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

Michigan Film Incentives May Be on the Chopping Block

Production Tax Incentives, such as New Mexico's 25% rebate to productions, are at the heart of today's film industry. Michigan has the most aggressive incentive program in the country, but its likely not sustainable, as the article below will demonstrate.

We're proud that New Mexico's incentives are designed to be sustainable and increasingly transparent, and while other states may come and go on the film landscape, we're a core part of the industry for some time to come. - crewnewmexico.com

The tax credit bringing many Hollywood studios to Michigan could soon see some major changes.

Senate Bill 404, a bipartisan proposal that would top the film tax credit off at $50 million and reduce the available refunds by 7 percent, is being discussed.

The refundable film tax credits would be cut to 35 percent from their current rate of 42 percent.

The bill was introduced on March 25 and is sponsored by State Sens. Nancy Cassis, R-Novi; Jud Gilbert, R-Algonac; Tom George, R-Kalamazoo; and Mickey Switalski, R-Roseville.

“We recognize that Michigan has a significant, large deficit of $2.8 billion, and part of what’s contributing to that is the giveaway money to Hollywood producers,” Cassis said.

The bill would be keeping the film tax credit at $50 million, which would scale back a little on overly generous giveaway money, she said.

“These movie producers are currently not paying taxes in Michigan, but are still getting money,” Cassis said.

The bill would just restore funds to other areas of the state, such as police, fire and Medicare, she said.
Cassis said the bill also would support commercial ads and more jobs.

“We would be able to provide credit for commercials to be done here, and we would hire 90 percent of Michigan workers first,” she said.

In the long run, Cassis said, Bill 404 would recognize all the refundable credits that are not necessarily vital and giving relief to other businesses.

State Sen. Jud Gilbert said even though the majority is not in favor of the bill, it is still necessary.

“The bill is necessary because films last for a short duration, which means the money will run out before anyone gets the subsidy,” Gilbert said.

He said the bill would divert money into a tax relief.

“If the bill passes, people will see gradual employment increases in small businesses with longer durations,” Gilbert said.

To read the full article, click here.

Governor’s Council on Film and Media Industries Announces Town Hall Meeting in Las Cruces

SANTA FE – The Governor’s Council on Film and Media Industries will host a town hall meeting to gather input on the future of the state’s burgeoning film and media industries. The event is free and open to the public and will be held from 1:00 to 4:30 PM Thursday, October 8th at the Alma d' arte Charter High School in Las Cruces.

“This is an opportunity for the Council to get direct input from the public so that we can help update Governor Richardson’s plan of action.” said Chairman Michael Kaye.

The event is being held in association with the High Tech Consortium of Southern New Mexico. The schedule includes a listening session, three break-out strategy sessions and a final wrap-up session.

Participants registering online will have an opportunity to help identify breakout sessions from a list including Opportunities in Film; Opportunities in Games, Modeling and Simulation; Building Connections between South and North; Building effective Groups and Organizations; and Developing Education Strategies – or they may suggest their own.

Pre-registration is suggested, as space is limited. To pre-register, visit www.altmedianm.org. Those who cannot attend are encouraged to submit their comments at the online form as well.

Contact: Rochelle Bussey 505.476-5604

Also, don’t miss the free Las Cruces informational session about New Mexico Filmmakers Program and how to prepare a New Visions 2009 application with Program Director, Trish Lopez. Wednesday, October 7th – 7:00pm | Las Cruces: CMI Theatre in Milton Hall on NMSU Campus.

Space is limited, so please call (505) 476-5600 to reserve a seat or for additional information. Applications can be printed online at www.nmfilm.com or picked up in person at the NM Film Office at 418 Montezuma Avenue, Santa Fe, NM. Deadline for applications is October 16, 2009.

Site Visitor Map for 9.22!

Curious if listing on crewnewmexico.com will get you any exposure? With 8,000-10,000 visitors/month searching our directory, the answer is a big yes. But don't take our word for it - have a look at our site visitor map for today alone! Contact us a membership@crewnewmexico.com to learn how we can help you or your business reach out to the NM Film Industry.