New Mexico Film Blog by crewnewmexico.com - NM Film Industry

Three New Productions Announced for New Mexico.

2013-08-01T14:17:00.001-06:00

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Three new films projects are coming to New Mexico.

New Mexico Film Office Director Nick Maniatis on Wednesday announced that a dramatic thriller called “The Guest,” will be filming through the end of August in Moriarty, Edgewood and Estancia.

Starring Downtown Abbey’s Dan Stephens, “The Guest” is about a family that takes in a houseguest who claims to have been friends with their deceased eldest son.

Also being filmed in the state this month and next is a political drama called “Persecuted,” and a movie called “Dry Lake.

“Persecuted” is the story of a contemporary evangelist who is framed for murder by a senator and his allies. Stars include James Remar, Bruce Davison, Fred Thompson, Raoul Trujillo and Natalie Grant.

“Dry Lake” is about three Native American teenagers, an adopted Christian girl, a rebellious father-to-be, and a promiscuous friend trying to escape the hardships of life on an Indian reservation.

The New Mexico Film Office Announces the Second NM Filmmakers Experience Panel Discussion in Santa Fe COMPOSING FOR FILM

2013-04-01T16:02:00.000-06:00

SANTA FE —The New Mexico State Film Office has announced the expansion of the New Mexico Filmmakers Program including a new series of discussions entitled the "NM Filmmakers Experience” to be held at the Santa Fe Center for Contemporary Arts.

The New Mexico Filmmakers Experience will consist of screenings and panel discussions, which will take place on the 3rd Sunday of each month from February to June. For more information, visit our website at: http://nmfilm.com/Filmaker_Programs.aspx or contact Dirk Norris at 505-476-5671 or dirk@nmfilm.comdirk@nmfilm.com.

These events are free and open to the public. Our second Filmmakers Experience panel discussion is Composing for Film. What is involved in making music for a film? Who does it and why? Our March panelists are CK Barlow, Jeff Mettling, John Rangel, Andy Gabrys and Sue Lucas.

Date: Sunday, March 17th Time: 11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Location: Santa Fe Center for Contemporary Arts 1050 Old Pecos Trail Santa Fe, NM 87505 505-982-1338; email: contact@ccasantafe.org.

Panelist Bios: CK BARLOW is an Albuquerque-based composer whose work has been heard on ABC, NBC, BBC, Bravo, MTV, National Geographic, VH1, CMT, Discovery Channel, G4, History Channel, Animal Planet, Style Network, etc. ANDY GABRYS has scored a number of short films including “Plots” and “Leather Kittens Gone Bad” with director Holly Adams, and the 2010 Notable New Mexico documentary on Astronaut Sidney Gutierrez: “The Sky’s Not the Limit” with director Tara Walch. SUE LUCAS is the owner of SkyLimit Music, LLC an on-line music library consisting of cleared, and original stock music of all genres by independent artists. JEFF METTLING lives in Albuquerque and is a multi-award winning musical composer and recording artist. JOHN RANGEL is a Composer and Jazz Pianist. John now lives in Santa Fe New Mexico and teaches at the Santa Fe School of Arts and Sciences.

crewnewmexico.com is not affiliated with the New Mexico Film Office (but we like to help promote their news and events!)

Film Industry Town Hall, April 18th in Taos!

2013-04-01T15:43:00.001-06:00

SANTA FE—The New Mexico Film Office today announced a Town Hall meeting scheduled to take place in Taos on Thursday, April 18, 2013.

This Town Hall follows a series of town hall meetings that took place in Las Cruces, Ruidoso, Roswell, Raton, Clovis, and Carlsbad. Film Office director Nick Maniatis will discuss the state of the New Mexico film industry – including an update about legislation, the outlook going forward, and the opportunities available to New Mexicans.

The meetings are intended to provide an open forum for each community to share information about their educational programs, film related businesses and issues of concern. Prior to each Town Hall meeting, participants will have an opportunity to have their headshot (photograph) taken by a representative of the film office which will be given to Extra Casting Directors in New Mexico.

Those who already have a headshot are encouraged to bring them to the Town Hall meeting and fill out the Extras Casting Information Registration form (headshots do not have to be taken by a professional). This opportunity is for informational purposes only and is not in response to a particular production. The Town Halls are free and open to all, including students, local filmmakers, businesses and the general public. The NM Film Office is collaborating with local film liaisons, schools and chambers of commerce in conducting these events.

The schedule is as follows: When: Thursday, April 18, 2013 Time: 6:00 PM Location: Harwood Museum of Art 238 Ledoux St., Taos, NM 87571 Phone: 575-758-9826 Contact: Asia Golden, Coordinator of Public Programs asiagolden@gmail.com

Agenda: 6:00 pm - Headshots for casting directors 7:00 pm - Welcome and Introductions David Hinske 7:15 pm - State of the NM Film Industry, Director Nick Maniatis 7:30 pm - Q and A session There is no RSVP necessary to attend any of the Town Hall meetings and surrounding communities are encouraged to participate in the discussion.

The expected timeframe for the town hall is approximately two (2) hours with Q&A. For more information on the 2013 Film Industry Town Hall meetings contact Dirk Norris at 505-476-5671 or dirk@nmfilm.com. # # #

Cast & Crew Entertainment Services - The Interview!

2013-04-01T07:01:00.000-06:00

Payroll Companies play a large and increasingly critical part of the production industry, and are often the “unseen heroes” that really help a film tick. In this interview with our New Mexico clients – Cast & Crew Entertainment Services – Senior VP of Client Services, Shardell Cavaliere, explains about the role of the Payroll Company in the modern production landscape.

What are the core services Cast & Crew provides to the film industry?

As a leading Entertainment Industry services company, Cast & Crew offers a turnkey solution for the Industry’s payroll and production needs. Our suite of services includes specialized payroll and residuals processing, Cast & Crew’s own proprietary software products: PSL production accounting software, (the most stable in the industry), onBudget, (Cast & Crew’s premier production budgeting software) and onSet, (Cast & Crew’s Purchasing and Procurement Company.)

Most people would be surprised at how large and diverse a role payroll companies play in the production of feature films. In addition to payroll, what services and/or logistics does Cast & Crew provide to the industry?

Cast & Crew has a suite of proprietary technology solutions for production from budgeting via our onBudget software to our production accounting software, PSL. For our clients, Cast & Crew facilitates all areas of Worker’s Compensation, provides access to our extremely knowledgeable Labor Relations group and provides state-by-state production incentive advice. Additionally, through our onSet service, productions are able to procure goods and services through Cast & Crew to take advantage of various state incentives.

As production continues to decentralize from LA to “incentive” states, what challenges or opportunities does that present for a company like Cast & Crew, and how do you stay on top of it all? Is that the benefit of having offices nationwide?

At Cast & Crew, we look at every change in the industry as an opportunity to increase both our knowledge base and our role in the ever changing industry. We work directly with film commissions in all US and Canadian jurisdictions and participate in numerous panels and discussions all year long. Through these relationships, Cast & Crew is kept abreast of proposed changes and is able to work proactively with our clients to ensure that they get the most out of the individual incentives.

While traveling to take advantage of incentives is beneficial to the productions, are there areas where it makes things more difficult or less cost effective? How does working with a company like Cast & Crew minimize those challenges and help maximize incentives?

Cast & Crew’s relationships with various state agencies only benefit our clients. The ever changing world of incentives poses a challenge to all productions but, by utilizing our services, they do not need to be worried that they are missing out. We all know that it is not practical for a production to purchase and own all of the equipment that is necessary. From the expense of traveling that equipment across the country to the expense of storing it until it is liquidated at the end of production, the viability of owning just does not make sense. This is where Cast & Crew onSet provides an amazing service. Productions are able to procure their equipment from onSet and take advantage of the state incentives. No need to store or transport equipment and they get credit for incentive purposes. This is a double win for productions!

Productions are increasingly mobile, going from New Mexico to New Orleans or beyond. Do you follow along and provide services throughout, regardless of the location? What about overseas locations? What's one of the most exotic places your staff has traveled to?

When a production starts with Cast & Crew, they may begin working in the US and soon find themselves across the country or the ocean. Cast & Crew currently has offices across the United States and Canada and we are pleased to be opening our first overseas office in London this spring. Cast & Crew will be with them every step of the way. We have had productions in various parts of the world, including remote parts of Africa. We are able to process US nationals working anywhere in the world and, with the opening of our London office, will be able to process payroll across Europe as well.

Does Cast & Crew help productions navigate all the State incentives to help them decide where to shoot? Or do your services begin once the locations are set and the project is green-lit?

Cast & Crew is available to work with any of our clients to get the most out of the state incentives. We are not in the business of keeping our clients out in the cold and that philosophy extends to production incentives. A client simply needs to call and let us know where they are going and we are ready to assist them with the most up-to-date information available. We provide monthly email updates and twice yearly we publish a physical version of our TIP Guide which details the incentives on a state-by-state basis. These tools and the personal relationships that we have with state agencies enable us to provide up to the minute information to our production partners allowing them to maximize their return.

New Mexico remains one of the top production locations in the US. What is it about New Mexico that continues to keep it so successful in light of aggressive competition from other States?

New Mexico has state-of-the-art stage facilities, a good crew base and no per project cap except for the $20M aggregate cap on performing artists’ salaries. In addition, the incentive is fully refundable, a short commute from Los Angeles for weekend trips home, and good weather,

all of which provide a very competitive landscape.

What are some of the more notable New Mexico productions Cast & Crew has worked on?

Cast & Crew has been privileged to work with many productions in New Mexico such as The Lone Ranger, Game Change, Longmire and The Lying Game, to name just a few.

Tell us about your New Mexico crew. What makes them the best in the industry?

Our New Mexico office is led by a seasoned team of industry professions. The majority of the team has also worked on the production side which adds to the client experience.

Cast & Crew uses "the most stable and sophisticated production accounting software available on the market." Explain a bit about the system, what it enables Cast & Crew to do, and how it gives you an edge over other Payroll companies.

PSL was designed to track production incentives efficiently and effectively. In addition, the user friendly interface makes it the go-to software for the biggest films ever produced, most recently THE LONE RANGER filmed in New Mexico. The flexibility of PSL allows for customized reports to be created effortlessly, allowing productions to maximize their return and speed up the incentive process. Combine that with the 24/7 customer support, PSL has become the choice of production accountants everywhere.

To learn more, contact Cast & Crew!

Cast & Crew Entertainment Services
5700 Harper Drive, NE, Suite 310, Albuquerque, NM 87109
Tel: (505) 247-0868

Get Listed Now! Choose Your Discount!

2013-03-06T10:45:00.001-07:00

Be one of the next 10 9 people or businesses to list on the New Mexico Film Directory on crewnewmexico.com and YOU GET TO CHOOSE YOUR DISCOUNT!!

Option 1: 25% Discount. That's right, opt for Option 1 and we'll instantly refund you 25% of your total purchase price! That means you can get listed on crewnewmexico.com starting at just $60/year! Whatever your total, you'll get 25% right back!

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Simply click here and register and we'll be in touch right away to confirm your discount option. It's that easy! New listings only. You can list in any area of the site: Cast, Crew, Production Support, Locations, Lodging, Furnished Rentals, Dining!

Email us at membership@crewnewmexico.com if you have any questions!

NM House OKs larger subsidy for TV production

2013-02-21T10:57:00.000-07:00

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Television shows filmed in New Mexico could qualify for larger tax incentives under a proposal the state House unanimously approved Wednesday in hopes of bringing more long-running TV series and their jobs to the state.

The award-winning series "Breaking Bad" is set in Albuquerque and filming a fifth and final season. One of its actors, Steven Michael Quezada, sat in the House chamber as lawmakers debated the measure.

New Mexico offers a 25 percent tax refund for certain film and TV production expenses.

Under the legislation, the incentive would increase to 30 percent for a TV show producing at least six episodes in New Mexico. The extra 5 percent also would be offered for film and TV projects that spend an extended time in New Mexico doing their main photography at one of the state's film studios.

Quezada, a New Mexico actor who won a seat on the Albuquerque school board, said in an interview that the higher incentives should encourage more TV series to come to the state.

"It's a great investment. It's a long-term thing," he said.

"Breaking Bad" follows Bryan Cranston's character Walter White, who produces and sells methamphetamine with a former student. Quezada plays DEA agent Steven Gomez.

In 2011, the state imposed a $50 million annual limit on the tax credits provided for all film and TV projects. However, the legislation will allow unused subsidies to be carried over to the next year. That could mean that more than $50 million would be available in some years.

The cap was established when New Mexico faced a budget squeeze and state officials wanted more control over the costs of the film incentives.

The state provided about $96 million in film and TV tax refunds in the 2011 budget year, as production companies rushed to receive payments before the $50 million limit took effect. The state paid out about $9.5 million in 2012, and the New Mexico Film Office estimates the incentives could reach about $45 million this year.

The proposed incentives will "send a clear and strong message to the industry that the government of the state of New Mexico welcomes the film industry and also wants more TV production filmed here locally as well," said Rep. Antonio "Moe" Maestas, an Albuquerque Democrat who sponsored the proposal.

The measure heads to the Senate, where a similar proposal has cleared one committee.

Bill designed to lure more TV series to N.M.

2013-02-07T06:57:00.005-07:00

From The Santa Fe New Mexican, by Steve Terrell,

SANTA FE — Call it the "'Breaking Bad' Bill."

In a bill meant to spur more production of television series in New Mexico, Rep. Antonio "Moe" Maestas, D-Albuquerque is proposing bigger film-incentive rebates for television series.

"TV series are good for job creation and sustained economic growth," Maestas told reporters Monday. "TV series that are successful stay around for several years. Movies come and go."

Longer series mean more job security for New Mexico crews, Maestas said.

The legislator said his House Bill 379 is meant to attract more series like AMC's critically acclaimed "Breaking Bad" and USA Network's "In Plain Sight."

Both series, shot primarily in Albuquerque, lasted five seasons.

HB 379 also would allow the state to carry forward unused film tax credit production funds from previous years, if the state spent less than the current $50 million annual cap. For example, if the state spent only $40 million on the rebates one year, the next year the cap would go up to $60 million.

The bill appears to have legs. One good sign for it was that it only received one committee assignment in the House, to the House Taxation and Revenue Committee.

And Gov. Susana Martinez, who hasn't been one of the biggest backers of the film incentive program in the past, supports at least part of the bill.

"The governor fully supports carrying over unused film incentives from one year to the next," Martinez's spokesman, Enrique Knell, said Monday. It allows us to maximize use of the fund while providing budget certainty."

But, Martinez hasn't committed to support the other part of the legislation.

"We haven't seen the bill yet, and haven't reviewed the proposal to increase the rebate level to 30 percent," Knell said. "That's something we will have to look at."

Martinez in 2011 spent much of her first legislative session criticizing the film incentive program. She frequently made statements like, "I'm not willing to give Hollywood a 25 percent subsidy on the backs of our kids."

However, since the Legislature agreed to the cap on the program that year, she has warmed up to the film industry.

The final eight episodes of Breaking Bad, the story of an Albuquerque high-school science teacher turned methamphetamine producer, will be aired later this year.

Another series, being shot in Las Vegas, N.M., is the A&E network's "Longmire," a crime drama in its second season.

To read the full article, click here!

Vme Selects Denver-Based CMC’s Content Solutions Unit for VOD Distribution

2013-01-29T13:37:00.002-07:00

Colorado Film News by Shoot Colorado.

Vme Media Inc. announced today
that it has selected Denver-based Comcast Media Center’s(CMC) Content Solutions unit to manage and deliver video on demand (VOD) programming for its Spanish-language television network. Vme’s on demand programming delivered via the CMC’s VOD distribution platform includes Peep, Dibo, Bruno and the Banana Bunch,Wild Animal Baby Explorers, and Rosie’s World. CMC’s VOD footprint encompasses cable systems across multiple MSOs serving more than 56 million VOD –enabled households in the U.S. and Canada.

Vme’s smart, engaging and empowering entertainment uniquely serves the Latino community with extraordinary programming that encourages learning, imagination and originality. Its 24-hour digital broadcast service is already carried on basic digital cable in major markets across the country and nationally via satellite.

“Distribution of Vme’s one-of-a-kind entertainment and educational programming through CMC’s platform will complement both carriage of our linear channel in markets serving more than 10 million U.S. Latino households and introduce us to new markets as free VOD content for digital video customers,” said Alvaro Garnica, Vme’s General Manager.

”We are very pleased to count Vme among the growing number of video service providers that rely upon us to meet their goal of reaching Spanish-language households throughout North America,” said Richard Buchanan, Vice President and General Manager of Content Solutions at Comcast Media Center. “CMC’s VOD distribution platform is ideally suited to meet the needs of Vme and other television programming networks looking for a fast, reliable, cost effective, widely adopted and quality-driven solution for their content distribution requirements.”

CMC, which distributes more than 12,000 hours of on demand video programming per month, provides its wide range of VOD services from one central location including content acquisition, transcoding, editing and distribution. The platform operates under automated workflows and remote management capabilities to accelerate the delivery of VOD content. In addition to its role in uploading and managing television programming and related metadata, the CMC’s web-based portal lets clients track each VOD asset from CMC receipt to distribution across the VOD platform’s footprint.

About VmeVme delivers drama, music, sports, news, current affairs, food, lifestyle, nature and educational preschool content to our viewers. The 24-hour Spanish network, partnered with public television stations, is currently available in more than 10 million Hispanic homes reaching nearly 80 percent of the market. Vme is the first venture of the media production and distribution company, Vme Media, Inc. To find out more please visit www.VmeTV.com.

About Comcast Media Center

Launched in 2003, the CMC’s national VOD platform provides a highly secure content distribution environment for films and other licensed video programming. Denver-based Comcast Media Center (CMC), a subsidiary of Comcast Cable, provides centralized content management and distribution solutions for cable systems, video content providers and advertisers. More information about the CMC is available at www.comcastmediacenter.com.

Comcast and Comcast Media Center are trademarks or registered trademarks of Comcast. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners. ###

Media Contacts: Vme: Natalie Judd, njudd@dex-p.com, 203-605-9515 Comcast Media Center: Andy Holdgate, holdgatepr@comcast.net, 720.270.1325

Open Arms: Three Basic Tips to Welcome Production Crews

2013-01-24T12:24:00.002-07:00

Breckenridge is one of Colorado’s most production friendly locations, and here’s some tips from Rachel Zerowin of GoBreck on how to welcome and work with incoming film and photo shoots. See why they’ve been so successful in bringing film to Colorado.

by Rachel Zerowin, GoBreck.

We all know that film, video and photos tell stories. When a crew wants to help tell your community’s story, it can be valuable to welcome them with open arms. Of course, permitting processes vary, but no matter the community’s structure or size, considering a few basics can help open the door to productions.

Recognize (and reward) public relations value

Some productions seek nondescript backgrounds that can’t be placed in a specific town. When productions want to identify and show off your signature shots – the locations you use to sell your community – the result is often public relations (PR) value. Say thanks by waiving permitting fees.

Travel programs can show major and obvious PR value but with the wealth of resources in the state, Colorado communities can (and should) think beyond that. A field test of cycling gear can show off mountain bike trails or a commuter cycling network; and a reality TV show on home purchasing may reveal perks of visiting the community. Whatever the focus of the program, be open to how it can share your community’s story, and be willing to give accordingly.

Be a resource

From permitting and parking to knowing the best overlook and which coffee shops open before 6:00 a.m., it’s the little details that can be difficult to wrangle. Even if you don’t have all the answers to every question – and you won’t – assign someone to wrangle. That person should work closely with those who issue permits, and have a connection with, or be willing to contact, local businesses. Additionally, this person can serve as the on-site contact for any on-the-spot questions or requests.

In Breckenridge, crews typically work through town permitting, ski area permitting and permission for private property. Many handle these steps on their own, but some seek our assistance here at the GoBreck office. Beyond sending crews to the appropriate permitting offices, we make ourselves available to be involved as much or as little as requested.

This varies from providing an on-site host, to setting up activities for cast members (often at no charge based on PR value), connecting producers with private property owners, or simply suggesting shoot/b-roll locations.

Be flexible

As crews communicate needs through the permitting process, be flexible and communicate any changes in normal procedures. For example, police/parking would probably be made aware if you issued a longer-term parking permit, but you may also want to notify impacted businesses or the public works department. Consider internal fact sheets so that crews with special permissions aren’t bothered. For those that want a crowd, use your in-town resource to inform businesses, rally crowds and contact media as appropriate.

In addition to fulfilling basic operational requests, be willing to make (or consider) changes for outdoor lighting, schedule demands, street closures, and close-in permitting requests. (Remember the first tip?) We’ve secured lifts, moved event locations/times and worked with activity outfitters to offer special trips. Yes, there will be limitations. But be flexible and be prepared with second and third choices

—-

Rachel Zerowin is the public relations manager for GoBreck, the destination marketing organization for the Town of Breckenridge. GoBreck works closely with the town and the ski resort to assist productions interested in shooting in Breckenridge. The community has hosted everything from movies and catalogue shoots to ski films and reality television programs. For more information on film and video permitting in Breckenridge, visit the Town of Breckenridge website or the Shoot Colorado location guide to Breckenridge. To get a taste of the town’s character, check out the BreckConnection blog.

Photos from the production of “After the Catch” – a followup to “The Deadliest Catch,” shot this summer in Breckenridge.

Credit Daniel Dunn
After the Catch, the Deadliest Catch recap show that relives the last crab fishing season, was shot in Breckenridge in summer 2012. In addition to fulfilling basic operational needs, the town and the ski area hosted a sampling of town’s signature activities and events, including the annual Outhouse Races.

Credit Ian Leirfallom. Captains from the Deadliest Catch participate in Breckenridge activities as part of shooting for After the Catch.

Credit Daniel Dunn
When After the Catch shot in Breckenridge in summer 2012, GoBreck assisted with rallying crowds for the Main Street shoot.

Perfecting the Tapeless Workflow

2012-12-07T10:38:00.000-07:00

Guest Blog by Tom Miller, Big Pictures Media

There often comes a point in a shoot day, or week, when the value of the footage we’ve shot exceeds that of the equipment we’re using to shoot it!

You look at the tapes and start to think of the work that was done to capture the footage,
the lighting, the heartfelt storytelling by the subjects, the efforts of the actors and production team.

Or what about the one-time events – the release of the weather balloon, the breeching whale, the explosion, the expensive aerials?

The tapes become – “The Money.”

They’re the only thing I know that can start out the day with a value of twenty bucks, and end the day worth thousands!

So what happens when we’re asked to shoot onto CF Cards, hard drives, P2, SxS, or flash media? I can tell you for those of us who have been shooting twenty years or more, it’s a little unnerving. The footage seems so vulnerable there – bits and bytes of it floating around on little cards and drives. Now granted, tapes have problems too. But at least at the end of the day, you have something physical to look at!

The challenge then is to get over our neuroses and fully embrace the tapeless workflow, and make it as safe (or even safer) than shooting onto tape or film.

Here’s how we do that here at Big Pictures:

First we always have at least two portable drives on the set. One of them can be ours, and one can be the client’s. We carry Lacie 500GB Rugged Firewire drives (or similar). With us, it’s just part of the package when we’re shooting with our nanoFlash, 5D, P2 camera, F3, or any number of our other tapeless configurations. We have created a “Media Management Kit” that includes all the adaptors, drives, and cables we need – along with a Macbook Pro loaded with Shotput Pro.

Then we simply download the cards to one of the drives via a laptop, and then copy it over to another. Or download to both drives concurrently (there’s some great software that helps with this – like Shotput Pro.) One drive goes with (or gets shipped to) the client, and the other stays with us. Once the first drive makes it to the edit suite and is backed up, we can release the second drive.

Now this of course begs the question of who does all this downloading and backing up in the middle of the busy shoot day. If it’s a big enough shoot, and there is a lot of footage, it’s great to have a Media Manager on the set who can handle this. This can be anyone from a well-trained PA to a Media Manager. Sometimes the producer takes on this role. Otherwise, it’s up to the camera crew. We just build it into the day.

Our HDX900-nanoFlash combination gives you the best of all worlds – as we can concurrently roll on tape, and the nanoFlash’s CF cards. This gives you the tapeless workflow with the extra protection of tape backups and archiving.

If done properly, tapeless production can be an amazingly efficient way to work. But for those of us who have worked with film and tape for so many years, it takes a little getting used to. Instead of handing the client a box of 30-minute cassettes at the end of the day, you hand them a drive. And if something happens to that drive, you always have a backup – which is more than you can say for that box of tapes!

Big Pictures is a Denver, Colorado-based media production company specializing in providing high-end production services to the film and television industry – including fully-equipped camera crews. Written by Tom Miller. Copyright 2010, Big Pictures Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reprinted with permission

Melissa Yonkey - Hairstylist

2012-11-15T10:24:00.004-07:00

Melissa Yonkey is one of the most trusted hairstylists in the business and has been living in Colorado for nearly 20 years. Anyone who says they don’t have talented crew isn’t doing their homework.

Her new website (http://melissayonkey.com) helps display her 30 year career spanning from high profile salons, to film ,TV & celebrity clientele. Her clients have included Jennifer Lopez, Christina Applegate, Lyndsey Lohan, Rose Byrne, Woody Harrelson & Seth Rogen. Her specialties involves styling wigs, hair extensions, as well as creating numerous fashion looks & characters for her various jobs.

Not only is she “Department Head Hair” right now on “Dallas,” her clients include Jennifer Lopez, Christina Applegate, Lyndsey Lohan, Rose Byrne, Woody Harrelson and Seth Rogen. Credits include Monster in Law, Shallow Hal, Zombieland, Superbad and Charlie’s Angels – Full Throttle.

Though she travels extensively for work, Melissa calls the mountains west of Colorado Springs her home. Get in touch for your next film, tv, commercial or advertising production.

To see her credits, click here.

Santa Fe Film Festival - Special Event!

2012-09-17T18:59:00.002-06:00

Don't miss out!

The Santa Fe Film Festival presents Without Borders. A Special Screening & Reception with the filmmakers and cast at the New Mexico History Museum

Tickets are ready for sale. Only $30.00 and going fast!

You can purchase them through Paypal on line or by coming into the Santa Fe Film Festival office located down town Santa Fe.

Get more news about this event and buy your tickets on our web site at...
http://www.santafefilmfestival.com/2012/08/17/santa-fe-film-festival-presents-without-borders/
Or come to the Santa Fe Film Festival Office (M-F 11am-2pm)
60 W. San Francisco St. Suite 307 (In the Arcade building Next to Rooftop Pizza)

(click for U-tube trailer)

Please contact me with any questions or for more options on how to purchase your tickets to Without Borders.

--
Thank you,
Nani Rivera
Office Manager
SANTA FE FILM FESTIVAL
505.988.7414 x102
nani@santafefilmfestival.com
officemanager@santafefilmfestival.com

Shoot Colorado Film News: Colorado film-incentive program substitutes innovation for more funds

2012-08-06T10:41:00.002-06:00

by Alan Svaldi, The Denver Post

Colorado is pulling back the curtains on two incentive programs it hopes are innovative enough to lure more film and television productions to the state.

“We fell out of the game because of our incentives,” said Donald Zuckerman, a former film producer who revamped the state’s incentives after he took over the Colorado Office of Film, Television & Media last year.

Incentives have gone from nice extras that producers used to plug budget shortfalls to necessary financial pillars that cover about 20 percent of production costs, said Jeff Steele, a film-finance expert in Los Angeles and Chicago.

The key attraction that states use is a refund or rebate of production expenses, in either cash or tax credits. Not unexpectedly, the states and countries that offer the most generous incentives with the fewest restrictions are winning the most new business.

New Mexico offers 25 percent, Louisiana up to 35 percent and Michigan up to 42 percent, which Colorado’s previous incentive of 10 percent couldn’t come close to matching.

To read the full article, click here!

Shoot Colorado Launches Their First Newsletter

2012-06-19T14:44:00.001-06:00

Our Shoot Colorado film partners have just launched their first newsletter - the Shoot Colorado News!

Shoot was founded by Daniel Taras, who also started Crew New Mexico! Pay attention to our industry friends one state north - great things are happening there!

"Dear Filmmaker,

There's no place in the world like Colorado, so I built a film guide like no other - Shoot Colorado, a 100-page, town-by-town profile of an entire state prepared especially for the production industry.

The vision for Shoot Colorado is to help attract more features, commercials, documentaries, reality, TV, outdoor and photo shoots to our state. The method is to insure productions know the depth of our locations and resources and to make Shoot a principal asset for the film community.

New towns are joining the site every week, I keep an active blog and have busy Facebook and Twitter accounts. I've also just launched what will be the most extensive Colorado Film Locations Database available - it's brand new, watch it grow! Plus, I've got a mailing list of many thousands of contacts in Colorado, New Mexico, LA and beyond who will be hearing about the exciting develpments in our industry.

It's also my pleasure to facilitate business with "shout-outs" and ads for Colorado companies such as entertainment lawyers and newsletter sponsors Replin Rhoades & Ratner and "Featured Filmmaker of the Month" Henry McComas and Crooked Lake Productions. But most of all it's been a great honor to work with the Office of Film Television and Media to bring you Shoot Colorado and they deserve the biggest shout-out of all!

Now that Shoot is fully launched, I'm spending a busy summer doing a "film tour" of Colorado to meet and catalog incredible filmmakers, crew and production vendors. It's been a pleasure to help connect the dots between them and see a more interactive industry. Great things are already happening in several communities, and for Shoot Colorado. I look forward to sharing the news with you in the coming months.

Congratulations on your efforts toward the new film incentive program. I look forward to seeing one of the world's most lucrative and creative industries return to the Colorado economy.

Best wishes, and be in touch.

Daniel Taras
Founder, Shoot Colorado
an iFilm Colorado Production
(303) 668-4366
Send an Em ail"

Special Screening - Come Back Africa - a Don't Miss!

2012-06-19T10:05:00.004-06:00

The Santa Fe Film Festival Presents:

A Limited Run of a new 35mm print of Come Back Africa

One Week Only!

Join us Opening Day
Saturday, June 23, 2012

Santa Fe Film Festival Chairman Jason Suttle will introduce Peter Grendle, manager of The Screen, who will be on hand to offer insights on the film's historical context and artistic importance.

A truly seminal work, Lionel Rogosin’s 1959 secretly filmed Come Back Africa pulls back the curtain on the harsh reality of life under the now-abolished South African apartheid government.

“A heroic film… a film of terrible beauty, of the ongoing life it captured and of the spirit embodied by Rogosin and his fellow artists.” —Martin Scorsese

For more information visit: http://www.santafefilmfestival.com

For showtimes: visit: http://thescreensf.com 505/473-6494

Colorado Film Incentives and Shoot Colorado

2012-05-30T08:33:00.000-06:00

Colorado Film and Shoot Colorado are Making Production Industry Headway

We think it's important to know what's happening in our neighboring states with regards to their film incentives, not because they should be considered "competition" but because film is a transitory and fluid industry that increasingly requires film professionals to be geographically mobile. Knowing what your neighbors are up to is a great way to stay in touch with the pulse of the industry.

With that in mind, the state of Colorado has recently upped their film incentive program from a paltry 10% rebate to 20%, and also providing a state-backed guarantee on 20% of a production loan. The finer details of the program are now being released, but they're looking to attract 3-4 indy features per year in the $5-$10m range. The focus is not big studio features, firstly because the total pot of incentive $ is small ($4m), but because they're focused on hand-picking films that will most benefit Colorado (diverse locations around the state, upping tourism opportunities).

The Colorado Office of Film Television and Media has also recently released a 100-page website dedicated to bringing production business to the state. Shoot Colorado (shootcolorado.org) gives more than 80 communities their own film web-page featuring location information, production resources, photos and local production contact information. Again, the focus is on insuring that people and places around the state feel involved and a part of the film world, and that each area of the state is equally visible to productions.

The director of the Colorado Film Office, Donald Zuckerman, is also a Hollywood producer who knows the ins and outs of the business - and the Governor has thrown his support solidly behind the industry.

Stay tuned, because they're creating what looks like a sustainable, long-term model for a successful production industry. It's a small program, so I wouldn't expect NM to lose production business, but there's always things to be learned by how other states are managing their film industry.

New Phone Number for crewnewmexico.com

2012-02-29T07:37:00.002-07:00

We're migrating our phone lines over to a totally web-based system. Please note that the new phone number for crewnewmexico.com is (505) 369-6847.

Furnished Rentals for Filmmakers!

2011-12-12T10:30:00.001-07:00

There's a big film coming to town, and our current inventory is all booked! We need more listings!

Do you have a furnished rental home that you've been hoping to rent out to New Mexico film professionals and moviemakers? Then you'll want to take advantage of our $149 annual listing special. You'll receive a premium furnished rental listing on our site with 10 images - normally $249! There's an excellent chance your home will get rented within the next month.

This is a call-in special only, so call (505) 930-0443.

Learn More!

crewnewmexico.com is the only resource in the NM film world that features a special furnished rental section - and it's busy! When you list with us you'll know you're reaching a highly sought-after demographic!

Film professionals trust crewnewmexico.com rentals because they know you're ready to work with them to insure a hassle-free experience. There's enough craigslist horror stories from both home-owners and renters to scare anyone!

We're already fielding early housing requests for filmmakers who will be in New Mexico for the filming of The Lone Ranger, so we're especially looking for homes in Albuquerque and Corrales. From basic to exclusive. A

Get in touch with us at (505) 930-0443, email membership@crewnewmexico.com, or read up about crewnewmexico.com here!

Extras Casting Call for New Mexico!

2011-11-30T10:56:00.000-07:00

Date Of Call	2011-December-11
Call type	Call for Extras
Production Title	"Silver Bullet"
Details	“Silver Bullet”, a post civil-war western, will hold an extras casting call Sunday,December 11 at Far Horizon Studio, 300 Washington SE, Suite 304 from 9 am to 4 pm, and will be shooting in the Albuquerque/Santa Fe area starting in February. The production is looking for Native Americans, Asians, Anglos and Hispanics of all ages, as well as expert horse riders to appear in non-speaking roles in this major Hollywood film. The production is looking for men with facial hair, and for trapeze and circus artists. These are all paid positions.
Contact Name	Elizabeth Gabel Casting
Address1	300 Washington SE
City	Albuquerque
State	NM
Zip	87108
Email	egabel@msn.com

Albuquerque Studios Emerges From Bankruptcy Debt Free

2011-09-19T11:44:00.000-06:00

Pacifica Ventures Continues to Manage the Facility

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Sept. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Amalgamated Bank, America's Labor Bank, announced here today that after a bankruptcy reorganization, Albuquerque Studios (ABQ Studios) is now owned by a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank's LongView Ultra Construction Loan Investment Fund. ABQ Studios is now operating debt-free, and continues to be managed, going forward, by Pacifica Ventures.

LongView Funds are a diversified group of investment strategies offered through Amalgamated Bank's Investment Management Division, which provides asset management and custodial services to jointly administered, union pension funds, public employee benefit funds, and other institutional investors.

In making the announcement, James T. Freel, Senior Vice President and Chief Real Estate Officer for the Investment Management Division, said, "During the past twelve months, despite facing the uncertainty of a bankruptcy process, ABQ Studios has still been able to enjoy one of its most productive periods since it opened in 2007."

Recently, the major productions that used ABQ Studios include ABC Networks' Scoundrels, Dreamworks' Fright Night, AMC's award winning Breaking Bad, and Marvel Studio's The Avengers, one of the largest U.S. productions undertaken in 2011 and scheduled for release in 2012.

"Looking ahead," Mr. Freel, said, "we believe the Studio is on solid financial footing. The facility has a strong pipeline of new productions, and our goal is to continue to attract a high volume of top level television and film production projects to the studio."

In addition, ABQ Studios is home to the ReelzChannel, which is devoted to delivering programming that is all about the movies. The channel's programming, production, web development, and creative services as well as its marketing and communications divisions employ over 200 people who work in a 30,000-square foot office and broadcast complex on the ABQ Studios main lot. Programming produced at the studio includes a weekly movie review program with film critic Leonard Maltin.

ABQ Studios is managed by Pacifica Ventures, a firm run by experienced professionals with broad expertise in TV and film production. Also, the facility's on-site management and operating staff has been retained and new personnel have been added.

To read the full article, click here!

An incredible list of Panels to be held this weekend at the Albuquerque Film Festival

2011-08-17T12:08:00.003-06:00

First Things First, Post Production, Masters of Sound: http://holdmyticket.com/event/27721
Ellen Heuer, Foley Artist (Iron Man, Indian Jones, Star Wars Ep. III, Shawshank Redemption, many more)
Jonas Thaler, Senior VP of Post Production, Walden Media
Kimberly Harris, Sound, ADR Dept. (The Dark Knight, The Hurt Locker, Pirates of the Caribbean, many more.

Games, Comics & Movies w/ Marvel Games: http://holdmyticket.com/event/27720
Todd Jefferson, VP of Marvel Games, will discuss everything from Aristotle's hierarchy of story to comic genius.

Hollywood POV: http://holdmyticket.com/event/27731
Todd Jefferson, VP Marvel Games
Monica Jaramillo (Norm Marshall & Associates, VP PR)
Tony Mark (Executive Producer, The Hurt Locker)
Giancarlo Esposito, Actor, Director (AMC’s Breaking Bad, Rabbit Hole)
Ava Jamshidi, ICM
Joshua Michael Stern, Director of Swing Vote with Kevin Costner
Moderator: Sebastian Twardoz, Circus Road Films

Indie DIY - Do It Yourself Filmmaking: http://holdmyticket.com/event/27733
Ashley Fontaine, Fruition
Peter Kershaw, Duchy Parade Films
David Dirks, Entertainment Attorney
Colin Cunningham, Actor, Writer, Producer (Falling Skies, The 6th Day, Best in Show)
Moderator: Gene Grant, Host of New Mexico In Focus on KNME, writer, reporter

Production Incentives and Production Payroll: http://holdmyticket.com/event/27884
Entertainment Partners’ Shawn K. Gillespie (Director, Production Incentive Administration and Finance) and Victoria Rivera (Production Payroll, New Mexico office), will present on production incentives in New Mexico and the U.S., as well as discuss the key facts for dealing with production payroll systems, including fringes, benefits, and guild and union obligations.

The Power of Story: http://holdmyticket.com/event/28557
Michael Wiese: producer, director, author, and publisher of over 100 professional film and video books that are used in over 600 film schools throughout the world.
Alethea Root: award winning director, production designer, West Bank Story, Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, Part Time Fabulous
The Flying Canter Brothers, award winning writers, directors, producers
Jon Fitzgerald, Right Angle Pictures, Co-Founder Slamdance Film Festival
Moderator: Rich Henrich, Founder/Director of The Albuquerque Film Festival and Film 4 Change

This Ain’t No Chick Flick: http://holdmyticket.com/event/27719
Lora Cunningham, NM Actor, Director
Lynette O’Connor, Agent
Melissa Hellman, Producer, Director
Lynda Halligan, Producer and TV Host
Trish Lopez, NM Film Office, Director of NM Filmmakers
Sylvia Caminer, Producer, Director
Moderator: Megan Kamerick, Senior Reporter, New Mexico Business Weekly

Working With Unions: http://holdmyticket.com/event/27715
Tammy Decker, SAG
Jon Hendry, Local 480
Janet Davidson, DGA
Terry Borst, WGA
Moderator: Erica Viking, Morning Host of Coyote 102.5FM

WORKSHOP
Screenwriting w/ William Akers: http://holdmyticket.com/event/27882

CALLING ALL FILMMAKERS!

2011-07-06T08:59:00.002-06:00

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to create a 25-second commercial about The Albuquerque
Film Festival which will air on Comcast Cable throughout New Mexico and Southern Colorado!

GRAND PRIZE WINNER also receives:
- TWO ALL ACCESS PASSES to the ALBUQUERQUE FILM FESTIVAL worth $900
- HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS throughout the Festival
- A chance to meet celebrities, actors, filmmakers and Hollywood Insiders at all film festival screenings, events, workshops, panels and parties!

Submission Deadline is July 22, 2011

SEE THE ATTACHED FLYER AND VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR COMPLETE DETAILS
http://www.abqfilmfestival.com/aff-commercial-challenge

Committee tables anti-film incentive bill

2011-01-27T19:28:00.002-07:00

by Megan Kamerick, New Mexico Business Weekly.

The Labor and Human Resources Committee in the New Mexico House of Representatives has tabled House Bill 19, which proposed to kill the state’s film incentive program.

That effectively means it’s dead in the water. The vote was 5 to 4 along party lines, according to the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber had opposed the bill, but does support greater transparency in the film incentive program.

Sen. Tim Keller, D-Albuquerque, has introduced a bil l that would require the Economic Development Department to collect and track statistical information in order to assess the effectiveness of the film production tax credit. According to the fiscal impact report, the bill would formalize reporting and tracking requirements and allow for greater transparency.

About 60 people testified in opposition to HB19, introduced by Rep. Dennis Kintigh, R-Roswell, including Sandy Levinson, owner of Aquila Travel in Albuquerque, who said she employs 10 people with full benefits and that’s mostly due to the work her firm gets from the film industry. Getting rid of the tax incentive would kill her business, she said.

“I would, without a doubt, close my doors,” Levinson said.

Under the program, productions can get a 25 percent rebate on qualified expenditures in New Mexico after they submit their paperwork to the Taxation and Revenue Department following completion of filming.

Committee Chairman Miguel Garcia, D-Bernalillo, said he sees the impact of the industry every week in his South Valley district where film crews are often working. They eat in local restaurants and shop locally, he said. And his son has picked up jobs in the industry, after being laid off from a call center.

To read the full article, click here!

Film Industry Debate!

2011-01-10T13:32:00.002-07:00

WHAT: New Mexico Film Industry Policy Debate

Hosted by the Rio Grande Foundation and the Motion Picture Association of New Mexico

WHY: As we approach the 2011 Legislative Session, film policy in New Mexico is being analyzed and various proposals are on the table which would have a significant impact on the film industry in New Mexico. Therefore, the policy debate will help educate the public on both sides of this important issue.

We invite you to come and learn how the film industry significantly benefits the citizens of New Mexico, and to show your support for the incentive package. Stand up for your industry!

WHEN: Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Debate at 4:00 p.m.
Reception at 5:00 p.m.

WHO: Participants include proponents and opponents of film incentives including:
Representative Brian Egolf,
Senator Sue Wilson Beffort,
and Representative Dennis Kintigh

WHERE: National Hispanic Cultural Center, Bank of America Theater
1701 4th Street SW Albuquerque, NM 87102

Largest Film in New Mexico History!

2010-12-28T19:57:00.003-07:00

It's official!

Marvel's The Avengers is in pre-production and will be shooting in New Mexico through 2011.

While industry estimates vary, the production expenditure is projected to be at least $140 million dollars, making it the largest shoot in the history of New Mexico film.

Productions of this size have a significant impact on our economy. They hire New Mexico crew, use our production services, and cast our talent. They stay at our hotels and furnished homes, eat our food, and shoot our locations.

For several thousand individuals and hundreds of businesses, the economic impact is significant and evidence of how critical film has become to the New Mexico economy.

Be sure to tell our site listees that "You saw them on Crew," and let us know how we can help serve you or your upcoming production. If you're listed on our directory, please be sure your account is current and active.

And, of course, if you have a product, service, skill, or message you want the film world to know about, email us at info@crewnewmexico.com or call (505) 930-0443!

Read The Avengers press release from the NM Film office here!

Happy New Year!