Green Drinks at Mauka in Santa Fe

Green Drinks is a monthly cocktail/networking for green minded people and businesses. Here's the 411 on their event tomorrow, September 24th.

Green Drinks, Santa Fe Alliance and Mauka invite you to a special dinner gathering to highlight the Farm to Restaurant Project, which encourages farmers, food producers and chefs to work directly with each other to build partnerships resulting in a stronger and healthier local economy.

Wednesday, September 24th, at 6:30 pm, Chef Joel Coleman will regale us with a selection of farm fresh menu items with a special Green Drinks price. He garners his meats from Shepherd’s Lamb, Pollo Real Chicken and Pecos Valley Beef; his veggies from Gemini Farms, Jacona Farms, and Romero Farms; and those delicious mushrooms from Desert Fungi. As a matter of fact, he works with so many food producers in the area that it’s too numerous to mention all of them here. Mauka’s general menu offers both starters and entrees that showcase a variety of local products from growers you probably have met at the Farmers Market.

Joel makes sustainability and community a priority for the restaurant by recycling, offering recycled to-go boxes and using a restaurant-wide purified water system from Santa Fe by Design rather than offering bottled water. He will graciously close the restaurant to the public for this special Green Drinks community event, so please do us the honor by responding to this e-mail if you are planning to attend.

Come out and support your local community by attending this Green Drinks harvest bounty at Mauka!

WHAT: Green Drinks, www.greendrinks.org
WHEN: Wednesday, September 24th, 6:30 pm
WHERE: Mauka, 544 B Agua Fria, www.maukarestaurant.com
COST: Special Green Drinks dinner menu prices
RSVP: bookchambers@earthlink.net

The Taos Mountain Film Festival! October 9-12

Great things this week in the world of New Mexico Film Festivals - Here some news from the folks at the Taos Mountain Film Festival. Awesome event. (For a calendar of New Mexico Film Festivals, click here.)

The 8th Annual Taos Mountain Film Festival, the festival for mountaineers, mountain lovers and mountain characters, will feature films, guests and slideshows from the Tibetan Plateau, the planet’s most spectacular terrain known as the Roof of the World. This region has been shrouded in mystery and myth for millennia. For centuries it was closed to foreigners and the recent opening has, of course, been tainted by oppression and violence.

The festival will show a wide array of documentaries covering the history, culture and topography of the high plateau, which extends beyond Tibet itself into still comparatively unvisited lands such as Ladakh, Mustang and Western China. Selected films include the 1964 BBC classic Raid into Tibet, which follows a force of Tibetan resistance fighters making an incursion across the border to battle the occupying Chinese forces; The Fate of the Lhapas documents the attempts of the Tibetan shamans to preserve their old ways in exile; other films feature the teachings of the Dalai Lama, and a pilgrimage to the sacred mountain of Kailash.

This year’s guest artists include:

DAVE HAHN
Ten times to 29,035, the highest point in the planet, is an accomplishment for any climber. Not content with this achievement Dave Hahn challenged himself to hold his nerve on one of the steepest continuous walls in the world, the Pacific Ocean Wall on El Capitan. Dave will show some fabulous photos of his harrowing ascent.

JON BOWERMASTER
An accomplished sea kayaker, Jon Bowermaster, makes wonderful films of his adventures for National Geographic. He will present two films from his acclaimed Oceans 8 series, Antarctica and descending the Dragon.

SIR CHRIS BONINGTON
One of the best-known mountaineers in the world, Sir Chris Bonington, has agreed to join the Taos Mountain Film Festival Board. His ascents of the South West Face of Everest, The Ogre and many other notable climbs in the world’s great ranges has made him a household name. He will bring enormous status to the festival.

The Taos Mountain Film Festival runs from October 9th through 12th. The festival program is available on line at www.mountainfilm.net. Passes and information are available online . For more information on the festival, contact Jonathan Slator at js@mountainfilm.net.

Here's the Video Trailer!

This Weekend - The Southwest Gay and Lesbian Film Festival

The 6th annual Southwest Gay and Lesbian Film Festival comes to Albuquerque, September 26-October 2.

"CLOSET CINEMA is an Albuquerque based nonprofit organization dedicated to showcasing queer cinema in an attempt to highlight the richness of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender experience.

SWGLFF is one of the State’s largest film festivals. Closet Cinema is recognized as the New Mexico’s leading GLBT non-profit organization dedicated to presenting a diverse array of GLBT images through film media arts. SWGLFF will be celebrating its sixth annual event this Fall.

In 2007, SWGLFF with an attendance of 4,000 becomes one of the top GLBT film festivals in the Southwest.

SWGLFF will run for 7 days, September 26-October 2, screen over 80 features, shorts and documentaries in 54 programs, and represent over 15 countries, while hosting an array of guests and filmmakers - creating a truly regional experience. "

Check out their website here: www.closetcinema.org

White Sands Film Festival Call for Submissions

"The WSIFF is dedicated to bringing filmmakers and audiences together to better appreciate the art of cinema. The WSIFF screens outstanding short and feature length documentaries and narratives of all genres from around the world. With a special focus on Latino and New Mexican filmmaking we celebrate outstanding cinema in the amazing back drop of Southern New Mexico."

For more information about submitting your film, visit the White Sands Film Festival Website www.wsiff.com.

Hello Kirtland Airforce Base!

To all our site viewers and users at Kirtland Air Force Base, hello! Drop us an email and tell us how we're doing! Send emails to info@crewnewmexico.com!

crewnewmexico.com is Seeking Qualified Interns!

crewnewmexico.com is seeking focused and energetic assistants to work directly with the founder of the company to help with daily business tasks such as event planning, managing online groups, blogging, light graphic design, customer support, film industry research, online marketing, and networking with individuals and businesses statewide who currently work, or want to work, in the film industry.

This is an excellent opportunity to get involved with something on the ground floor. Its a great opportunity if you’re interested in the film industry, as this job touches on many aspects, from technology to talent, production to promotion. However, you do not need previous film industry experience, and we welcome applicants of all backgrounds. However, attention to detail and reliability are foremost requirements.

Your office-time commitment would be minimum 10 hours/week, over a 2 or 3 day period, perhaps a combination of office-based and telecommuting. The position requires a commitment of 3 months, unpaid at this time, though we do offer partial trade compensation for your time, commission options, and we are happy to work with you to receive school credit.

This is an excellent opportunity to learn all about, and be involved in, the New Mexico film industry, build your resume, make great connections, and get your foot in the door in the fastest growing industry in the state.

Send your cover letter and resumes to jobs@crewnewmexico.com

Thank you!

Mark Scharen and Post Hoc Productions - Editor/Post-Production in New Mexico

Welcome Mark Scharen and Post Hoc Productions to the New Mexico Film Directory at crewnewmexico.com. Mark is the newest member of the Production Support section of our site.

Mark is an experienced editor and cinematographer. He was the lead editor on "Claim 24" directed by Tantri Wija, "ira" directed by Stan Rodman and "Baker's Road Killings" a film for the Duke City Shootout 2008. Watch "Baker's Road Killings" here: http://www.dukecityshootout.org/Bakers_DCS_Final-H.264_300Kbps_Streaming_DCS_2008.mov.

Mark is currently the production manager at Capital Video in Santa Fe, handling digital editing, videography, consultations, scripting, producing videos, duplication, web design, video compression, motion graphics, audio enhancement. Mark's company, Post Hoc Productions is a video production company that produces promotional, educational and recruiting videos and documentaries. Mark has a BA in Multimedia from the University of Oregon, studied video production at the Institute of Art in Denver.

Mark Scharen - Editing and Post Production in Santa Fe,
www.crewnewmexico.com/markscharen
www.posthocproductions.com

ultiMed Urgent Care in Santa Fe - NM Film Support

We'd like to welcome ultiMed Urgent Care to the NM Film Resource Directory on crewnewmexico.com.

ultiMed is a walk-in medical clinic located 1 block north of the NM Film Industry Production offices on Paseo de Peralta in Santa Fe. Very convenient for visiting film workers. Their clinic offers a variety of services such as treatments for Altitude Sickness • Acute Injuries and Illnesses • Minor Emergencies • Fractures/Sprains • Lacerations • Eye problems • Cough/Cold/Asthma •Earaches/Sore throats • Urinary tract infections • Flu shots • Work/School/Sports physicals • On-site prescription dispensing and X- Ray, and more. Need a physician to come to the office or to set? Be sure to inquire.

They accept most major insurance plans (and the uninsured, too). Welcome ultiMedto the Crew of New Mexico businesses here to support the film industry. And let them know you heard about them on crewnewmexico.com!

ultiMED Urgent Care Santa Fe - Medical Practitioners
www.crewnewmexico.com/ultimedurgentcare

What's Shot Where - Movies Made Around the Country

Another good link from USA Today - a filmography of motion pictures made around the States.
Click Here

Quick Article from USA Today about Film Incentives Around the USA

New Mexico is not the only state to offer film incentives to lure production - in fact, more than 30 states offer a variety of packages. Though we may be among the more successful destinations, we're far from alone in what we're doing.

Here's a quick article about productions shooting around the US.
Click Here

Vintage Movie Posters in Santa Fe - Movie Props and Collectible Posters! Our newest member of crewnewmexico.com

An excellent resource for the New Mexico film industry (pay attention props department) -- Welcome Marty Rosenberg and his Vintage Poster Gallery to the New Mexico Film Directory on crewnewmexico.com.

The Vintage Poster Gallery features rare and collectible posters from the Rosenberg Collection - a remarkable gathering of works from around the world - including the largest Pre-War and Vintage Polish movie poster collection.

Marty and his 8,000 piece collection are an excellent resource for the New Mexico film props departments, and works from the collection have been used in many feature films. Also, many of the posters are from overseas - meaning most film people have never seen them. . . including the actors who's names are prominently featured on the posters. That's why international, vintage movie posters make such an excellent gift within the industry, and why we're doubly glad to welcome the Gallery to crewnewmexico.com.

Vintage Posters is currently featuring a collection of Powerful Polish Movie Posters - its an amazing show (we saw it!), with a fascinating history. And, Marty donates 20% of all sales from the show to the Santa Fe Film Festival.

The Gallery is located at 901 Canyon Road in Santa Fe (click here for map) - walking distance from the production offices on Paseo de Peralta. Open Tues-Sun, 12:00-4:00. (505) 577-7419

Vintage Movie Posters
crewnewmexico.com/vintagemovieposters
and also check out their collection at www.mrposter.com

Be In A MOVIE! - NM Film Industry Public Casting Call for the movie "Crazy Heart"

The Jeff Bridges, Robert Duvall Movie "CRAZY HEART" is hosting a special event in conjunction with filming at the Santa Fe Opera on Saturday, September 20th from 3PM to 7PM and the public is invited. There will be music and surprise special guests. Doors open at 3PM. Seating will be available on a first come first served basis.

The musical event will be part of the evening's filming. Attendees will have the opportunity to watch real movie production. Everyone in the audience will be on film for the concert scenes.

The films' stars, Jeff Bridges, Robert Duvall and Maggie Gyllenhaal will be in attendance.

CRAZY HEART is a story about a down-on-his-luck, alcoholic country music singer (Bridges) who, through his relationship and experiences with a female reporter (Gyllenhaal), is able to get his life and career back on track. Bridges' character plays mentor to a hotshot contemporary country star at the peak of his career, while struggling in the younger star's shadow. Grammy®-winning and Academy Award®-nominated composer and producer T Bone Burnett will produce original music for the film and soundtrack with songwriter Stephen Bruton. Bridges, who released his debut album Be Here Soon in 2000, will perform original songs for both.

The Santa Fe Opera is located at 17063 US Highway 84/285 Santa Fe, NM 87505. Call the HOTLINE at 505.820.7955 for details.

Great New Resource for Santa Fe Productions Joins crewnewmexico.com!

We're especially glad to introduce our newest member, The Whole Package, to our site users - especially filmmakers in Santa Fe. Located just a short walk from the NM Film production offices on Paseo de Peralta, The Whole Package is a unique gift store and packing and shipping location all in one.

They feature an amazing array of seasonal, high-end gifts, deluxe wrapping papers, unique greeting cards, as well as novelties and toys for children. The Whole Package is located directly across from Kaune's Grocery Store and Ohori's Coffee on Old Santa Fe Trail - plenty of parking - making it a convenient stop for anyone working on a film in Santa Fe.

They also do short and long term mailbox rentals, UPS, FedEx, and DHL, and will pack and ship your new purchases. We use The Whole Package as our business mailbox, and for sending and receiving packages - and we're glad to recommend them.

The Whole Package
www.crewnewmexico.com/thewholepackage

Introducing Hawai'i Vacation Rental Booking Agent for the New Mexico Film Industry - Hawai'i's Best Rentals!

We're always thrilled to welcome new members to crewnewmexico.com, but Hawaii's Best Rentals gets a special mention - because they're going to book you into an amazing vacation rental home on the Hawaiian Islands. They've joined the New Mexico Film Resource Directory at crewnewmexico.com in the Production Support Category! They're licensed travel agents for the State of Hawai'i, and are offering their services directly to the professionals of the New Mexico Film Industry.

Hawaii's Best Rentals (hawaiisbestrentals.com) works with clients who value the authentic Hawai'ian vacation experience - finding you the perfect vacation home based on your budget and preferences - with properties ranging from $250 - $6,000 per night, from cute bungalow to private beachfront estates.

They are professional, discreet, and discerning, with a client base from the entertainment, banking, and political fields. They will help guide you in planning your trip, and arranging concierge related services while you're away. Best of all, they provide their services at no charge to you.

We've stayed in several of their properties, and can offer the highest recommendation.

Hawaiis Best Rentals.com
crewnewmexico.com/hawaii

IATSE 480 PAC Rummage Sale - Movie Memorabilia

IATSE Local 480 Political Action Committee is having a rummage sale including dozens of years of "movie memorabilia", props, set decorations, crew t-shirts, and more. Don't miss out on the chance to own something from your favorite movies filmed right here in New Mexico.

All proceeds will go to the Local 480 PAC.

The PAC needs your contributions for this event. If you have any movie related memorabilia you would like to donate, or if you can volunteer some time, please contact Deborah @ 505-818-5806.

The Sale is on Saturday 9/20, from 8-11am
1418 Cerrillos Road (The IATSE Office)
Santa Fe

The Rush! Welcome about 10 new members to crewnewmexico.com

Watch these pages over the next week as we add about 10 new member/advertisers to the New Mexico film directory on crewnewmexico.com. We've got lawyers, accountants, restaurants, film locations, packing/shipping and mailbox rental locations, event planners, actors, bars - and more!

We're thrilled! Our site traffic is increasing exponentially, and we have providers of goods and services from many ends of the business spectrum.

Interested in coming on board crewnewmexico.com but have some questions - send us an email at membership@crewnewmexico.com, or give a call anytime - (505) 930-0443.

Steven Seagal to film "The Keeper" in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Another great New Mexico Film Industry production! Look who's comin' to town - Steven Seagal.

The action hero is coming to Santa Fe to film "The Keeper." Seagal plays a bodyguard who's client is captured, and he has to get her back.

Filming starts late September, thru end-October, and will be conducted in and around Santa Fe.

Santa Fe Chiropractic Care by Christene Baranowski - Our Newest NM Film Industry Production Support Crew

We've worked on enough movies in New Mexico to know that the hours are long, and the physical and emotional stresses are can be real tough on the body - especially on your back. In fact, crewnewmexico.com was started partially because of back issues exacerbated by working 18 hour days on movie sets!

Taking care of yourself while working on set is hard due to time and logistical issues, but that's why we're reaching out to some of New Mexico's top practitioners who want to make a special effort to mind your health and wellness. And, so, we'd like to welcome Dr. Christine Baranowski to crewnewmexico.com's NM Film Directory Production Support Health and Wellness Category.

Dr. Baranowski empowers the individual to achieve healing on all levels of Body, Mind and Spirit. She utilizes Soft Touch Chiropractic, Applied Kinesiology/Muscle Testing, and CranioSacral therapy to find and release new and old stuck energy patterns in the body. Nutritional supplementation and Flower Essences are also used to enhance the healing process. Office hours:Tues/Thurs/Sat. Other hours may be available upon request. Fees are time-based.

Dr. Baranowski is affiliated with the amazing Santa Fe Soul Healing Center - over 28 leading practitioners of traditional and modern medicine all under one roof.

Dr. Christine Baranowski
crewnewmexico.com/drdpb

Promotional Products for the New Mexico Film Industry - by Chantel Campos/Bankers Advertising

Every production Crew filming in New Mexico has printing and or promotional product needs - be it props or wardrobe items during production, or wrap gifts at the end of the show. Sourcing these items from a New Mexico-based vendor qualifies the purchase for a 25% rebate under the New Mexico Film Incentives program. That's why we're happy to introduce Chantel Campos of Bankers Advertising.

Chantel is a life-long New Mexican and second generation provider of promotional products under the Banker's Advertising brand. Based in Santa Fe, but serving clients state-wide, Chantel works to provide any and all promotional items - hats, t-shirts, mugs, blankets, umbrellas, messenger bags - everything and anything you might need to feature your custom logo or message. Chantel works with clients large and small - from Buffalo Thunder Resort, to individuals looking to promote their business.

crewnewmexico.com is glad to have Chantel on board.

You can view Chantel's Production Support Promotional Products profile page at
http://www.crewnewmexico.com/bankersadvertising

An Amazing Event to Benefit the Santa Fe Film Festival - Original Polish Movie Posters at the Vintage Poster Gallery on Canyon Road, Santa Fe

Since crewnewmexico.com is a sponsor of the Santa Fe Film Festival, we're especially glad to help spread the word about this event.

Film Festival Poster Benefit Opens

The largest public exhibition of award-
winning original Polish movie posters
ever displayed in the Americas opened at
the Vintage Poster Gallery at 901 Canyon
Road and runs through September.

The exhibition honors the Santa Fe Film
Festival which takes place in early
December. A portion of all sales for the
month are donated to the Festival.

Featuring over 250 vintage film posters
from The Rosenberg Collection, the show
has great film classics such as 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.

Elena Millie, retired curator of the poster
collection of the Library of Congress wrote,
“The Polish designer has been trained as an
artist first and foremost and brings artistic
expertise to the poster. The exceptional
Polish poster is thus really a work of art
rather than a conventional advertising
placard.”

Large portions of The Rosenberg Collection
can be viewed online at www.mrposter.com

The Gallery is open from Noon to 4 p.m.
daily or call 577-7419 for show details.
Watch local news calendars for a series of
free public presentations by Gallery owner
Marty Rosenberg on the world famous era of
the Polish School of Design and a pre-
release preview of the documentary film
Freedom On the Fence that chronicles these
amazing Polish artists and their poster
designs.

Guess Who's Coming to Crew?!

In the next day, watch for a new chiropractor, a promotional products expert, and the famous, infamous Cowgirl BBQ! - and more!

Film Industry Production Housing in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico

For those of you in the NM Film industry looking for production housing in Albuquerque (ABQ), or Santa Fe, we feature an up-and-coming Production Lodging section of our site! We've currently got 3 locations popular with the film industry - the Holiday Inn in Santa Fe, The Fort Marcy Hotel Suites in Santa Fe, and the Suburban Extended Stay Hotel in Albuquerque, and we're adding more in the next week.

All of the profiles feature detailed information about the location, including what productions they have served in the past, and all the information you'd need to help hone in on great lodging for your film crew, including rates, location, proximity to Albuquerque (ABQ) Studios and the airport, property description, amenities, and more.

See our Lodging Search Page here
crewnewmexico.com/lodgingsearch

Ed Harris Interview About Appaloosa on CBS Early Show

They're calling it an "Authentic Western."

Check out this quick little interview with Ed Harris on the CBS Morning Show where he talk about the upcoming premiere of "made in New Mexico" film, Appaloosa. The man is cool. They say that it was filmed in on Location in New Mexico, and they scouted hard for authentic locations. Nice!

See the Ed Harris Appaloosa Interview Here.

New Mexico Film Industry Explodes

This is a great article - a must read. It's actually posted on the filmidaho.org website -- the official film website for the State of Idaho. It gives a lot of background on why New Mexico is doing so well in the film world and, why, for example, Idaho isn't. Provides a lot of detail about the NM Film Industry, Incentives, Governor Bill Richardson, Wild Hogs, and Madrid, New Mexico, and more. Thanks, Idaho!

How the film industry fell for the Land of Enchantment
BY KEVIN MAX

About 25 miles south of Santa Fe, residents of the dusty old mining town of Madrid (they say MAD-rid) woke up one day on the set of the Hollywood feature film Wild Hogs. John Travolta, William H. Macy, Martin Lawrence, Tim Allen, Ray Liotta, and the film’s crew became Madrid’s honorary, if temporary, citizens. If you added them all together—the well-heeled of Hollywood and the boot-heeled of the burgeoning artist enclave—the population swelled to more than 400, in an increasingly common scene in this southwestern state.

The film’s crew painted buildings, put in grass and white picket fences, and compensated just about any of the town’s 350 residents for the inconvenience and loss of business. Some Madrid residents also requested that their town’s name be used instead of the fictional one written into the script, and the director, Walt Becker, obliged. All in all, Madrid came out ahead.

“How many towns have $200 million worth of advertising spent on them?” says Honore Hackett. The Madrid resident and her husband own two Southwestern and American Indian jewelry stores in town. But they were more than smitten locals for Wild Hogs. They became vested partners, surrendering their empty lot so crews could build from the ground up Maggie’s Diner, the remote desert battleground where Woody (Travolta), Bobby (Lawrence), Doug (Allen), and Dudley (Macy), as middle-aged suburbanites turned “hardened” biker gang, defended their turf and Madrid against the Del Fuegos, a real bike gang led by Jack (Liotta).

Since Wild Hogs wrapped last year, the Hacketts have used Maggie’s Diner for storage, but the vestiges of Hollywood remain. Tourists have started streaming into town to take photos in front of the building. Director Adam Marcus is also in the area filming the Val Kilmer movie Conspiracy. And all this shooting centers on a single tiny town in New Mexico.

Meet the new face of Hollywood, what Hackett calls “Hollywood Southwest.” The state has stolen more than 80 feature films and television projects from mighty Tinseltown, adding more than $1.2 billion dollars over four years to the economy. That’s up from a meager $8 million just five years ago. The industry created 3,000 new in-state jobs. The crew base in the state shot up from 60 technicians in 2003 to more than 1,400 today. At the time of this article, there were about a half dozen feature films being shot in New Mexico and a couple had just wrapped. The alkali salt flats outside Lordsburg served as the setting for the nowhere-to-hide final confrontation between Pierce Brosnan and Liam Neeson in Seraphim Falls. The Gilman Tunnels, blasted through the Jemez Mountains in the 1920s for logging trains, “collapse” behind a fleeing Russell Crowe and Christian Bale in 3:10 to Yuma. The 1957 version of 3:10 was shot on the Warner Bros. Ranch in Burbank and in Tucson, Arizona; it’s a one-movie indicator of Hollywood’s decline and New Mexico’s rise. And then to Galisteo—a small town in the cradle of the Cerillos Hills and the Jemez Mountains and Sangre de Cristo Mountains—where Gulf War veteran Kilmer looks for the marine who saved his life in Conspiracy. “As directors realize the diversity in New Mexico,” says Lisa Strout, director of the New Mexico Film Office, “they see it as a canvas to make their films come alive.”

Hollywood has always loved the beauty and culture of New Mexico in a nice-place-to-visit sort of way. Just a short flight from Los Angeles, actors like Kilmer, Julia Roberts, Gene Hackman, Jane Fonda, Alan Arkin, and Dennis Hopper have flocked to the state. Dozens more actors appreciate arts culture, the sabor of Spanish and American Indian cuisine, the warmth of the Southwestern sun, and the comforts of luxury spas in Santa Fe. “It is kind of an idyllic, quaint, and sophisticated place with great food and a big art community and spas and horseback riding,” says Strout. “This is the type of place that people fall in love with.”

But the latest Hollywood influx is not about pleasure. It’s about business. And much of it happened because of one man: Governor Bill Richardson.

Richardson came into office in 2003, telling New Mexicans that the state needed to attract new businesses and making the film industry a priority growth target for the state. Then he convinced the state government to roll out an incentive package for filmmakers. Today, as many as 32 states offer similar perks, but few are as established or as generous as New Mexico’s. They include a 50 percent reimbursement of wages for on-the-job training of state residents, a tax rebate of 25 percent on all direct costs and labor (or no sales tax on most production costs), and a film investment loan program that offers no-interest loans for up to $15 million.

“It was natural for us,” Governor Richardson says. “We’re close to Hollywood, so logistically and cost-wise it’s easy for productions to be here. We have a tremendous climate and natural beauty, rich cultural traditions, and the most progressive production incentive program in the country. What’s not to love?”

The state started small, chasing low-budget indie films before moving into bigger productions that had been shooting abroad and finally courting repeat films and longer series TV productions. At all times, one constant guided the state: “We approached it like a business,” says Eric Witt, director of media arts and industries for the governor. “It had to make money for New Mexico.

Four years after Richardson launched his program to bring the film industry to the state, his epiphany came through the smoke rings of a cigar. “During the production of Wild Hogs, I had some of the cast and crew up to the governor’s mansion for dinner,” he says. “After the meal we’re sitting out on the back lawn overlooking a magnificent New Mexico vista, having a cigar, and I look around and see John Travolta, William Macy, Tim Allen, and Walt Becker laughing and having a good time. And I think to myself, I can’t even get a table at McDonald’s in L.A., and I’ve got all these people right here at my house. This is all right!”

Los Angeles might disagree, and it’s easy to see why. For decades, film production has become more competitive and cost-conscious. Film producers, hoping to make a profitable film in this tougher environment, started looking for tax incentives, rebates on labor, and kickbacks on production costs. Canada was one of the first to come through, starting in the late ’80s. British Columbia stepped up with a raft of incentives that drew millions of dollars of film production to the Great White North, with total production investment spiking in 2003 to $1.24 billion Canadian. Canada’s gain was Hollywood’s loss. But by last year, B.C.’s numbers had trailed off to $950 million in foreign film production. Experts peg that decline to powerful incentives coming from states like New Mexico.

Even so, a film takes a short time to make and leaves little more than memories and photo ops like Maggie’s Diner. Until the industry matures, the local jobs lifted from Hollywood won’t last long. Recognizing this stark economic reality, all of the states and countries courting the industry hope to build a self-sustaining film culture, from homegrown filmmakers in high schools to professional digital animators. But New Mexico figured that out first.

The state’s original incentive package offered $200,000 in “film boot camp grants” for college and high school campuses. New Mexico also partnered with Comcast and National Geographic in a Governor’s Cup competition for local film projects, including screenplays and documentaries. Meanwhile, both Disney and Sony Pictures Imageworks rolled out academic programs for high school students and undergraduates alike. Sony brought its Imageworks Professional Academic Excellence (IPAX) program to the University of New Mexico. The IPAX curriculum aims to nurture the next generation of digital artists. Thanks to the program, the University of New Mexico joins 10 other schools—including Carnegie Mellon, Stanford University, and the University of Southern California—that graduate IPAX-certified digerati.

Farsighted programs like these, says Bill Lindstrom of the Association of Film Commissioners International, show New Mexico’s ability to “think outside the box.”

Whether conducted outside the box or otherwise, the future of filmmaking in New Mexico looks bright. The state already recognizes the benefits of the exposure a film gives to local economies. A scene or two shot in small New Mexico towns like Madrid, Galisteo, and Lordsburg act as an inexpensive national marketing campaign, adding dollars to the tills of local merchants. So the aggressive raft of incentives state legislators passed four years ago will probably stick around for some time. And over the next couple of years, the part of the plan designed to create bricks-and-mortar facilities will finally bear fruit.

That started last year with Pacifica Ventures, managing partner in the famed Culver Studios in Culver City, California (think Citizen Kane and Gone with the Wind). Citing New Mexico’s incentives as a key element in their decision, Pacifica announced its plans to build Albuquerque Studios, a 500,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art film studio. The studios opened in January this year, and value-minded filmmakers began laying plans to use the new resource in their adopted state. Sony Pictures Imageworks—the digital talent behind films like Surf’s Up, Ghost Rider, and Spider-Man 3—announced in May that it would build a 100,000-square-foot digital studio in connection with Albuquerque Studios. The new digital lab will create another 300 jobs for the state.

Hollywood recognizes that these facilities will compete against its own. But like a Mom-and-Pop storeowner who shops at Wal-Mart, the industry can’t resist the value pricing. “One of the main drivers of this industry is cost, and the incentives afforded from New Mexico are great,” says Imageworks president Tim Sarnoff. “The fact is that we, in L.A., were losing work to the rest of the world. New Mexico and other states have stepped up to the plate.”

Of course, New Mexico and the other places courting value-minded moviemakers (see “The Next Hollywood?” on page 132) will never displace Tinseltown. Its concentration of money, production assets, and creative talent will allow L.A. to remain the entertainment capital of the world. But with a raft of incentives, a growing band of industry pros, state-of-the-art facilities, and a topography that runs from frozen tundra to scorching bleakness, the Land of Enchantment could become “Hollywood Southwest.” Expect fewer film crews to wrap with martinis in L.A. and more to celebrate with margaritas in New Mexico.

Santa Fe Studios Update

We're frequently asked about the progress/plans of Santa Fe Studios, and are happy to report that everything is, at this point, on schedule for a late 2009-early 2010 opening.

For the uninitiated, Santa Fe studios is a massive, 65 acre film complex planned for the south end of Santa Fe, on Highway 14, across from the prison. It will feature several sound stages (two of them, when combined, may be the largest in the world), a large back-lot, on-site mill, and an industry-supporting complex featuring office space, commercial space, as well as a school/training complex, and more. It is planned to be built in stages, with the studio space and critical support to come in first. Even better, it is going to be built with green standards, and in alignment with Anasazi principles of alignment to the landscape and stars. And it will be built in Santa Fe/Adobe style to blend in. There's a lot more amazing things planned, but we don't want to spoil anything. Just know that its planned to be a serious, world-class film destination.

So, what does this mean for the New Mexico Film Industry, or, more specifically, Santa Fe? Currently, Albuquerque Studios provides the state's only full-fledged, large scale, full-time production studio, and they are booked solid. The addition of Santa Fe Studios will dramatically increase the overall production capacity of the state, meaning that more, and more large scale productions will be able to shoot here. Albuquerque Studios has just hosted a massive film - Terminator 4 - and we can expect more of that kind of production as the support infrastructure, and crew and services base expands.

While it is always tricky to give economic impact stats, we can safely say that the addition of Santa Fe Studios will provide a substantial boost to the local - and regional - economy, providing high wage jobs, and offering hundreds of individuals and businesses the opportunity to provide goods and services to the film industry.

We're thrilled at the developments of the New Mexico Film Industry, are are proud to be a part of something so dynamic, and with so much potential. We'll try to keep you posted on all of the most important development on what's going on in the industry. If you've got some news or information, send it our way -- info@crewnewmexico.com.

Our Newest Member - Albuqueruque Furnished Rental for the NM Film Industry

crewnewmexico.com's newest member in the NM Film Industry Production Housing category is a 1 br furnished rental near Albuquerque's Old Town, located at 2421 Northwest Circle NW.

It's a beautifully furnished townhome, in Pueblo del Norte on Rio Grande between Central Avenue and I-40. Many pieces of southwestern and African art. Walk to Old Town, 2 bus stops, 4 Museums, Post Office, Tiguex City Park, drug store, Aquarium, Biological Gardens, Zoo. Bike or walk the Paseo del Bosque Trail along the Rio Grande River. Available for one-month minimum. Shorter term available during the Balloon Festival. Pictures of the interior sent via e-mail upon request.

Qualtex home by Mel Clark
crewnewmexico.com/qualtex

Introducing Tiffany Hubbell, Actor

Tiffany Hubbell is one of crewnewmexico.com's newest members in the NM Film Industry Cast section of our site.

While new to the industry, Tiffany is excited to be a part of the NM Film boom. She likes to sing and act, has been in many talent shows and the Missoula Children's Theatre, and takes acting classes to keep her skills up.

Tiffany is based in Artesia, New Mexico, making her an excellent option for background/casting needs in southern and central NM.

Tiffany Hubbell
crewnewmexico.com/tiffanyhubbell

Suburban Extended Stay Hotel in ABQ - crewnewmexico.com's Newest Member!

We'd like to introduce you to the newest member of crewnewmexico.com - in our NM Film Industry production Lodging category - The Suburban Extended Stay Hotel.

If you've ever worked in New Mexico Film, you've probably had the chance to stay at the Suburban Extended Stay Hotel in Albuquerque (we've stayed there for weeks on end!).

The Suburban provides Production Accommodations in Albuquerque in the fom of extended stay suites. Each room comes with a full kitchen, appliances, pots and pans, full size fridge, a/c, king or queen beds, and on-site laundry. Its not uncommon for multiple productions to be on premise at once!

The Suburban is conveniently located just off I-25 at Carlisle - meaning you're just about 5 miles from the airport, and a quick jaunt to ABQ studios. Its also walking distance to Wild Oats, and a great BBQ joint.

Even better, their rates are practically unbeatable. Check it out!
Suburban Extended Stay Hotel in Albuquerque
crewnewmexico.com/suburbanextendedstayhotel

Los Ranchos de Albuquerque Film Ban Meeting

A message from Jon Hendry, Business Agent for IATSE Local 480:

The village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque is holding a meeting at 7pm Tuesday Sept 9th to discuss a continued ban on filming in the village. Obviously it’s important that as many of us attend the meeting as possible to thank the village for their past support of the film industry and to work with them to come up with a sensible policy that would address our concerns and the concerns of the local residents.

The meeting is at the village hall which is just north of Chavez on Rio Grande Blvd. Those of you who may want to speak please arrive a few minutes early to sign up for a three minute slot. Remember, well dressed and articulate with a positive message has worked for us before, even if you are not planning to address to board.
Questions? ba480@hotmail.com
Jon Hendry

48 Hour Film Project Looking for an Intern

We love the 48 Hour film project, and want to help spread the word that they're looking to hire an intern. Here's the details:

Unpaid internship. We will work with you to get class credit. Duration is one semester. Based in Santa Fe.

Great learning opportunity with an international time-based film competition. Intern will assist in film marketing and publicity, as well as general management. Tasks will include posting on-line about the upcoming 48 Hour Film events in film and community bulletin boards, keeping our Facebook and Myspace web presence current, calculating YouTube hits, updating a film catalog, reviewing past newspaper articles and blog entries for pull-quotes for our press kit, quantifying press hits, and searching our on-line photo gallery for photos to use for publicity purposes among other tasks.

To apply please send your resume to Liz@48hourfilm.com