Two Film Industry Powerhouses Join crewnewmexico.com!

We’d like to give a special welcome to two of the newest members of the New Mexico Film Directory on crewnewmexico.com!

Filmmaker Production Services and New Mexico Lighting and Grip are two film industry powerhouses – and extensions of NBC/Universal into the New Mexico film market.

Filmmaker Production Services provides the New Mexico film industry with a vast array of movie props and costumes, furniture rentals, wardrobe rentals, wardrobe supplies, drapery, and much more. Their profile is under construction, but check back soon for more information, or contact them directly at (877) 730-3772, or info@filmmakerproductionservices.com.

New Mexico Lighting and Grip, located at Albuquerque Studios, is an industrial-strength provider to the New Mexico Film Industry. They provide a vast array of equipment to productions large and small, including, Digital Blue and Green Screens, steel bed scaffold systems, generators, Airstar Balloon Lights, and HMI, Incandescent, KinoFlo, Dimming Moving Lights, LED Lighting – and way more than we can list here. Their profile is under construction, but check back soon for more information or contact them directly at (505) 227-2500, or sean.buckler@nmlgc.com.

Tell them you saw them on crewnewmexico.com! (Our advertisers love to know where you heard about them).

New Mexico New Visions Free Public Screenings!

"The Sands of Time"
By New Visions 2008 Winner Catherine Y. Fridey
-and-
"A History of Navajo Wool: As Told by BaaBaa"
By New Visions 2008 Winner Melissa Henry

Friday, December 18, 2009
6:00pm
Jean Cocteau Theater | Q&A with Filmmakers to follow

In addition to the December 18th screenings above, a second screening of "A History of Navajo Wool: As Told by BaaBaa" created by New Visions 2008 winner Melissa Henry, will take place in Church Rock, NM, on Sunday, December 20th:

"A History of Navajo Wool: As Told by BaaBaa"
By New Visions 2008 Winner Melissa Henry

Sunday, December 20, 2009
11:00am (approximately)
Churchrock Chapter House
Church Rock, New Mexico | Q&A with Filmmakers to follow

A Chapter House meeting starts at 10am, which is free and open to the public, and screening is estimated to take place around 11am following that. The Churchrock Chapter House is located southeast of Red Rock State Park, near the junction of State Route 566 and the old U.S. Route 66, about ten miles east of Gallup, New Mexico. http://churchrock.nndes.org/

Please join us in celebrating two of our very talented New Visions 2008 winners for these special screenings, free to one and all!

THE SANDS OF TIME synopsis: A free public screening of the demo reel for “The Fields of Yaru,” the pilot episode for an entertaining and educational animation series “The Sands of Time”. While examining an ancient burial chamber with her Egyptian colleague Mez, spunky Australian archaeologist Gill enters a tunnel which transports her back in time, where she gets to witness the elaborate rituals conducted by the gods in the Egyptian afterlife. Spellbound by the experience, she is suddenly caught by Egyptian guards and struggles to free herself. Will Gill be able find a portal back to the present and continue her adventures around the globe? There will be a question and answer session after the screening with Catherine Fridey and other team members working on the project.

HORSE YOU SEE and A HISTORY OF NAVAJO WOOL: AS TOLD BY BAABAA: A screening of "Horse You See" (2007) by Melissa Henry, winner for Best Children's Film at the 2009 Talking Circle Film Festival, and the animatic for "A History of Navajo Wool: As Told by BaaBaa", a work in progress, which tells the story of how the Churro Sheep came to live among the Navajo. Both films are narrated in Navajo language, with subtitles. Filmmakers will be present after the screening to answer questions and talk about the film and their latest work.

New Mexico Film Union Publishes Green Film Making Guide

Santa Fe, New Mexico, Dec. 12, 2009 – IATSE Local 480, the film technicians union for the state of NM have just received “Green Filmmaking Reduce… Reuse… Recycle…Repeat.”

This guide offers tips and techniques to working crew on the latest green practices in the film industry. Local 480 members Peter and Cheryl Clarson wrote this book as a guide that should be in every set truck, and glove box, on every movie shot in NM. The book was produced by Jon Hendry, Local 480’s Business Agent.

Hendry was quoted as saying, “We’d really like to get these into the high schools and colleges where they are teaching film techniques so the new technicians learn the green way. NM has always been a leader in green film making, and now we’ve written it down.” When asked why it wouldn’t simply be greener to publish as a web site Hendry’s response was "This is a grab & go book with quick answers & solutions.”

National Geographic’s All Roads Film Project in NM has already purchased quantities to distribute in their high school filmmaking programs.

Copies are available for review by emailing info@iatse480.com

There is a quantity discount on purchases.

To reach the authors, Peter and Cheryl Clarson, call: 972.921.5602

For questions call:
Jon Hendry
505-670-7381

Screenwriting Workshops in Santa Fe! Click Image to See All the Details!

Register now for two great Screenwriting workshops in Santa Fe, starting in January! If you're listed on crewnewmexico.com, you'll save 10% on the classes if you register by January 1!

Coen brothers movie tryout is Saturday in Nashville

How cool is this: they're doing open auditions for their lead!

Paramount Pictures is seeking Caucasian girls, ages 12-16, for the lead in a new Coen brothers feature film entitled “True Grit,” according to a press release. The movie is scheduled to begin shooting in New Mexico and Texas in the spring. No experience necessary. The movie officials are seeking girls for the role of Mattie Ross, a14-year-old “simple, tough as nails young woman.”

The tryout is Saturday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at the Sheraton hotel in downtown Nashville. The address is 623 Union St.Bring a current photo to leave, and a parent/guardian should accompany girls trying out.

There is no fee to audition.

The Taos Shortz Film Fest! Feb. 5, 6, 7!

The 3rd annual Taos Shortz Film Fest will held February 5th, 6th and 7th at the Kachina Lodge in Taos, New Mexico. Mark your calendars now.

It will feature 50+ shorts from around the globe: USA, Spain, Italy, Australia, Canada, and many New Mexico contributions.

They are currently selecting shorts, organizing programs and finalizing party events. The website will be updated with current information by the end of December, so stay tuned and be part of the hottest short film fest in northern New Mexico!

Backers lobby lawmakers to keep Michigan film incentive

Supporters, worried about wariness in Lansing, emphasize jobs, economic impact

Nathan Hurst / The Detroit News

While the public debate has quieted, backers of Michigan's fledgling film industry continue lobbying Lansing lawmakers to retain special tax incentives intended to lure them to the state.

Producers, directors and other industry leaders have met with politicians in recent weeks, making their case to keep the tax breaks.

While they say there's wiggle room in the percentage offered to qualifying productions and firms, the industry representatives say it's imperative to maintain Michigan's claim to the nation's most aggressive tax incentive program for filmmakers.

"This is a situation in which the future of our economy, and the budding of a valuable industry for Michigan workers, is at stake," said Jeffrey Spilman, a partner at Ferndale-based S3 Entertainment Group, a company that helps coordinate productions in Michigan.

"Besides employing talent, production crews and people directly involved with filming, Michigan businesses such as hotels, restaurants and dry cleaners are all reaping the benefits of an increased customer base. The reach of the film incentives extends far beyond film itself."

Spilman and producers of "The Wannabes," a television show slated for syndication next year, met with lawmakers last week to discuss how the incentives are helping to bring steady business to Michigan.

Some fiscal conservatives said the financially strapped state can't afford the program, which offers a refundable tax credit of between 30 and 42 percent for in-state costs for qualifying productions.

Backers succeeded in convincing legislators that Michigan's tax incentives, the nation's most aggressive, hadn't had enough time to encourage industry developers to build essential infrastructure projects.

Revisions under consideration include a reduction in the rebate percentage for qualifying productions, and an increase in the amount given to infrastructure projects such as studios and post-production facilities. A 25 percent incentive is offered to such projects under the current package.

Michigan Film Office spokesman Ken Droz said nearly 50 projects have received a green light this year, spending about $216 million.

New Accounting Rules for the New Mexico Film Incentive Program

On September 11, 2009, Governor Bill Richarson's office announced the introduction of a new program to help provide greater transparency in the New Mexico Film Incentive process. In light of some recent abuses of incentives in Iowa, these come at a newsworthy time.

New Mexico has the most trusted and stable incentive program in the country, and these new changes show the confidence we have in our current procedures.

Under the new guidelines, production companies that request a tax credit will be required to provide the New Mexico Film Office with detailed information regarding the expenses submitted to qualify for the credit. Previously this data had only been provided to the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department where by law it must be kept confidential. Under the new policy, the film office will provide aggregate totals in specific categories for all film and television productions on a fiscal year basis.

By providing aggregate totals, proprietary industry information will remain confidential while still providing the public greater insight into how the tax credits are being applied, and to show the validity of the credit requests.

To enforce the new rules, the New Mexico Tax and Revenue Department is creating a new film unit consisting of four auditors and a supervisor who will receive specialized training in production practices and terminology.

Says Rick Homans, Secretary of the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, "Our auditors will talk the industry language, visit the sets and understand the complexity of the film and digital media business. The goal is to be open and friendly to the film industry and, at the same time, maintain accountability and a clear set of rules and expectations.

The reporting categories are as follows:

1. Total dollar amount spent in New Mexico (including NM labor)
2. Total dollar amount spent in NM on:
a. NM Crew (all NM crew: director, producers, writer, technical crew, security)
b. NM Talent (principals and background)
c. New Mexico facility/property rental: stage space, production office, location fees
d. NM lodging/accommodations
e. NM food (catering, craft service, other)
f. NM rental vehicles/non-film vehicles
g. NM "rolling equipment" rentals (trucks, trailers, cranes, picture cars)
h. NM film equipment rentals (grip, lighting, camera, other)
i. NM construction costs (lumber, hardware, supplies, other)
j. NM set dressing
k. NM wardrobe
l. NM special effects/props.

New Mexico kicks in $10 million to build Santa Fe movie and TV studio

By Richard Verrier, LA TIMES

December 10, 2009

New Mexico is determined to stay in the Hollywood limelight.

Much to the chagrin of California, New Mexico has emerged as a major draw for movies and TV shows in recent years. Credit a generous 25% film production rebate, favorable climate and an aggressive film office.

Now the state that bills itself as "Hollywood's Newest Home" is ratcheting up the competition. With the support of a $10-million economic development grant from the state, developers are about to break ground on a major production studio just outside Santa Fe, the state's capital.

The $25-million project, called Santa Fe Studios, will include two 18,000-square-foot sound stages and 27,000 square feet of warehouse space. It will be the state's second major sound stage facility after Albuquerque Studios, which has eight sound stages and has helped fuel the state's film growth since opening in 2007. The studio is home to the TV series "Breaking Bad" and the cable channel Reelz, which relocated from Los Angeles last year. It also has hosted production of such movies as "Terminator Salvation."

"We feel positively about the future of the film business here," said Jason Hool, president of Santa Fe Studios, which is owned by Hool's family. "There is plenty of film work to go around." The new facility is targeted to open next fall.

New Mexico drew almost $267.9 million in direct film spending in the fiscal year that ended June 30, about flat compared with the same period a year earlier, but up from $150.8 million in fiscal 2007, the New Mexico Film Office said.

The new sound stages will draw more business to the state, local film promoters predict. "We have the opportunity to get the stage work that doubles or triples the amount of time that a production is working within our state," said Lisa Strout, director of the New Mexico Film Office.

Site Vistor Map for 12.9.09!

We love to watch the daily updates on who's visiting our site, and from where. It's a confirmation of the power of web-based directories, the reputation of New Mexico as a film destination, and the effectiveness of helping our cast, crew, and vendors get the widest possible exposure.

The film industry is now, more than ever, extremely transient, and goods and services are being sought, and sourced, from every corner you can imagine. Just today we've had searches from Michigan, Louisiana, Connecticut, Texas, California, Kansas, Ohio, and several from the UK.

And what were the searching for? Actors, grips, craft service equipment, furnished rentals, production lodging, rolling caterers, post-production resources, and a lot more. Some things they're looking for for productions in New Mexico, and others they're sourcing because they're in need of your services in other production-heavy states. If you're in the NM film biz, and you're not listed in crewnewmexico.com, you're not on the map.

Click the map for an enlarged image!

2BR Long Term Rental for Filmmakers in the Heart of Santa Fe

Casa Arco Iris -- Furnished home for film professionals. Available any time, but specific long term opening late Feb thru Early May (or sooner or later if needed) - great 2br adobe casita right near the railyard district, and quick walk to downtown Santa Fe Plaza. Ideal for those coming to shoot right in that window of time, tho the home is available any time for short term rental. Great rates.

Click here to learn more, or contact owner Andrea Campbell at (505) 795- 3433

Walking in the Dark: Short Stories of Ignorance vs. Light - A short film fundraiser!

Blind Contour Films present their film, The Art of Walking in the Dark.

When:
Sunday December 13, 8:30 – 10:30 pm
Center for Contemporary Arts
1050 Old Pecos Trail
Santa Fe, NM 87505-2688
Click for map
(505) 982-1338

Hosted by Jason Silverman
$10 admission

Logline: During a power outage on the eve of his wedding, an airline pilot arrives late and fumbles in the dark, searching for his drunk fiancé.

Not just a gentle nudge for donations, this year’s ultimate story and film event includes:

-Casey Haymes reads his flash fiction story, Light of the Moon, published in LIT Magazine’s 10th anniversary issue. Learn how George and Mary Bailey rekindled their love twenty years after It’s a Wonderful Life.

-CCA screens a selection of the Blind Contour’s favorite short films, all of which guarantee to tell a lot in just a little time.

-Torino’s at Home serves homemade tiramisu, brownies and refreshments.

All before 10:30 pm! Come out and support your fellow filmmakers! For more information, contact Blind Contour Films at info@blindcontourfilms.com

Furnished Production Rental Opening Up January 1!

Casa de Suenos in beautiful Corrales (just north of Albuquerque), has been providing lodging to cast of Breaking Bad for several months! Now that season 3 is wrapping, the house is back open and welcoming new short and long-term tenants!

4br, 3 bath, on 1 acre with horse corral. Gorgeous, private.

Tell them (and all our advertisers) that you saw them on crewnewmexico.com! Contact Alicia Griego at 505 933-2900 for more details and to schedule a visit. Click link below for more details. Monthly and long-terms rates available.

http://www.crewnewmexico.com/casadesuenos

Acting 101 for Film: 10 Week Course with Sol Acting Academy!

Acting 101 for Film: 10 Week Course (Bonus – Includes a Class with Albuquerque Casting Director Darlene Hansen), with Laura Mathis of Sol Acting Academy! (Tell her you heard about it from crewnewmexico.com!)

Wednesdays, January 20 – March 31, 2010
(No class week of Spring Break, March 18)

This is the perfect class for someone who is ready to explore the exciting world of acting on camera. Get the vital info on all of the basics as you work on camera every class: auditioning, cold reading, commercials, movies, television shows, and what to expect when you’re on set. We will also discuss networking, resumes, head shots, finding an agent, and gaining access to auditions. Half way through the course, you will have the incredible opportunity to “audition” for our guest casting director Darlene Hansen with notes and a Q and A session afterwards. Class is limited to 10 students. Enroll now, this class filled quickly last semester!

About Darlene Hansen: Largest pool of extras in the state through her acting classes & movies cast. Casting includes ABRAHAM, BREACHED, BLUEBERRY MUFFINS, CRAZY LIKE THE TAZ, CRUEL WORLD, DOUBTING THOMAS, FORMOSA, SCARLET MOMENTUM. TAMING THE WILD WEST (History Channel). Darlene has lived/worked in the industry in front and behind camera in Los Angeles/New Mexico.

Ages 18 and up
Wednesdays 7:00 pm-9:00 pm

Cost: $195.00 (plus applicable tax)

Location
3212 Monte Vista Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
At Healing Gate near UNM
Click here for more information or to register!

La Posada de Santa Fe Resort and Spa

It's our great pleasure to be staying this weekend at the La Posada de Santa Fe Resort and Spa, and we'd like to give them a very warm welcome to the lodging section crewnewmexico.com.

We've had the opportunity to stay at fine hotels in many prized destinations, and we'd be happy to put La Posada in the upper tier of fine lodging. They've provided accommodations for some of the most celebrated actors to have filmed in New Mexico, and I'd be happy to recommend them for your upcoming visit.

http://laposada.rockresorts.com/

Santa Fe Film Fest - Movie Madness

by Robert Nott, Santa Fe New Mexican

New Mexico has gone movie crazy in the past few years, what with tax breaks and financial incentives drawing filmmakers from around the globe to shoot their projects here.

But Santa Fe has been stricken with movie madness for at least a decade, since Jon Bowman and a group of dedicated cinephiles started The Santa Fe Film Festival — five days of films, workshops, panel talks and parties, all celebrating the independent cinematic spirit.

The 10th festival kicks off today with a 7 p.m. screening of Everybody's Fine, Kirk Jones' drama about a widower (Robert DeNiro) who journeys cross country to reconnect with his grown children; at the Regal DeVargas theater DeVargas Center. Several other screenings take place at other venues this evening, too, and the festival hosts its usual opening-night parties.

This year's event is a bit scaled down because of financial restraints, and it marks the 10th and final year that Bowman will serve as executive director. He's retiring, to be replaced by festival operations director Karen RedHawk Dallet. Dallet has already announced plans to move next year's festival to October rather than December.

Bowman, found checking out ticket sales at the film festival's box-office headquarters on Old Santa Fe Trail (in the old Fraser's Pharmacy site), said business was healthy and even a tad better than it was this time last year.

A popcorn machine churned out the kernels — an appropriate treat for visitors — as Bowman spoke, and movie posters for various festival entries covered the walls. ("Some of life's greatest journeys begin at the end," reads the tag line for the locally shot Spoken Word poster.) Bowman said the fest usually attracts 5,000 to 7,000 patrons, roughly 15 percent of whom come from out of state.

To read the full article, click here.

Santa Fe Studios betting big on new complex

The producers of the nuclear holocaust film Terminator Salvation, released earlier this year, originally planned to crash a helicopter into a lake in Budapest. But they decided instead to take advantage of New Mexico's film incentives program and make the science-fiction movie right here in the state, much of it at the 28-acre, two-year-old campus of Albuquerque Studios.

A shallow tank on a few acres of flat desert outside the facility became the crash site, monster machines soared over the Rio Grande Gorge, and John Connor (Christian Bale), a future Resistance soldier, rode a motorcycle across the vast mesa west of the Duke City.

Tax rebates, interest-free loans and free use of some state property are luring filmmakers to New Mexico, creating jobs and new sources of revenue. The fourth feature film in the Terminator series was the biggest picture shot in the state last year and one of 44 major TV and film productions made in New Mexico since January 2008.

Albuquerque Studios also are home to the Emmy Award-winning television series Breaking Bad, now in its third season.

But six of its top-of-the-line sound stages built in 2007 and two smaller studios added later are not all fully booked, according to chief operating officer Nick Smerigan. And now he might be getting some competition from a new film studio complex that is expected to break ground this winter on county-owned land off N.M. 14 south of Santa Fe.

That raises the question about whether there is enough demand for another major studio facility in New Mexico.

County officials are gambling there is. State and local officials think so. Lisa Strout, director of the state Film Office, said there's no doubt that Albuquerque Studios has changed the landscape of the film business in New Mexico.

To read the full article, click here.

New Mexico Angels: Receiving an angel investment for your company

Innovators' Forum
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Hot Rocks Second Floor Conference Room
Los Alamos, NM

John J. Chavez is the President of the New Mexico Angels. Since Mr. Chavez has become President, the New Mexico Angels have seen an increase of over 100% in investment in new companies. Additionally, the New Mexico Angels are leading investment deals instead of following the VC's into the deals. Lastly, Mr. Chavez has created the New Mexico Angels technology showcase forums which allows the New Mexico Angels technology partners, LANL, Sandia and UNM, to showcase technology available for licensing to New Mexico Angel members and guests.

John J. Chavez is the also the President of Tafoya and Brainerd Partners LLC, a nationwide business development consulting firm. Mr. Chavez has been an active angel investor since 2003. Prior to creating Tafoya and Brainerd Partners LLC, Mr. Chavez was appointed by New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson as the Cabinet Secretary of the Taxation and Revenue Department. Mr. Chavez served as Cabinet Secretary for six years and as the President of the Federation of Taxation Administrators for one year.


Mr. Chavez received the following degrees from New Mexico State University.
Master of Business Administration
Bachelor of Art in Economics
Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance

What is Innovators' Forum?
Entrepreneurs are the critical force behind innovation and new wealth creation in tech-based economies. Our mission is to provide innovators with a networking opportunity and fresh
insights into the world of start-ups, spin-offs and the management of small technology businesses.

RSVP contact
This event is free so bring your lunch and cookies and drinks will be provided. Register by contacting Kim Sherwood at 505-665-1305, or ksherwood@lanl.gov


Innovators' Forum is sponsored by the Northern New Mexico Connect, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) Technology Transfer Division and LANL Community Programs Office.

New Mexico Film Office Announces Winners of New Visions/New Mexico 2009

SANTA FE – NM Film Office Director Lisa Strout and NM Filmmakers Program Director Trish Lopez today announced the eleven winners of the 2009 New Visions/New Mexico Contract Awards. Now in its fourth year, the program annually provides awards to local filmmakers to help fund their original narrative, documentary, animation and experimental films. This year's winners are listed below:

Animation
Frederick Aragon
Coyote Tales: Dark is My Light

Animation Alternate: Kate Brown, "Rosaruby Seeks and Finds"

Documentary

Melinda Hess
Letter from Cloudcroft

Brian Konefsky
Secession: Gene Youngblood
Eric Maddox*
A House Divided

Kate McCunn
Books in Between


Documentary Alternate: Brent Morris, "Flamenco School"

Experimental

Xuan Chen
Out

Robert Drummond
Almas

Experimental Alternate: Ethan Bach, "Retrieving Humanity"

Narrative

David Garcia
The Cuentos Project

Sydney Freeland
Drunktown's Finest

Kara Sachs*
King 4 a Day

Ewen Wright
Validation

Narrative Alternate: Mary Holyoke, "The Donor"

This year the NM Film Office is pleased to continue its relationship with Panavision, a major supplier of cameras and lenses for the film industry world-wide. They will once again provide the use of two motion picture camera packages (HD, 16 mm or 35mm) at no charge to the winners. Those names with asterisks (*) noted will each receive one of the packages.

The Synapse to Screen 1.0 Pre-Production Tools Conference

Make Better Movies! Synapse to Screen 1.0 Pre-Production Tools Conference, December 3rd and 4th, 2009 during the Santa Fe Film Festival at the Hotel Santa Fe - Kiva A.

Synapse to Screen 1.0 Pre-Production Tools Conference is a two day multi-session exploration of the tools available to organize and take a motion picture from the first spark of an idea up to the verge of shooting.

Exploring the tools of the trade, the December 3rd sessions are focused on the writing steps, including; 9:45a to 11:30a Mind Mapping & Brainstorming, 11:40a to 12:40p Outlining, 1:40p to 3:00p Character & Plot Development & 3:10p to 5:00p Scripting & Screenwriting. The first three sessions on Dec. 3rd would be of interesting to any writer. The December 4th sessions are; 9:30a to 10:45p Storyboarding, 11:00a to 12:15p Production Reports, 1:15p to 3:00p Budgeting, 3:10p to 4:40p Scheduling. The Dec. 4th sessions are devoted to the steps that take the written script and turn it into a roadmap that a collaborative creative team can turn into a motion picture. Sessions will include panels, demonstrations, comparisons and audience interaction.

The Synapse to Screen 1.0 Pre-Production Tools Conference is sponsored by the Santa Fe Macintosh User Group, a 501c-3 educational non-profit serving the community since 1994, and is presented in association with and as part of the 10th Annual Santa Fe Film Festival. For further information visit www.santafemug.org/s2s1.0.html or call 505-670-2134

Article in Las Cruces Sun News About crewnewmexico.com and Film In Southern New Mexico

by Derrickson Moore
LAS CRUCES— Daniel Taras is bullish on the New Mexico film industry and wants to help ensure southern New Mexico gets its piece of the film pie.

"I'm the founder of a company called crewnewmexico.com. We are a production support, networking, and marketing resource for the New Mexico film industry," said Taras, who has been visiting this month "to begin a big push to bring more film business to the area."

After a planned "couple of days" of meetings stretched into a week, the Albuquerque-based business may open a branch office in Las Cruces, Taras said.

"Everyone was extremely open and accommodating during my stay, and it's a real reflection on the community. You have great weather and infrastructure. I plan to come back in about four weeks for more meetings. I look forward to promoting all that Las Cruces has to offer the film industry," said Taras, whose recent visit included meetings with sources ranging from Alma duarte Charter School for the Arts to New Mexico State University's Creative Media Institute, Dona Ana Community College's Film Tech Training Program, Las Cruces film liaison Bill McCamey and local sources of food,
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lodging and possible locations.

Taras, 37, has a deep interest in filmmaking and an eclectic background that includes a bachelor's degree in geography and a stint as a safari guide in Africa. He's lived in New York and Portland, Ore.

In August, 2008, he decided to found his company.

"I felt that if the New Mexico film industry was going to continue to grow, we need to have a dynamic interactive resource when your considering whether to shoot and when you're actually here, as well.

The company's Web site is divided into three categories.

"Find," a free source, offers information on potential cast, crew, production support and personal services, filming locations, production lodging, furnished rentals, real estate. dining and entertainment, plus extensive listings about New Mexico film resources and current news relating to movies and filmmaking in the state.

"Be Found" offers listing opportunities for everyone from cast and crew to those who offer production, support and location services. Prices start at $79 for a basic profile with add-on options for multiple specialties and extras like demo reels.

Want to be a star? The cast profile page features, include "demo reels, video resumes, headshots, bio, credits, and links to your agent. Your profile features critical casting details including your stats, dialects, sports, musical skills and more."

A "What's New section", free to searchers, offers Facebook, a New Mexico film blog, "who's filming now" and "cast and crew calls." The site is now "a 24/7 operation, with over 600 individual and business partners. It's also accessible to citizens of New Mexico who want to know what's going on in their back yard. Every person who lists on the site gets his own URL, Web site and Web address."

Taras said he also has an e-mail list of up to 10,000 sources involved in the film industry.

For more information, call (505) 930-0443, e-mail daniel@crewnewmexico.com or visit online at www.crewnewmexico.com.

S. Derrickson Moore can be reached at dmoore@lcsun-news.com, (575) 541-5450

Supernanny is Coming for Your Children!

Surely you know of a family in need of a visit by the Supernanny! Well, the good news Supernanny is auditioning in Santa Fe on December 5th! So, either hide the kids or bring them on down. . . Check out our New Mexico Movie Jobs page for details!

Trailer for Crazy Heart - Filmed in New Mexico!

Crazy Heart, starring Jeff Bridges and Maggie Gyllenhaal, and in New Mexico, is coming soon to a theater near you. Trailer looks great. . .

Trailer for Brothers, Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Tobey Maguire, and Natalie Portman. Filmed in New Mexico

Site Visitor Map for 11.16

We're always amazed at who spends time on our site! Check out our most recent visitor map. . .

Calling New Mexico Filmmakers

Las Cruces Channel 98 welcomes submissions of films made by New Mexico Filmmakers!

Channel 98 is a public access station, and Las Cruces's only TV station, and they invite you to submit your New Mexico-made film to be shown on their Late Night With Sahara show, or on other local filmmaker showcase events.

Contact Chris Soular at lcc98tv@gmail.com for more information!

New Mexico Women in Film Holiday Food Drive!

This in from NMWIF:

"Please join us for the November Meeting of New Mexico Women in Film on Thursday, November 19, 2009 at the New Mexico Film Museum, and help kick of the NMWIF Holiday Food Drive:

Doors open for Networking at 5:45pm, meeting starts at 6:30p. Meeting is open to members and non-members alike at no charge, but please bring non-perishable food donate-ables to support the Food Drive and help out local pantries – good condition, warm winter clothing is also accepted.

We are very excited to have Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish with us, who will accept an honorary membership in NM Women in Film and speak a little about the challenges of hunger and homelessness in New Mexico.

Santa Fe State Representative Brian Egolf will speak about the upcoming legislative session and the challenges facing our industry.

And we will show a very short screening of “The Other Side of the Tracks,” a short film produced by students at the Santa Fe School for the Arts and Sciences on homeless teens in NM, winner of Mayor David Coss’ 2007 Youth Film Contest.

If you can’t join us on Thursday, please support our industry-wide Food Drive by dropping off donate-able items in any of the following places: the Production Office for the picture company you are working on, or on-set with the Craft service person on your show; either IATSE Local 480 office, in Santa Fe at 1418 Cerrillos Rd., or in Albuquerque at Channel 26/27 on 4^th and Tijeras ; the New Mexico Film Office on Montezuma in Santa Fe ; the commissary at Albuquerque Studios; Sunflower Marketplace, either in Santa Fe or in Albuquerque, and Flying Star Cafes in Santa Fe and Albuquerque, now through December 20^th. NMWIF will arrange for pick up and delivery.

If you would like to make arrangements for your own local bank, business, or favorite bar or restaurant to make space for a drop box on their premises, please e-mail (lisa@santafefilm.org) and we will arrange to deliver one, and then to pick-up and distribute.

Thanks in advance for helping us make this campaign a success, and for showing the larger community that supports us, that we are appreciative and eager to give back.

Big Returns at the Box Office

- Recession aside, the box office keeps on rolling in the big bucks.

Roland Emmerich's 2012 almost made back its $260 million budget in just three days. The domestic opening weekend was a whopping $65 million and the global total was a mammoth $225 million. This is the seventh-biggest domestic bow ever in November, and just shy of the $67 million that Emmerich's The Day After Tomorrow pulled in during the Fri-Sun portion of its four-day Memorial Day weekend launch in 2004. With its $160 million non-domestic weekend gross, it's also the fifth-largest non-US debut of all time and the all-time champ non-US debut for a non-sequel/franchise picture. So the film pulled in a surprisingly potent 2.8x weekend multiplier and actually had a token increase on Saturday from $23 million to $24 million. Point being, this one is playing as a normal grown-up smash hit and should have decent legs until Avatar comes down the pike in just over a month. See, that's what happens when you actually deliver the goods and have the decency to be not all that bad.

Click here for more of the latest box office news.

Hollywood rethinks use of A-list actors - Films are showing that a good concept trumps star power

Hollywood studios are now thinking twice about splurging on A-list movie stars and costly productions in reaction to the poor economy, but also because of the surprising success of recent films with unknown actors.

After buddy comedy "The Hangover," a movie with a little known cast, made $459 million at global box offices this past summer, several films have shown that a great concept or story can trump star appeal when it comes to luring fans.

"District 9," a low-budget movie in which the biggest stars were space aliens treated like refugees and the lead actor was South African Sharlto Copley, made $200 million. Thriller "Paranormal Activity," starring Katie Featherston and Micah Sloat, has cash registers ringing to the tune of $100 million.

Next up, on Nov. 20, comes Summit Entertainment's relatively low-budget ($50 million) franchise movie "The Twilight Saga: New Moon," a sequel to 2008 hit vampire romance "Twilight" which made global stars of Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart. Online ticket sellers report "New Moon" is one of their highest pre-sale movies of all time, and box office watchers expect the film to have a smash opening.

"Nobody says that a big wonderful movie needs to be expensive, it's just that that's been the trend, and perhaps the trend is misguided," said University of Southern California cinema professor Jason E. Squire.

Last weekend, comic actor Jim Carrey's "A Christmas Carol" became the latest celebrity-driven movie to stumble at box offices, opening to a lower-than-expected $30 million.

Aside from Jim Carrey and "Carol," which cost at least $175 million, A-listers who suffered box office flops recently have included Bruce Willis ("Surrogates"), Adam Sandler ("Funny People"), Will Ferrell ("Land of the Lost"), Eddie Murphy ("Imagine That") and Julia Roberts ("Duplicity").

"The (major movie) machine didn't fly last summer, if you look at the movies and the names, they were not star-driven movies, they really weren't," said Peter Guber, chairman of Mandalay Entertainment and former head of Sony Pictures.

Hollywood insiders say A-listers currently are having trouble with salary demands in the $15 million range or participation approaching 20% of gross profits -- deals that were once somewhat common for top talent. Instead, they are being asked to take less money upfront and greater compensation only if a film breaks even.

Click here to read the full article.

MGM Headed for Sale

11/12/2009 - Variety Magazine

MGM may be the best known logo in the entertainment business, but the company seems headed for another possible garage sale.

Several sources say they expect that MGM will essentially be auctioned off within the next few weeks.

This would mean that a major, such as Time Warner, could buy the MGM-UA library while another entity might acquire the logo, and yet another deal could be made for United Artists. Sources speculated that Kirk Kerkorian, who has already bought and sold MGM twice, might buy the logo once again.

Last summer Harry Sloan was bounced as MGM's CEO and Stephen Cooper, a specialist in restructuring companies (Krispy Kreme was one of his projects) started meeting with bankers with the aim of restructuring some $3.7 billion in debt. There was speculation that the combined assets of MGM may now yield as little as $1.5 billion in the present market.

The various equity owners of MGM, including several private equity firms, have already written down their $5 billion acquisition, which closed in 2004.

MGM's library contains 4.000 titles, but some specialists in film libraries consider its list of titles to be geriatric.

Any sort of auction would need approval of a two-thirds majority of the bondholders, and a couple of the bondholders insist they have not been contacted as yet. Some sources believe a pre-packaged bankruptcy is still an option, and there is still an expectation that Time-Warner might make a last eleventh hour bid.

Neither Cooper nor MGM would comment.

MGM's released only a remake of "Fame" this year. For 2010, it's opening two comedies -- "Hot Tub Time Machine" in March and "The Zookeeper" in October -- and a remake of "Red Dawn" in November.