As the world anxiously awaits the final eight episodes of the “best show on television”, Breaking Bad fans are equally curious for the verdict on what comes next for cast & crew.
Even before we learn the fate of Walter White & Co. Br Ba devotees look forward to the most likely spin-off in which the best, slimiest, lawless lawyer around, Saul Goodman will once again ease all with, “Better Call Saul”.
Best news for New Mexico is that if a deal is indeed inked for the series, the most likely place for the Saul Goodman led series to take place would be original series home, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Home to the AMC series, Albuquerque Studios (The Avengers, The Lone Ranger) is well seasoned and at the ready for the return of all things Saul.
Last fall NBC shot the gritty drama pilot “After Hours” across the interstate, as a prospect for last season’s television schedule. After not making the first cut, then being volleyed back and forth from the pick-up list to the tentative list, an off-cycle short order has been placed for at least four episodes of the show.
With a little tweek to the working title, from “After Hours” to “The Late Shift” production is scheduled to get back underway at I-25 Studios (Transcendence, Lone Survivor) later this summer!
And as we’ve previously reported, up north some very special goings-on are going on around the return of the A&E hit series, Longmire and the highly anticipated Seth MacFarlane adaptation of Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey for Fox television.
UPDATE 3/15/12: Newly re-formed House Bill, 641 has emerged at the Legislature in a last ditch effort to salvage the New Mexico Film Industry. Friday evening the House Business and Industry Committee voted to pass the new bill, which mirrors our beloved HB 379 as vetoed by the Governor earlier in the day.
Stay tuned…
#1174 Albuquerque, NM
A film production bill such as this is a win-win for all involved. New Mexico is in a perfect situation both location, crew and talent wise to allow professional production to continue to grow. This State needs all the advantages it can use to bring more production here. Governor by signing this bill you would put more New Mexicans to work and bring in more revenue for big and small businesses.
#1173 Placitas, NM
Please sign HB379. The film industry is good for New Mexico … good for jobs and all the folks who provide services for the productions. Heaven knows we need the jobs.
#1164 Albuquerque, NM
This is really important for the state. If this goes away, its going to make it harder for everything else. We have something special here in NM that other states don’t. Lets keep it that way. Sign the bill.
#1031 Albuquerque, NM
The Feds will be cutting the military, Los Alamos and Sandia Labs. This is an industry to build upon. Personally, I know of out of towners who to come to Albuquerque because of Breaking Bad and it is not for meth! It’s for the beautiful skies and mountains. Please consider signing this bill. Respectfully…
#1048 Albuquerque, NM
Film work bought my home/vehicles, and paid off my student loans
#1078 Albuquerque, NM
tv film and art endeavors are pollution free revenue and job producers in our state and attract tourism- a clean source of income…. WHATS WRONG WITH YOU??????
#941 Albuquerque, NM
I work in the film industry in NM. Let’s do what we can to keep the work coming.
#940 Albuquerque, NM
Excited for more work to come in! I’m ready!
#937 Albuquerque, NM
Dear Governor Martines I have been working in the film industry for the last 6 years and primarily in the state of New Mexico! I was born here my family lives here I love to work here!!! Please don’t let are great industry with high paying jobs leave here becuase it will cause me and several other people like me to relocate as well!!! Thank you
#931 Santa Fe, NM
I have family members whose jobs are strongly tied to the industry and would face financial hardships if the industry is not able to participate in New Mexico.
#928 Santa Fe, NM
As a Santa Fe gallerist, daily I recognize the positive impact & fiscal contribution of New Mexico film & TV production on our state and local levels. Keep the cameras on NM!
#923 Las Cruces, NM
We need this! Its good for the entire state! Please keep film making in the state!
#763 Tijeras, NM
Please sign this petition. It’s the difference between me having a job and being homeless. It may not matter to you but to thousands of your constituents it’s extremely important.
#759 Albuquerque, NM
I truly believe these productions not only add to the state economy, but also serve to keep New Mexico in the public eye as a diverse and valuable location for attracting other outside business interests.
#696 Santa Fe, NM
Film helps keep this ranch a float as a movie location. Agriculture is tuff, film helps
#925 Albuquerque, NM
I’ve had an opportunity to work and contribute to an industry I thought I’d have to leave home to be a part of. Here’s to it’s continued growth.
#749 Tijeras, NM
Do the right thing this time around!
#684 Keep the film industry and work here in New Mexico. Jemez, NM
#681 Thousands of NM employed through movies and TV! Albuquerque, NM
#676 I support the proposed new tax incentives for film and television. Please stand behind this much needed proposal to create good New Mexico jobs. This is a outstanding industry for our state. Thank you for your time. Algodones, NM
#675 House Bill 379 must pass! New Mexico made a brilliant economic decision bringing the film industry here-lets keep it going strong! Albuquerque, NM
#668 New Mexico is perfect for making movies, we should pull in all the outside money we can, into this state! Ruidoso, NM
#665 this good for new mexico and for people of new mexico ojo caliente, NM
#653 Bring back all the film and TV jobs (and more) that were driven away to other states, and work outsourced to our neighboring countries. How can we help heal our state and the US economy when OUR WORKERS WHO PREVIOUSLY WORKED HERE HAVE MOVED TO OTHER COUNTRIES? THEY’RE NO GOOD TO US OVER THERE. I’m sure that makes THEIR economy good, but we need to worry about OURS! Let’s make this state a great one, because right now all the faith I used to have in it is gone. La Union, NM » Read the full post
Posted by Sindicator on March 7, 2013 | Comments Off
Remember Seth MacFarlane’s opening line at this year’s Academy Awards? “And the quest to make Tommy Lee Jones laugh starts now”. The funny man who the whole world was watching in that moment was of course addressing the Oscar winner’s semi-famous scowl at the infamously raucous Golden Globe Awards just weeks before.
Now guess who currently has a film in production right here in New Mexico. I’ll tell you that among the many, BOTH of the above do!
The uproarious Oscar host is hard at work on his first western comedy, A Million Ways to Die in the West right here in The Land of Enchantment, and his co-star is none other than Academy Award winner Charlize Theron, who has taken a star turn in New Mexico before in the heart achingly beautiful film, In the Valley of Elah, with then co-star Tommy Lee Jones.
Also included in the Oscar’s opening was another New Mexico filmer. Though not yet branded an Academy Award winner, Channing Tatum‘s impressive body of work swept not only Charlize Theron off her feet but the rest of the the global award show’s audience as well.
And the New Mexico hits just kept coming throughout the broadcast as nominees, presenters and attendees with New Mexico ties continued to appear.
From Lone Survivor and 2 Guns star Mark Wahlberg presenting, to his Academy Award nominated 2 Guns co-star, Denzel Washington, who many New Mexicans were able to work alongside in both 2 Guns and 2009′s The Book of Eli.
On and on and on til the grand finale of the broadcast when NM’s favorite biology teacher turned drug kingpin, Bryan Cranston joined his fellow best motion picture winners on stage for his performance in Argo.
Independent films like Tommy Lee Jones’ current New Mexico project, The Homesman are quietly at work and even more quietly housing possible co-stars who are no strangers to the most coveted award in motion pictures. It is being reported that Oscar winners Hillary Swank and the one and only Meryl Streep are set to star with Jones in the central NM film.
In southern New Mexico a little thriller called, Enemy Way is getting underway starring Oscar winner Forest Whitaker. Also down south, indie “road film” The Run Away is currently in production.
Academy Award winner Natalie Portman may have skipped the big show this year, but the Thor actress isn’t missing out on another New Mexico project (Brothers, Thor) as she is here for her next film, Jane Got a Gun.
Lastly, when Disney’s Avengers hit the stage at the Oscars this year, you were looking at a whole gaggle of New Mexico Filmers…That’s right, lest you forget the biggest picture of last year was in majority filmed right here in New Mexico!
As we’ve reported many times before, Disney is no stranger to NM, and rumor has it that the first Avenger is likely to hit a soundstage near you for at least part of the current Captain America sequel.
Though all of Oscar’s audience didn’t get to gasp in awe like the Grammy audience was able to, when Johnny Depp showed-up at that awards show, film fans all over the world are bracing for the Depp led Disney movie adaptation of The Lone Ranger.
Last year’s NM production of the major motion picture will roll-out this summer showcasing its New Mexico roots. I can also tell you now, that while the Oscar parties rolled-on last month, rumors of a lock on Depp’s next picture making its way to NM were trickling in to us!
And just today Disney has announced plans for SEVERAL stand alone movies starring Star Wars characters…New Mexico, are you into it!?!
Posted by Sindicator on February 7, 2013 | Comments Off
In addition to the rumblings on the web about the upcoming Captain America:The Winter Soldier shoot being delayed from spring to summer, there are also whispers in the wind that good ol’ New Mexico and El Capitán may not be completely DUNZO after all…
From this HIGHly respected speculative reporting post we can tell you that the Captain of NM’s own AVENGERS may be returning to a sound stage near YOU!
In the supremely secretive world of development on into pre-production, NO OFFICIAL confirmations will likely ever become avail. until any such projects are well into production or sometimes even nearly wrapped.
Do take note though, when you’re talking to your NM Film Friends who may crew, star or otherwise regularly staff NM productions, and their eyes take on a particular glaze, just know that that is likely the moment when visions of their signature on an ironclad non-disclosure agreement (NDA) is crossing their mind (otherwise known to us as the patented “Disney Daze”).
But eventually when someone tells someone, who tells someone, who hears something from someone (probably one of the wonderful wait staff of a New Mexico small business), we will get the anonymous suggestion in our inbox@oneheadlightink.com or on our tip-line 505.510.1006, that says, “yeah, he’s here”. Meanwhile we wait…
Posted by Sindicator on November 28, 2012 | Comments Off
Personally, I like what Disney has done with their purchase of New York City…ABC is doing quite well, and I have no doubt that if a port for Disney Cruise Lines in New Mexico would suit them, the Walt Disney Company could pull it off!
I have long been awaiting a sizable investment in the Land of Enchantment by the multinational mass media conglomerate. After all we have seen them here, from the Avengers to The Lone Ranger, Disney has built it and COME!
With the recent purchase of all things Lucas how long will it be until we’re all suited-up in our Storm Trooper best? Hell, most of us are replete with prêt-à-porter Tatooine garb!
We’ve also got no shortage of Fanbois and girls (both domestic and imported)! From our ever growing and increasingly acclaimed Comic & Sci-fi Conventions to the long lived lore of being the birthplace of the Alien Autopsy, we are proudly geekcentric!
Now that the rumblings have begun, via the inbox@oneheadlightink.com, that the Imperial scout-abouts have landed in NM, every Star Warsophile should sit-up and take notice!
Don’t blow this one Susana…
Posted by Sindicator on November 4, 2012 | Comments Off
Wahlberg in Albuquerque, NM last month for Lone Survivor
Study or no study, New Mexico banks on long running series like Breaking Bad, In Plain Sight, Crash and Longmire as the life’s blood of its film production jobs and statewide peripheral spending. Mega hits like The Avengers and the hotly anticipated, Lone Ranger film spike excitement and international recognition of the state.
Repeat appearances too, of stars like Ed Harris who’s heading back for a third run in NMFilm, boost awareness of the local industry. Following his turn as John McCain in the Emmy winning HBO movie “Game Change”, and work on the recently wrapped period western “Sweetwater” with January Jones, Harris is now making news with his latest NM project, “Frontera” – costarring the lovely Eva Longoria.
Superstar Mark Wahlberg is watched the world over, and as we told you here, is now a two-term NMFilm star. At OHI we hear nothing but praise from cast & crew who have worked with the actor/producer (The Fighter, The Perfect Storm/Boardwalk Empire, Entourage) and proud family man, who is genuinely interested and concerned about those around him. The star has been quick to praise the state’s film crews and locales – he’s one of the good guys who are lending the state some positive notoriety with his return to local sets for his back-to-back turn in the NM productions, “2Guns” and “Lone Survivor”.
NMFILM PRODUCTIONS – KEEP ‘EM COMING & GET INTO IT!
UPDATE 9/20/12: “In America, Todo Es Posible”, except for Captain America Shooting in NM.
The original news reported below seemed too good to be true and as of developments late today, the bubble has burst and the Captain America Sequel slated for NM has “self-deported” from “Not New and not Mexico”, aka New Mexico, USA.
You may recall that another little Disney Studio movie called The Lone Ranger had its fair share of drama before production finally began here in NM, but I don’t see the Hi Yo Silver lining coming to fruition for this lost Avenger. {sads}
UPDATE 9/28/12: IT’S OHIO FOR THE WIN – New Mexico was a strong contender for the next big budget Marvel Studios production headed down the pike, but the exuberant press release out of Ohio today regarding the Captain America sequel, spells out how the job creators are won outside of our state.
The Greater Cleveland Film Commission was in talks with Marvel Studios for weeks, sharing information about Ohio’s physical assets and helping them learn about the benefits of filming in Ohio — including the recently expanded Ohio Motion Picture Tax Incentive.
In June, the State of Ohio expanded the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Incentive, a critical tool for strengthening Ohio’s growing film industry and creating jobs for Ohioans. The tax incentive provides for a refundable credit against the corporation franchise or income tax for motion pictures produced in Ohio.
“We’re thrilled that Marvel Studios is bringing another major motion picture project to Cleveland, and we’re committed to showing them the very best our region has to offer,” said Ivan Schwarz, executive director of the Greater Cleveland Film Commission. “We proved with the filming of Marvel’s The Avengers that Cleveland has the talent, architecture and amazing locations that will provide filmmakers everything they need to ensure a successful filming experience, and the economic impact of this new project can’t be denied. Filming will create a number of jobs for Ohioans and will give our region another chance to demonstrate how skilled, professional and dedicated our workforce truly is. We especially appreciate Governor Kasich and the Ohio Film Office for their support and timely approval of these exciting opportunities.”
The Greater Cleveland Film Commission is committed to building a year-round, sustainable statewide film industry through job creation, workforce development, and attracting media production.
Frank G. Jackson, Mayor of Cleveland, Ohio, stated, “We are thrilled to host Marvel and the filming of Captain America: The Winter Soldier in 2013. We have worked diligently with the Greater Cleveland Film Commission to make our city an attractive location for films of all sizes. Marvel’s return to Cleveland shows we can provide a film-friendly atmosphere that will ultimately lead to a permanent presence of the film industry in Northeast Ohio.”
About 1,143 full-time equivalent Ohio jobs and $35.5 million in household income are estimated to have been credited to the 27 projects that took advantage of the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit since its 2009 inception, and the tax incentive returns $1.20 into the Ohio economy for every $1 invested by the incentive, according to a Cleveland State University study released earlier this year.
Captain America, Chris Evans speaks to MTV News again, this time about his third Marvel adventure, the upcoming sequel to Captain America, The Winter Soldier.
First time out the Captain filmed primarily in the U.K., then the entire Avengers crew made their way to N.M. for the biggest production in the state’s history.
Though tenuous has been the road to New Mexico for many a production, from indies to blockbusters NMfilm continues to roll, employing New Mexicans, drawing tourists, and bolstering local biz revenue!
Like Top Gun 2, big productions continue to scout & about here in our beloved state. Some may have come and gone, but many do hear the message loud and clear that New Mexico Film is here and OPEN FOR BUSINESS!
As recently as this June, North Carolina has laid claim to nabbing The Winter Soldier, but our soldiers here in NM say we’re a contender for the March 2013 Marvel Production. N.C. has won out over NM before with The Hunger Games and Iron Man 3.
“Albuquerque, N.M., will also receive an advanced [sic] screening due to filming that took place there as well.”
Well hell New Mexico, whatta ya’ know? While local news is quick to report that the country is in a race to procure a pre-screening of NM’s Own (in-part), Marvel’s AVENGERS, per the AP wire pickup:
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Facebook fans are getting an early shot to see the all-star superhero tale “The Avengers.”
Disney’s Marvel Studios announced Monday that it will offer advance screenings around the world in cities where “The Avengers” has gained the most fans on Facebook.
Early screenings will start with shows in Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, Houston and Miami on April 14, nearly three weeks before the film’s May 4 U.S. debut. Admission will be free, first-come, first-served.
Marvel plans another round of early screenings in five more cities. Fans can lobby for their city on “The Avengers” Facebook page.
“The Avengers” features Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johannson, Samuel L. Jackson, Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo and Jeremy Renner.
Posted by Sindicator on March 26, 2012 | Comments Off
“…hard to believe that we are less than six weeks away from the theatrical debut of The Avengers.”
Today our friends at Dis Fan Review have assembled these amazing AVENGERS images, including the great shot above of director Joss Whedon working with Mark Ruffalo (The Hulk) at NM productions hot spot, The Albuquerque Rail Yards.
While Whedon’s Avengers are barreling toward their eagerly awaiting legions of fans in true superhero fashion, more Whedon ties to New Mexico unfurl…
The Santa Fe New Mexican notes: Joss Whedon must love New Mexico! The writer-director of The Avengers, which was filmed in New Mexico, is working on Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog 2, the follow-up to the popular Web series starring Albuquerque native Neil Patrick Harris. Whedon says shooting should begin this summer and that the story has already been outlined.
And third on the wire re: a Whedon/NM connection, New Mexico-born Drew Goddard and longtime collaborator Joss Whedon present, The Cabin in the Woods (opening on April 13), combining “horror, comedy and a slew of sly allusions to movies ranging from the familiar to the for-serious-buff-only…”, so says the Film Journal.com.
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!
Posted by Sindicator on December 29, 2011 | Comments Off
Rueters:
The trailer for “The Avengers” has been out since mid-October — but thanks to a newly released alternate version, there are a few more scenes to chew on.
The Russian version of the trailer runs roughly the same length as the trailer released in the U.S. But it offers the first glimpses of Tony Stark (a.k.a. Iron Man, played by Robert Downey Jr.) and Loki (Tom Hiddleston) encountering one another.
The trailer also features Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) as their non-superhero selves, Natasha Romanoff and Bruce Banner.
(We’re still waiting on our Russian translator to figure out what they’re saying.)
All the Governor’s men say, yes. The Duke says, HELL YES, and the rest of us are tasked to assemble and conquer for this business we call show and bring it all the way home to New Mexico.
Albuquerque Studios juts out of the far reaches of the NM desert just like the visions of a Vegas empire did to one Ben Siegel in a scene straight out of Bugsy. There on location, where action meets the vision of vast development; of land, economy and long term prosperity, NM Film Avengers & Advocates assembled last night.
The Governess had a long standing commitment against the industry and was unable to attend to voice the support we’re hearing she now lends so fervently to the industry; its jobs, education and global notoriety for our great state.
But state leaders, Governor Richard Berry, Chief of Staff Keith Gardner, Deputy Chief of Staff Ryan Cangiolosi, and New Mexico Film Office Director Nick Maniatis were in attendance to tout their full support and commitment to growing a sustainable future for New Mexico in the film industry.
Like Jesus, Mayor Berry stands with the carpenters, emphasizing that he is all IN on the film industry for the strong roots he wants laid in the Q and beyond for trades and small businesses.
Chief of staff Garnder went so far as to announce that the Governor vows to wield a veto pen on any proposed decrease to our film incentives come this next legislative session.
From the tippy-top of YOUR State Film Office, Nick Manianitis re-affirmed his dedication and efforts to keep films, their jobs, revenue and education rolling into New Mexico. Maniatis re-asserted the Film Office’s commitments to community partnerships with ongoing town hall meetings all over the state and an upcoming education summit.
While he prioritizes television production for its long term jobs and revenue, Maniatis further commented that his charter is too to branch NM production into digital media, gaming and post-production work.
Unable to divulge specifics on television prospects (citing three productions) expected down the pike, Maniatis was able to deliver a gingerly worded, press-release-lite, officially committing that the MAJORITY of Disney’s, The Lone Ranger film WILL shoot here in NM…
While attaining and maintaining industry growth for the state, by way of education, trades and small business opportunities, were the overriding sentiments of the night, the underlying theme was one of unity. A step in the right direction as voices raised together are voices more likely heard.
All of the above, representatives Egolf and Keller, hosts NMedia, every actor, crew member, support service provider and industry business in attendance share in the like-minded goal of furthering New Mexico’s name in film.
Closing the night was one of NM’s Own most outspoken…As always SMQ artfully and comically brought home some truth, echoing the immortal words of Whitney Houston, “the children are our future…tech them well”. Here, here! Teach them something for cripes sake!
Quezada noted that New Mexico’s youth are our “greatest natural resource”, and that they deserve to have more options in arts and entertainment than the prospect of being on cops or even on his own, one and only, Hispanic-led late night television talk show, The After After Party…No one fosters growth in the arts for New Mexico’s youth like SMQ and his crew, but they can’t do it all and they certainly can’t do it alone!
Just as MC Vivana Vigil had kicked-off the night by naming the Film Industry as a source of education and careers choices, giving all New Mexicans a reason and possibilities to stay in the state and make it great, Quezada concluded with the FACT that Film works for New Mexico.
Thank you NMedia at Mesa del Sol for wrangling so many film advocates in rallying for the cause!
Posted by Sindicator on October 17, 2011 | Comments Off
Is the same distribution hause that brought Indiana Jones: Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Transformers 1-2, Thor and The Avengers…to the world via New Mexico sets & shoots eying NM for a 25th anniversary sequel to Top Gun?
Whether Paramount is full-throttle on this project or not remains to be seen, however industry bible, Variety reports that X-Men: First Class and Thor writers Ashley Miller and Zack Stentz have been hired to write Top Gun 2.
Top Gun ’86 director Tony Scott, producer Jerry Bruckheimer (The Lone Ranger) and Maverick himself, Tom Cruise have talked openly about likely involvement in the 21st Century sequel.
Perhaps most notably, Scott is on record as saying, “I’m not waiting for a script. I’m going to do my homework. I’m going down to…Nevada, down near New Mexico and it’s a whole different world now…These computer geeks — these kids play war games in a trailer in Fallon, Nevada and if we ever went to war or were in the Middle East or the Far East or wherever it is, these guys can actually fly drones. They are unmanned aircraft. They operate them and then they party all night.”
But most importantly – location scouting. Here’s an eyeful of Paramount distributed, New Mexico films for the scout’s arsenal…
Mickey Mouse likes the house that New Mexico built. Disney is the parent co. to ABC, ABC Family, ~Dreamworks and Marvel, all of whish (Messican typo, that stays) have worked NM productions – from multiple television pilots, tv movies, to a couple lil’ family films like Thor and The Avengers.
Now ABC has a budding prime-time drama series hit on their hands that has some NM paw prints all over it.
Series star, Emily Van Camp is a NM movie vet with her work on the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie Beyond the Blackboard. As we told you here the sweet hometown boy in the show is played by NM native Nick Wechsler. And as we’ve been following here, we anxiously await the directorial debut of Revenge villainess vixen extraordinairess, Madeline Stowe – which is slated to bring WOLVERINE and Edward/Jacob or whoever Robert Pattinson plays in Twilight to New Mexico!
So ICYMI: The show is awesome and easily scores a 4 on the Scoville Scale of hotness for its New Mexico connections alone and a solid 10 for its viewability – LOVE IT!
TMZ OHI has obtained a copy of the letter drafted straight from the top of New Mexico State Government, inviting film and television productions to bring their projects here.
Being the fount of useless opinion that I am, I have to interject that film like enchiladas, New Mexico simply does better, and supplemental to this letter, maybe a NM goods gift bag, and demo reel would better serve this campaign.
But I defer to more intelligent, actual journalists who have pointed out here that most importantly omitted from this letter is an explanation or breakdown of the new, “bewildering” film incentive rebate structure (maybe it’s in an attachment).
Perhaps better than any paper attachment, armed with the letter NM’s Own Film Office Director, Nick Maniatis did recently trek to Los Angeles to meet with top film and television studio execs (next time also take chile).
We are assured that YOUR New Mexico Film Office Director and his team, under New Mexico’s Economic Development Department, are working for you in capably and fully representing the state’s best interests to bring film jobs and revenue home. Here in a clip from the NM Film Works radio program are Maniatis and NM Filmmakers Program Director, Trish Lopez explaining in detail the changes to the New Mexico Film Incentive Program.
With other states (NC, LA, TX, UT, GA) clamoring for and hammering out deals to the North, South, left and right of us, we better have barrels loaded and be at the ready to bring it full board to ensure we back our leadership in achieving “ongoing success” in New Mexico Film.
As evidenced by continual coverage in the national and international media, the world is watching New Mexico as a strong presence and contender in film production.
Pictured and transcribed here for all the world to see is the Governor’s letter to “Hollywood”. Below see the recent story featured in industry “bible”, Variety on top New Mexico studios.
The three-point punch here is that leadership is backing the industry, our top state film representative has put out the open call and YOU (statewide studios, talent, crews, youth & workforce training, local businesses, et al) are poised to put an everlasting shine on New Mexico Film. Get into it!
Dear Production Executives,
New Mexico like many states has been tasked with bringing certainty and predictability to its budgetary process under difficult economic time. New Mexico’s film incentive program was recently re- with great effort to maintain its success while balancing the needs of our state. I am happy with the compromise made during this past legislative session and I support the continued growth of the industry and the creation of more job opportunities for New Mexicans.
We continue to offer one of the most competitive industry incentive packages in the United States.In addition to the film incentives our job training program and low interest film loans are available for productions shooting in our state.
Our exceptional and experienced crew base is the largest between coasts. New Mexico currently has five studios containing 14 sound stages and over 200 film-related businesses including post production facilities. Direct flights from Santa Fe and Albuquerque to Los Angeles are just another convenience for studio productions.
With over 300 days of sunshine annually, New Mexico [insures] some of the most [awe]-inspiring and diverse landscapes in the world. We have a film-friendly community [network] throughout the state and a dedicated film office whose staff will assist your production through its [entirety].
This industry is a very important sector of our state and I am committed to its ongoing success. I look forward to working together in bringing your next production to New Mexico.
Sincerely,
Susana Martinez
Governor
By Kathy A. McDonald from the cyber pages of Variety:
Santa Fe Studios
Built by producers for producers. That’s how CEO Lance Hool describes the [now] completed Santa Fe Studios. Two 18,000-square-foot adjoining soundstages are the principal elements of phase one of the project that also includes 26,000 square-foot of adjacent office and support space. Located on a 65-acre campus 15 minutes from central Santa Fe, the facilities boast state-of-the-art specs.
Tech highlights include 40-foot ceilings and acoustic design by Bastien and Associates Architecture, which lists Manhattan Beach Studios and Los Angeles Center Studios are among its credits. Hool expects Santa Fe Studios to open in the fall; negotiations are ongoing for the inaugural pic, as well as a camera house and grip and electric tenants.
Since Santa Fe Studios’ inception five years ago, much has improved in the area, says Hool: the local crew base has expanded significantly, and daily flights are available directly into Santa Fe from Los Angeles. Shuttling of above-the-line talent is kept to a minimum as most opt for digs in Santa Fe.
Other notable features: Pueblo-style architecture that echoes Santa Fe’s Native American heritage as well as eco-efforts, including a water catchment system and native plant/drought tolerant landscaping.
Albuquerque Studios
A stone’s throw from the airport, Albuquerque Studios is the state’s major purpose-built facility with eight full-service soundstages; the largest four are 24,000 square-foot each with heights up to 55 feet. Adjacent stages can be combined for more space as needed. A one-stop shop offering everything from grip and lighting to production trailer rentals to camera packages, the facility currently houses “The Avengers” and “Breaking Bad.”
Garson Studios
Located on the Santa Fe U. of Art and Design’s campus, Garson Studios (founded by thesp Greer Garson) recently made major upgrades including new HVAC. Stage A is 14,000 square-foot with a permanent greenscreen cyc. Smaller Stage B (7,500 sq. ft.) is used for both production and prep. Production office space is adjacent. More than 30 films in 20 years have used facility, most recently “Bless Me, Ultima,” “Cowboys & Aliens” and “Paul.”
Fulcrum Building (Rio Rancho, New Mexico)
Seeing potential in the defunct manufacturing plant, Lionsgate took over the converted facility for both its “Wildfire” and “Crash” skeins. Two soundstage-type spaces (50,400 and 63,000 square-foot) with 30-foot ceilings are the draw, plus 25,000 sq. ft. of adjacent office space. Colin Firth starrer “Gambit” recently booked it for greenscreen work.
Contact info: Brian Anderson, Roger Cox & Assoc., 505-379-6030
I-25 Studios
A former microchip processing plant, I-25 Studios consists of 505,000 sq. ft. on 60 acres. The largest soundstage is 29,000 square-foot with a 21-foot height. Utilized as home base for USA’s “In Plain Sight” for four seasons, the location has since hosted an unnamed TNT pilot, “Breaking Bad” and a Dolce & Gabbana spot featuring Scarlett Johansson. In October, three new soundstages and additional base camp space will double production capacity.
Über ¡Felicidades! (he probably speaks Spanish and German – the man can do it ALL) – New Mexico’s Own Neil Patrick Harris is the latest STAR on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame!
“As much of an honor as this is, unfortunately, it won’t be the first time I’ve been plastered on the sidewalk in front of the Frolic Room,” our boy quipped about the “saucy” location of his star.
Harris and fiancé David Burtka (thank you NY) beamed with pride at the ceremony in front of a crowed full of NPH fans! How I Met Your Mother co-star Jason Segel, and “Avengers” director Joss Whedon were also on hand for the celebration.
“Right now, my twins, Gideon and Harper, are too young to understand this honor. They spend most of their time peeing and vomiting on me. But let’s be honest, that’s probably what’s going to happen nightly to my star here outside the Frolic Room. someday, when they’re older, I’ll take them here, my heart bursting with pride, and say, ‘Kids, your old man was the 587th Hollywood star in the Television category.’ And God that sounds good!”
Harris also made sure to thank David, saying that he loves him more than anything in the world, “Except for this star”, and no doubt those beautiful babies of theirs!
