com? Have a look at our site visitation map for today alone!

motion09 This Week in Albuquerque!

Top talent from the motion picture industry will be in Albuquerque to speak at motion09.

DESCRIPTION: Creatives are fueled by a mysterious force that inspires great ideas, fresh new ways of seeing the world, and the courage to do things differently. All too often, this expressive force is zapped by the demands of the industry. Revitalizing these creative talents provides a renewed sense of being and the spark to stimulate the imagination.
motion09 is an event that inspires creativity. Once a year, animators, motion graphic artists, title designers, VFX artists and broadcast designers come together to share their skills, work, and professional insights at this unique summit. Industry professionals and students spend four days together in a collaborative environment designed for experiencing and participating in the creative process.

SPECIAL GUESTS:
- Karin Fong (Imaginary Forces)
- Andrew Orloff (Zoic)
- Rachel Nicoll (Sony Pictures Imageworks)
- Rod Basham (Imaginary Forces)
- Synderela Peng (yU+co.)
- Michael Waldron (nailgun*)
- Igor Choromanski (Sony Pictures Imageworks)
- William Lebeda (Picture Mill)
- Eric van der Wilden (nailgun*)
- Patrick McDonough (PMcD Design)
- Jamie Caliri (Emmy award winning director)
- Mark Coleran (Bourne Ultimatum, Mission Impossible III)
- Dan Haskett (veteran Disney animator)

Special guests have all worked on major motion pictures and many are Emmy and Academy award winning creatives.

DATES: October 11-14, 2009

LOCATION: Albuquerque Doubletree - Downtown ABQ

ABOUT:
motion09 includes keynotes, panels, general sessions and special events, all related to the motion picture industry. Specific topics include visual effects, motion graphics, animation, title design, broadcast design, motion picture trailer design and sound design.

SPECIAL EVENT: MADE IN NM PARTY:
Sunday, October 11, 2009. We will host a special event honoring all motion09 speakers who have worked on major motion pictures in New Mexico. This year's honorees include:
- Patrick McDonough of PMcD Design for the television series, Crash
- Karin Fong of Imaginary Forces for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and Terminator Salvation
- Rod Basham of Imaginary Forces for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and Terminator Salvation
- Synderela Peng of yU+co. for Gamer and Suspect Zero
- Andrew Orloff for Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles
- William Lebeda and Bryan Thombs of Picture Mill for Men Who Stare At Goats; The Astronaut Farmer, and BorderTown

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.