by Derrickson Moore
LAS CRUCES— Daniel Taras is bullish on the New Mexico film industry and wants to help ensure southern New Mexico gets its piece of the film pie.
"I'm the founder of a company called crewnewmexico.com. We are a production support, networking, and marketing resource for the New Mexico film industry," said Taras, who has been visiting this month "to begin a big push to bring more film business to the area."
After a planned "couple of days" of meetings stretched into a week, the Albuquerque-based business may open a branch office in Las Cruces, Taras said.
"Everyone was extremely open and accommodating during my stay, and it's a real reflection on the community. You have great weather and infrastructure. I plan to come back in about four weeks for more meetings. I look forward to promoting all that Las Cruces has to offer the film industry," said Taras, whose recent visit included meetings with sources ranging from Alma duarte Charter School for the Arts to New Mexico State University's Creative Media Institute, Dona Ana Community College's Film Tech Training Program, Las Cruces film liaison Bill McCamey and local sources of food,
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lodging and possible locations.
Taras, 37, has a deep interest in filmmaking and an eclectic background that includes a bachelor's degree in geography and a stint as a safari guide in Africa. He's lived in New York and Portland, Ore.
In August, 2008, he decided to found his company.
"I felt that if the New Mexico film industry was going to continue to grow, we need to have a dynamic interactive resource when your considering whether to shoot and when you're actually here, as well.
The company's Web site is divided into three categories.
"Find," a free source, offers information on potential cast, crew, production support and personal services, filming locations, production lodging, furnished rentals, real estate. dining and entertainment, plus extensive listings about New Mexico film resources and current news relating to movies and filmmaking in the state.
"Be Found" offers listing opportunities for everyone from cast and crew to those who offer production, support and location services. Prices start at $79 for a basic profile with add-on options for multiple specialties and extras like demo reels.
Want to be a star? The cast profile page features, include "demo reels, video resumes, headshots, bio, credits, and links to your agent. Your profile features critical casting details including your stats, dialects, sports, musical skills and more."
A "What's New section", free to searchers, offers Facebook, a New Mexico film blog, "who's filming now" and "cast and crew calls." The site is now "a 24/7 operation, with over 600 individual and business partners. It's also accessible to citizens of New Mexico who want to know what's going on in their back yard. Every person who lists on the site gets his own URL, Web site and Web address."
Taras said he also has an e-mail list of up to 10,000 sources involved in the film industry.
For more information, call (505) 930-0443, e-mail daniel@crewnewmexico.com or visit online at www.crewnewmexico.com.
S. Derrickson Moore can be reached at dmoore@lcsun-news.com, (575) 541-5450
