Video on Production Insurance Services Provided by DeWitt Stern

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

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

Last Chance for Great Savings!

We're wrapping up the crewnewmexico.com Stocking Stuffer Sale on December 31st! Take advantage of these once-a-year savings by calling us at (505) 930-0443 before New Years!

List your company for just $99, and receive:

• A 1 year profile page on crewnewmexico.com
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• A Savings of Over $50!

For just $49 more, we'll upgrade you to a Premium listing!

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This is a CALL-IN SPECIAL ONLY! You must register by January 1st to qualify. No setup fees! No monthly charges! Start your year off right by advertising on New Mexico's Premiere Film Industry Resource!

Call (505) 930-0443 Today!

IESB Reports on Visit to Book of Eli Set

Dark skies, torrential winds blowing dirt and sand everywhere (and I mean everywhere), visibility is down to almost nil, throw in a half blown up house and a Gatling gun on the back of a truck. Is this the end of the world?

Nope, just the set of Warner Bros.' BOOK OF ELI starring Denzel Washington and Gary Oldman in Albuquerque, New Mexico in April!

Directed by brothers Albert and Allen Hughes, Book of Eli which also stars Ray Stevenson, Mila Kunis and Michael Gambon tells the story of a lone warrior (Washington) who must fight to bring society the knowledge that could be the key to its redemption. Oldman has been set to portray Carnegie, the despot of a small makeshift town who's determined to take possession of the book Eli's guarding with Stevenson as his thug. The only guide on Eli's journey is Solara (Kunis), Carnegie's estranged step-daughter, who only Eli can see and hear...wait, that's not right. In any case, there's an important book, samurai swords and at least one Gatling gun, what more could you ask for?

Here's the official film description from WB -

In the not-too-distant future, some 30 years after the final war, a solitary man walks across the wasteland that was once America. Empty cities, broken highways, seared earth--all around him, the marks of catastrophic destruction. There is no civilization here, no law. The roads belong to gangs that would murder a man for his shoes, an ounce of water...or for nothing at all.

But they're no match for this traveler.

To read the full article, click here!

Entertainment Partners Seeking Paymaster

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

Send resume to dlenier@entertainmentparters.com

Have a job announcement? Email news@crewnewmexico.com

Need to Know More about crewnewmexico.com Before Listing With Us?

• We're New Mexico's most searched film directory, with over 600 cast, crew, and production supporting businesses - from Pre-to-Post - and hundreds of business and skill types to choose from.
  
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• We keep the industry informed about you thru The Movie News, our NM Film Blog, and on our active Facebook page! Any time you have a new product, service, discount or are working on a production, simply email us and we spread the word for you! We're your film industry PR company - work with us!
  
• Your page is a fully functioning mini website with its own URL - ie crewnewmexico.com/riffraffentertainment - giving you additional web and search engine presence - and you can link direct to your main company website!
• We sponsor nearly every major film event in New Mexico, making sure our directory, and our member-advertisers, are always top of mind in the industry.
  
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Contact us today to learn more, get signed up, or find out how we can help your business grow in the world of film. Call (505) 930-0443 today!

New Mexico Movie News #3 - Now Live

Check out all the latest news on what's happening in the world of New Mexico film! Click here to read the third edition of the New Mexico Movie News, full of information on the leading cast, crew, and vendors in the NM film industry. Plus great articles on Production Insurance, Small Business Marketing, and film real estate, and tips for networking in the industry.

If you'd like to be featured in the news, call us at (505) 930-0443.

Enjoy!

New Mexico Film Business

Film in New Mexico, and nation-wide, is as competitive as ever. There are now over 40 states with some degree of film incentive, and they're all clamoring for the same production dollars. We believe the film community in New Mexico is critical to helping build and strengthen our brand as a film destination. When you have a strong company or are a crew member are trained to the highest levels, and you meet or exceed expectations of your clients or employers, you're doing much to strengthen our reputation. To that end, crewnewmexico.com is dedicating space in the Movie News to providing helpful tips, articles, or services that assist in building your business or career. When you see the Wrong Way/Success logo, you'll know its something dedicated to this goal. This month, and for the next two editions, we'll be featuring marketing and business tips from New Mexico's leading branding and marketing guru, Lucy Rosen. Good Luck!

Vintage Movie Posters - New Mexico Film Vendor

Vintage Movie Posters!
The Rosenberg Collection




Especially as we get closer to the holidays, we wanted to give a special shout out to Marty Rosenberg and the Vintage Poster Gallery on Canyon Road in Santa Fe. Not only because his historic movie posters make great gifts but because his collection is a brilliant and unique part of film history that all film lovers should see. Plus every set decorator should see these up close and personal.

The Rosenberg Collection features over 8,000 different vintage movie posters, many of them extremely rare. Works include posters for Citizen Kane, Midnight Cowboy, and Grand Hotel from the U.S. and international greats such as Belle d'Jour, Seventh Samurai, and Juliet of the Spirits (Fellini).

Posters from this collection are owned by Robert DeNiro, the Altman estate, Kathy Baker, Gene Hackman, Ali Macgraw, Kirk Ellis and countless people in movie making and production.

For details call Marty Rosenberg at 505 577-7419, visit the gallery at 901 Canyon Road, Santa Fe. www.mrposter.com

Most of the world's greatest films have been shown in Poland, with Poland's leading artists producing the related movie posters. From 1945 thru the 1980s, these posters won international acclaim. With their powerful and unique style, Polish film posters have gained worldwide recognition as fine art.

New Mexico Film Industry News Briefs

Industry News Briefs The State of New Mexico ups the film industry ante with a $10 million dollar economic development grant to Santa Fe Studios. With an initial 18,000 sq.ft of sound stages planned, the Studios may lure more films to New Mexico and help prevent a drain of productions from Santa Fe to ABQ. Santa Fe county has also chipped in by approving $6 million in bond offerings. A major studio facility in Santa Fe would do much to diversify and strengthen Santa Fe's government and tourism based economy. Most importantly, they're supposed to be the world's first "Green Studios." Stay tuned. . . Speaking of Green, the IATSE Local 480 just published its Green Filmmaking Guide. The book offers tips and techniques for crew on the latest green practices in the industry. Get it! . . . With requisite bumps and bruises, the Santa Fe Film Festival pulls off its 10th year. Great slate of films, with strong showing of documentaries. Lifetime achievement award given to Tommy Lee Jones. Special guests included Dabney Coleman and hosts Anna Gunn (Breaking Bad) John Carroll Lynch (CSI). Congratulations to all the award winners, including new crewnewmexico.com member and screenwriting coach Ambyr Davis who produced the Best Narrative Short winner at the Festival, "Beholden". . . Ambyr, a recent arrival to the NM film world from LA is offering two great Screenwriting Classes in Santa Fe starting January 12 and 13th, with classes in ABQ to follow. Register now!. . . crewnewmexico.com member Laura Mathis of Sol Acting Academy was ranked #1 acting coach in Albuquerque by Albuquerque Magazine! Great ongoing classes for adults and kids. . . Iowa reinstates its film incentive program, but they're not accepting any new applications; just working to process 28 previously approved productions. Why? Iowa canceled their film program due to inappropriate production spending and the film office didn't require detailed bookkeeping. The cancellation triggered breach of contract lawsuits by five international film companies who had productions in the works, which in turn has inspired the film office to get things rolling again, for now. Meantime, the New Mexico Film Office runs the tightest ship in the industry by continually working to strengthen the incentives and improve transparency. . . The AFCI Locations Trade Show takes place April 15-17 in Santa Monica. We'll be there promoting all the cast, crew, and vendors on our site and working to keep New Mexico a leading film destination!. . . The Santa Fe Alliance wins an FDA grant to help accelerate its Farm to Restaurant project, which pairs local and regional farms with local restaurants and grocers. crewnewmexico.com is in talks to help extend that program to the film industry, and to encourage and promote those caterers and craft service providers who participate!. . . Las Cruces and the Borderlands region of New Mexico are really pushing hard to attract movie business, and we're happy to help. Check out the "Good to Go" article from the Las Cruces Sun-News!. . . Apologies from the industry for road blockages in Las Cruces and Albuquerque for the production Due Date!. . . Some "Made in New Mexico" films have just hit theaters. Brothers, starring Tobey Maguire, Natalie Portman and Jake Gyllenhaal released to mixed reviews and $17m at the box office, while Crazy Heart, starring Jeff Bridges, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Robert Duvall looks great and is opening to excellent reviews. In fact, Bridges was just nominated for a Golden Globe for his role, and there's murmurs that he'll get an Oscar. Much of it filmed right in the heart of Santa Fe!. . . Did You Hear About the Morgans, starring Sarah Jessica Parker and Hugh Grant opens 12/18 - and the trailer looks as perky and cute as you would imagine! Should do well at the box office. Nevermind that folks in Wyoming are all mad that a movie set in their state was actually filmed in New Mexico. Welcome to the world of film incentives!. . . Speaking of incentives, about 42 productions filmed in New Mexico in 2009. This spring looks real big for New Mexico film with several productions on the horizon. . . Happy Holdays! Are you listed on crewnewmexico.com? Remember to keep us posted on your business or current projects/gigs, upcoming events, classes, or special promotions, awards, etc and we'll make sure to spread the word in the Movie News.

New Mexico Lighting and Grip

Industrial Strength Support for the New Mexico Film Industry

There are many factors that help productions decide where they're going to film, and industry supporting infrastructure is one of them. In addition to our attractive incentive program, New Mexico has industrial strength vendors who know the ins and outs of working in Hollywood.

New Mexico Lighting and Grip is one such company.

Opening its doors at Albuquerque Studios in 2007, New Mexico Lighting & Grip Company offers a keystone inventory of lighting and grip equipment and serves major motion pictures, independent features, television and commercial productions in New Mexico, and nationwide. Their credits include In Plain Sight (season 1 and, soon, Season 3) Breaking Bad (season 1-3), The Spirit, The Game, Cirque du Freak, The Betterman, The Resident, Paul, Book of Eli, Terminator 4, and The Spy Next Door.

Their 25,000 sq ft warehouse is stocked with HMI, Incandescent, Kino Flo ®, Dimming, Moving Lights, generators and LED Lighting. For grips, the company carries a full range of digital blue and green screens, steel deck and green bed scaffold systems. NMLGC is also the local representative of Airstar Balloon Lighting.

"It is great to be partnered with Albuquerque Studios and part of the growing New Mexico filmmaking community," said Sean Buckler, rental manager for New Mexico Lighting & Grip Company. "We offer the full range of equipment from complete packages to supplemental packages for independent gaffers and key grips."

In 2008, NMLGC opened New Mexico's first Expendables Store which carries gels, globes, electrical, tape, tools, camera supplies, hardware, lumber, paint/paint supplies, textiles, office/kitchen supplies, apparel.

Meet The NMLGC Management

Sean Buckler, Manager
Sean Buckler is the Mangager of New Mexico
Lighting and Grip Company. Prior to his current role, Sean served as Rental Agent for NBC Universal Set Lighting in Los Angeles were he gained a broad spectrum of industry experience and knowledge. In 2007, Sean was selected to set up NMLGC in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and was subsequently promoted to his current position in January 2009.

Under his management, NMLGC supports the independent, eight stage Albuquerque Studios as well as numerous off lot productions. Since opening, New Mexico Lighting and Grip has serviced 10 features, 3 television shows and numerous independent productions in various locations throughout North America.

Sean's credits include American Pie, Friday Night Lights, American Dreamz, Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, Accepted, Cirque Du Freak, and Paul.

For more information, a tour, or equipment or expendables request - in New Mexico or nationwide - contact Sean at (505) 227-2500, or email sean.buckler@nmlgc.com.

New Mexico Movie News #3 - Letter from the Editor

Welcome to the 3rd edition of
The New Mexico Movie News by crewnewmexico.com!

It's a pleasure to wrap up another year in the New Mexico film industry with the third edition of The Movie News, and warm wishes for a great New Year!

New Mexico remains ranked one of the top places to film thanks to our amazing and varied locations, deep and talented crew base, favorable climate, proximity to LA, and large number of film-supporting businesses. Even though it's been an unpredictable year across the industry, we've still hosted 42 productions in our beautiful state and seen some major talent and great productions, including some that are now gaining attention at the Golden Globes and, probably, the Oscars.

That being said, the last 365 days have been quite a ride for many. Production financing took a big hit, and things were slower than usual across the industry. Yet Hollywood had a record-breaking year at the box office and financing is moving forward once again. Section 181 may also be renewed for another year, which would keep investment in film a very attractive option, and continue to prevent runaway production overseas.

The past year saw several more states (and countries) offering or improving their film incentives. From Capetown to South Korea, North Carolina to Kentucky, the economic and physical landscape of how and where movies are made is changing.

Some new film programs sprout fast and high but crash hard (Iowa), some are too small to spur much activity (Oklahoma), others give away the farm to make things grow (Michigan), while others try to regain what they've lost (California, Canada). Yet New Mexico still has the most successful, straightforward, and sustainable film program in the nation.

But the growth of film in New Mexico can't just be reliant on state incentives. It is the private sector that builds the infrastructure and provides the support services that make the industry tick. One such company is the sponsor of this edition of The Movie News, New Mexico Lighting and Grip Company - a keystone operation that lights and equips many of our most successful productions, and is positive symbol of the state of New Mexico film.

In just the last year, crewnewmexico.com alone has grown by nearly 500 cast, crew, and vendors, our site traffic has increased ten-fold, and our visibility has gone from strictly local to worldwide.

We've served multiple productions, sponsored festivals, hosted mixers, launched The News, consulted for emerging film markets, been on the cover of the New Mexico Business Weekly, and grown from a start-up to one of the most recognizable companies in the NM film industry.

Our growth is a reflection of the strength of our industry, and we owe our success to those that we serve. We offer a big thanks to our member-advertisers, sponsors, and the greater film and business community. We look forward to working with many of you in the year to come, and have lots of great things in store.
We are here to support your production, business, or career, so contact us at any time.

Happy Holidays!

Daniel Taras, Founder
crewnewmexico.com
daniel@crewnewmexico.com
(505) 930-0443

New Mexico Filmworkers Holiday Party - December 20!

Hey New Mexico Filmworkers! Come on down and show your support for your community this holiday season!

Bring dry/canned goods to help restock The Food Depot, and come for a festive party at Corazon in Santa Fe. Raffles, prizes, caroling, treats! Click on the image above to see larger version of the invite. Spread the word.

Admission - One can of food, an article of warm clothing, or a cash donation!

Sunday Dec 20, 2009
3-5pm at the NM Film Museum
5pm-Whenever at Corazon (just around the corner from the Film Museum)

Don't miss out!

NM-made films among Golden Globe nominees

New Mexico-produced films are represented this year among the Golden Globe nominees, which were announced on Tuesday by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

“Georgia O’Keeffe,” a film about one of New Mexico’s most famous artists, which was made for Lifetime Television in and around Santa Fe, is up for best mini-series or motion picture made for television. Joan Allen, who portrayed O’Keeffe, and Jeremy Irons, who portrayed Alfred Steiglitz, are also nominated for best actress and actor in that category.

Jeff Bridges is nominated for a best actor Golden Globe in a drama for “Crazy Heart,” which shot in Albuquerque and Santa Fe in 2008 and also starred Maggie Gyllenhaal. Toby Maguire is also nominated for best actor for his role in “Brothers,” which also starred Natalie Portman and Jake Gyllenhaal and shot in northern New Mexico in late 2007.

The song “Winter” from “Brothers,” written by Bono and performed by U2, is nominated for best song, as is the song “The Weary Kind” from “Crazy Heart” that was written by Ryan Bingham and performed by T. Bone Burnett.

The Golden Globes will be broadcast live January 17, 2010 on NBC. See the original article by clicking here!

In the Film Business – or Any Business – Marketing and Branding Should Get Top Billing

A special article for crewnewmexico.com
by Lucy Rosen of the Business Development Group

The idea of branding ourselves or our small business is a foreign concept to lot of people. We think branding is for big corporations like Coca Cola, Whole Foods and McDonalds because they're huge companies with big budgets, million dollar tag-lines and a whole lot of advertising behind them. You may also think that the rules for branding your small business or career as a filmmaker don't apply, right?

Wrong. Every business, no matter its size or industry, needs to "brand" itself, to create an identity in the marketplace and an emotional connection with its customers. In fact, branding is one of the most important steps that businesses today should be taking. The good news is that it's easier than you think - if you give branding, marketing and networking yourself the "top billing" it deserves.

Let me give you an example. Over the past two decades, I've worked to successfully "brand" my own two businesses - a national women's networking organization that I founded in 1985 called Women on the Fast Track, and The Business Development Group -- a full-service marketing, public relations and business development firm that I've grown to now have offices in both New York and New Mexico.

I've also helped to brand, and grow, hundreds of other businesses in industries across the board - from national food and beverage companies, to local arts councils, to just about every type of company and not-for-profit organization in between. I've learned what works, and here's what you need to know.


Steps to Effective Branding: The Right Packaging Sells

• It starts with you. The first step in creating your brand is to figure out who you are, and what you want to be. What makes you different, unique? It’s not about assigning yourself a label, but about assuming and promoting an identity that makes you feel the most comfortable. It’s what you’re going to be doing and representing all day – is it something you can “live with” and feel good about 24/7?

• Look for the “soul” of your brand. What do you stand for, want to live up to, consider most important to your life and core values? (ie Are you saving the planet or feeding people the most nutritious food possible? Do you want to be a game-changing screenwriter or producer?) Also, what skills do you bring to the table? Don’t limit it to things that are career oriented; if you can’t make a good list, ask people what they like about you. Do you have an ability to get people to talk? Do you walk into a room of cranky people and change the mood instantly? Find your key attributes – and go from there. It’s best to start with your strengths.

Create a great logo – and an even better tagline.
Just like a movie’s title can make (or break) a film, an effective name and tagline for your business can be a great way to create excitement about, and interest in, your company. Everyone remembers a good tagline: Because I’m Worth It (L’Oreal); The World, On Time (Federal Express); You’re in Good Hands with Allstate; We Try Harder (Avis). Taglines are benefit-driven, or descriptive. They’re what people hope they will get from the product (or the person).

In creating taglines for my companies, I capitalized on what my businesses offer my clients – and what sets us apart from others in their industry. For Women on the Fast Track, my tagline is “The Absolutely Best Networking Organization for Business and Professional Women.” For my marketing/public relations agency, our tagline is ”The Ultimate in Creativity and Follow-through with an Emphasis on the Client Bottom Line.” Those tag-lines should leave no doubt about what we do. So, the question is, what do you do? If you can’t answer that quickly and with confidence, its time to go back to the drawing board. Think of a line that tells your clients – and potential clients - what it is that you can do for them.

Set business goals - and write them down!
Another key step in branding is to clearly define your goals and objectives. Make them specific, and write them down. Goals only work when they are clearly outlined and written in stone. Take the time to really think this through and ask yourself some key “life questions” when coming up with your goals. How much money do you want to make? When do you want to retire? Where do you want to work? What do you want to do at work? Be specific. It’s not enough to say you want to get more business or to secure a new job. Where do you want it? What city, what state? What do you want to do there? Once you have your goals, the next step is to make an action plan outlining what you are going to do to get there. The key is to then follow this “script” for success as closely as possible in order to reach, and even exceed, these initial goals.

Go after your “audience” with everything you’ve got.
Much like in movies, knowing what your audience wants, and delivering it to them, is really the key to success in any business branding effort. But first you need to define exactly who your target audience is, which starts with a few basic (but crucial) questions: Who is the target for your business? Where are they located? What do they need? What do you want them to need? Who is competing for their loyalty?

While these questions seem simple, a clear understanding of your target audience is critical as you brand yourself in the marketplace – and deliver, time and time again, exactly what your audience is looking for from you and your business. Remember, though: often we are so busy telling a market who we are and what we can do that we don’t take time to stand in their shoes to figure out if what we’re selling is what they’re buying.

While creating – and building – a successful brand for your business is one of the most important things you need to be doing in today’s competitive marketplace, it’s really only the first step. In order to take it to the next level, you need a solid plan for marketing, promotion and publicity.

There are so many ways to get out there: making contacts at networking events, securing positive media coverage about you and/or your business, developing striking collateral materials (brochures, direct mail, website, etc.) that will not only showcase your brand – but will separate you from your competition. A good plan will be your roadmap to success. A great plan will take you to a whole new dimension of success.

I’ve said it, and I’ve seen it, so many times in my career: Branding works. Let it work for you, and you’ll be reaping the benefits of your hard work that you’ve always known was within reach.

Co-Production Insurance Scams - Are You Really Insured?

Don't Lose Your House!

Is Your Production Actually Insured?

A Warning on Co-Production Agreements a.k.a. Sub-Selling Scams

A special contribution to the New Mexico Film Blog by Sam Levy, Rio Grande Insurance

Many organizations and educational institutions offer paper-only co-production arrangements that seem to have a number of benefits to producers. One of those benefits can be presented as low or no cost production insurance.

It's not easy for producers to keep everything on time and on budget. Between making deals on everything from funding to distribution, film insurance can seem like a high expense that you'll never really need, especially for smaller productions.

However, saving dollars on production insurance can in fact risk the loss of your home, your savings, and 75% of every paycheck forever. One great way to lose it all is to be duped into a Sub-Selling Scam. Here's how it works:

1. A production company is established with the intent of “co-producing” projects with first-time or up-and-coming filmmakers. That can include festival projects, education institution related projects and just about every other small production out there.

2. The production company purchases an annual insurance policy (liability, property/equipment, producers risk, auto, workers comp, etc.).

3. This policy is then “sub-sold” to the other filmmakers under the guise of a “co-production” arrangement, often nothing more than a signed piece of paper, a check and a listing in the credits of the production.

4. The agreement between the production company (sub-seller) and the filmmaker may appear to be a legitimate co-production. However, the arrangement is really nothing more than a scheme to disguise fees charged by the sub-seller for “riding” on an insurance policy.

5. The production company (sub-seller) is not licensed to sell insurance, the project of the first-time filmmaker is not (specifically) declared to the insurance company, the "premium" is kept by the sub-seller, and the entity that was sub-sold has no "insurable interest." In essence, funds were paid for no protection.

The California Department of Insurance (DOI) has recently ruled clearly against this type of film industry co-production arrangement with an official cease and desist order against "sub-selling scams" of insurance, clarifying the offense as the illegal misrepresentation and theft of premium by a non-licensed solicitor.

The core offense was already illegal in all states, and this order simply clarifies why.

Consider for a moment what production insurance is trying to do:

Either a) cover the cost of completing a production or assets of the producers in case something just happens to go wrong (entertainment package, including property), or b) cover the liability due to negligence of people acting on the part of the production (liability).

One important factor with the entertainment package is a term that insurance companies use called "insurable interest." Insurable interest in something is when loss or damage to that thing would cause the entity named in the policy (the Insured) to suffer a direct financial loss (or some other specific kinds of loss). The important point is that the entity who buys an insurance policy must have an insurable interest in what they are insuring.

The overall chances that something will go wrong, causing an insurance claim, with your production are quite low. However, that's not a valid reason to try and look for a lower cost loophole in the production insurance system. Insurance premiums are priced according to the average occurrence of claims and the average cost of those claims. By trying to ride on someone else's policy at low or no cost, you may effectively be creating a mechanism that gets you low or no protection.

The concerns arising from these sub-selling scams

1. Insurance is being sold by an entity that is not licensed by the DOI.

2. The sub-sellers illegitimately act as underwriters (without authority), determining which risks they will “cover.”

3. The price charged by the production company is designed to significantly undercut the legitimate markets.

4. Claims may be denied by the carriers due to no insurable interest, no prior declaration, no material involvement and no underwriting review. This places both the end purchaser of this phony coverage and the public at risk.

5. The expertise and marketing efforts of licensed brokers with professional experienced are being undercut by these schemes.

Quantifying the loss

Each year, thousands of “insurance risks” (policies) that would otherwise go to the legitimate market are lost to sub-sellers. That causes direct damage to the “averaged” premium system, raising premiums and expenses for all of the legitimately insured productions.

Now, the above ruling from the DOI does not declare any new rules or procedures with regards to co-production sub-selling. What is described above was a violation before any ruling was issued - it's not a recent change or addition to state insurance laws. However, there may have been some unfortunate grey area misperceptions, which were not necessarily direct or deliberate malfeasance.

As you’ve probably heard before, not knowing that something is illegal is not an acceptable excuse for committing a crime. If another entity is a valid funder or partner in producing a production, then name them as another producer and move forward with a sole and separate policy for that single production. The only entities that can insure multiple productions are those that use the same people & same equipment to themselves make several very small productions throughout the course of a year, such as a small mini-documentary filmmaker or corporate image or video production companies.

Co-production organizations that do this "sub-selling" (like COMPLEX, named in the California order) may be operating under some kind of "don't ask/don't tell" or misinterpretation assumptions. They may or may not in fact know that what they're doing has a level of risk that's not truly or legally acceptable to insurance companies or able to be guaranteed by the state department of insurance. They likely have never heard the term “insurable interest.”

The full text of the order from the DOI can be seen online at: http://www20.insurance.ca.gov/epubacc/ORDER/117089.htm

This order is enforcement of the existing laws which allow and require only state-licensed insurance agents, brokers and companies to make a determination on who or what can be insured, for how much premium and to guarantee that the coverage actually is valid. This same law exists in every state, including New Mexico, Arizona and California.

The core problem, and where the illegality applies is that when a production company sub-sells insurance from the larger policy that they hold, all of a sudden that FILM production company is now acting as an INSURANCE company - they are evaluating and assuming new risks, doing their own “underwriting,” (evaluation of the average monetary value of the level of risk of a given enterprise) collection premium and otherwise insuring a production which really is not their own.

Film production companies are not insurance companies, and are not licensed (for good reason!) to make these kind of business decisions, and are certainly not authorized to make those decisions on behalf of the funds of the underlying insurance company!

The correct way, if there were a true collaborative production agreement between the production company and the sub-production, would be for the production company to revise all of their information and submit a new application for either a single production or a scheduled “slate” of defined productions (that they will actually be materially involved with) with their insurance company, who in turn would review all of the new production information and make a determination about whether they wanted to insure the new production, and if so, at what rates with what requirements.

Only insurance companies are capable and licensed to make that kind of determination. The determination of the insurability risk of a company is made based on many factors, including the experience of the principals, the length of time the company has existed, the operating revenues, number & type of productions made annually, sample scripts & budgets, prior coverage & claims. The insurance company evaluates these things before issuing an insurance policy.

When all of a sudden you throw unknown/new producers, directors and financiers into the picture, whom the insurance company has not reviewed, you're creating a large problem question of WHO was insured, and who was approved by whom. When it comes to incidents and claims, obviously an insurance company can deny claims for exactly this reason - that it wasn't an operation and/or operators whom they had approved - and in fact never even knew about or had a chance to review.

From the DOI online examples, the above described practice is almost exactly similar to misrepresentation and theft of premium by a non-licensed solicitor. http://www.insurance.ca.gov/contact-us/0200-file-complaint/index.cfm

What's being exposed with the cease and desist order is the current loophole/don't ask/misinterpretation practice of a larger entity claiming that they make a large number of productions with a large number of production partners each year, and those larger companies having heard from their insurance companies something along the lines of "you don't need to tell us about each production you're making, we insure all of your operations," and then those companies are entering into what are really non-material-involvement co-production on-paper-only agreements where they are a partner just in name/credits, but not truly involved in making the production as their own.

And therein lies the ultimate nightmare where this problem could end up - someone THINKS that they are buying co-production (sub-sold) insurance, but in the event of a claim are likely to be denied - meaning that they are not insured at all and never were - because they're buying something that doesn't exist from someone who isn't authorized to sell it. At the end of the day, if the production isn't covered and claims aren't paid, you the producer are in for a very substantial financial and legal hardship.

--

Coming up next time: Can you really predict the future? Also… even the most comprehensive insurance only covers a small number of things. Find out what.

Send questions or comments to sam@riograndeins.com

--

Sam Levy is the Film Insurance division manager at Rio Grande Insurance, www.RioGrandeIns.com
Providing superior service from Green light 'til Wrap, for all your production insurance needs, including: Single and Annual Production policies, Liability, Producer’s Risk, Rented equipment, Errors & Omissions, Work Comp, Directors & Officers, Hired and non-owned auto; Blanket additional insureds.

All premiums count for 25% NM rebate.

14 local offices in NM, CA, AZ & UT.

1231 South St. Francis Dr Ste A,

Santa Fe, NM 87505

Toll-Free: 888-447-8216

E-mail: sam@riograndeins.com

Phone: 505-984-8216

Fax: 505-984-8238

Two Film Industry Powerhouses Join crewnewmexico.com!

We’d like to give a special welcome to two of the newest members of the New Mexico Film Directory on crewnewmexico.com!

Filmmaker Production Services and New Mexico Lighting and Grip are two film industry powerhouses – and extensions of NBC/Universal into the New Mexico film market.

Filmmaker Production Services provides the New Mexico film industry with a vast array of movie props and costumes, furniture rentals, wardrobe rentals, wardrobe supplies, drapery, and much more. Their profile is under construction, but check back soon for more information, or contact them directly at (877) 730-3772, or info@filmmakerproductionservices.com.

New Mexico Lighting and Grip, located at Albuquerque Studios, is an industrial-strength provider to the New Mexico Film Industry. They provide a vast array of equipment to productions large and small, including, Digital Blue and Green Screens, steel bed scaffold systems, generators, Airstar Balloon Lights, and HMI, Incandescent, KinoFlo, Dimming Moving Lights, LED Lighting – and way more than we can list here. Their profile is under construction, but check back soon for more information or contact them directly at (505) 227-2500, or sean.buckler@nmlgc.com.

Tell them you saw them on crewnewmexico.com! (Our advertisers love to know where you heard about them).

New Mexico New Visions Free Public Screenings!

"The Sands of Time"
By New Visions 2008 Winner Catherine Y. Fridey
-and-
"A History of Navajo Wool: As Told by BaaBaa"
By New Visions 2008 Winner Melissa Henry

Friday, December 18, 2009
6:00pm
Jean Cocteau Theater | Q&A with Filmmakers to follow

In addition to the December 18th screenings above, a second screening of "A History of Navajo Wool: As Told by BaaBaa" created by New Visions 2008 winner Melissa Henry, will take place in Church Rock, NM, on Sunday, December 20th:

"A History of Navajo Wool: As Told by BaaBaa"
By New Visions 2008 Winner Melissa Henry

Sunday, December 20, 2009
11:00am (approximately)
Churchrock Chapter House
Church Rock, New Mexico | Q&A with Filmmakers to follow

A Chapter House meeting starts at 10am, which is free and open to the public, and screening is estimated to take place around 11am following that. The Churchrock Chapter House is located southeast of Red Rock State Park, near the junction of State Route 566 and the old U.S. Route 66, about ten miles east of Gallup, New Mexico. http://churchrock.nndes.org/

Please join us in celebrating two of our very talented New Visions 2008 winners for these special screenings, free to one and all!

THE SANDS OF TIME synopsis: A free public screening of the demo reel for “The Fields of Yaru,” the pilot episode for an entertaining and educational animation series “The Sands of Time”. While examining an ancient burial chamber with her Egyptian colleague Mez, spunky Australian archaeologist Gill enters a tunnel which transports her back in time, where she gets to witness the elaborate rituals conducted by the gods in the Egyptian afterlife. Spellbound by the experience, she is suddenly caught by Egyptian guards and struggles to free herself. Will Gill be able find a portal back to the present and continue her adventures around the globe? There will be a question and answer session after the screening with Catherine Fridey and other team members working on the project.

HORSE YOU SEE and A HISTORY OF NAVAJO WOOL: AS TOLD BY BAABAA: A screening of "Horse You See" (2007) by Melissa Henry, winner for Best Children's Film at the 2009 Talking Circle Film Festival, and the animatic for "A History of Navajo Wool: As Told by BaaBaa", a work in progress, which tells the story of how the Churro Sheep came to live among the Navajo. Both films are narrated in Navajo language, with subtitles. Filmmakers will be present after the screening to answer questions and talk about the film and their latest work.

New Mexico Film Union Publishes Green Film Making Guide

Santa Fe, New Mexico, Dec. 12, 2009 – IATSE Local 480, the film technicians union for the state of NM have just received “Green Filmmaking Reduce… Reuse… Recycle…Repeat.”

This guide offers tips and techniques to working crew on the latest green practices in the film industry. Local 480 members Peter and Cheryl Clarson wrote this book as a guide that should be in every set truck, and glove box, on every movie shot in NM. The book was produced by Jon Hendry, Local 480’s Business Agent.

Hendry was quoted as saying, “We’d really like to get these into the high schools and colleges where they are teaching film techniques so the new technicians learn the green way. NM has always been a leader in green film making, and now we’ve written it down.” When asked why it wouldn’t simply be greener to publish as a web site Hendry’s response was "This is a grab & go book with quick answers & solutions.”

National Geographic’s All Roads Film Project in NM has already purchased quantities to distribute in their high school filmmaking programs.

Copies are available for review by emailing info@iatse480.com

There is a quantity discount on purchases.

To reach the authors, Peter and Cheryl Clarson, call: 972.921.5602

For questions call:
Jon Hendry
505-670-7381

Screenwriting Workshops in Santa Fe! Click Image to See All the Details!

Register now for two great Screenwriting workshops in Santa Fe, starting in January! If you're listed on crewnewmexico.com, you'll save 10% on the classes if you register by January 1!

Coen brothers movie tryout is Saturday in Nashville

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

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

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

There is no fee to audition.

The Taos Shortz Film Fest! Feb. 5, 6, 7!

The 3rd annual Taos Shortz Film Fest will held February 5th, 6th and 7th at the Kachina Lodge in Taos, New Mexico. Mark your calendars now.

It will feature 50+ shorts from around the globe: USA, Spain, Italy, Australia, Canada, and many New Mexico contributions.

They are currently selecting shorts, organizing programs and finalizing party events. The website will be updated with current information by the end of December, so stay tuned and be part of the hottest short film fest in northern New Mexico!

Backers lobby lawmakers to keep Michigan film incentive

Supporters, worried about wariness in Lansing, emphasize jobs, economic impact

Nathan Hurst / The Detroit News

While the public debate has quieted, backers of Michigan's fledgling film industry continue lobbying Lansing lawmakers to retain special tax incentives intended to lure them to the state.

Producers, directors and other industry leaders have met with politicians in recent weeks, making their case to keep the tax breaks.

While they say there's wiggle room in the percentage offered to qualifying productions and firms, the industry representatives say it's imperative to maintain Michigan's claim to the nation's most aggressive tax incentive program for filmmakers.

"This is a situation in which the future of our economy, and the budding of a valuable industry for Michigan workers, is at stake," said Jeffrey Spilman, a partner at Ferndale-based S3 Entertainment Group, a company that helps coordinate productions in Michigan.

"Besides employing talent, production crews and people directly involved with filming, Michigan businesses such as hotels, restaurants and dry cleaners are all reaping the benefits of an increased customer base. The reach of the film incentives extends far beyond film itself."

Spilman and producers of "The Wannabes," a television show slated for syndication next year, met with lawmakers last week to discuss how the incentives are helping to bring steady business to Michigan.

Some fiscal conservatives said the financially strapped state can't afford the program, which offers a refundable tax credit of between 30 and 42 percent for in-state costs for qualifying productions.

Backers succeeded in convincing legislators that Michigan's tax incentives, the nation's most aggressive, hadn't had enough time to encourage industry developers to build essential infrastructure projects.

Revisions under consideration include a reduction in the rebate percentage for qualifying productions, and an increase in the amount given to infrastructure projects such as studios and post-production facilities. A 25 percent incentive is offered to such projects under the current package.

Michigan Film Office spokesman Ken Droz said nearly 50 projects have received a green light this year, spending about $216 million.

New Accounting Rules for the New Mexico Film Incentive Program

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

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

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

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

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

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

The reporting categories are as follows:

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

New Mexico kicks in $10 million to build Santa Fe movie and TV studio

By Richard Verrier, LA TIMES

December 10, 2009

New Mexico is determined to stay in the Hollywood limelight.

Much to the chagrin of California, New Mexico has emerged as a major draw for movies and TV shows in recent years. Credit a generous 25% film production rebate, favorable climate and an aggressive film office.

Now the state that bills itself as "Hollywood's Newest Home" is ratcheting up the competition. With the support of a $10-million economic development grant from the state, developers are about to break ground on a major production studio just outside Santa Fe, the state's capital.

The $25-million project, called Santa Fe Studios, will include two 18,000-square-foot sound stages and 27,000 square feet of warehouse space. It will be the state's second major sound stage facility after Albuquerque Studios, which has eight sound stages and has helped fuel the state's film growth since opening in 2007. The studio is home to the TV series "Breaking Bad" and the cable channel Reelz, which relocated from Los Angeles last year. It also has hosted production of such movies as "Terminator Salvation."

"We feel positively about the future of the film business here," said Jason Hool, president of Santa Fe Studios, which is owned by Hool's family. "There is plenty of film work to go around." The new facility is targeted to open next fall.

New Mexico drew almost $267.9 million in direct film spending in the fiscal year that ended June 30, about flat compared with the same period a year earlier, but up from $150.8 million in fiscal 2007, the New Mexico Film Office said.

The new sound stages will draw more business to the state, local film promoters predict. "We have the opportunity to get the stage work that doubles or triples the amount of time that a production is working within our state," said Lisa Strout, director of the New Mexico Film Office.

Site Vistor Map for 12.9.09!

We love to watch the daily updates on who's visiting our site, and from where. It's a confirmation of the power of web-based directories, the reputation of New Mexico as a film destination, and the effectiveness of helping our cast, crew, and vendors get the widest possible exposure.

The film industry is now, more than ever, extremely transient, and goods and services are being sought, and sourced, from every corner you can imagine. Just today we've had searches from Michigan, Louisiana, Connecticut, Texas, California, Kansas, Ohio, and several from the UK.

And what were the searching for? Actors, grips, craft service equipment, furnished rentals, production lodging, rolling caterers, post-production resources, and a lot more. Some things they're looking for for productions in New Mexico, and others they're sourcing because they're in need of your services in other production-heavy states. If you're in the NM film biz, and you're not listed in crewnewmexico.com, you're not on the map.

Click the map for an enlarged image!

2BR Long Term Rental for Filmmakers in the Heart of Santa Fe

Casa Arco Iris -- Furnished home for film professionals. Available any time, but specific long term opening late Feb thru Early May (or sooner or later if needed) - great 2br adobe casita right near the railyard district, and quick walk to downtown Santa Fe Plaza. Ideal for those coming to shoot right in that window of time, tho the home is available any time for short term rental. Great rates.

Click here to learn more, or contact owner Andrea Campbell at (505) 795- 3433

Walking in the Dark: Short Stories of Ignorance vs. Light - A short film fundraiser!

Blind Contour Films present their film, The Art of Walking in the Dark.

When:
Sunday December 13, 8:30 – 10:30 pm
Center for Contemporary Arts
1050 Old Pecos Trail
Santa Fe, NM 87505-2688
Click for map
(505) 982-1338

Hosted by Jason Silverman
$10 admission

Logline: During a power outage on the eve of his wedding, an airline pilot arrives late and fumbles in the dark, searching for his drunk fiancé.

Not just a gentle nudge for donations, this year’s ultimate story and film event includes:

-Casey Haymes reads his flash fiction story, Light of the Moon, published in LIT Magazine’s 10th anniversary issue. Learn how George and Mary Bailey rekindled their love twenty years after It’s a Wonderful Life.

-CCA screens a selection of the Blind Contour’s favorite short films, all of which guarantee to tell a lot in just a little time.

-Torino’s at Home serves homemade tiramisu, brownies and refreshments.

All before 10:30 pm! Come out and support your fellow filmmakers! For more information, contact Blind Contour Films at info@blindcontourfilms.com

Furnished Production Rental Opening Up January 1!

Casa de Suenos in beautiful Corrales (just north of Albuquerque), has been providing lodging to cast of Breaking Bad for several months! Now that season 3 is wrapping, the house is back open and welcoming new short and long-term tenants!

4br, 3 bath, on 1 acre with horse corral. Gorgeous, private.

Tell them (and all our advertisers) that you saw them on crewnewmexico.com! Contact Alicia Griego at 505 933-2900 for more details and to schedule a visit. Click link below for more details. Monthly and long-terms rates available.

http://www.crewnewmexico.com/casadesuenos

Acting 101 for Film: 10 Week Course with Sol Acting Academy!

Acting 101 for Film: 10 Week Course (Bonus – Includes a Class with Albuquerque Casting Director Darlene Hansen), with Laura Mathis of Sol Acting Academy! (Tell her you heard about it from crewnewmexico.com!)

Wednesdays, January 20 – March 31, 2010
(No class week of Spring Break, March 18)

This is the perfect class for someone who is ready to explore the exciting world of acting on camera. Get the vital info on all of the basics as you work on camera every class: auditioning, cold reading, commercials, movies, television shows, and what to expect when you’re on set. We will also discuss networking, resumes, head shots, finding an agent, and gaining access to auditions. Half way through the course, you will have the incredible opportunity to “audition” for our guest casting director Darlene Hansen with notes and a Q and A session afterwards. Class is limited to 10 students. Enroll now, this class filled quickly last semester!

About Darlene Hansen: Largest pool of extras in the state through her acting classes & movies cast. Casting includes ABRAHAM, BREACHED, BLUEBERRY MUFFINS, CRAZY LIKE THE TAZ, CRUEL WORLD, DOUBTING THOMAS, FORMOSA, SCARLET MOMENTUM. TAMING THE WILD WEST (History Channel). Darlene has lived/worked in the industry in front and behind camera in Los Angeles/New Mexico.

Ages 18 and up
Wednesdays 7:00 pm-9:00 pm

Cost: $195.00 (plus applicable tax)

Location
3212 Monte Vista Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
At Healing Gate near UNM
Click here for more information or to register!

La Posada de Santa Fe Resort and Spa

It's our great pleasure to be staying this weekend at the La Posada de Santa Fe Resort and Spa, and we'd like to give them a very warm welcome to the lodging section crewnewmexico.com.

We've had the opportunity to stay at fine hotels in many prized destinations, and we'd be happy to put La Posada in the upper tier of fine lodging. They've provided accommodations for some of the most celebrated actors to have filmed in New Mexico, and I'd be happy to recommend them for your upcoming visit.

http://laposada.rockresorts.com/

Santa Fe Film Fest - Movie Madness

by Robert Nott, Santa Fe New Mexican

New Mexico has gone movie crazy in the past few years, what with tax breaks and financial incentives drawing filmmakers from around the globe to shoot their projects here.

But Santa Fe has been stricken with movie madness for at least a decade, since Jon Bowman and a group of dedicated cinephiles started The Santa Fe Film Festival — five days of films, workshops, panel talks and parties, all celebrating the independent cinematic spirit.

The 10th festival kicks off today with a 7 p.m. screening of Everybody's Fine, Kirk Jones' drama about a widower (Robert DeNiro) who journeys cross country to reconnect with his grown children; at the Regal DeVargas theater DeVargas Center. Several other screenings take place at other venues this evening, too, and the festival hosts its usual opening-night parties.

This year's event is a bit scaled down because of financial restraints, and it marks the 10th and final year that Bowman will serve as executive director. He's retiring, to be replaced by festival operations director Karen RedHawk Dallet. Dallet has already announced plans to move next year's festival to October rather than December.

Bowman, found checking out ticket sales at the film festival's box-office headquarters on Old Santa Fe Trail (in the old Fraser's Pharmacy site), said business was healthy and even a tad better than it was this time last year.

A popcorn machine churned out the kernels — an appropriate treat for visitors — as Bowman spoke, and movie posters for various festival entries covered the walls. ("Some of life's greatest journeys begin at the end," reads the tag line for the locally shot Spoken Word poster.) Bowman said the fest usually attracts 5,000 to 7,000 patrons, roughly 15 percent of whom come from out of state.

To read the full article, click here.