"Red Mesa" Takes Top Honors and International Film Festival

Governor Bill Richardson today congratulated “New Visions/New Mexico winner Ilana Lapid for winning best short film for “Red Mesa” during the13th Annual Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival. Lapid wrote and directed the film, which beat out hundreds of other entries for top honors. The prestigious event is an Oscar qualifying film festival, which means that “Red Mesa” can now be submitted to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for consideration of Oscar contention.

Lapid was one of the first recipients of the state’s New Visions/New Mexico Contract Awards, receiving $15,000.00 toward the making of “Red Mesa.” She co-produced the film with local New Mexicans Jake Pokluda and John Ward, worked with local first Assistant Director, Dennis Crow, and many other New Mexico film crew on this project through the Film Technician Training Program at New Mexico State University Dona Ana Community College and with the support of the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees Local 480.

“Ilana Lapid has made the State of New Mexico proud with her win at this prestigious international film festival,” Governor Richardson. “I created the New Visions program to support the overwhelming talent and creativity of our homegrown filmmakers and I am proud that this effort is helping our filmmakers realize their deserved international acclaim.”

In exchange for their contract awards, recipients of the New Visions/New Mexico Contract Awards must provide a service to the state’s film efforts, such as training other New Mexico filmmakers who are new to the industry, workshops and seminars and conducting outreach to high school students interested in pursuing film/media careers. The Film Technician Training Program is now offered at five community colleges around the state including: Dona Ana Community College, Santa Fe Community College, CNM in Albuquerque, Northern New Mexico College at El Rito, and Eastern New Mexico University at Roswell. More information on these programs are available on the New Mexico Film Office website, www.nmfilm.com under “Workforce Advancement.”

Set against the backdrop of the US/Mexico border, “Red Mesa” is the coming of age story of Lynn, 17, caught in between her love for her grandfather and her forbidden romance with a Mexican laborer from a neighboring ranch. Lynn’s deception of both men leads to a terrible accident when the three of them are thrown together under a situation of great stress. Coming face to face with the painful realities of the border, Lynn realizes that meaningful relationships can only be based on honesty and the courage to stand up for what you believe.

The film is dedicated to the late Michael Laurence, who was in charge of the NMSU Film Technician’s Training Program at that time and was a strong supporter of Ilana and this project.

Mentors Needed for Film Students

Capital High School in Santa Fe is seeking mentors for students who are interested in pursuing a career in film!

1. Mentors for CHS students would have a general meeting at the school with their proteges in November to kick off the program.
2. They would be asked to have their student shadow/work with them at least 2hrs. each week.
3. The mentors would be asked to attend an end of the year presentation given by their student.

If you're interested, can recommend someone great, or need more information, please contact Bernadette Pena at Capital High School - btop5678@gmail.com

YDI Mi Voz Auditions for Fall 2009 Session

After-school program for New Mexico Middle School kids teaches documentary filmmaking!

On Wednesday, October 21st and Thursday, October 22nd Youth Development Inc.’s (YDI) Mi Voz program, which teaches above-the-line filmmaking skills to middle school age kids, will hold auditions for its Fall 2009 session. The auditions will be held in the YDI Mi Voz office at 518 1st Street, Albuquerque, New Mexico from 4 -5:30pm each day.

YDI Mi Voz has established a rock-solid after school program since its beginnings in 2006. So far it has produced 25 films that have all been exclusively helmed by its carefully-selected students, who range in age from 11-16. Kids who are interested in the program must first do well at their audition, where former graduates of YDI Mi Voz turn the studio lights on them, flip a tape in a camera, and grill them in an on-camera interview. “The audition is the hardest part,” says Sarena Whitten, 12, who premiered her documentary on New Mexican art this past summer. “The actual filmmaking is probably one of the most fun things, I’ve ever done.”

When their films are “in the can,” (industry speak for “done”) they are premiered in the newly-renovated Wool Warehouse theater in downtown Albuquerque. The affair is one to remember: arriving dressed up and emerging from a limo, they get swarmed by “paparazzi” – in this case, proud friends and family members with cameras. The smell of freshly made popcorn wafting through the lobby, the theater lights go low, and then it’s official – they are a filmmaker from now on.

Many if not all participants continue their work in one shape or another. Paul Brennan, 13, who first came to YDI Mi Voz when he was in 6th grade, has written 3 feature length screenplays, started shooting 1, acts in plays, and most recently is starring in an anti-smoking ad currently airing on your TV. He is easily recognized as “that kid stomping out the burning tumbleweed.” 2 of his short experimental films showed at 3 film showcases this year: Experiments in Cinema v 4.2, the New Mexico Filmmaker’s Showcase, and a screening at 2009’s New Mexico State Fair.

Like his peers, Paul was asked back to act as a youth mentor for the subsequent YDI Mi Voz seasons, and hasn’t left since. “[Mi Voz is] My favorite after school program, no questions asked. I’ve been in all kinds of extracurricular stuff- acting classes, dance, theater- but [Mi Voz] is the one I always go back to,” Paul says.

“Spirits of Enchantment” is a series of short documentaries that will be produced, directed, shot, edited and delivered by a group of middle school age students in Albuquerque. Each short documentary will spotlight a different tale of the supernatural. Students will document these stories by people who have experienced them and relate it to how it makes New Mexico unique. These will not just be “ghost stories,” but retellings of some of our great mythological and legendary heritage as a state. With history and architecture that goes back to colonial Spanish days as well as a close association to extraterrestrial activity, New Mexico presents a diverse set of opportunities for aspiring filmmakers to tell these extraordinary tales.

The purposes of the program are:

1. It contributes to building a “native workforce” for New Mexico’s blossoming film industry, giving young people a head start in using industry standard tools and techniques.
2. The finished products will showcase a marketable and exciting aspect of New Mexico, which will also engage youth participants and audiences alike.
3. By providing Mi Voz classes under the YDI banner, students and their families have access to the wide range of social services YDI provides.

We are actively seeking out participants for this session. During the 16-week after school course, students will be taught producing, directing, shooting, and editing using top of the line digital video equipment. The course is free to participants, but interested students must audition first to gauge their interest and dedication. 14 students will be selected. Classes are taught by Marcos Baca and Brian Beeler, working professionals in the area of digital art and filmmaking. 4 youth instructors who have participated previously will be at every class to mentor new students, as well as guest lectures by UNM Cinematic Arts Professors and other independent producers.

For more information contact YDI Media Relations Manager Marcos Baca at (505)212-7442 or mbaca@ydinm.org

Michael Bay on Directing Without a Script

from i09.com
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As you might know, the writers' strike forced Bay to start work on TF2 without an actual script — all he had was an outline by writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman. So a lot of the movie's early designs and ideas came about without a real script, and when Orci and Kurtzman came back to work after the strike, Bay was able to tell them which robots he wanted in the movie. As he says in this clip, all of that pre-visualization work and brainstorming with artists actually informed the movie's script, once it finally had one. You probably have your own ideas about whether that was a good thing.

Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen comes out on DVD tomorrow, October 20, on Blu-Ray and DVD, wherever awesomeness is available.

Click here to see the clip!

Casting Call for Passion Play

Paid EXTRAS for the feature film "Passion Play" starring Megan Fox & Mickey Rourke to be filmed in the SANTE FE/ALBUQUERQUE, NM areas from 11/2/09-12/15/09.

We will be looking for ALL types, ALL ages of local Santa Fe/Albuquerque area talent to work on this project. NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE REQUIRED!!!

Some specific types of Featured Extras we will need include:

• -Midwestern whitebread family (mom with 2 kids)
• -Tiny Jewish comics (male, 50+ years old, jewish or jewish looking)
• -Tarahumara Indians (REAL preferred, but can use dark skinned Native Americans)
• -Rural Mexican Farmers/Mexican Cowboys (weathered character faces)
• -Rural Mexican Families
• -Rough Looking Bikers
• -African American Male Bodyguards (huge guys)
• -Sailors and other Soldier types with military haircuts
• -Disfigured men & women (facial disfuration, burn victims & upper limb amputees)
• -Circus Sideshow types (Fat Lady, Bearded Lady, Snake Charmer, Sword Swallower, etc. - Specifically need a Female with experience handling aggressive snakes)
• -Carnies and odd circus "freaks"
• -Businessmen with suits
• -Strippers/Burlesque Dancers (please specify willingness to do nudity)
• -Seedy Character types (extreme interesting character faces, all ages)
• -"smoking hot" MODELS
• -Chinese Waitresses
• -Homeless types
• -Pawn Shop Owner: male, caucasian, Jewish looking, 45-65 years old, kind of sleazy, would love to have someone hairy
• -Starlets & beautiful ladies
• -Wealthy "Old Money" Aristocrats (men & women - ages 40+)
• -Power Broker Men and their Upscale Wives
• -African American Waiters
• -"Giant" men: not bouncer big, more like Ron Perlman or Richard Kiel types. Giants without having to be giants.
• -Male Little Person (4'10" or shorter) willing to wear a diaper to play Cupid
• -Fat Sweaty Man in his 40s-50s
• -Standins/Photos Doubles for Megan Fox: female, 5'3"-5'5", thin, caucasian, dark brown or black hair, age range 18-30, attractive
• -Standins/Photos Doubles for Mickey Rourke: male, 5'10"-6'0", average build, caucasian, blondish/brown hair
• -Standins/Photos Doubles for Kelly Lynch: female, 5'9"-5'10", thin, caucasian, long blonde hair, age range 18-45, attractive
• -(2) different JAZZ Quartets (REAL Musicians to include drums, upright bass, keyboard, trumpet and/or saxophone)
• -African American jazz quartet - acoustic, bluesy, soft, sultry jazz group to include drums, upright bass, keyboard, saxophone
• -Symphony Strinq Quartet - to include (2) violinists, viola, cello (prefer group who plays together regularly and doesn't need a conductor)

Plus many other General Extra roles. All Extra roles are PAID. Rate TBD.

In order to be considered for EXTRA work, you will need to be in the casting agency database at onlocationcasting.net. Please make sure to upload 1-2 photos to your talent profile. It is FREE to be in our talent files. Paid upgrades not required.

*NEW MEXICO Residents ONLY! We will NOT pay for your travel/accomodations to/in Santa Fe/Albuquerque.

If you have further questions - you can reach us via email at: onlocationcasting@yahoo.com. If you are already in our database, please DO NOT email us to express interest in this project. You automatically be considered just by being in our database, just make sure your contact numbers are up to date.

We will NOT be handling the principal (speaking role) casting for this project.

New Mexico Movie News #2

We're pleased to announce that the second edition of the New Mexico Movie News is live, and can be viewed by clicking this link!

Site Vistor Map for 10.14.09

We think its fascinating who's looking around our site. This is from today alone!

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.