Check Out The Roxbury Suites on crewnewmexico.com!

The Roxbury Suites in Albuquerque is one of our newest members on crewnewmexico.com! Whether here on vacation for a week, or working on a film set for months at a time, the Roxbury Suites offers custom short-term leases to fit your requirements.

The Roxbury offers 22 fully furnished, 1 bedroom/1 bath suites for short term rental while you're filming in the Duke City. The suites feature modern furnishings with full kitchen and bath ammenities, along with wireless internet and satellite TV. With close proximity to the Univeristy and Nob Hill Areas, the Roxbury Suites are in a prime location near to some of the most popular areas to shoot around Albuquerque.

You can learn more about the Roxbury Suites by checking out their full profile at www.crewnewmexico.com/roxburysuites, or visit their website at roxburysuites.com.

Phone: 1-888-210-8549
Fax: 888-615-9513
info@roxburysuites.com

Welcome Dan Strakal to crewnewmexico.com!

We are pleased to introduce our readers to Dan Strakal, one of our newest members on crewnewmexico.com! Dan is a skilled local Albuquerque actor who has appeared in numerous feature films, short films, television programs, and commercials.

Dan Strakal specializes in action-oriented roles and has skills in motion picture fighting/stunts, horseback riding, operation of firearms & other weapons, plus much more! You can learn more about Dan Starkal by checking out his full profile at www.crewnewmexico.com/danstrakal. You can also visit his personal website and view his full resume at www.dantalent.com.

New Member Update for January 2, 2009

We'd like to welcome the following New Members to the New Mexico Film Directory on crewnewmexico.com. Watch over the next days for a detailed introduction for all of our newest members! If you're thinking of joining - now is a great time!

• Ram Goradia- Set Dresser, Key Set Dresser, IATSE Local 480 Member!
• Jeremy Pollaro of New Mexico Fleet Design! Printer, Graphics, Digital Printing, Business Cards, and more.
• Linda Carfagno - Photographer Extraordinairre! Set stills, head shots, commercial, documentary, frequent contributor to New Mexico publications!
• The Crew team at Production Outiftters!
• The Film Center - Home of the Santa Fe Film Festival - Screening room for the New Mexico Film Industry.
• Evan Wright - Award Wining Editor and AVID expert.
• Dr. Kurt Kastendieck and Unity Medical Center in Santa Fe - medical care for film pros.
• The Santa Fe Screening Room
• Southwest Gift Baskets and Coffee Shop in ABQ!
• Route 66 Dry Cleaners in ABQ - Dry Cleaning for the props and wardrobe department
  

crewnewmexico.com New Member Update for 12.31!

We'd like to give a quick shout out and welcome to today's newest members of the New Mexico Film Directory on crewnewmexico.com. Watch for more throughout the day!

• Lisa Chase Realty!
  
• David Auguston - Weapons Master, Armorer!
• Nick Nadjowski - Sound Mixer
• Christena Bouajila - Art Department Assistant and Storyboard Artist!
• Karen Novotny Photography - Headshots, Set Stills, and more!
• Holly Roach - Assistant Locations Manager, Location Scout.
  

crewnewmexico.com New Member Update for 12.29 pm

We'd like to welcome the following members to the New Mexico Film Directory on crewnewmexico.com. They've joined in the wee hours of the night, and we're thrilled that they're part of the Crew of New Mexico people and businesses who make up the New Mexico Film Industry!

• Production Outfitters - Production Powerhouse in ABQ
• Roxbury Suites - Short and Long Term Furnished Production Rentals in ABQ (awesome place)
• Tracy LaValle and TL Productions - Fashion and Advertising and Print Producer in ABQ

Watch for detailed introductions on these great businesses in the next few days. And, be sure to tell them you heard about them on crewnewmexico.com.

New Member Update for 12.29

We'd like to welcome the following new members to the New Mexico Film Directory on crewnewmexico.com. Watch for detailed introductions of each member in the coming days.

• Jane Galli - Special Makeup FX
• Sara Scarritt - Coordinator
• Erin Frye - Massage Therapy, Spa Services,
  
• Larry Krauss - D'Clutter Cutters - Professional Organizer and Personal Assistant
• Santa Fe Craftsman - Film Location - by Susan Harris Realty
  

Thinking of getting listed on crewnewmexico.com but have some questions? Drop us a line at membership@crewnewmexico.com, or (505) 930-0443

Welcome "My Concierge" and Michael Burns to crewnewmexico.com

We'd like to welcome Michael Burns and My Concierge to the New Mexico Film Directory on crewnewmexico.com.

We're especially thrilled to introduce these guys, and here's why. They're not only focused on high-end clients and things you might normally consider the realm of the "concierge" -- they provide amazing services for people in all levels of the industry.

Working 18 days and don't have time to shop? Need your dog walked, your house sat, your appointments booked, your party planned, your plants watered, gifts purchased? How about help finding an apartment before you arrive in New Mexico, having the cable installed, the internet ready, the fridge stocked, your belongings unpacked and organized. Maybe you need help finding a massage therapist, yoga teacher, private chef, doctor, or vet. . .

My Concierge will work with you in any capacity, large or small, to make sure that all of your needs are tended to before you arrive, while you're here, and after you go. Or, for permanent residents, too. A great local resource. Based in ABQ, but working statewide.

My Concierge
www.crewnewmexico.com/myconcierge
(505) 818-4348
Tell them you heard about them on crewnewmexico.com

Welcome B&B Production Rentals to crewnewmexico.com

We're thrilled to welcome Harold Woods and B&B Production Rentals to the New Mexico Film Directory on crewnewmexico.com. If you've spent any time on a set in New Mexico, you've been powered, lit, warmed, "wardrobed" or had your gear moved by one of their production rentals. They're one of the leading production rental companies in New Mexico and have worked on nearly every major feature made in state.

Their roster of equipment includes: Single and double plant trucks; stakebed trucks, tractors and wardrobe trailers. They have 3 trucks with twin generators, 7 tractors with single plant generators. Their equipment is meticulously maintained and professionally managed. We've seen these guys on set dozens of times, and the eqipment is always spit-shine clean and shiny.

B&B Production Services
www.crewnewmexico.com/bnbproductionservices
(818) 266-8143
Tell them you saw them on crewnewmexico.com. Say hi to Harold for us.

Welcome RiffRaff Entertainment to crewnewmexico.com!

We would like to give a quick shout out to RiffRaff Entertainment, one of our newest members on the New Mexico Film Directory on crewnewmexico.com! RiffRaff Entertainment is a new media production companiey here in New Mexico, and they are ready to provide to you their award-winning creative content production and input.

RiffRaff Ent. is owned and operated by Producer/Director Mat Page, who collaborates with a talented creative team to that have worked to create commercials, promotional and instructional videos, animation, and award winning short films. Matt and his company team also specialize in screenwriting and development, web compression, and offer the flexibility of standard definition, high definition, and film formats.

Check out their full profile at www.crewnewmexico.com/riffraffentertainment for more details, or send an email to info@riffraffentertainment.com

Questions About Registration on crewnewmexico.com?

We occasionally hear from our members, and some potential members, that they've run into some issues during sign up, or found some things a little unlcear. We're friendly folk, so if you have any questions about how to register, simply drop us a line and we'll walk you through the process. Even better, we'll sign you up manually and answer any questions you may have at the same time.

Remember, we're built to be your film industry resource, so take advantage of us. Well, that didn't sound right, but you know what we mean.

membership@crewnewmexico.com

Article on the New Mexico Economy, and the Impact of Film

Economic Activity Sees Both Highs and Lows
New Mexico Business Weekly
By Megan Kamerick, NMBW Staff

New Mexico has often been isolated from wild economic swings in the national economy. But it, too, began to feel the downturn in the last quarter of 2008.

The state’s unemployment stood at 4.4 percent in October (the latest data available), up from 3.3 percent a year ago, according the Department of Workforce Solutions. The national unemployment rate was 6.5 percent.

The rate of over-the-year job growth, from October 2007 to October 2008, was 0.1 percent — the lowest since 1991.

The construction industry was hammered this year and mining also saw downsizing.

Manufacturing has been a loss leader overall, according to Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER) at the University of New Mexico. The sector is still smarting from Intel’s layoffs of 1,500 last winter.

The major sectors contributing to job growth were health care and social assistance, government and retail trade. Local government saw significant growth, driven by Native enterprises such as casinos and hotels.

Several firms announced plans to enter the market with significant employment, and existing companies expanded here as well. The film industry continued its rapid growth.

To read the full article, click here!

New Mexico Filmmakers Instensive Closes Its Doors

We'd like to pass on the information that the New Mexico Filmmakers Intensive is
closing its doors. Here's a letter from Diane Perrin, Director of the Intensive. . .

As you may know, the CSF Board of Trustees has committed to funding the
college through the Spring semester 2009. However, in light of the fact
that the NMFI runs from January through August, we are unable to provide our
students with the assurance that they will be able to complete this year’s
program. It is, therefore, with great sadness that we must announce the
Board has decided to cancel the NMFI 2009.

The NMFI was launched in 2007 by the Moving Image Arts department at the
College of Santa with a $1 million grant from the State of New Mexico and a
mission to support the state’s film industry initiatives by cultivating
above-the-line talent in New Mexico. The NMFI offers an immersion in four
key creative areas of filmmaking: Screenwriting, Directing, Producing and
Editing through hands-on experience and a comprehensive curriculum designed
to foster the development of an artist’s unique vision and the means to
deliver it.

In its two years of operation, the New Mexico Filmmakers Intensive has
provided opportunities for specialized above-the-line training to 58
students. NMFI students completed over 40 short and feature length
screenplays and produced 13 short films with cast & crew that included the
participation of over 300 individuals and close to 200 local New Mexican
businesses and organizations.

NMFI shorts have collectively been selected to participate in over 40
regional, national and international festivals and been awarded the
Humanitarian Award at the Sedona International Film Festival, Best Short
Film at the Sonoma Film Festival and Best Short Script at the Rhode Island
International Film Festival.

In addition, since completing the program, NMFI graduates have:

· Written, Directed, Produced and/or Edited 10 additional short films;

· Received a 2008 New Visions/New Mexico Contract Award of $10,000 from the
State and the Panavision Award ($10,000 of in-kind Panavision equipment);

· Collectively worked in various capacities on over 50 professional
independent and Hollywood feature films in New Mexico and elsewhere.

The success of the New Mexico Filmmakers Intensive has been a community
effort. For me, the program has brought both professional and personal
reward. My heartfelt thanks to everyone for their support of the program and
in particular to MOV Chair, Jonathan Wacks, whose vision for the future of
New Mexico’s film industry including a growing contingent of “homegrown”
filmmakers, is vivid, inspiring and real.

Diane Schneier Perrin
Director
NEW MEXICO FILMMAKERS INTENSIVE
College of Santa Fe
505/473-6417
dsp@csf.edu

Florida's Star is Dimming as More States Lure Movie Studios

Hollywood studios are finding better incentives elsewhere
By Sarah Talalay - South Florida Sun-Sentines
December 24,2008

When Marley & Me, starring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston, opens in theaters across the country on Christmas Day, South Florida moviegoers can enjoy picking out local landmarks from Las Olas Boulevard to Dolphin Stadium.

South Florida is as much a character in the film as Marley, the story's unruly Labrador. The two months spent shooting the film in the region this spring pumped more than $10 million into area businesses and paid wages for nearly 1,400 local film industry workers.

But Florida is beginning to fall off studios' radar. A fund the state provides to attract big film productions was slashed from $25 million last year to $5 million as the state struggled with its fiscal crisis.

Now in its fifth year, Florida's budget for incentives is being dwarfed by other states, such as Louisiana, New Mexico and Michigan.

Read the full article here

SAG Ready to Call it Off?

Emergency Meeting Called for January 12-13
By Dave McNary

SAG's postponement of its strike authorization vote may signal that its leaders are tilting in a more moderate direction -- so much so that the divisive vote may be called off.

It's still unclear what direction the national board will take at its emergency meeting on Jan. 12-13, scheduled ostensibly by national exec director Doug Allen and president Alan Rosenberg to persuade the fractured 71-member panel to present a united front and convince members to vote up a strike authorization.

But the timing of the Monday night announcement was telling. It came a few hours after Allen and Rosenberg met with leaders of the Unite for Strength faction, a group of Hollywood moderates who gained five board seats in the fall after campaigning on a platform that asserted that Rosenberg and his allies had bungled the contract negotiations strategy.

Unite for Strength spokesman Ned Vaughn told Daily Variety that he and his colleagues expressed concerns about going ahead with the vote, given the growing numbers of SAG members - particularly high-profile stars such as George Clooney and Tom Hanks - coming on the "no" side.

More than one option

• (Co) Daily Variety
  Filmography, Year, Role
• (Co) Daily Variety

"We felt that in light of what's been happening that it would have been reckless for the national board to proceed without having the chance to reconsider," Vaughn said. "We appreciate that they've taken our concerns seriously."

Read the full article here

Analysis: SAG Should Face the Facts

Guild Needs to Find Exit Strategy
By Cynthia Littleton

As the prima facie evidence mounts that SAG's 122,000-plus members are in no mood to approve a strike authorization vote, the guild's two top bosses -- prexy Alan Rosenberg and national exec director Doug Allen -- seem to be twisting in the chilly December wind, looking for reinforcement on their ill-advised decisions on their contract negotiations strategy with Hollywood's majors.

The latest gyration came late Monday night when Allen advised members via email that the strike authorization vote, originally skedded to commence Jan. 2, would be delayed until after SAG holds an emergency national board meeting on Jan. 12-13.

According to Allen, the powwow is needed to "address the unfortunate division and restore consensus" among SAG leaders for the strike authorization vote. Rosenberg said it would also give the guild more time for "member education and outreach" on why SAG leaders need to have the club of a strike threat in their back pocket.

The move to delay is a reaction to the rising chorus of SAG members saying "What are you, nuts?" in response to the guild's call for a strike authorization vote. That list includes the bulk of the guild's New York board, which requested the emergency meeting; the Chicago board; and more than 1,500 members, many of them marquee names, who have vowed to vote against the authorization.

SAG toppers emphasize that a vote to authorize a strike does not automatically mean they'd be hitting the picket lines, but guild members can be forgiven for not wanting to hand a loaded gun to the leaders who have waged such a quixotic contract negotiation campaign for nearly a year.

Read the entire article here

New Member Update for 12.22

We'd like to welcome today's new members to the New Mexico Film Directory on crewnewmexico.com.

• B&B Production Services - One of New Mexico's leading production vehicle and generator rental companies. If you've worked on a New Mexico Film, you've been lit or powered by these guys
  
• Steve Aguino - Assistant Locations Manager and all around great guy
• Unity Medical Clinic of Santa Fe - health care for visiting film professinals (and local residents, too)
• Art Delivery Service - These guys work with props departments to ship and receive valuable works of art. And also to work with long term home renters in NM to ship and receive their artwork
• David Sandoval, Attorney, of Cascutt, Friedman, and Hayes in Santa Fe.
• Jay Goodman and Associates, Attorneys at Law
• Denise Beale - Production Coordinator
• Susan Harris - Realtor, Locations Consultant, Furnished Rentals Specialist. 25 years experience in Santa Fe

Our site is searched daily by film professionals planning their productions, or looking for goods and services while they're here on the ground. If you're not listed, you're missing out. Join the Crew of New Mexico individuals and businesses who make up the New Mexico Film Industry, on crewnewmexico.com, y'all.

Check Out Catering Service by The Cowgirl Hall of Fame Bar and Grill on crewnewmexico.com!

crewnewmexico.com would like to introduce our blog readers to The Cowgirl Hall of Fame Bar and Grill catering service in Santa Fe! The Cowgirl has been fixing up the finest barbeque and entertainment in the 505 for the past 15 years and wants to be your one-stop spot for on-set delivered catering as well as host your film wrap party.

The "Way Out West" spirit of The Cowgirl has attracted both locals and visitors to its downtown location over the years and is a reknowned local landmark for great food, atmosphere, and music. The Cowgirl has been making itself known in the New Mexico Film Industry by hosting over 10 wrap parties, delivering delicious BBQ to set locations, and has also been used as an actual set location! The Cowgirl can accommodate up to 225 people for a wrap party and meals can be served buffet style or in classic dining fashion. A full bar is available with microbrews on tap. Live music is featured throughout the week, and there is also a separate pool hall and street-side patio with heat lamps to keep you warm in the winter months.

The Cowgirl Hall of Fame is located at 319 S. Guadalupe Street in Santa Fe. Just call 505-982-2565 to make a reservation or you can send an email to cowgirlbbq@comcast.net. You can also check them out at www.crewnewmexico.com/cowgirlcatering.

crewnewmexico.com Member Update for 12.21

We're thrilled to report that one of the members of the New Mexico Film Directory on crewnewmexico.com's has made it to MSNBC! Hawaii's Best Rentals, who handle bookings for film professionals and talent, and political figures who vacation in Hawai'i, has gotten mention in an article about Barack Obama and their vacation rentals home on Oahu. They got over 20,000 hits to their site in a few hours and their site crashed! Congratulations to Hawaii's Best Rentals (except for the crashing part).

Trailer for Will Eisner's Spirit

Big, badass movie filmed in Albuquerque. Coming to theaters December 25! Based on the comic book series by Will Eisner. From the makers of 300. Beautiful girls, dangerous men who fall for beautiful girls, beautiful girls who are tougher than the tough men. Love it!

crewnewmexico.com New Member Update for 12.19

We're thrilled to be welcoming today's new members to the New Mexico Film Directory on crewnewmexico.com:

• Pilar West of Luna Luz Properties - Property Management/Furnished Rentals in Santa Fe.
• Annie Evergreen of Evergreen Staging - Furnished Rentals in Santa Fe
• Stunt Coordinator Al Goto!
• Dialect Coach Michael Buster!
• Gianni Biasetti of Stunt World Inc - Stunt Coordinator and Stunt Man
• Michael Burns of My Concierge - Concierge Services for the New Mexico Film Industry
• The Cowgirl Hall of Fame - Wrap Party Location, Craft Service Support, Famous Watering Hole and BBQ in Santa Fe
• Aus Zautenbier of Abiquiu Vacation Homes!
• The Roxbury Suites - Furnished Production Housing in Albuquerque
• Dan Strakal - Famous Actor!
• Greta Sethi - Gorgeous Actress!
• Talented Actor - Woody Hoyt!
• Up and Coming Child Actor Sebastian Rose

Be sure to tell them you heard about them on crewnewmexico.com, y'all.

It's the Film Technicians Training Program at Santa Fe Community College!

Enroll this January for Film Crew Training at Santa Fe Community College.

FILM CREW TRAINING I CRN 30613 MART 251 is the first in a series of classes to help train and support students as they explore career opportunities in the New Mexico film industry. In this class students will help to produce a short film and work weekly with union film professionals learning the basics about how a movie set works and what skills are need to obtain jobs in set design, make-up, wardrobe, camera, electric, grip, and more.

Dual Credit is available for High School students who enroll before January, 15, 2009
For more info email filminfo@sfccnm.edu
Or call 428-1421

crewnewmexico.com Member Update for 12.19

• crewnewmexico.com member Karla Linden of Masterpiece Massage is doing therapeutic massage for cast members on In Plain Sight down in Albuquerque.
• crewnewmexico.com member David Sandoval of Cascutt, Hayes, and Friedman in Santa Fe is handing legal matters for an upcoming production to shoot in Chama this spring. (great project!)
  
• crewnewmexico.com member Cowgirl Bar and Grill in Santa Fe may just start to host weekly New Mexico film industry happy hour events in conjunction with crewnewmexico.com. Stay tuned. Eat Barbeque.
  
• crewnewmexico.com actor Dan Strakal recently wrapped on a photo shoot for the New Mexico Department of Tourism.
• crewnewmexico.com member Linda Flatt of Safeguard Business Systems recently printed all of the promotional items for crewnewmexico.com - our hats, t-shirts, bumper stickers, sticky pads, pens, and badge holders/lanyards (and they all look amazing!)
• crewnewmexico.com member Jennifer Ashton of Simply Classic Gift Baskets has amazingly beautiful holiday gift baskets at Whole Foods in Santa Fe. Jennifer makes baskets for crewnewmexico.com, and they're stunning.
• Are you a member of crewnewmexico.com? Keep us posted on what's happening in your film career/business, and see the news appear here in the Member Update! Email the news to membership@crewnewmexico.com
  

Busy Days at crewnewmexico.com!

In just the last few days, we've added 20 new members to the New Mexcio Film Directory on crewnewmexico.com. Actors, caterers, wrap party locations, concierges, and amazing production housing for Albuquerque. Stay tuned for more details and introductions!

Check Out Casa de Milagro on crewnewmexico.com!

The Casa de Milagro estate property in downtown Santa Fe is a great option when considering deluxe housing that is a large enough to accommodate your cast and crew while filming here in beautiful New Mexico. Casa de Milagro is set in a prime location that gives you easy, close access to Santa Fe's many unique attractions like Canyon Road, Museum Hill, and the Historic Plaza. The property is surrounded by lush Pinon and Aspen trees that flourish around the outdoor hot tub area with fireplace which is privately enclosed in natural stone.

This furnished rental features a main home (2,400 square feet) and a smaller casita (1,100 square feet) which can be rented together or separately. Both of the houses come fully equipped with all the comforts of home, plus a little extra. The Master Bedroom in the Main Home has a fireplace and a state of the art master bathroom with an Air Jet tub and soothing Waterfall Shower. The Queen Bedroom also has a fireplace and a private entrance. The living and dining areas open into the kitchen area that features a Sub-Zero refrigerator, Wolf range & oven, and dishwasher. There is a total of 4 plasma televisions inside the main home with cable/HBO and DVD/CD players. There is also the convince of having wireless internet access throughout the home and unlimited phone access with long distance service and an answering machine so you can take care of business in comfort. There is an easy-access driveway with parking for 4 vehicles, a 2-car garage, as well as parking available on the street.

The smaller Casita home has 2 Queen Bedrooms with their own bathrooms. Like the main home, there is a fully operational kitchen and dining area. Free wireless internet, TV with cable, DVD/CD players, and washer & dryer are also included. There are so many more amenities included at Casa de Milagro that you can read about on profile at www.crewnewmexico.com/barrancaestate. To contact Casa de Milagro directly and make reservations, call 1-800-363-9810, or send an email to todd@casasdesantafe.com

New Mexico Media Industries Conference - January 17!

Keeping everyone tuned in to what's happening in all areas of the New Mexico film and media industries is a key element of what crewnewmexico.com is all about. Building a sustainable and dynamic industry requires everyone to stay abreast of the developments, challenges, and progress of our fellow media professionals.

That said, we highly recommend attending the New Mexico Media Industries MIX program on January 17th.

The fifth annual MISP or Media Industries Conference serves the need to connect, inform and educate New Mexico's wide media industries community, to share information about activities and opportunities, and to strategize ways we can improve the creative business environment for all New Mexicans.

Click here for more info!

We at crewnewmexico.com want y'all in the New Mexico Film Industry to stay informed about the latest happenings with SAG. Article by Dave McNarry, Variety Magazine.

Stars send anti-strike letter to SAG

by Dave McNarry

Over 130 stars have come against the SAG strike authorization, including George Clooney, Matt Damon and Tom Hanks.

The list also includes Alan Alda, Jason Alexander, Alec Baldwin, Steve Carell, Sally Field, Helen Hunt, Diane Lane, Helen Mirren and Charlize Theron.

In a letter sent Monday to leaders of the Screen Actors Guild, the stars cited the weakening economy as the key factor in their move. They also said that it's time to "take the high road" by preparing to fight for a better deal in three years.

"We feel very strongly that SAG members should not vote to authorize a strike at this time," the letter said. "We don't think that an authorization can be looked at as merely a bargaining tool. It must be looked at as what it is -- an agreement to strike if negotiations fail."

The letter comes with SAG scheduled to send out a strike authorization vote Jan. 2 to its 110,000 dues current members with ballots due back Jan. 23. For a strike to occur, at least 75% of those voting would have to affirm the authorization with the national board having the final say over a work stoppage.

"We support our union and we support the issues we're fighting for, but we do not believe in all good conscience that now is the time to be putting people out of work," the letter also said. "None of our friends in the other unions are truly happy with the deals they made in their negotiations. Three years from now all the union contracts will be up again at roughly the same time. At that point if we plan and work together with our sister unions we will have incredible leverage."

The letter was sent a few hours after SAG president Alan Rosenberg called off Friday's emergency national board meeting in the face of objections over requiring that reps attend the Los Angeles confab in person. Over the weekend, Rosenberg scheduled the emergency meeting and blasted demands by SAG's New York reps that the upcoming strike authorization vote be called off due to the faltering economy.

The Gotham reps also want the guild's contract negotiating committee replaced in the hopes that a new panel can end the months-long stalemate with the majors. And they indicated that requiring cross-country travel on short notice, when videoconferencing equipment is readily available, could only be interpreted as a punitive move by Rosenberg that's designed to hold down attendance by those opposing the guild's Hollywood leadership.

Rosenberg did not respond to those concerns but continued to blast the New York reps.

"Rather than argue over the propriety of an in-person meeting I have decided to withdraw the meeting notice for now," he said. "However, you will be promptly notified should the meeting be rescheduled for a later date. I am disappointed that during these critical times not all of our board members are willing to take the time needed to make real progress on the issues dividing our elected leaders."

Rosenberg also complained that last week's regularly scheduled meeting of the national executive committee had been cut short because the New York members of the panel all left the meeting, depriving it of a quorum and preventing it from completing Guild business.

"Given this conduct, and the sensitivity and complexity of the issues at hand, I do not believe a videoconference board meeting will be effective or productive," he added.

Check out the Santa Fe Community College on crewnewmexico.com!

We have a new member to welcome on www.crewnewmexico.com, the Santa Fe Community College Media Arts Department! Their support page on crewnewmexico.com addresses all those interested in learning more and possibly starting a career in the booming New Mexico film industry.

The Film Crew Training Program at Santa Fe Community College offers its students hands-on coursework in all aspects of digital film making, screenwriting, and film and history criticism. All classes are taught by working professionals, and students will have the opportunity to experience onsite "crew" hours that are directly related to equipment and production systems. This program is offered in collaboration with the New Mexico Film Office and the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 480. The coursework begins with Film Training I and then moves to Film Crew Training II, each course being a semester long.

You can learn more about the Film Crew Training Program at Santa Fe Community College by checking out their profile at www.crewnewmexico.com/santafecommunitycollege. You can also send an email to manair@sfccnm.edu, or call 505-428-1738.

Santa Fe Community College
6401 Richards Ave.
Santa Fe, NM, 87508

A First Peek at Terminator Salvation

We have no idea how they got it all together so quickly, but here it is: The first teaser from Terminator: Salvation, which was filmed here in New Mexico at Albuquerque Studios. Huge project, and lots of kudos to the New Mexico cast, crew, and all the businesses that supported such a large-scale production. crewnewmexico.com got started on the set of the Sarah Connor Chronicles, so this is a nice, full-circle moment.

Good Article on Film Incentives from Forbes.com

We like to make sure everyone stays aware of what's happening in the world of film incentives. Many states are extremely eager to capture their share of the film biz with grand give-aways and incentives. New Mexico's program is the model for all other states to follow. It is successful, sustainable, and has spawned the crew, infrastructure, talent, and industry-supporting businesses needed to make keep the industry here for the long-term. Eric Witt, director of media arts development for the New Mexico Governor's Office sums it all up in the last paragraph.

Hollywood's Favorite Cities
Lauren Streib, Forbes Magazine 12.10.08, 1:00 PM ET

What do the upcoming feature films The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Hurricane Season and Final Destination 4 have in common? They were all filmed in New Orleans, La.

New Orleans was home to 20 film productions in 2008--up from 15 in 2007--with budgets totaling around $275 million. The city estimates that half of that sum was spent locally.

Fifteen hundred miles away is another regional center for film production. In 2008, at least 22 films were created in Albuquerque, N.M. Those productions, which include future big-budget releases Terminator Salvation and The Men Who Stare at Goats, earned the city $130 million.

It isn't art driving the decisions. It's commerce. "It used to be 'What does your city look like?' and now the first thing out of [producer's] mouth is 'what's your incentive?' " says Richard Moskal, director of the Chicago Film Office. "It's made us all very aggressive in our race to be the cheapest place around."

Adds Jennifer Day, the director of New Orleans Office of Film and Video: "The reasons these movies are here, bottom-line, is the incentive package."

But as the recession is fast eroding budgets for projects like roads and schools, many states may come to question how much states are getting in return for their largesse. The entertainment industry is seen as a huge boon to local economies, since productions offer everything from employment for local crew, extended says at nearby hotels and an immediate influx in population to support restaurant and retail businesses.

U.S. states have tried to take advantage of this fast and glamorous cash source in recent years by establishing tax credits and rebates to filmmakers who film in their state. Ten years ago, there were less than a handful of states that offered monetary incentives for filmmakers; now there are 43.

The cost for such competition is getting steeper, however, and the returns are questionable for some locales. Louisiana spent $76 million in revenue in 2007 from film credits, says the governor's Office of Film & Television. According to recent comments by chief economist for the Louisiana state legislature Greg Albrecht, about 25% of that was replaced with state tax revenue generated by the industry. Nonetheless, "We're in it for the long haul," says Chris Stelly, Louisiana's film commissioner.

Michigan, with the highest tax credit percentage at 42%, will receive an estimated $17.9 million in new taxes from the film incentive for this year. The state will net a $110 million loss this year from their credit initiative, a figure which will likely double in 2009, even as the state's budget deficit is expected to reach $600 million. The state's program offers tax credits for non-resident labor and has no cap on the amount of credits it can sell.

"You can be smart or you can be overly aggressive and be short-lived in this industry as a state film commissioner who wants to build up an infrastructure," says David Hutkin, a deputy managing director at Imperial Capital Bank who specializes in film financing. "Michigan is biting off more than they can chew. I get why they're doing it, I just don't think they can afford it."

For state revenues to benefit from film production, the rebates and credits offered need to be at least equal to state and sales taxes that negate the outflow of money. But states count indirect spending from tourism, increased revenue to low-income areas and building valuable infrastructure among the indirect monetary benefits to justify the losses. As well, the states are trying to fend off the threat of runaway productions, or projects that relocate to Canada and Europe in search of cheaper costs. This posed a greater risk before the introduction of the incentives.

The fiscal initiatives are more dangerous to state budgets now, as Hollywood has been forced to become increasingly money hungry. Lenders are more conservative, the foreign resale market is softer and traditional funding markets are drying up. State inducements are uniquely valuable as a form of soft money that can finance a film. While large productions inject large sums of money in short periods of time, it's unclear if the accompanying large economic concessions are really worthwhile to the states.

Some states are cutting back. Rhode Island put a $15 million cap on credits, and Florida cut the governor's film office budget by 80%. Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels vetoed legislation offering 15% tax credit, but the state legislature overrode his veto. A recent legislative effort to cap the amount of credits Michigan gives at $50 million was unsupported.

"Film production is the economic flavor du jour right now but I don't know that it's such a good fit," says Eric Witt, director of media arts development for New Mexico's governor's office. "If you don't have the infrastructure, it's just money flowing out of your economy."

Welcome New Mexico Set Teacher Emily Lipson-Zambello to crewnewmexico.com!

crewnewmexico.com would like to introduce you to another one of the members of our New Mexico Film Directory, Emily Lipson-Zambello.

Emily specializes as a set/studio teacher and has been teaching in the public school systems on and off since the late 1970s. Emily has taught a variety of subjects like art, music, math and science. She also is a licensed masseuse and has been doing massage onset for many years.

Emily has spent much time traveling and broadening her education. She has received her California Teaching Credential, taken design classes at Columbia College in Chicago, and is in the process of receiving her completion papers in her New Mexico Master Gardner Class. Emily's various experiences and skills make her a versatile member of crewnewmexico.com, all of which contribute to her abilities as a qualified set teacher for child actors of all ages.

Check out Emily Lipson's profile page at www.crewnewmexico.com/emilycst. You can also reach Emily by emailing her at mlendog@gmail.com.