Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Record Summer at the Box Office - $4.35Billion


Final domestic tally on the record-setting summer has come in at $4.35 billion, or 5% ahead of 2008 -- thanks in part to this summer containing an additional weekend.

A moderate Labor Day weekend generated a total of $124.7 million, led by the soph sesh of Warner/New Line's "The Final Destination" with $15.3 million. The holiday frame total was less than $1 million ahead of the 2008 Labor Day.

Year-to-date domestic biz remains well above 2008 at $7.4 billion, or 8.1% ahead of the same point last year.

Even without the additional weekend, the 2009 summer would have still set a domestic record since it topped 2007's record on Aug. 30 and then padded that total for eight more days.

The presence of a trio of 3-D pics -- Disney's "Up" and "G-Force" and Fox's "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs" -- helped put the 2009 summer into the record book as each generated about half their revenues from 3-D venues, which charged premium ticket prices.

And the holiday frame capped a stellar summer for Warners, which edged just past $1 billion for a 23.1% market share with 15 titles. The sixth Harry Potter and "The Hangover" brought in 59% of the studio's summer grosses.

To see the full article in Variety, click here.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Variety Review of Men Who Stare at Goats


Filmed partially in New Mexico, The Men Who Stare at Goats has already hit the screen in limited release. Good, thoughtful review from Variety.

"A serendipitous marriage of talent in which all hearts seem to beat as one, "The Men Who Stare at Goats" takes Jon Ronson's book about "the apparent madness at the heart of U.S. military intelligence" and fashions a superbly written loony-tunes satire, played by a tony cast at the top of its game. Recalling many similar pics, from "Dr. Strangelove" to "Three Kings," and the screwy so-insane-it-could-be-true illogic of "Catch-22," this is upscale liberal movie-making with a populist touch, in Coen brothers style. Enthusiastic welcome at Venice, likely to be echoed at Toronto, should translate into friendly biz Stateside in November."

To read the entire article, click here.

Native American Filmmakers Wanted

The Second Annual Creative Spirit New Mexico program is seeking American Indian applicants, 18 and older, who are passionate about film, to participate in an intensive two-day movie-making workshop in preparation for the production of the short film “Indios Primeros,” written by Roberto A. Jackson, this year’s Creative Spirit short-script contest winner.

The free workshop is limited to 10 participants and takes place 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, and Sunday, Sept. 20, at the VSA North Fourth Art Center, 4904 Fourth St. N.W. in Albuquerque. Participants who successfully complete the workshop will be eligible for paid positions as apprentices or production assistants in the making of “Indios Primeros,” which will take place at Albuquerque area locations Friday-Sunday, Sept. 25-27.

The film will have its world premiere screening Oct. 9 and 10 at the North Fourth Art Center’s Two Worlds program of short films by Native American filmmakers.

Workshop applicants should send a short bio, including tribal affiliation, resume and letter of interest to –

Creative Spirit Film Workshop
c/o Ollie Reed Jr.
VSA North Fourth Art Center
4904 Fourth St. N.W.
Albuquerque, N.M. 87107

OR

via e-mail to oreedjr@gmail.com

For more information, contact Ollie Reed Jr. at the e-mail above or 345-2872 (Ext. 26)

Great New Class at Santa Fe Community College

We at crewnewmexico.com love the Santa Fe Community College Media Arts Department. They're helping create the next generation of talented New Mexico film professionals - and here's their next upcoming class!

FILM 205, CRN 21068, Making a Documentary – Dates: 9/12 – 9/20; Times: Saturday/Sunday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm; 2 credits. Instructor: TBA

Award winning filmmaker Erin Hudson will be teaching what it takes to make a documentary film. Two intensive weekends in September. Learn about building a project, shooting and distributing a documentary film! Hands-on training in HDV equipment!

Space is limited so sign up now!

You must be a registered credit student (not continuing education) at SFCC which can be done with no application fee at www.sfccnm.edu (just follow the new student links). For more information: http://www.sfccnm.edu, e-mail filminfo@sfccnm.edu or call Sandra at 428-1421

"Made in New Mexico" Films to Show at New Mexico State Fair

The 2009 New Mexico State Fair in association with the New Mexico Film Museum will present a free-to-fairgoers, made-in-New Mexico film series during this year’s 17-day run of the fair.

“Filmmaking has been a part of New Mexico’s history for longer than most people know,” said State Fair General Manager Craig Swagerty. “The last six or seven years have seen exponential growth in our state’s film industry, and we thought a great way to celebrate our present success in movie-making would be to revisit a history of filmmaking in New Mexico.”

The inaugural New Mexico State Fair Film Retrospective will feature 33 films filmed in the state over the past 100 years. There will be no charge for the films, which are scheduled for three showings per day, 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., during the 17-day fair which runs September 11-27, 2009. All films will be shown in the 300-seat auditorium in the African American Performing Arts Center.

“The State Fair offers the perfect audience for a film series dedicated to New Mexico films,” said Film Museum Director Sharon Maloof. “These are films that many New Mexicans have probably never seen and maybe did not know they were filmed in our state.” Among films scheduled for the made-in-New Mexico retrospective are “Salt of the Earth,” “Red Dawn,” “The Man Who Fell to Earth,” “Young Guns,” “Silverado,” “City Slickers,” “The Milagro Beanfield War,” “Independence Day,” “3:10 to Yuma” and “No Country for Old Men.” Sponsors for the film program, in addition to the State Fair and the Film Museum, are the Carlsbad Caverns Guadalupe Mountain Association; the Albuquerque Film Office; and IATSE Local 480, Film and Television Technicians of New Mexico. Programming for the series is through courtesy of Julesworks Releasing.

Visit www.nmfilmmuseum.org or www.exponm.com for the film schedule.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Interview with Jane Blume of Desert Sky Communications



Jane has been a publicist in New Mexico for 20 years, and knows how to navigate the local media, and how to help clients get their message out to their targeted industry.

Q: Tell us a little bit about Desert Sky Communications.

A: Desert Sky Communications is New Mexico Business Weekly's #12-ranked PR firm for this state. We provide a broad range of services to help our clients gain visibility and recognition for the great work that they do, and "get the right messages to the right audiences."


Q: There are a lot of new businesses opening in New Mexico hoping to capitalize on the film industry. What would be your advice to them as they enter the NM business world?


A: Understand your company's uniqueness -- what makes you different/uniquely qualified to do what you do? Become as visible as possible to your target audience and do a lot of networking (that's how business is done here). Don't perform services that you are not qualified to undertake - unless you disclose your lack of qualifications and agree to perform these services for a heavily discounted rate or free of charge. Under-promise and over-deliver.


Q: What services, then, could you provide to a production?


A: Media relations: news releases; feature story and interview ideas for the print and broadcast media; news conferences; crisis communications.


Q: How about film-supporting businesses or other New Mexico small businesses?


A: Media relations, including news releases, feature story and interview ideas for the print and broadcast media, news conferences and crisis communications. We also provide writing and editing services including news releases, brochures, company fact sheets, and websites. We assist with corporate identity (graphic design for logos, brochures, print ads, etc.), as well as broadcast and print advertising, customer surveys, photographic services, website maintenance and design and special events.


Q: You're extremely active in your community. What inspires you to be so involved?


A: I have always enjoyed giving back - I hope it will help make the community I'm living in a better place. There's a practical reason, as well: high visibility helps distinguish me and my company from the competition.


Q: You're also a past president of New Mexico Chapter of The Association for Women in Communications (AWC). Tell us a little about that group, and if you think there is crossover interest for film and media professionals.


A: AWC is a 100-year-old national professional association that supports the advancement of women in all communications fields; therefore, there is definitely a crossover interest for film and media professionals (and we welcome male members)! I have been president of AWC/NM twice: in 2007-08 and 1992-93. Our NM Chapter was probably the first professional group in the Albuquerque metro area (if not the state) to recognize the potential importance of the film industry here: we organized our first program on the subject in our 2002-03 program year.


Q: How has the character or business climate of Albuquerque changed as a result of the film industry?


A: The business community is becoming more diverse. This is important, because government has traditonally been the biggest employer.


Q: You’re also very generous! You’ve made quite a nice gesture to the members of crewnewmexico.com.


A: Absolutely. I am happy to provide a free consultation (of up to one hour) to any member of crewnewmexico.com before November 15, 2009. Email jblume@desertskycommuncations.com or call (505) 294-1976.




Thursday, September 3, 2009

Check it Out! New Studio in Albuquerque - Elixir Studios

It's our pleasure to introduce you to a brand new, state-of-the art, 3,000 square foot production space in Albuquerque - Elixir Studios.

The product of renowned photographer Robert Reck, Elixir offers two bays with unobstructed shooting space, 14' ceilings, and a two-wall cyclorama. They have a separate daylight studio, hair and makeup stations, equipment rentals, wardrobe area replete with racks, steamer, mirrors, and stereo system and kitchenette.

They're conveniently located near prop houses and support services, provide ample free parking, and can assist you with catering and other production needs.

For photo, video, and fashion shoots, as well as casting calls and event space rentals, the Elixir staff is dedicated to providing you with New Mexico's most professional and savvy production environment.

Call to set up a viewing at (505) 243-5907, or visit elixirstudiosabq.com.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

crewnewmexico.com For CREW!


Why being listed on crewnewmexico.com is a good idea for film CREW!
  • crewnewmexico.com is searched by about up to 10,000 visitors/month from around the film world, looking for crew for a NM production or in another incentive state. Most emerging film states don't have enough crew, so they look to NM for solid, skilled pros!
  • crewnewmexico.com is searchable 24/7 - no password required.
  • We’re interactive: You can add/edit your film credits in real time thru an easy-to-use login. And you can email your credits/resume right from your account.
  • We’re hi-tech: You get your own web page that you can manage 24/7. And since your page comes with its own URL, you can send people to your credits with just one click.
  • You can have multiple personalities: You can list in up to 6 skill types, and be found in search for all of them! See the CREW list Here! (if you don't see your specialty - we'll add it for you!)
  • We’re active: We blog all about you, and keep everyone up to date on who you are, what you do, and what you’re working on.
  • We work hard for you! We get your profile indexed and searchable by google so that not only do you appear in our online directory, people can find you in web searches, too.
Contact us if you have any questions about how crewnewmexico.com can get to work for you! membership@crewnewmexico.com

Call for Volunteers - Southwest Gay and Lesbian Film Fest

"We need you to help us man a table at UNM's Volunteer Fair on Tuesday, September 8. Shifts can be as little as one hour or as long as all day. If you or your friends are available to hand out information about the 2009 Southwest Gay & Lesbian Film Festival and sign up new volunteers, please email or call one of us back so we can get you on the schedule.

We are also still in need of one or two more volunteers to help with Welcome Back Day at the Duck Pond tomorrow.
Erika-Lee Turner
Donavan Yazzie
Volunteer Coordinators
Closet Cinema
2009 Southwest Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
rika-Lee: 505-550-9685
Donavan: 505-870-9079
email: volunteer@closetcinema.org
web-site: www.closetcinema.org
myspace: www.myspace.com/closetcinema

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Beautiful Furnished Rental in ABQ For Visiting Film Pros


We love finding great vacation rentals for New Mexico film pros! Check out Calle Encina - the newest listing on crewnewmexico.com.

A beautiful Albuquerque furnished rental for visiting or relocating film professionals. Exquisitely furnished 3 bedroom + study. Two full baths. Very quiet, bright and open. Greatroom w/flat screen TV open to kitchen/eating area. Master bedroom separated from others. Master bath has separate jacuzzi tub and walkin shower. 3 Car Garage. Hardwood floors. Beautiful patio, backyard with large water fountain.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Southwest Sports Institute Helps Keep Hillary Swank Fit on "The Resident!


Southwest Sports Institute
in Albuquerque provides personal training and nutritional counseling for New Mexico film professionals. They recently were the trainers for Hillary Swank while she was in town shooting "The Resident." Here's a quick Q&A with SWSI owner Adam Halpern.

So, what was it like to be working with Hillary Swank?
It was a great experience. I've worked with Olympic and professional athletes but working with a 2 time Academy Award winner was a real honor.
What services did you provide for her?
SWSI provided performance training. I say "SWSI" because due to the production schedule I and another performance specialist, Adrian Gonzales, co-instructed her training program during her time in Albuquerque.

What other productions have you worked with?
We've worked with "The Spirit" and "Terminator Salvation"

What services do you provide to either individuals or productions?
We have a wide variety of services that we can offer productions of individual film pros. Our services include traditional one-on-one training and group classes with the most experienced and educated staff in the area.

Can you work with the set caterers or craft service departments to design healthy options for the cast and crew?
We can work with the production coordinator and caterers during pre-production to provide the cast and crew with nutritional meal plans that will provide optimal meals for individual health and appearance goals.

What other types of film professionals could either use your services or your facilities?
Due to our professional experience and education, we can work with all film professionals- from accountants, to grips, to stuntmen. Our athletic background helped us create the most unique training facility in the state. We have 6500 sq ft that includes showers, traditional free weights and athletic training equipment that provide every client with a very specific program to match their individual goal (i.e. likes to run, injury prevention for stuntmen).

Why should a pro or production use your services rather than bringing them in from LA?
SWSI brings the same professionalism and experience at a much lower price. The savings occur because we are local and don't require the additional travel and housing fees that out of state companies require.

Many people working on film sets gain weight. Got any quick fitness or nutrition tips for folks in the industry to stay healthy?
I'll give 2 quick tips: 1) Eat 6 small healthy meals a day- stay away from the sugary foods at the snack table. 2) Most of the day is spent sitting/standing around (either at a computer or on set). When you have a chance, get up and walk around the set or do something active either before, during lunch or after the work day- just 20 min a day can make a difference.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Gamer Opening September 4


Remember when they blocked off a lot of downtown Albuquerque and blew a lot of things up? That was for the filming of the movie "Gamer" (it was known as "The Game" back then). We'll your fair city will be hitting the screen on September 4! Be sure to check it out!

Great Production Office/Studio/Workspace Available in Santa Fe



Conveniently located in the Richards Avenue Business Park (between Agua Fria and Rufina on Richards Avenue), this unit features an office (approximately 500 SqFt) and a shop/warehouse space (approx. 1100 SqFt) available individually or together.

The unit features several parking spaces, a large/commercial garage door, and ample space for a variety of uses. Space is available immediately and we are offering the first month's rent for half-off! Please contact us to set up a showing!

See more pics here!

Contact Christie Green
(505) 983-5743
getdowntoearth.christie@gmail.com

Film Internship Class at Santa Fe Community College

Santa Fe Community College Fall 2009 Internship Class:

FILM 298, CRN 21053, Film Crew Internship, Dates: 8/22 through 12/11; Times/Days: TBD; 3 credits. Instructor: Monique Anair/Windy Earls

You must be a registered credit student (not continuing education) at SFCC which can be done with no application fee at www.sfccnm.edu (just follow the new student links)

Information: http://www.sfccnm.edu, e-mail filminfo@sfccnm.edu or call Sandra at 428-1421

New Mexico Women in Film Event -- Storytelling Workshop


Storytelling on the Web: Harnessing a World of Opportunities

Date: August 25, 2009
Time: 6 to 7 pm Networking and Refreshments
7 to 8:30 pm Panel and Q&A
Place: Simms Fine Arts Center at Albuquerque Academy
Cost: Free to WIF members; $15 for nonmembers

On Tuesday, August 25, New Mexico Women in Film will be hosting a panel discussion focusing on creating original content for the Internet. The panel will discuss how the Internet has blossomed into an attractive venue for filmmakers (and storytellers in general) who are seeking new creative opportunities. Panelists will not only look at content creation, but will also discuss how the Internet can serve those who want to reach a larger audience or who seek greater professional recognition. The event will include a screening of a portion of Date Doctor: This Might Sting, a brand new webisode made in New Mexico.

Panelists include Carolyn Handler Miller, New Media writer and author of Digital Storytelling, Second Edition and Date Doctor’s co-producers, writer-director Hannah Macpherson and actress Rebekah Wiggins. The panel will be moderated by Monique Anair, faculty member of the Film and Media Arts program at Santa Fe Community College.

For more information, contact Denise K. Baker (505) 877-8500 denise@drbelectric.com

Monday, August 10, 2009

Curious Who Searches crewnewmexico.com?


Have a look and see who visits crewnewmexico.com. This is just from the last weekend alone!


Sunday, August 9, 2009

Through A Lens Clearly - Capitalizing on the $8,000 Homebuyers Tax Credit


We at crewnewmexico.com are aware of the large number of film professionals living in and migrating to the ABQ metro area, and we want you to have a local voice provide some information about the real estate scene. Bob Dienst of Chocolate Properties is our Guest Blogger, and is writing about the hustle and quick action you need to take advantage of the $8,000 Homebuyer Tax Credit.

The title of this blog is gleamed off a 1962 Ingmar Bergman film called "Through a Glass Darkly." It starred Max von Sydow and was a three-act "chamber film" in which "four family members act as mirrors for each other."

“Through a lens clearly” means we want to bring a crystal clear focus to a unique opportunity in the world of real estate – that is going to be over soon. We know there are many film professionals moving to the Albuquerque area – and looking for homes. Our advice? Act now to take advantage of the $8,000 Homebuyers Tax Credit.

Why now? Like a good comedy, it’s about the timing. For new home buyers (& this includes folks who’ve been renting for the past three years yet maybe owned a home before that), if they close by Nov. 30, 2009 they can get up to an $8,000 Tax Credit from Uncle Sam. In some cases, they can get a “forward” payment at closing up to about $6,500 in the form of a soft second mortgage to be paid off when they get their tax return money. That will pay for the closing costs in most cases. (And yep, if you’re credit is really great, in some rare cases you can still get in with no money down.)

Let’s say you close on Nov. 30th – the very last day to be eligible to get your $8,000 Tax Credit. Subtract 60 days (or maybe more) to process the loan, we’re at Sept. 30th…we’ll probably lose another 4-5 days because the lenders are closed during Thanksgiving weekend, so we’re at around Sept. 24th. Now subtract another 7-10 days for negotiating the deal and that’s IF everything goes well, we’re at around Sept. 14th. AND that’s for a regular deal (no Short Sales here!). Now subtract another 2 weeks to find the home (& that’s very very fast), we’re at Sept. 1st. Now subtract 2-3 days to get a Pre-Qual letter from your favorite lender…oops! We’re at the tail end of this month of August.

So you see, this real estate clock is ticking down fast. Of course if you don’t want the $8,000 – that’s o.k. There’s still good deals to be had but without the $8k Tax Credit.

But there’s another big element creeping upward, and that’s the interest rate. Today it’s about 5.75%, which is really good. But about a month ago it was at 5%. And three months ago about 4.75%. I think that 5.75% is still an incredible rate. Even a 6.5% is an incredible rate. Do I hear some of you grumbling about that last remark, saying I’m nuts? A funny thing happened the summer of 1981. We were in a real steep recession where the interest rates were 21.5% and 22.0%. Those aren’t misprints. Google it if you don’t believe me. There were homeowners borrowing at 22% in the summer of 1981.

Things have improved immensely in the past twenty-one years, especially here – and I’m grateful for it. We’re also very proud to be a part of the crewnewmexico.com network. Start using the network to find other businesses, and to work with them. What a great resource. Grab your favorite real estate person (Realtor, Lender, whomever) and have coffee with them. Let them explain things to you. Networking is a key in almost every business and it really works. If you don’t have a favorite Realtor or Lender yet know of someone who wants to buy real soon we can help them and take the time to get it done right.



Bob Dienst has been a Realtor in the Metro ABQ area since 1982. He operates his own residential sales company, Chocolate Properties, with his wife and partner, Carolyn. “We work hard : we consult, negotiate, and follow up on the many transactional details it takes to get the job done, and done right. We help educate our clients and make it fun and painless. Click here to learn more about us!

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Urgent Casting Call for MacGruber



On Location Casting is seeking FEATURED EXTRAS and a STAND-IN/BODY DOUBLE for the Feature Film "MacGruber", based on a "Saturday Night Live" skit of the same name.

Filming will take place in the Albuquerque area from 8/10/09-9/12/09.
All Featured Extras & Stand-in positions are PAID.

URGENT Casting Needs:
Stand in/ Photo Double for Val Kilmer - male, caucasian, 5'10"-6'1", 200-215lbs., dark blonde/light brown hair willing to let us cut and/or color (also may be supplied with a wig) if body type is an exact match. MUST be available to work multiple days between 8/10/09 and 9/12/09.

Hispanic Male – 6’0” or taller, 225lbs. or more, broad shoulders, large, scary, intimidating, late 30's to early 40's, MUST be available to work multiple days between 8/10/09 and 9/12/09.

We are looking for INTERESTING Character faces and people with some acting ability for featured extra roles.

ONLY for these featured roles on the project "MacGruber", you may send us an email to: onlocationcasting@yahoo.com. You MUST include a RECENT photo, your first & last name and a contact phone number. Emails without this information will automatically be deleted.

THANKS and we look forward to hearing from you!
ON LOCATION CASTING
505/366-9863
505/503-1732

Headshot and Model Card Printing - Bunker LA


New Mexico Actors take note!

We're introducing you to Bunker LA, one of the film industry's leading headshot and model card printers. Easy and discreet online ordering, fast service, retouching services, etc. Don't be hokey and try to print from home. Get your stuff done right from real pros.

http://www.bunkerla.com
957 N. Cole Ave.
Los angeles, CA 90038
P
323.463.1070F 323.463.1077

Hours: 10am – 5pm Monday thru Friday

Great New Film Classes from Santa Fe Community College


Every time we open our in-box, we learn about another film class from the Media Arts Department at Santa Fe Community College. Check it out, and register today for upcoming classes.

  • Digital Video Editing - Film 131. The first two classes were all filled up, so they've added another! Learn Final Cut Pro. Mondays, 8:30-11:45am.
  • Sound for Film - MART 163 / CRN 20497

    This SFCC class will teach you the basics of post-production sound so you don’t end up with one of "those" movies that look great and sound just horrible. Learn to do the essentials: ADR, Foley, Sound Effects and Music. Study examples of the art of some of the greats and work as a group to apply the techniques. 5:30 - 8:45 Tuesdays
    http://mediaslinger.com/classes/s4f.html
  • Intro to Reason and Live - MART 147E / CRN 21284

    Learn Propellerheads Reason and Ableton Live, two of the best pieces of software for producing beats, loops, ambient sounds and songs. This SFCC class will go into both programs in depth and give you training and experience using them both for production and in a live multimedia performance. 5:30 - 8:45 Thursdays
    http://mediaslinger.com/classes/r2l.html

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Join Our Mailing List!

Join the crewnewmexico.com mailing list today! Stay informed about what's happening in the New Mexico Film Industry, and, best of all, you'll receive our upcoming New Mexico Film Industry Newsletter full of all kinds of information about what's happening in the world of New Mexico Film. Join today!



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Best of 48 Hour Film Fest Screenings! Wed Aug 5!


You're Invited!

From 42 films made in 48 Hours, right here in Albuquerque, the top 14 have been selected for your viewing pleasure!

"Best of Albuquerque 48HFP"
Screening and Awards Ceremony

Wed. August 5th at 7 - 9pm

National Hispanic Cultural Center,
Bank of America Theater
1701 4th Street SW, Albuquerque
(at Avenida César Chávez and Bridge)

Tickets: $10

At this screening and awards ceremony the Best Film will be announced, along with other awards, such as Best Directing and Best Script.

There will be a party following the Awards Ceremony at PROOF nightclub at 405 Central Ave.

TICKET SALES

Door: Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at the door, using cash, check, Mastercard or Visa.

Advance Sales: Tickets can be purchased in advance at the National Hispanic Cultural Center Box office. Hours are Tues. - Friday 10 to 5pm and Saturday, 12-5. Tickets are also available via Ticketmaster.

Films to Screen:

A Bit Off Key, by Rickety Cricket
The Amniote, by Trifecta + Entertainment
CannaBless, by Ultimatum
Delivering Fate, by Concept Flux Films
Dirt Sandwiches and Blood, by Bullhorn Productions
The Doc, by Hidden Light Studios
Enjoy It, She's Your Wife, by Lindele Media
Honey and Babe in Christmas Land, by ShadowPlay Fire Born Productions
Pressed for Time, by The In-Famous El Guapo
Res Q, Rogue Taurus Productions
Static, by HeatStroke Productions
Super Pissed, by Minimus of the Pie
Testament, by Man Eating Minnows
You Pay for What You Pay For, by Passport Film

Monday, August 3, 2009

Made in Pakistan to Show at ABQ Film Festival


MADE IN PAKISTAN - The Documentary
SPECIAL SCREENING AT THE ALBUQUERQUE FILM FESTIVAL AUG 9th 2009

DATE: AUG 9th
VENUE: KIMO THEATER 473 Central Ave, NW, Albuquerque, NM
TIME: 1:00 p.m.
Tickets: Contact the Albuquerque Film Festival at 505 508 0712
www.albuquerquefilmfestival.com

Producer Ayesha Khan will be holding a Q&A after the screening.

MADE IN PAKISTAN is an insider’s look into “The Most Dangerous Country in the World” as labeled by a cover story in Newsweek Oct 29th 2007. The documentary follows the lives of four Pakistani individuals who defy this prevailing stereotype of the country by the very choices they have made in their lives. They are working professionals - two women entrepreneurs, a politician and a lawyer. These four individuals represent a multifaceted Pakistan – a country where politics, fashion, religion, debate and tradition intermingle – where one definition of an Islamic State no longer holds true.

MADE IN PAKISTAN WILL be having a Special Screening at the Albuquerque Film Festival on August 9th at the KIMO THEATER.

MADE IN PAKISTAN is releasing theatrically in Pakistan on July 31st - it will be the first Documentary ever to be released theatrically in Pakistan! For more info: http://www.talkingfilmain.com/screening.html

Friday, July 31, 2009

Serious Props! Rock On - Rocks, Gems, and Crystals in Santa Fe


"Natural" props for the New Mexico Film Industry - at Rock On! in Santa Fe. Cool new members of the New Mexico Film Directory on crewnewmexico.com.

We've spent time hanging around this store, and think you should, too. If you're in need of any crystals, gems, minerals, fossils, or jewelery for your shoot, these guys can be of a lot of help. They've got a huge selection of rare and impressive stones and crystals - things I've never seen before, and I'm a university trained geographer - and they can also cut/create items to spec. And there's a huge selection of things that would make amazing gifts. They also ship everywhere. If you're just buying, they're running a half off sale for the next month -- till August 31 - so its a great time.

They're a New Mexico based company, and fully rebateable under the terms of the New Mexico film incentive program.

Rock On!
226 N Guadalupe
Santa Fe NM 87501
Website
(505) 992-1900

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Great New Documentary Filmmaking Classes at Santa Fe Community College

FILM 205 - Making A Documentary CRN 21068

Sept 12, 13 and Sept 19, 20

Meets Saturday and Sunday 9am-6pm

Instructor/Filmmaker: Erin Hudson
A two weekend course touching on all aspects of independent documentary filmmaking. The first weekend will cover basic documentary film principles and the production process: story development, fundraising, methodology, production techniques, and distribution. During the second weekend, students will practice what they've learned in the field, behind cameras, and in the edit studio.
See Erin’s website www.rotationfilms.com

FILM 210 - Documentary Film Production I CRN 21043

Starts August 22, 2009

Meets Mondays 1-4:15pm

Instructor/Filmmaker: Jilann Spitzmiller
A semester-long, hands-on course that allows documentary filmmakers to fully grasp solid production techniques needed for making low-budget, quality documentaries. Emphasis will be on storytelling, shooting skills and interviewing techniques. Individual and class projects will help students integrate concepts to their fullest potential.

See Jilann’s website www.philomathfilms.com

Watch Movies, Get College Credit

More great film classes for New Mexican's, compliments of Santa Fe Community College Media Arts department!

Too good to be true, but it is true! In Rick Reichman's American Film History Class, you will watch movies and get an overview of the evolution of American film from its earliest days, just before the 1900's—up to the modern era. You will see some of the most entertaining and important films of the American Cinema and learn how these movies reflected the times and culture in which they appeared. It's a three credit course that emphasizes movies and their stars, directors, producers and studios. The Fall semester begins August 22, so sign up soon to guarantee a spot!

Register on-line at www.sfccnm.edu or call 428-1270.

If you would like more information, e-mail filminfo@sfccnm.edu

FILM 155, CRN 21040
Wednesdays from 5:30 – 8:00 pm
Room 563
WATCH MOVIES, GET COLLEGE CREDIT!

Too good to be true, but it is true! In Rick Reichman's American Film History Class, you will watch movies and get an overview of the evolution of American film from its earliest days, just before the 1900's—up to the modern era. You will see some of the most entertaining and important films of the American Cinema and learn how these movies reflected the times and culture in which they appeared. It's a three credit course that emphasizes movies and their stars, directors, producers and studios. The Fall semester begins August 22, so sign up soon to guarantee a spot!

Register on-line at www.sfccnm.edu or call 428-1270.

If you would like more information, e-mail filminfo@sfccnm.edu

FILM 155, CRN 21040
Wednesdays from 5:30 – 8:00 pm
Room 563

Be in the Movies and Make Money for Your Favorite Charity

ALBUQUERQUE - Universal Pictures and Working Title Films are offering non-profit organizations a fund raising opportunity as extras for their upcoming film entitled Paul on August 11 and 12 at the Albuquerque Convention Center in a Comic-Con scene. The movie stars Simon Pegg (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, Star Trek) and Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, The Boat that Rocked,) as two British science fiction enthusiasts on the trip of a lifetime to the Comic Con convention in San Diego, and then to Area 51 in the Nevada desert.

The producers will donate money to your non-profit organization based on the number of people you bring to the scene. You can register your non-profit by calling Elizabeth Gabel, extras casting director, at 505-982-9681.

The movie also stars Jason Bateman, Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, Joe Lo Truglio, Blythe Danner and John Carroll Lynch.

Directed by Greg Mottola (Superbad, Adventureland) and written by Pegg and Frost, the film is being produced by Nira Park, Eric Fellner and Tim Bevan and is shooting in the Santa Fe and Albuquerque areas from June through mid-August.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Beautiful Corrales Furnished Rental for the New Mexico Film Industry


We're thrilled to present this immaculate Corrales vacation rental to the New Mexico Film Industry. Great spot for families and those who require privacy and a rural feel, but want to be close to the film world.

Four bedrooms, 3 baths, on one secluded acre with horse corral, just north of Albuquerque (and Albuquerque Studios).

3600 square feet with four bedrooms, office, three baths, three fireplaces and exercise room. Ideal for family of producer/director.

A great find. Book now. Casa de Suenos
http://www.crewnewmexico.com/casadesuenos

Call for Entries - Southwest Gay and Lesbian Film Fest

The 2009 Southwest Gay and Lesbian Film Festival's final deadline is soon
approaching. We encourage all filmmakers to submit their work for
consideration. Films and videos submitted can be of any length and should be
of interest to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered communities.

Deadline is Friday, July 24, 2009 (Needs to be postmarked by this date).

Competition (Audience awards) for best feature, documentary and best boys
and girls shorts are awarded at closing night ceremony.

Please fill out the official entry form completely and sign it. A separate
entry form is required for each title. Please feel free to photocopy it or
download it in PDF form from our website. Entry form and submission
guidelines can be downloaded at http://www.closetcinema.org/

Also, you can submit using the withoutabox.com link located on our website.

Mail Your Entries To:

Closet Cinema
2009 Southwest Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
1209 7th St NW Suite A
Albuquerque, NM 87102

In addition to the preview DVD, you may send photos and other publicity
materials.

Contact:
info@closetcinema.org
(505) 243-1870