Between dueling chopper shots* of a mysterious and remote set, to our own ABC** affiliate broadcasting their interview with the New Mexico extras casting director for The Lone Ranger (record scratch…aka “Silver Bullet” – worst kept secret in town btw and there’s a lot of ‘em) Disney’s The Lone Ranger continues kicking-up dust in the New Mexico desert like no other production before it has.
You may recall this whole extravaganza kicked-off when this was the shoot that almost never was, but director, producer and stars alike dug in their boot heels and made it happen. Salary cuts and budget wrangling aside The Lone Ranger will likely continue to spur controversy right up until its DVD/Blu-ray™ release.
The film has already landed on apocalyptic predictions lists as possibly being “the last movie you’ll ever see“, as its first estimated premiere date aligns with the Mayan calendar’s forecast of the end of the world.
So while Marvel’s** entire crew of mighty Avengers were able to sweep in and out of town with ~less ruckus than TLR has had thus far, don’t count the masked man, his loyal sidekick or New Mexico out of the controversial headlines for the duration of filming.
Why, even our little space here on the web has been hit with a trickling trail of fury when this blogger chose to publish these pics sent in to us of some rather generic western props – leading to some healthy industry banter?
“Shame on you for posting this! Is your purpose to support the NM film industry and the local New Mexican’s [sic] it employees [sic] or are you one of the weak links in the chain that will cause what remains of the NM film industry to most certainly disappear?” – fb comment
“It must be pictures like these that drove them away from Hollywood….”
- Industry Journalist
Wielding this kind of power delusion to stir-up such controversy, perhaps this blogger can now lead the charge in the next round of TLR Escándalo:
One of the most hotly contested debates from the word “Yo” on this project was the casting of the still smoldering Johnny Depp as Tonto.
While this touch of Chinese, Mexican girl with smatterings of alleged Native American and Irish descent can appreciate the demand to cast true to race, the bigger picture on this big picture is clear, and that is that hundreds of many races now have a chance at work on this sure to be blockbuster New Mexico production (unlike this lost production – but I’m the one running film out of NM).
BUT MOREOVER – The smoking (pun intended) hot Armie Hammer, who’s cast as The Lone Ranger himself, IS NOT FROM TEXAS!
The LONE RANGER was written as a Texas cowboy qué no? Boy is from L.A. Escándaloso up!
Click here to reach legislators in your area and voice your opinion on this issue.
Audit this: While Los Angeles scrambles to intice productions back from us, other states Hot on our Boot Heel and yet others stalling like Arizona, Massachusets and Iowa, New Mexico who currently ranks NUMBER ONE in the country for film making and third in ALL OF NORTH AMERICA, is presented with a dangerous proposal from our new leader.
If Dennis the Menace down in Roswell gets his way our tax incentive program will be eliminated all together and if Governor Susana Martinez can’t see that pushed through she’s working the 10% decrease angle. It’s a tumultuous mix of options being thrown into the wind that will blow New Mexico’s promising future as an Entertainment Capital out of here like Silicon Valley.
The numbers can be manipulated to high heaven in favor of decreasing the incentives and with that rot down the hell of disillusionment and hopelessness unto the impassioned and currently employed and empowered people of New Mexico who have fought and worked so hard to see the fruits of the Industry begin to flourish here.
We cannot allow Texas or any other state to turn New Mexico into their cotton picking, chile peeling back lot. There are entire industries riding on this wave of SUCCESS the film industry has just begun to afford New Mexicans.
From Food Service, Lighting, Set Construction & Decorating to of course the stars of the New Mexico desert there are jobs in this here Entertainment Industry.
Not to mention that when that caravan we call Hollywood rolls into to town, they eat, sleep, and SPEND. From Real Estate to $20,000 hotel bills, productions BUY.
Productions also GIVE – give back to the communities that they’re living and working in here. From donations to investments of their time. Productions make improvements to area homes, establishments, and even outdoor spaces where they film. Casts and Crews get out into the community enriching and inspiring civic duty.
And do you know how much air-time costs? Well New Mexico gets global peeps and props that money couldn’t buy because of the big names and productions that come. Whether they fail or fall – we couldn’t have purchased the amount of global recognition we get from the State’s current status as a leader in Film.
…do you think all of these peripherals are being taken into account by any existing audit?
Let’s face it sometimes a production will just NEED a crate of hair spray and a vat of vaseline – ours is not to question why…ours is but to let them BUY.
Spa days, shopping sprees, car service, room service YOUR SERVICE. Let’s keep our doors open for business and let ‘em keep pickin-up the check!
Finally, keep it for the kids – We all know that New Mexico Education is in trouble. But, we also know that Film & Production keeps our kids OUT of trouble. From Clovis to Taos and everywhere in between New Mexico is training.
Eastern New Mexico University is currently ramping-up a film program of their very own…
Right here in the Q Youth Development Incorporated teaches and inspires young ones in all aspects of performing and production. Fireborn Films offers intensive training in acting, writing and project development.
New Mexico is COVERED for training a sustainable workforce in Entertainment for generations to come – will there be an industry here for them?
We’ve got chile, they’ve got corn & we all want movies! It’s the recession succession version of WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM!
The hearty film industry that is New Mexico’s is so oft referenced in posts and articles where other states are clamoring for a stake, if I had a dubloom for every time – I could buy all y’all a steak!
In one of today’s heads-up blog posts, crafty Christine of Iowa paints (or needlepoints) the sad truth about films on wheels, which is the reverse of Meals on Wheels in that it is where the tax incentives lie that the film industry will follow taking their meals, their dogooding & their jobs with!
Tough lessons, easily foretold and sadly playing out for Jeff and Janelle Smith of Iowa via Omaha.com.
The Iowa Film, Television, and Video Project Promotion Program was created in 2007 – the now defunct Income Tax Credit structure saw a rapid influx of productions yielding the kind of jobs we’re all/none too familiar with here in New Mexico.
The program was suspended in 2009 after unscrupulous practices by some who “took advantage” of the incentives while the administration failed to cite and correct egregious errors in the system.
With the loss of the industry and the trickle down of revenue and collateral support systems drying-up many Iowans like the Smiths may face tough decisions about whether to weather out the tough economy or follow the industry they’ve ensconced themselves in wherever it may land.
The Smith’s made themselves assets to the industry as crew and vendor service providers, Jeff as a lighting grip and Janelle in craft service – with the programs suspended the Smith’s are out of work and are now considering a move to NM.
Like Jeff who is now unemployed, Los Angeles industry transplant Chris Bevauns, a film costume and set designer, earned $60,000.00 in 2009, working steadily on nine productions to working as a “handyman” for $20,000.00 this year.
The faithful in Iowa a.k.a. the Iowa Motion Picture Association will be championing efforts to bring the program back leading up to their state’s own legislative session.
p.s. I’m not poking fun at Christine or craftiness. AND J & J you’re always welcome in New Mexico…in fact join us at a camp out in January where we may need to set-up house in front of the Roundhouse to make sure NM stays in the game, because we ARE the game! Numero Uno Nuevo Mexico – Woot!
You tug, we’ll tug – not that way cochino, that’s the old Hollywood way…
Music Around Town
Tonight on the West Side I’m gonna recommend local Rock band Sh*t Happens, they’ll be at Knuckleheads over at 3220 Coors Rd.
Saturday Jazz – A Speak Easy Gala to Benefit New Mexico Jazz Workshop (Youth Education Programs)
7 to Midnight at the Historic El Rey theater – A wild night of dirty, filthy, mangy jazz, some good old bump and grind, Burlesque, A Charleston dance off! Grub! Tons of giggle juice AND MORE’ Proceeds go their youth education programs, “so cough up the dough and go for what you know!”
Sunday – Dia de los Muertos Marigold Parade. The annual south valley parade presents music, altars, food and art vendors. Come out in your best calavera attire.
Muertos y Marigolds, vendors and displays at the Westside Community Center on 1240 Isleta Blvd. SW, parade begins at Centro Familiar & Isleta Blvd. (Bernalillio County Sheriff’s Substation). That’s Sunday 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Last week Erica brought the funk with The James Douglas Band live in the studio and in the coming weeks we can all get in on some of that.
NM’s own late late night talk show, The After After Party begins taping its first episodes Nov. 16. The weekly talk show will be hosted by NEW Mexican Steven Michael Quezada – boi’s always got so much goin’ on he needs his own segment, the SMQ spot!
The inspiration for my new found love of WWE – wrestler John Cena is getting ready to wrap on Blood Brothers but here‘s the link to the casting agency’s photo album featuring lots o’ locals who got to work on that!
The next muscle man coming to NM is Dwayne Johnson who’s NM movie protection is in the news as just being acquired by Lionsgate.
Also in the news is USA TV’s NM shot hit show In Plain Sight as mentioned in a very telling Variety Magazine spread all about the many states nipping at our BOOT HEEL, upping their game in hopes of attracting productions as successfully as New Mexico has – click here for the full article!!!
As every news outlet and their momma has already told you by now (above, here, here, here and HERE)…New Mexico’s Film industry is BOOMING!
Well, that boom is in great jeopardy without support from the incoming leadership of our Government. But whatta you care? It’s not like New Mexicans need to know the thrills of an exciting industry that broadens the horizons of many of the disenfranchised youth of our society…et al.
MI, TX, LA, OH, IL, MA and so many more states are “hot on our boot heel” and that which has been described as “an industry on wheels” will roll on by us (again, Microsoft style) if NM doesn’t retain their reign.
There is a long sad list of films and productions that check-in at the New Mexico Film office but don’t stay because of incentives elsewhere – but as of now the glorious list of those that come and do set-up house with their dollars, their notoriety and their community service is longer.
This is like that great love of your life that you’d be a fool to cast aside – Don’t be a chump. Vote-up NM.
Who would’ve thought that the 2×2 mi. New Mexico town where I grew-up would be featured in a number of major motion pictures? And my now backyard has been portrayed as everything from a post-apocalyptic gateway to evil to a scenic stand point.
These mile markers and the fact that Variety is set to rank New Mexico third best in North America for film locations just behind California and New York, according to an article posted in the Chicago Tribune online where they boast of their just off the podium ranking of fourth place, cement the status of our state as having dug in our boot heel and captured the reigns of the industry.
Places everyone! New Hollywood, New Mexico, take 3 – Acción!
Directed by Paul J Porter, written by Hayley Derryberry and
Morgan Estill, explosives by Brian Reece. Cast includes Nicole Gramlich – sexy mohawk girl, hostage girl – Hayley Derryberry, man with swords – Mark Furini. Full list of film creditshere.
The star of this scene is Steven Ray Byrd. We’re fans of Byrd here because he’s serious about his craft. Steven and his family moved to New Mexico to pursue his acting career. This is the kind of dedication New Hollywood New Mexico should always aspire to inspire.
The industry is here. Are you on board or out to lunch? If we don’t take up the reigns and do-it-up well, MI, WY, AL, LA, NC, MA, OH, Canada, on and on…are hot on our boot heel.
New Hollywood, NM – the land of Enhancement. Not this kind.
Posted by Sindicator on June 12, 2009 | Comments Off
Times they are a’ changin. Movies, movies everywhere but not a dime to drop in Old Hollywood, because the caravans that moved the pioneers west are heading back and setting-up shop in New Mexico.
Old Hollywood’s 20th Century Props is closing its doors next month. Hello, Opportunity calling. Action, please pick-up…NM’s got the productions rolling in, are New MexiCANs keeping up with the industry?
As we told you here, here, here and here other states are hot on our boot heel in trying to take-up the reigns of being the New Hollywood. So Nuevo Mexicanos need to remain involved in becoming the Land of Enhancement. Next year we’ll have to choose the next Peoples Governor a.k.a. the Commerce Secretary of Hearts, come October we get to replace Paris Chavez.
In the mean time keep your eyes and your votes on where our money is being spent, on what’s going on and what we can all do to grow New Mexico. Got Space? – check Got workforce? – check Got Ideas? – check Got talent? – check Got Pull? – check
It’s officially an onslaught – The rest of the country (NY, NY, CT, CA, MN, MI, HW, AR, NY, NY, NY, MD, TX, TX, UT, etc.) is quietly paying attention. All signs and statues (The Golden Globe, Oscar, SAG, et al) may soon point toward New Mexico.
We recently screened an incredible performance by the one and only Josh Brolin in “W“. Though “W” wasn’t filmed in NM, Brolin starred in another Oscar winning, wickedly good film that was. And as all roads eventually lead to Josh Brolin and New Mexico we reflected upon the very lengthly list of full credits at the end of “W”.
It was a really long list. I’m talking hundreds of people. If that movie had been shot in NM, all those people would’ve worked in NM. Even if NONE of them were from or lived in NM, they would’ve had to have come here, and dropped some dough here.
C’mon, we need the money. We can’t funnel all the states resources into meth labs and not rehabilitating Drunk Drivers and expect a good ROI. But THE MOVIES – I don’t think ticket sales are slumping AT ALL in this pooper we call the U.S. Economy.
We haven’t done all we can do to export our fabulous chile products…let’s not miss the chile shipment truck on this one. They (all of the above +) are “hot on our boot heel” after as many movie bucks as they can get their hands on.
So, put down your bank robbery note and instead get on the horn, surf the web and get the word out to anyone that matters, that WE want those movie dollars right here in NM.
No, those are not mugshots of the stars above. As reported by KRQE news these three stars will soon be shooting their new thriller “The Killer Inside Me” in Santa Fe, expected to bring more film crew jobs and buzz about town.
Kate Hudson seems like she can peyote out in NM, Affleck is a pretty chill dude and more than a decent actor to boot…but this Alba chick can stand to take our boot heel and shove it.
The threesome are due to film in the City Different next month. Hopefully the air up-there will improve “MiserAlba‘s” craptacular acting or at least garner Santa Fe a better review than the one the shiteous actress gave Albuquerque one year ago.
“In Albuquerque there’s really only one restaurant that’s pretty good. You can only take Applebee’s and Chili’s so much. Our big day was hanging out at Wal-Mart for five hours. It was like, ‘Yea Wal-Mart!’”
It seems every day I get a new story from a city examining their chances at being the next movie capital of the United States. There’s a competition brewing to lure Hollywood to their backyard, keeping close tabs on who’s filming where and why. Time and again New Mexico is a focus as either a keen competitor or the flat out nabber of state to state film bids.
