Southwest Gay and Lesbian Film Festival - This Weekend

The Southwest Gay and Lesbian Film Festival continues thru this week!

Click here to see the screening schedule; and if you're a locally-made film buff, be sure to check out "The War Boys."

Panelists Warn Against Cutting Film Incentives

From the Santa Fe New Mexican

Oct. 7--If New Mexico did away with or substantially reduced its tax incentive program for movies, productions in the state would dry up, according to a veteran production executive speaking Tuesday.

"In 18 to 24 months, you would feel it," said John Hadity -- president and CEO of a self-named company that specializes in production finance and risk management for film and television. He spoke at a panel discussion at a conference for Western state legislators.

Hadity was asked the question by Rep. Brian Egolf, D-Santa Fe, a supporter of the film incentives. Egolf asked Hadity whether he'd send productions to this state if there were no incentives. "No," he said. "Finances drive decision making." Earlier he said that people who make decisions on where to shoot films don't even consider states that don't offer incentives. Only seven states do not offer incentives for film productions.

"If you don't have an incentives program, you're dead," Hadity said.

But because of the ever-increasing state revenue crisis, there might be a move in the Legislature to reduce or eliminate those incentives to help balance the budget.

Gov. Bill Richardson, a champion of the film program, has said while some tax incentives for other industries should be looked at, the movie incentives should be kept in place. But skeptics have questioned whether the benefits of the program, the cost of which could reach about $80 million this year.

The panel discussion was part of the program at the Council of State Governments-West annual meeting, taking place in Santa Fe this week.

Another panelist, Ned Richtor, president of a Massachusetts company that has studied economic development program, noted there is a "pushback" against film programs in several states. "This is a business deal you're bankrolling with taxpayer dollars," he said. "Competition is fierce because so many states (have programs) and accounting is murky."

Another panelist, Eric Witt, who has served as Richardson's liaison with the film industry, was asked how other businesses in the state feel about the film program.

To see the full article, click here.

Indiefest Call for Entries!

Deadline: October 30, 2009
The Indie Fest is an independent, top-tier international film awards competition. Our goal is to help independent filmmakers gain publicity and, when appropriate, exposure to distributors.

The Indie Fest is unique; it's an awards competition, not a traditional film festival. Winners receive publicity as we broadcast the list of winners via press releases and to our email database of more than 27,000 filmmakers and industry insiders. Winning an Indie will help you get noticed.

Entries are judged against high standards of excellence and against each other. The Indie Fest provides an equal chance of winning for all entrants, regardless of size and budget. Entries are judged on quality of craft and creativity. The Indie Fest is a showcase for cinematic gems and unique voices.

There are three levels of awards: Best of Show, Award of Excellence and Award of Merit. No more than 15% of entries will be granted Awards of Excellence. Best of Show will only be granted if unique films are discovered. In fact, there is no requirement that any Best of Show awards be given. Notable artistic and technical productions that exceed industry standards are recognized at the Award of Merit level.

Judging is a three phase process. Like most traditional festivals, the first round of judging takes place internally and is a screening to find those productions that have outstanding craft, i.e., cinematography/videography, sound, editing, etc. Many films wash-out during phase. Those productions that survive are evaluated to find the films that excel at storytelling, entertainment and communication. Entries judged to be potential Best of Show winners may be sent to outside judges for additional review. Judging standards are high and selective.

Please take a look at the Indie Fest website, www.TheIndieFest.com, so you'll better understand the Competition. On the website you'll find lots of original content of interest to independent filmmakers including articles about indie-friendly distributors.

Go to www.TheIndieFest.com for rules and entry form.

Production Support for NM Film

We'd like to give a special shout out to NM Fleet Design - providing support services to props and transpo crews in the New Mexico film industry, and film-supporting businesses. They do amazing vehicle wraps, magnetics, vehicle lettering, wall murals, reflective banners, architectural signage, pole banners, trade-show graphics, and more. Locally owned, 12,000sqft facility right in Albuquerque. http://www.crewnewmexico.com/nmfleetdesign

I Was a 7th Grade Dragonslayer

I was a 7th Grade Dragonslayer - filmed this year in Albuquerque. The trailer is now live on You Tube!

A Great Cause. . . Festival of the Soul, in Silver City.

"Festival of the Soul" proceeds will help Penny Park in Silver City

Organizers of the Nov. 14-15 "Festival of the Soul" in Silver City plan to donate 50 percent of their proceeds to benefit Penny Park, which celebrated its 10th anniversary this year.

"Festival of the Soul" is a two-day family-oriented musicfest which features inspirational, uplifting and exciting "World" music performed by well-known professional bands from across the country as well as the local area. This is the first of what is hoped to be a yearly event and it is the first of its kind to be held in Silver City and all of southern New Mexico, organizers say. It will be held at Penny Park, 1305 N. Grant, in Silver City.

The park in downtown Silver City is a community project built by hundreds of volunteers. The park's first phase, the Penny Playground, was completed in the spring of 1999. The playground is filled with a variety of imaginative climbing structures, castle playhouses, slides, swings, balance beams, bridges, and picnic grounds. Donations of volunteer labor, and materials cut construction costs in half.

In the fall of 1999, volunteers constructed above-ground ramps and other structures for a temporary skate park, which has been used for many years while funds were being raised for the construction of a 20,000 square foot in-ground extreme sports park. In April 2000 volunteers gathered again to build a 310-seat amphitheater and dance floor. Silver City is proud of its community park which helped promote similar, though less elaborate projects in Carlsbad, Las Cruces, and Ruidoso.

In April 2009 the park was damaged when an arson-caused fire burned a large portion of the park. The community was committed to rebuilding the park. Festival of the Soul's donation will help to rebuild.

It takes a lot of volunteers to put on a two-day music festival and more are needed. To volunteer send an email to info@festivalofthesoul.org. For more info go to: www.festivalofthesoul.org.

The World musicfest is a non-profit organization and donations are tax deductible.

Environmental Documentaries Lecture at UNM

A cool New Mexico film event.

Join UNM for a FREE infoByte session October 8 on MAKING A DIFFERENCE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTARIES by Documentary Filmmaker Reinhard Lorenz. Learn about the making of environmental documentaries and discuss New Mexico’s initiative to make feature film productions more environmentally conscious. No need to register. See you there!

Making a Difference with Environmental Documentaries
Thursday, October 8, 2009, 5:00 PM - 6:15PM
UNM Continuing Education
South Building, Room 222

For more information, click here.

Reinhard Lorenz, MA
MA in Filmmaking from University of the Arts in Berlin, Germany. His focus as a filmmaker is on creative documentary, and he has worked as Director, Editor and DoP for documentaries and image films. His professional experience also includes teaching film, distribution and festivals. As a film artist, he has received several grants and fellowships.

UNM Continuing Education is located at 1634 University Blvd NE in Albuquerque, just north of Indian School, with free parking in the front and back. This free seminar will focus on the making of documentaries about the environment.

Southwest Gay and Lesbian Film Festival - This Weekend

Lights! Camera! Action! The Southwest Gay and Lesbian Film Festival is just four short days away and luckily you still have a chance to participate. SWGLFF is still searching for volunteers to help staff events at the National Hispanic Cultural center, the Southwest Film Center, the Guild, and the Kimo! Positions still available are: box office, crowd control, usher/counter, and venue manager. Join our fantastic volunteer team and become a star in your own right by making this year’s film festival another smash hit! Comp tickets will be provided for every shift a volunteer works so this is also a great chance to watch free movies. Contact at volunteer@closetcinema.org.

Site Visitor Map for 10.5

Curious who searches crewnewmexico.com? Have a look at our site visitation map for today alone!

motion09 This Week in Albuquerque!

Top talent from the motion picture industry will be in Albuquerque to speak at motion09.

DESCRIPTION: Creatives are fueled by a mysterious force that inspires great ideas, fresh new ways of seeing the world, and the courage to do things differently. All too often, this expressive force is zapped by the demands of the industry. Revitalizing these creative talents provides a renewed sense of being and the spark to stimulate the imagination.
motion09 is an event that inspires creativity. Once a year, animators, motion graphic artists, title designers, VFX artists and broadcast designers come together to share their skills, work, and professional insights at this unique summit. Industry professionals and students spend four days together in a collaborative environment designed for experiencing and participating in the creative process.

SPECIAL GUESTS:
- Karin Fong (Imaginary Forces)
- Andrew Orloff (Zoic)
- Rachel Nicoll (Sony Pictures Imageworks)
- Rod Basham (Imaginary Forces)
- Synderela Peng (yU+co.)
- Michael Waldron (nailgun*)
- Igor Choromanski (Sony Pictures Imageworks)
- William Lebeda (Picture Mill)
- Eric van der Wilden (nailgun*)
- Patrick McDonough (PMcD Design)
- Jamie Caliri (Emmy award winning director)
- Mark Coleran (Bourne Ultimatum, Mission Impossible III)
- Dan Haskett (veteran Disney animator)

Special guests have all worked on major motion pictures and many are Emmy and Academy award winning creatives.

DATES: October 11-14, 2009

LOCATION: Albuquerque Doubletree - Downtown ABQ

ABOUT:
motion09 includes keynotes, panels, general sessions and special events, all related to the motion picture industry. Specific topics include visual effects, motion graphics, animation, title design, broadcast design, motion picture trailer design and sound design.

SPECIAL EVENT: MADE IN NM PARTY:
Sunday, October 11, 2009. We will host a special event honoring all motion09 speakers who have worked on major motion pictures in New Mexico. This year's honorees include:
- Patrick McDonough of PMcD Design for the television series, Crash
- Karin Fong of Imaginary Forces for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and Terminator Salvation
- Rod Basham of Imaginary Forces for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and Terminator Salvation
- Synderela Peng of yU+co. for Gamer and Suspect Zero
- Andrew Orloff for Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles
- William Lebeda and Bryan Thombs of Picture Mill for Men Who Stare At Goats; The Astronaut Farmer, and BorderTown

Due Date to Film in Las Cruces - Great Local Resource

Working on Due Date down in Las Cruces? We're going to point you to an excellent local production resource: Tony Martin and Fourteen30 Production Group. Production vans, grip and lighting equipment, Sony HDXCam, and talented crew. Know the ins and outs of shooting in southern New Mexico. Experienced team. Fully rebate-able.

http://www.crewnewmexico.com/fourteen30productions
Contact Tony at 575-621-4560.

Michigan Film Incentives May Be on the Chopping Block

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To read the full article, click here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contact: Rochelle Bussey 505.476-5604

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

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

Albuquerque Studios Gets Into the Incentive Groove For Music & Sound

Albuquerque Studios and Los Angeles-based house Groove Addicts have entered into a strategic partnership whereby the latter's music catalog for film and TV productions can be accessed for projects being made in New Mexico, thus tapping into that state's 25 percent rebate incentive.

Uses for the catalog include temp tracks, background cues, songs, music supervision, trailer music or sound design for commercial TV or film projects. More than 40,000 music tracks will be available for immediate download and license from Groove Addicts' servers at Albuquerque Studios.

Groove Addicts produces a dozen catalogs in-house, in addition to handling many leading music catalogs from around the world. The company continues to expand its libraries' inventories for film, TV, radio, video, audio, video game and multimedia producers.

The deal between Albuquerque Studios and Groove Addicts brings music and sound into the incentives arena at an opportune time given the state of the economy, resulting in tighter budgets and increased cost consciousness.

"This is a perfect complement to our existing production services. It is an extreme value that is unique to New Mexico, and fits right in with our plan to extend the broad range of services that are available to Albuquerque Studios' clientele. We look forward to working with Groove Addicts' principal Dain Blair, and the creative energy his entire team brings to the table of the New Mexico film industry," said Albuquerque Studios' COO Smerigan.

Blair, who has been an integral part of the acquisitions and licensing of rights for projects involving artists such as, Madonna, U2, and The Police, and feature films such as Iron Man, No Country for Old Men, and I Am Legend, stated "I see this as a win/win/win situation for Albuquerque Studios, their clients, and Groove Addicts....adding a first-class music solution for their [Albuquerque Studios'] clients."

SAG: Four Hardline Horsemen the Boardroom

from the Digital Media Law blog by Jonathan Handel.

Thursday’s SAG election was a victory for the moderate coalition. Yet, strangely enough, the leaders of the losing hardline faction will all find seats on the national board, and will continue to be a shadow government within the union’s Hollywood board—a board on which none of the key moderate leaders will be voting members.

Yes, the moderates (Unite for Strength (UFS) / USAN / RBD / independents) won the national offices – President and Secretary-Treasurer – and picked up additional national board seats and many on the Hollywood board as well. But with SAG, the story is never simple.

In fact, paradoxically, 1^st VP and failed Membership First presidential candidate Anne-Marie Johnson will probably continue as 1^st VP, ex-president Alan Rosenberg will almost certainly be back on the national board in a matter of days despite winning only an alternate seat, MF leader David Joliffe will probably be on the Hollywood board and effectively on the national board, and MF leader Kent McCord continues on the national and Hollywood boards.

Meanwhile, none of the key moderate leaders will be on the Hollywood board— Unite for Strength leaders Ned Vaughn, Assaf Cohen, Ken Howard and Amy Aquino are all off of that board, at least as voting members (the latter two will serve ex-officio, as non-voting members). Tough independent and former presidential candidate Morgan Fairchild remains, but she’s not a member of the UFS slate and thus doesn’t occupy a leadership position in that group. UFS-ers Adam Arkin and Amy Brenneman also remain, and perhaps will emerge to fill the gap.

To read the full post, click here.

White Sands Film Festival Call for Submissions!

As a sponsor of the White Sands International Film Festival, crewnewmexico.com would like to announce that the festival is now open for submissions!

The White Sands International Film Festival is now open for submissions for the 2010 program. Early Bird deadline is October 15th. Dates of the festival are April 15th-18th, 2010.

The WSIFF is currently accepting feature length and short films in the documentary and narrative category with particular focus on multi-cultural themes and background. Any films from any genres accepted from around the world. Please note that foreign language films should have sub-titles.

We are particularly interested in films that...

• · deal with contemporary issues
• · celebrate the human spirit
• · explore the Latino and or Hispanic World
• · have been made in New Mexico
• · combine good story telling, writing, acting and direction.

For complete submission information,
please visit www.wsiff.com

SAG Moderates Win Presidency, and More!

From The Digital Media Law blog by Jonathan Handel

In a victory for the SAG moderate coalition (Unite for Strength / USAN / independents), the UFS candidates for president, Ken Howard, and secretary, Amy Aquino, won the union's national offices.

However, the election was close: Howard's total was slightly less than the two hardline candidates added together (Anne-Marie Johnson and Seymour Cassel) and Aquino's was slightly more than that of incumbent Connie Stevens. So the union is still very divided, and Howard acknowledged that the results were not a landslide and that the union is very divided, while saying that he planned to reach out to MF supporters.

On the national board, the moderates showed strength as well: They picked up 4 of 11 seats in Hollywood and held all of the NY and regional (RBD) seats. I estimate that this brings the moderate's board majority to around 60%, vs. 40% for MF, but that's a very rough calculation and I'm not sure at this point.

On the Hollywood board, the results were more dramatic: 21 of 33 Hollywood board seats went to the moderates. Added to the 6 they (and independents) already control, that's 27 out of 55 - just shy of 50%.

UFS spokesman Ned Vaughn said he expected to see SAG and AFTRA jointly negotiating wih the studios next year. Howard said he'd reach out to AFTRA and the other guids. On the subject of merger with AFTRA, Howard disputed claims from 6 years ago that merger would hurt SAG members' pensions.

The challenge for the moderates is to build a record of accomplishment, hire David White on a permanent basis, build relations with AFTRA and other guilds/unions, pick up more seats in next years' July-Sept elections, then go into negotiations with the studios Oct. 1 (2010, i.e., next year). After that - work on merger. A tough road ahead.

Casting Panel, Hosted by New Mexico Women in Film

CASTING PANEL WITH JANE JENKINS AND JANET HIRSHENSON – SAT. OCT. 31:

WHAT: Panel on Casting with Janet Hirshenson, CSA and Jane Jenkins, CSA of The Casting Company in L.A. – Moderated by Jo Edna Boldin, CSA


WHEN: Saturday, October 31, 2009

TIME: 1:00pm – 3:00pm

WHERE: Santa Fe – El Museo Cultural

COST: Free to NMWIF Members; $20.00 for Non-Members (Cash or Check at the door)


Don't miss this opportunity to hear two of the premiere casting directors of our time talk about their work and the world of casting for many major Hollywood directors. Enjoy refreshments, networking and the opportunity to buy their book, A Star is Found. Following is the link to their bios: http://www.facebook.com/l/b3035;www.janeandjanet.com/profile.html

CASTING WORKSHOP WITH JANE JENKINS AND JANET HIRSHENSON – SUN. NOV. 1:

WHAT: Casting Workshop with Janet Hirshenson, CSA and Jane Jenkins, CSA of The Casting Company in L.A.
WHEN: Sunday, November 1, 2009

TIME: 10am – 5pm with a lunch break (Participants are responsible for their lunch)

WHERE: Santa Fe – El Museo Cultural

COST: $175.00 for NMWIF Members, $225.00 for Non-Members

TO REGISTER: We must receive your submission package, along with a check or money order for the full amount due by Oct. 20, 2009. SEATING IS LIMITED. Please send your submission package to NMWIF, PO Box 33351, Santa Fe, NM 87594, Attn: Casting Workshop. Make sure to include the following items/information:

Name
> Contact info: email, snail mail and phone number where you can be reached
> NMWIF Members: Expiration date (from the back of your membership card)
> Age Range (within 10 years)
> Head shot with a resume attached to the back
> Submissions will be processed in the order received. A confirmation of your reservation will be e-mailed to you. Any submissions received after the class limit has been reached will be put on a waiting list and returned via U.S. Mail. Reservations may be cancelled for a full refund up to 7 days in advance of the workshop. After that, if we cannot find a replacement for you from our waiting list, you will forfeit the registration fee.

We hope you are able to take advantage of this rare opportunity to participate in a workshop with two of Hollywood’s most famous casting directors.

New Mexico Film Expo! This Weekend!

The Santa Fe Film Festival, Inc, presents the 2009 New Mexico Film Expo, this weekend in Santa Fe!

A presentation of work from New Mexico filmmakers. 80 films over 4 days. From 1 minute films, to features, its brilliant way to see what your peers and fellow filmmakers are creating.

Jean Cocueau Theatre, Sept 25-28
Screenings Schedule:
Friday 4-11pm
Saturday 10am-midnight
Sunday 11am-10pm
Monday 5-10pm

Tickets $7.00 pp (filmmaker +2 guest comp) - a great deal!!

Q&A will follow collectively after each screening time if filmmakers are in attendance. Winners in a given category will be entered directly into the Santa Fe Film Festival which takes place December 2 - 6. The overall winner for Best New Mexico Filmmaker will be announced at the Awards Ceremony Saturday, December 5.

New Mexico Women in Film - In Las Cruces

A local chapter of New Mexico Women in Film is just getting organized in Las Cruces.

There will be an informational meeting on Saturday, October 10, 2009 from 1:00 to 3:00 in the THX theatre, room 171, in Milton Hall, NMSU Campus. This organization is a great way for you meet other filmmakers and working artists from across the state.

Men as well as women are encouraged to be a part of the group.

Refreshments will be provided. Any questions, feel free to ask Amy Lanasa: amyla@nmsu.edu

Filmmaking incentives losing glamour in cash-strapped states

In a Troy office building where advertising executives once courted Motor City automakers, film production workers discuss which stretch of downtown Detroit would offer the best sense of urban decay. Down the hall, in a warehouse that has been converted to a makeshift studio, dozens of prop builders are fashioning blocks of foam and stacks of plywood to build a set for a rocky mine shaft.

For the next 11 weeks, the cast and crew of "Red Dawn," a remake of the 1980s action thriller that Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer is scheduled to release next year, will be working in Michigan. The film, starring Chris Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson, is one of dozens of Hollywood productions drawn in part by the state's generous film tax-credit program, which could shave as much as $14 million off the movie's estimated $54-million budget.

Nearly 95 miles to the west in the state capital of Lansing, lawmakers are wrestling with how to bridge a $2.7-billion budget gap -- and whether a state with the highest unemployment rate in the nation can afford to subsidize the movie business. The budget woes have hit cities across the state and have forced the layoffs of thousands of Michigan police officers and firefighters in recent years.

To read the full article, click here.

Site Visitor Map for 9.22!

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

Bryan Cranston of Breaking Bad, Filmed in New Mexico, Wins Second Emmy!

So many crewnewmexicans are involved in making Breaking Bad, and we're thrilled that Bryan Cranston has pulled off an amazing feat - his second consecutive Emmy. Great job by all.

Bryan Cranston has done it again: Breaking Bad's Emmy-winning actor picked up his second consecutive trophy as Best Actor in a Drama Series at the 61st Annual Primetime Emmy awards Sunday night. "Lee Trevino was struck by lightning twice," Cranston said, accepting the award. "Now I know how he feels."

The veteran actor faced stiff competition for the honor: Dexter's Michael C. Hall, House's Hugh Laurie, In Treatment's Gabriel Byrne, The Mentalist's Simon Baker and AMC's own Jon Hamm of Mad Men. (Click here to read more about Mad Men's Emmy wins.)

The award was Breaking Bad's second of the year, the first of which went to Lynne Willingham, who picked up the best editing trophy -- her second consecutive as well -- at the Creative Arts Emmys last week.

AMCtv.com congratulates Breaking Bad and Mad Men for all their successes.

Great Acting Class This Sunday! Register Now!

On Camera Auditioning: Fall Class at Healing Gate

September 27 - December 6, 2009
(no class Thanksgiving week)

Go big or go home! When you’re ready to explore the acting scene beyond extra work it’s time to make sure that you’re audition technique is at its best. Develop your audition skills in all areas of on camera acting so you know what to expect and how to be your best! Cold readings, working from actual film scripts, and watching yourself on camera will give you an edge and build your confidence.

Ages 18 and up
Sundays 3:00 pm-5:00 pm
Cost: $195.00

Location
3212 Monte Vista Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
At Healing Gate near UNM

Simply click the registration button, and then pay online with the Pay Now button.

Iowa Film Tax Credit Program Suspended Top Economic Development Chief Resigns, Film Office Manager Suspended

As the film tax incentive programs around the nation, and world, become increasingly competitive, and critical to the industry, we're committed to keeping you informed about industry developments, including in one of our "competing" states, Iowa. New Mexico has recently launched a program which should prevent similar abuses in our state. - crewnewmexico.com

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Allegations of misspent money from state tax credits has led to the state's director of economic development to resign and Gov. Culver voicing freezing money spent to promote filmmaking in Iowa.

An internal memo dated Wednesday said that the Economic Development Department has been investigating reports of misspent money. Mike Tramontina, who has led the office since 2007, resigned on Friday, effective immediately.

Culver released a statement Friday afternoon announcing Mike Tramontina's resignation.

The news release also said that Culver sent a letter to Robert Boken, the chairman of the Iowa Economic Development Board, saying that he is troubled by information that insufficient procedures were in place to "assure a full and accurate accounting of expenditures made to enable persons to qualify for tax credits" under the state's film, television and promotion program.

Culver has ordered that no further expenditures for the program be approved and that no further tax credit certificates be issued.

The Economic Development Department oversees Iowa's film promotion efforts.

Iowa Film Office manager Tom Wheeler has been put on paid administrative leave. Wheeler has directly overseen the program which has lured at least 20 film productions to Iowa.

An internal memo said questions arose over two luxury cars. Before he resigned, Tramontina wrote, "The Code clearly authorizes the purchase of vehicles but the fact they were luxury vehicles (Mercedes and a Land Rover), were not used directly on the film and the amount of credits claimed was the full purchase price rather than the lease cost during the project were judged to be abuses."

To read the full article, click here.

Event to Honor the NM Film Industry

A Special Event Honoring Members of the Film/Media Industry

Where Film and Stage Converge in a Comedy of Delightful Fun and Frivolity
Opening our 80th Anniversary Season with a Sneak Preview of
SHAKESPEARE IN HOLLYWOOD

Written by Ken Ludwig Directed by Henry Avery
Thursday, September 24 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Advance $10.00/At-Door $15.00
Call for reservations 505.242.4750

Meet & Mingle at an After-Party at St. Clair Winery & Bistro –September 24th
Light Refreshments – Music – No-Host Bar with Happy Hour Pricing for Wine by the Glass.

Door Prize Drawings
901 Rio Grande Boulevard NW

Shakespeare in Hollywood runs September 25 through October 11, 2009.

Jon Hendry and Ann Lerner are going to do celebrity cameo’s on this night and then we are going to have a really fun party at St. Clair with GREAT door prizes. Hendry will purchase the first 20 tickets for any IATSE 480 union member who wants to see Shakespeare In Hollywood and go to the after party at St. Clair. But you have to respond fast. Call Albuquerque Little Theatre’s box office 242-4750 and identify yourself as an IATSE member (no cheating).

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

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

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

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

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

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

Event schedule is as follows:

12:00 – 1:00 PM On-site check-in and registration

1:00 – 2:30 PM Council Introduction and Listening Session

2:45 – 4:00 PM Break-out Sessions (Topics to be determined)

4:15 – 5:00 PM Wrap-up Session

5:30 – 7:00 PM Following the Town Hall, IATSE 480 will host a post-event
networking reception. Location: Meson de Mesilla, 1803 Avenida de Mesilla.
Phone number: 575-525-9212; web: www.mesondemesilla.com

The Alma d'arte Charter High School is located at 402 W. Court Avenue
(downtown Las Cruces in the historic Alameda Neighborhood District between
Alameda and Court Avenue), in Las Cruces. For more information on the Town
Hall event, please contact Governor’s Council on Film and Media Industries
Executive Director, Rochelle Bussey at rochelle@nmfilm.com or call
505-476-5604

Special Event for Film/Media Community

The Albuquerque Little Theater is having a special event to honor members of the Film/Media Industry in New Mexico with a party and sneak preview of its 80th Anniversary Opening Show, "Shakespeare in Hollywood" on Thursday, September 24th.

Where Film and Stage Converge in a Comedy of Delightful Fun and Frivolity
Opening our 80th Anniversary Season with a Sneak Preview of


SHAKESPEARE IN HOLLYWOOD
Written by Ken Ludwig Directed by Henry Avery
Thursday, September 24 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Advance $10.00/At-Door $15.00
Call for reservations 505.242.4750

Show Dates: Friday, September 25 – Sunday, October 11
Meet & Mingle at an After-Party at St. Clair Winery & Bistro
Light Refreshments – Music – No-Host Bar with Happy Hour Pricing for Wine by the Glass
Door Prize Drawings
901 Rio Grande Boulevard NW

County backs loan for new film studio: Development of complex off N.M. 14 could begin within weeks

Santa Fe County will lend $6 million to a production company to build a film studio complex on N.M. 14 near the Penitentiary of New Mexico.

County Commissioners approved the loan unanimously Friday morning in a special meeting held in a chamber packed with local film union members.

The county will generate the $6 million for the loan through the sale of bonds backed by gross-receipts tax revenues.

Executives of Santa Fe Studios -- the entity that will use the money to build the studio -- will provide a $2 million letter of credit or escrow payment to secure the loan.

If Santa Fe Studios defaults on the loan, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 480 would take over operating the studios on behalf of the county.

Though the general terms were agreed to in Friday's meeting, several specifics of the deal have yet to be finalized.

Chief among the unresolved details is the extent of financial liability the union would assume in the event Santa Fe Studios, owned by Lance Hool, 59, his brother Conrad Hool, 61 and Lance Hool's 34-year-old son Jason Hool, defaults on the loan. The company's board also includes executives from Warner Bros., SONY/Columbia Pictures and Twentieth Century Fox.

"If (Santa Fe Studios owners) default, the filmmakers union would be taking on all of the debt," said Commissioner Liz Stefancis after the vote. "That's what we intended."

But IATSE Local 480 business agent Jon Hendry had a different perception of what had been approved in the meeting.

"We're not getting into guaranteeing any private debt," Hendry said. "We never offered that and we wouldn't be prepared to do that because it would put us in a position where we would have a vested interest in (the Hools') failure and we're not going to do that."

County Attorney Stephen Ross said resolving the terms of the union's involvement is a small but important detail "because the consequences of not having enough security are serious."

Hendry said 525 of the 1,200 IATSE members in New Mexico members are based in Santa Fe County, so there is strong support for the project within the union.

The Hools have been trying for years to realize a film studio project on a 65-acre tract of land off N.M. 14 that has since been designated a media district.

Santa Fe Studios and the county agreed in June 2008 that the film production company would purchase the land and build a four-stage, $40 million eco-friendly film studio. As part of that deal, the county agreed to contribute about $3.5 million worth of water rights and infrastructure improvements to the project. The studio promised to provide 500,000 hours worth of above-minimum wage jobs in return. The studio project also is slated to receive $10 million in economic development subsidies from the state Department of Finance.

But the Hools have had some difficulty securing the balance of funding needed to meet the terms of that agreement.

The version of the project discussed Friday calls for a scaled-back $16 million start -- with reduced square footage and more flexibility regarding the type of facilities that must be produced -- with a gradual phasing in of more development over time.

All five county commissioners spoke in favor of the project Friday, lauding it as a clean industry that would provide a myriad of economic development benefits for the county.

Lance Hool said making the studio complex a reality in current economic conditions has been tough, but he has been encouraged by the strong support shown by local government and union officials.

To read the full article, click here!

Meet the Mayor of Albuquerque!

Invitation to a "Marty Party"

Drop by and meet the Mayor of Albuquerque. Ask him questions, voice your opinions. (Not a fundraiser - leave your checkbooks at home). Mayor Chavez has been a big supporter of the film industry. Come thank him.

Join Melinda Potcher, Kelly & Kyle Cole, Keith Johnson

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

5:30 pm – 8:00 pm

3400 Anderson Avenue SE

RSVP: 259-6397