Posted by Sindicator on April 17, 2013 | Comments Off
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!!!
Deadline Hollywood reports that AMC has announced, the world will be waiting until AUGUST 11, 2013 to get their last eight episodes of Breaking Bad!!!!!!!
The news, delivered at the AMC upfronts today, debunks the gun-jump tweeted out, then reneged by star Aaron Paul declaring July 14 the premature premiere date.
The network also revealed plans for a half hour show titled, “Talking Bad” to air live after each of the last episodes. No word or whisper on whether or not there’s any truth to the rumor that multiple series endings were in fact filmed before the production wrapped here in NM…stay tuned.
Posted by Sindicator on March 25, 2013 | Comments Off
Posted at: 03/23/2013 2:12 PM
By JAKE COYLE
(AP) NEW YORK – After years of hope, stalled efforts and studio frustration, “Veronica Mars” creator Rob Thomas watched a long-held dream come to fruition in a sudden digital rush.
“There were a few minutes of nothing happening,” he says. “Then in an hour, watching that ticker go was mesmerizing. I had an attention span of, like, four seconds because everything on my computer screen I wanted to look at at the same time. The Twitter feed was going crazy, the emails were going crazy and then watching that Kickstarter total go up.”
Thomas last week launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund a movie of his cult TV show, which was canceled after three seasons in 2007. It met its stated goal of raising $2 million in less than 11 hours, meaning it would be greenlit to begin shooting this summer. It’s surpassed $3.7 million with more than two weeks still to go.
The resounding, immediate success of the crowd-funding campaign sent shockwaves through the movie business. Films had found much-needed financial support on Kickstarter before, but “Veronica Mars” is different. It’s a studio project, owned by Warner Bros., which produced the show.
The money given by the fervent fans of “Veronica Mars,” which starred Kristen Bell as a teenage private eye, will go not to a filmmaker operating on his own, but one with the distribution and marketing muscle of a very large corporation _ just one that hadn’t previously been convinced to bankroll a “Veronica Mars” film.
Were donating fans spurring a goliath to action, or its unwitting pawns?
The wide majority of “Veronica Mars” fans couldn’t care less. They will get the movie they craved, as well as the proud feeling of having played an essential role in the show’s resurrection. Maryland fan Matt Clipp typified the eager contributors, writing: “I am MORE than happy to donate $100 to this project. This movie has been a dream of mine ever since the series ended back in 2007. … LET’S GET THIS THING MADE, `VERONICA MARS’ FANS!”
While the emotional side is surely the biggest motivation for most donors, they’re also paying for tangible goods. Rewards range from an emailed copy of the script ($10 contributions), all the way up to a speaking part in the film as a waiter who says, “Your check, sir,” (a single $10,000 donation). All money is refunded if for any reason the film doesn’t get made.
“Most of the people who are pledging are getting in at the $35 and $50 range where they’re getting a download of the movie, a T-shirt, a copy of the script at $35, and all of that plus the DVD and the making-of documentary at the $50 price point,” says Thomas. “So I don’t think anyone’s being taken advantage of. I feel like the rewards are worth it.”
Typically in film financing, any investor has the chance to earn his money back and potentially share in the profits. Slate claimed the “Veronica Mars” project sets a “terrible precedent.”
Joss Whedon, whose devoted fanboy following is similar, if larger, than Thomas’, said that he reacted in “unfettered joy” at the “Veronica Mars” Kickstarter campaign. But Whedon, who realizes he’ll now be hounded to follow suit with another movie of his canceled cult TV series “Firefly,” acknowledged some trepidation about the financial arrangement for fans.
“I understand that it feels not as pure, and that the presence of a studio makes it disingenuous somehow,” Whedon told BuzzFeed. “But people clearly understood what was happening and just wanted to see more of the thing they love. To give them that opportunity doesn’t feel wrong. If it was a truly wrong move, I don’t think it would have worked.”
Thomas says he’s been in daily contact with Warner Bros., which approved the plan in advance. The studio hasn’t sought to flaunt its involvement. Executives for its digital wing, which is planning a limited theatrical release followed by video-on-demand early next year, declined to comment.
Kickstarter co-founder Yancey Strickler, too, declined to comment when asked through a spokesman about whether corporate involvement compromises Kickstarter’s mission. Kickstarter takes a 5 percent fee from money raised for successful projects.
Since being founded in 2009, Kickstarter has raised more than $500 million for some 35,000 creative projects. The “Veronica Mars” film is far and away its most lucrative movie project.
Earlier this year, the documentary short film “Inocente” became the first Kickstarter-backed Oscar-winner, having raised about $52,000 on the platform. Kickstarter has drawn several big Hollywood names, including David Fincher (a producer of an animated project that raised more than $440,000) and Charlie Kaufman (whose short animated film “Anomalisa” brought in $406,000).
Some have derided Kickstarter’s growing influence (Gawker lamented its “online panhandling”), but few would argue it’s been a positive force for getting dozens of films made in an industry landscape that can be brutal for independent filmmakers.
Thomas admits some of the talk of the “revolutionary” impact of the “Veronica Mars” Kickstarter campaign has been “an overreach,” but he hopes it leads to more low-budget films finding their way in the world.
“I don’t know that I would bet that a Kickstarter model starts to work across the board and that everyone who wants to make a $3, 4, 5 million movie can expect to go to Kickstarter and get financed,” he said. “When there is a brand name product that people have responded to and want to see and there’s already a built in following for it, people can be very successful. I hope that in that respect we are pioneers and we see more of them.”
Many are already seeing new potential to capitalize on small but dedicated fan support. (On the CW, “Veronica Mars” averaged less than 2.5 million viewers.) Shawn Ryan, whose FX drama “Terriers” was canceled in 2010 after one season, tweeted that he was “very interested” in the “Veronica Mars” Kickstarter campaign. “Could be a model for a `Terriers’ wrap up film,” he said.
Thomas also co-created another canceled show _ the Starz cult comedy “Party Down” _ that may be reborn as a film. He’s still hopeful that will happen, but says funding is already lining up more traditionally.
In the meantime, he’s hoping the Kickstarter contributions keep coming. More money means being able to shoot in Southern California (where the show was set) and gradual boosts in production value. The screenplay, of which he has 37 pages written, features a 10-year high school reunion for Mars’ Neptune High _ a gathering that will include inevitable strife.
“In the barebones version, angry words would have been exchanged,” says Thomas. “We’re now starting to look comfortable enough to say there will be a brawl.”
It already promises to be a different kind of filmmaking experience. He’ll have 100-plus Kickstarter contributors to use as extras. A documentary on the making of the movie has begun tracking Thomas with cameras. And the production schedule has been built to include two days purely for Thomas, Bell and others to sign the thousands of movie posters and other items they’ve promised their Kickstarter backers.
Posted by Sindicator on March 19, 2013 | Comments Off
Above, while walking the press line at the Tribute to Breaking Bad event held Saturday night at Albuquerque Studios in New Mexico, Bryan Cranston answered a wide array of inquiries ranging from his thoughts on New Mexico in general to this juicy tidbit on how he sees the journey of Walter White saying:
“My perspective on it is that every human being is fully capable of the wide spectrum of emotions, and even the meekest person among us is a dangerous person given the right set of circumstances and what happened to Walter White was just that. Certain, specific buttons were pushed at a very delicate fragile time in his life and he made decisions that he could not take back and he was on the road, he was on a spiral to hell.”
The Albuquerque Studios, Reelz Channel, YDI Tribute to Breaking Bad culminated in this meet & greet for contest winners and event sponsors, with select media and Albuquerque civic leaders in attendance. The cast mingled with the crowed, signed autographs and posed for photos with sponsors and winners alike. With sponsorship packages and ticket sales, organizers of the fundraiser for Youth Development Incorporated, were able to raise over $28,000 in just a few weeks time to benefit the local youth organization.
After the gang buster success of this, one of the many civic outreach events the production has undertaken in their six years at work here, there was another event held at an undisclosed location.
Though OHI has confirmed that Breaking Bad cameras are still rolling her in Albuquerque, at least for a few more hours, the closed door event turned out to be the show’s wrap party, where the tears and “bittersweet” sentiments that were already beginning to swell at the fundraiser flowed at full speed, as cast, crew, production staff, friends and family shared their parting words of reflection and gratitude.
In a speech addressing the crowed Bryan Cranston thanked AMC and Sony for having the courage to pick-up the show and said, “Even though Vince Gilligan didn’t set out to make a classic that’s exactly what happened. In years to come this show will stand the test of time and scrutiny.”
Telling everyone, “All of you here tonight can say proudly that we worked on breaking bad. Now it’s time to go, it’s time to wrap it up, fold-up our tents and move away but there’s one thing that will never leave us even though we’re leaving this experience and that is from here on for the rest of our lives we will be inexorably tied to each other as a one as a family and I for one am personally am overjoyed to have this opportunity to be w this family all of you, such fine human beings number one and artisans number 2 I love you all I will miss you all, God bless you and God bless you Mr. Vince Gilligan for giving us this opportunity!”
Hometown star Steven Michael Quezada said, “I’m very proud of New Mexico, I’m a New Mexican…the crews here, you have made us proud> We’re gonna do great things moving on in the future. I’d like to thank Mr. Vince Gillagan for giving us that, we are gonna learn from that and we’re gonna go forward and we’re gonna thrive and thank you Governor Martinez. Thank you for signing a bill that will help us…this cast here has changed New Mexico let’s learn from it and let’s move on, thank you very much.”
Anna Gunn too thanked AMC and Sony “for giving our little show about meth a home.” Then addressing her co-stars calling them, “the most generous gifted hilarious group of actors I have loved playing with you every minute and I have loved watching your brilliant work.”
And in a tremendous nod of support to those who crafted the show year after year, “Most of all I really just wanna pay homage to the most amazing crew top to bottom that I have ever worked with in my career. Everyday that I came to work I didn’t feel like I was coming to work, I felt like I was coming to make art, communally with a group of people that I adored and you all are artists. You are all crafts men and woman and you gave every ounce of yourselves with such passion and dedication through sandstorms and snowstorms and scorching heat and everything in between, and I was in awe of what you did and we really became a family.”
Lastly the native New Mexican added, “I have met some of the finest human beings and artists that I have ever come across in all my years working in this business and I feel so blessed because of that and I will be forever grateful for this experience so, Que Viva New Mexico and Que Viva Breaking Bad!”
UPDATE 3/4/13: The confirmation hearing continues TODAY.
HUNDREDS of New Mexico educators testified for hours on Saturday, at the Senate Rules Confirmation Hearing of gubernatorial appointed Hanna Skandera. Can you take a moment to weigh-in?
Senator Linda M. Lopez – (D) linda.lopez@nmlegis.gov
Senator Daniel A. Ivey-Soto – (D) daniel.ivey-soto@nmlegis.gov
Senator Jacob R. Candelaria – (D) jacob.candelaria@nmlegis.gov
Senator Stuart Ingle – (R) stuart.ingle@nmlegis.gov
Senator Mark Moores – (R) mark.moores@nmlegis.gov
Senator Gerald Ortiz y Pino – (D) jortizyp@msn.com
Senator Cliff R. Pirtle – (R) cliff.pirtle@nmlegis.gov
Senator Clemente Sanchez – (D) clemente.sanchez@nmlegis.gov
Senator Michael S. Sanchez – (D) Capitol Phone: (505) 986-4727
Senator Sander Rue – (R) sanderrue@comcast.net
Click here for full contact information and individual representative websites.
UPDATE 3/2/13: the AP reports:
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) – School workers made a show of opposition against Public Education Secretary designate Hanna Skandera as lawmakers consider whether to confirm her appointment by Republican Gov. Susana Martinez.
But a vote was delayed until sometime next week.
The Senate Rules Committee heard more public testimony on Saturday about Skandera, who’s been in charge of the Public Education Department since Martinez took office in 2011.
Skandera drew opposition from educational unions at Friday’s hearing, and teachers turned out in large numbers Saturday.
Opponents say Skandera doesn’t meet a constitutional requirement for an education secretary to be a “qualified, experienced educator.”
Skandera’s defenders, including some business leaders, say she has broad experience in educational policy although she’s never worked as a public school teacher.
The Senate last rejected a cabinet secretary in 1997, when Republican Gov. Gary Johnson was in office.
The hearing was moved to the Senate gallery to accommodate crowds for the public comment portion. As as a result, the full Senate floor meeting was cancelled.
New Mexico Education Secretary, Hanna Skandera was nominated by Governor Susana Martinez, sans confirmations from the senate, two years ago.
Today the Washington Post has released a scathing story about the secretary’s less than savory dealings with an organization headed by former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, wherein Bush emails point to “working” with multiple state officials in re-writing education laws to “benefit some of its corporate funders.”
In response, the Democratic Party of New Mexico says, “Susana’s Secretary-designee Skandera is caught in the scandal — students suffer when education goes to the highest bidder.”
Here, in part is what the Post has uncovered:
• FEE provides its donors — including for-profit digital education companies — access to the chiefs. A draft agenda for the Excellence in Action 2011 Summit blocked off two hours for “Chiefs for Change donor meetings.” Another draft agenda for the meeting allocated nearly three hours to “Chiefs for Change donor meetings.” The donors for the summit were the Walton Family Foundation, the Charles and Helen Schwab Foundation, the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, the Broad Foundation, the Carnegie Corp., Susan and Bill Oberndorf, GlobalScholar, Target, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Microsoft, State Farm, IQity, McGraw-Hill Education, Doris and Donald Fisher Fund, Intel, Pearson Foundation, Apex Learning, ETS, Electronic Arts, Koret Foundation, SMART Technologies, K12, Morgridge Family Foundation, Charter Schools USA and Connections Academy. Demand for donor time was so high that Patricia Levesque wrote that she had to turn down opportunities for the chiefs to meet other representatives from companies.
[Martinez appointee Skandera] Unconfirmed but still on the job – El Paso Times
Superintendents criticize NM education chief – El Paso Times
• FEE staff served as advisers to acting education commissioner Hanna Skandera. FEE, and, by extension, its donors, had great influence over New Mexico legislation. In a Jan., 2011, e-mail, Skandera directs a staffer from the legislature to forward all education bills to FEE’s Christy Hovanetz for edits: “Can you send all Governor’s office ed bill language to Christy, including social promotion?” Another FEE staffer, Mary Laura Bragg, wrote to Skandera, “I’m at your beck and call.”
• The foundation sought to make connections between Skandera (as well as the other Chiefs for Change) and the Hume Foundation for funds for digital learning projects from Hume that “must flow through the Foundation for Excellence in Education as a project-restricted grant.” The Santa Fe New Mexican reported Oct. 21 that Skandera had indeed applied for such a grant, which ultimately could lead to digital learning legislation favorable to FEE funders Connections Academy and K-12 Inc.
• The e-mails indicate that FEE paid for Skandera’s travel, reimbursing New Mexico $3382.91 for her expenses, including trip to Washington, D.C., to testify before Congress.
HERE (below) is Bryan Cranston, with a Breaking Bad production team in tow, recently doing a walk-through for an upcoming scene at an Albuquerque, New Mexico filming location.
Tomorrow night, folks in downtown Albuquerque have a chance to see Cranston once again visit with his Breaking Bad co-star and friend, Steven Michael Quezada. Several of the Emmy winning series’ co-stars have appeared with Quezada over the years on his late night television talk show, The After After Party.
This is a special occasion on many levels, one being that the drama series is coming to a close once the final eight episodes on tap wrap production in the coming months. Secondly, tomorrow night’s live taping of The After After party marks the historic 100th episode of the wholly New Mexico original show!
Click through images to enlarge
Click here for the deets on how to be JUDGED by “Heisenberg” at the “Walter White Look Alike Contest” being held at The After After Party taping tomorrow night – YOU COULD WIN a set visit to Breaking Bad!!!
As we told you here, Bryan Cranston will be the guest on the 100th episode of “The After After Party.” – and now it’s official!
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – To celebrate the final season of “Breaking Bad,” The Emmy Award-winning star of the hit TV show “Breaking Bad,” will judge a Walter White look-alike contest at the taping of the historic 100th episode of “The After After Party” on Tuesday December, 4.
The 99th and 100th episodes of the locally produced late night variety show will be taped at 7 p.m., at the Wool Warehouse in downtown Albuquerque.
The show is hosted by Albuquerque actor and comedian, Steven Michael Quezada, who plays DEA agent Steve Gomez on “Breaking Bad.”
“Bryan came up with the idea, and we thought what a great way to celebrate our 100th show and ‘Breaking Bad,’” Quezada said. “You wouldn’t know it from Walter White, but Bryan has a great sense of humor.”
Quezada said contestants should show up at 5:30 pm at the Wool Warehouse. Staff will choose 10 contestants to appear on the show. The contestants will get “Breaking Bad” swag, while the winner will also get to have lunch on the set of “Breaking Bad.”
Check out the “The After After Party” Facebook page for more information.
The “After After Party” is produced by the Rio Grande Media Group.
For more information, contact Steven Michael Quezada at 505-304-3487
Amazing special guests are scheduled to appear, and admission is absolutely free for all ages!!!
The 100th Episode Celebration takes place at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 4th at the historic YDI Wool Warehouse, located at 518 First Street NW (1st and Roma, just two blocks south of Lomas and directly north of the Albuquerque Convention Center)! It will kick off with the taping of Episode 99, followed immediately by the filming of the historic 100th Episode!!!
Admission is absolutely FREE! There will be a cash-only bar in the lobby serving drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)and snacks. There will also be t-shirts and merchandise on sale from “The After After Party” and The James Douglas Show! Doors open at 6:30 p.m.!
“The After After Party” airs every Saturday night at 12:30 a.m. (just a half hour after “Saturday Night Live”) on NBC! The show also airs on My Family TV on Fridays at 10:30 p.m., and on Tuff TV on Thursdays at 10:30 p.m.!
Posted by Sindicator on September 28, 2012 | Comments Off
BREAKING NEWS: Santa Fe IFF Changes Screening Date for BLESS ME, ULTIMA with Rudolfo Anaya in Attendance Due to Overwhelming Community Response
**All tickets purchased for the original Wednesday Oct. 17 showing will receive entrance to the after party at Zia Diner on Wednesday, October 17th and also have a seat at the premiere on Thursday, October 18th at the Lensic.**
Santa Fe, NM: The Santa Fe Independent Film Festival announces that the screening of BLESS ME, ULTIMA will now be at The Lensic Performing Arts Center on the 2nd day of the fest with Rudolfo Anaya in attendance on Thursday, October 18th to accommodate the overwhelming community response.
Santa Fe IFF and The Lensic are honored that author Rudolfo Anaya will be at the New Mexico premiere of BLESS ME ULTIMA to accept the Santa Fe Independent Film Festival’s American Author Award and to sign his books before the premiere. Luke Ganalon the actor who stars as the young Antonio, and Benito Martinez, who plays Antonio’s father Gabriel, will introduce the film.
Due to the astounding advance ticket sales, Santa Fe IFF has also extended the BLESS ME, ULTIMA events to two days beginning on the 1st day of the Fest, Wednesday, October 17th with a special party hosted by the Zia Diner where owner, restaurateur Beth Koch has created a menu inspired by the recipes from Rudolfo Anaya’s book to celebrate the NM premiere of the movie at 9 p.m. at 326 South Guadalupe Street in the Rail Yard.
The venue and date of the screening of BLESS ME, ULTIMA have been changed from Wednesday, October 17, at 7 p.m. at Warehouse 21 to Thursday, October 18th at 7 p.m. at the Lensic. Tickets for the screening are available now at ticketssantafe.org and the Lensic box office 505.988.1234.
Sponsors of Santa Fe Independent Film Festival
The Santa Fe Independent Film Festival relies on the generous support of sponsors andcorporate partnerships to help fund the Annual Film Festival. A special thanks to this years’ committed sponsors: (media partner) Hutton Broadcasting; (official sponsors) Inn and Spa at Loretto, Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort and Spa, Studio X, Hotel Santa Fe, Lensic, Warehouse 21, Lensic Performing Arts Center; (community sponsors) IATSE Local 480, HDNM, ,La Posada de Santa Fe Resort, Garrett’s Desert Inn, San Francisco Bar & Grill, Zia Diner, Cowgirl BBQ, Flying Star, Ore House at Milagro, Santa Fe Studios, Santa Fe Studios, Garson Studios, Albuquerque Studios, Whole Foods; (signature sponsors) Tamalewood, High Desert Digital, Meow Wolf, Fred Ray Lopez of Santa Fe Tinworks; (contributing partners) Santa Fe University of Art and Design, Southwest CARE Center, Quail Run, KUNM, Hinkle Law Firm, Farm to Restaurant New Mexico, Winds of Choice Chiropractic Healing; (festival partners) Ace Hardware, Century Bank, Image Ratio, One Mind Design.
Other partners include: Santa Fe County, Santa Fe Arts Commission, Kindle Project, and the McCune Foundation.
About the Santa Fe Independent Film Festival
Santa Fe Independent Film Festival was founded four years ago by local filmmakers to bring the best of independent film to Santa Fe and reignite the historic love affair between Santa Fe and Film. 2012 marks the fourth year of Santa IFF’s all volunteer organization offering a growing festival for independent film, filmmakers, and film lovers. Santa Fe IFF is dedicated to the economic development of our city and New Mexico film. Santa Fe IFF is committed to attracting a growing number of people who make and love films from all over the world to join this year’s Fest to enjoy independent films and the unique charm of Santa Fe.The Fourth Annual Santa Fe Independent Film Festival continues its mission in exhibiting the best of independent film to diverse audiences, creating educational opportunities, and building community partnerships.
The 4th Annual Santa Fe Independent Film takes place October 17 to 21, 2012. For more information contact:
505.349.1414
Info@santafeiff.com
santafeiff.com
facebook.com/santafeindependentfilmfestival
twitter.com/SFIndieFilmFest
###
The Fourth Annual Santa Fe Independent Film Festival takes place October 17 to 21, 2012. For more information contact:
505.349.1414
Info@santafeiff.com
santafeiff.com
facebook.com/santafeindependentfilmfestival
Posted by Sindicator on September 26, 2012 | Comments Off
UPDATE 9/28/12: TICKETS ON SALE NOW HERE! SPECIAL VIP PERKS AVAIL!
In conjunction with the New Mexico Tri-Con Convention, event organizers have proudly announced their first annual Horror Film Festival!
That’s right, Comics, Sci-Fi and Horror meet at the first ever NM Tri-Con Horror & Sci-fi Film Festival Oct. 27th-28th, 2012 at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.
This one of a kind duel film festival and expo hosts panels, workshops, demos, celebrity guests, VIP pre-parties, after parties, and attending distributors.
The film submission deadline for both completed full length Horror and Sci-Fi features and shorts has been extended through October 10, 2012.
Pre-event kick-off begins Oct. 26, 2012 with a Lost Boys Launch Party featuring G Tom Mac, Children Acting Class, Film Festival, Jedi Training.
Check out all the scheduled celebrity guests, info. on how to submit your film, winning film awards (including Adobe Jag 35), full event schedule, and ticket information at www.nmtricon.com.
Posted by Sindicator on August 27, 2012 | Comments Off
From the Book that was Banned, Burned and Forbidden, the New Mexico Movie Premiere of Bless Me, Ultima Opens the Santa Fe Independent Film Festival on October 17, 2012.
Santa Fe, NM (August 27, 2012) The Santa Fe Independent Film Festival is thrilled to announce its 2012 festival will open with the New Mexico premiere of Bless Me, Ultima the film based on the beloved classic, “the book that was banned, burned, and forbidden.” Bless Me, Ultima written by treasured New Mexico author Rudolfo Anaya will kick off the fourth year of the Santa Fe Independent Film Festival on October 17th at Warehouse 21 heading up a full festival schedule over 5 days in 4 venues in downtown Santa Fe. Santa Fe IFF runs October 17th to 21st with over 75 film screenings, filmmaker workshops and after-parties. The Opening night party will be held at Zia Diner with a special menu created by local restaurateur Beth Koch based on recipes from Bless Me, Ultima. The Awards Ceremony will be on Saturday October 20th at The Lensic Performing Arts Center. This year, Santa Fe IFF inaugurates its New Mexico Tin Pie Plate Awards created by Fred Ray Lopez of santafetinworks.com to hold their signature Pie Awards homemade by the Executive Director’s Mom.
Rudolfo Anaya’s Bless Me, Ultima is a drama set in New Mexico during WWII, centered on the relationship between a young man and an elderly curandera who helps him contend with the battle between good and evil that rages in his village. Many New Mexicans can remember growing up reading this incredible book, and have long awaited the movie. Bless Me, Ultima is an award-winning classic, however, it has been controversial and has been banned in school curriculum and public libraries, as recently as this year in Arizona. Opening the festival with Bless Me, Ultima represents Santa Fe IFF’s commitment to supporting films made in New Mexico featuring a New Mexican cast and crew. Executive Director Jacques Paisner states, “The mission of Santa Fe IFF is to show that New Mexico is the best place to watch and make films. We are especially excited to present the New Mexico premiere of Bless Me Ultima written here by a beloved New Mexico author and filmed in our state.”
Santa Fe IFF is excited that Southwest CARE Center has come on as a contributing partner to bring the timely critically acclaimed film Call Me Kuchu to the 2012 fest. David Kato, the first openly gay man in Uganda and his fellow activists work tirelessly to defeat a new bill that threatens to make homosexuality punishable by death, while combating vicious persecution in their daily lives.”Racking up awards from the Berlin Film Festival to Toronto’s Hot Docs, and closing this year’s Human Rights Watch Film Festival at NYC’s Film Society of Lincoln Center…Call Me Kuchu… is one of those rare docs that manages to enlighten, uplift and enrage in equal doses.” Lauren Wissot (Santa Fe IFF Director of Programming, Filmmaker Magazine Contributing Editor) Call Me Kuchu will screen at CCA (Center for Contemporary Arts) on Friday, October 19. For info on Santa Fe IFF 2012 festival passes and tickets go to www.santafeiff.com or call 505 349-1414.
Sponsors of Santa Fe Independent Film Festival
The Santa Fe Independent Film Festival program, events and filmmaker brunch rely on the generous support of sponsors and corporate partnerships. A special thanks to this year’s committed sponsors: (media partner) Hutton Broadcasting; (official sponsors) Inn and Spa at Lorretto, Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort and Spa, Studio X, Hotel Santa Fe, Lensic Performing Arts Center, Warehouse 21, IATSE Local 480, HDNM, Santa Fe Studios; (community sponsors) La Posada de Santa Fe Resort and Spa, Garrett’s Desert Inn, San Francisco Street Bar & Grill, Zia Diner, Cowgirl BBQ, Flying Star, Ore House at Milagro, Inside Santa Fe, Garson Studios; (signature sponsors) Tamalewood, High Desert Digital, Meow Wolf, Fred Ray Lopez of Santa Fe Tinworks, Whole Foods; (contributing partners) Santa Fe University of Art and Design, Southwest CARE Center, Quail Run, KUNM, Hinkle Law Firm, Farm to Restaurant New Mexico, Winds of Choice Chiropractic Healing; (festival partners) Century Bank, Image Ratio, One Mind Design.
Other supporters include: Santa Fe County, Santa Fe Arts Commission, Kindle Project, and McCune Foundation.
About the Santa Fe Independent Film Festival
Santa Fe Independent Film Festival was founded four years ago by local filmmakers to bring the best of independent film to Santa Fe and reignite the historic love affair between Santa Fe and film. 2012 marks the fourth year of Santa IFF’s all volunteer organization offering a growing festival for independent film, filmmakers and film lovers. Santa Fe IFF is dedicated to the economic development of our city and New Mexico film. Santa Fe IFF is committed to attracting a growing number of people who make and love films from all over the world to join this year’s Fest to enjoy independent films and the unique charm of Santa Fe. The Fourth Annual Santa Fe Independent Film Festival continues its mission of exhibiting the best of independent film to diverse audiences, creating educational opportunities, and building community partnerships.
Posted by Sindicator on August 6, 2012 | Comments Off
UPDATE 8/27/2012:A (*240 SEAT CAPACITY) New Mexico Premiere has been scheduled for Oct. 17 at the Santa Fe Independent Film Festival, details here.
After a dust-up surrounding the fully booked El Paso, TX world premiere of the New Mexico inspired, shot and beloved film, Bless Me Ultima, local industry insiders are talking.
Albuquerque Film Office Director, Ann Lerner says, “I believe they (the producers) were looking for an unbiased audience reaction to their movie – with an audience that was probably not so familiar with the story of Bless Me Ultima as all of us New Mexicans are. The story is quite dear to our hearts after all!”
Local crew and actors who worked on the production have been widely disappointed along with rabid fans of the literary work (by Albuquerque resident and iconic author Rudolfo Anaya), on which the movie is based, to learn that there is no local screening currently scheduled.
A rep for one of the production companies behind the movie, Monkey Tree Films, has assured locals that a New Mexico premiere is in the works.
State Film Office Director Nick Manianatis confirms to OHI, “We’ve been working with the producers in planning a cast and crew screening in NM – more to come.”
While local talent awaits their time to screen this passion project, Anaya himself has had a private viewing the film. The author had this to say to La Bloga:
The movie is excellent, it captures the story and characters. Every single person attending the screening gave it fantastic, positive reviews.
I am positive la gente is going to love the movie. Like my friend John Nichols said, a novel becomes a short story when turned into a movie. Don’t expect to see the full novel on screen. Everyone knows that.
Carl Franklin did a great job with the story and bringing characters together as familia. Except for Miriam Colón, the cast are actors that don’t have big celebrity names. I hope they do after their roles in the movie. Everyone did excellent work.
Carl Franklin, the director, did talk to me and asked me questions, but the screenplay is his work. I approved his work. Some themes in the novel are left out, but the story works.
Carl Franklin
I met the director several times here at our home. I was invited to play a role in the movie and attend all shooting events, but I stayed home. My feeling was to let them do their work. I don’t make movies.
I met all the actors at the cast party. They had only positive things to say of the process. Miriam Colón visited me here at our home. She is lovely, a perfect Ultima. Her face shines in the movie, so does Luke (Ganalon) who plays Antonio.
…the people will love it. Will there be critics? Of course. All art is criticized if only by responding to it. Let the people enjoy and judge. I feel confident the movie will be around in 50 years.
Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets for “The BaD Tour.” The first tour sold out in record time (and so did the encore tour on July 22nd).
*****There will be another edition of “The BaD Tour” (34 seats available) on Sunday, July 29th***** Tickets go on sale here Tuesday, July 3rd, at 9:00AM
It’s no Winnebego ride into the mesa with Jesse Pinkman and Walter White (or is it?), but it IS a tour of some key locations that are now a part of #NMFilm history.
ABQ Trolley Co. is excited to introduce the first ever Breaking Bad locations tour of Albuquerque on Sunday, July 15th. “The BaD Tour” is a 3.5 hour, fully-narrated tour of Breaking Bad locations. Breaking Bad is the Emmy-winning television series that is shot on location in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Spend 3.5 hours on a uniquely-Albuquerque, open-air Trolley as we tour Walter White and Jesse Pinkman’s Albuquerque!
The tour coincides with the much-anticipated Season 5 premiere of Breaking Bad. The BaD Tour begins July 15th at 4:00PM and ends at 9:00PM after a private viewing party of the Season 5 Premiere of Breaking Bad at Back Alley Brew Pub located inside JC’s New York Pizza Department (215 Central Ave. NW) in downtown Albuquerque. Tickets are $60 and include dinner. Tickets go on sale on July 1st at 12:01AM. There are 34 seats available. The tour departs from 3rd St. & Tijeras NW (Convention Center [west complex] loading zone). There will be Breaking Bad trivia and great prizes from local Albuquerque businesses given out on the tour.
Posted by Sindicator on June 8, 2012 | Comments Off
All pledges benefit ARCA, a nonprofit organization providing services for
children and adults with developmental disabilities in central
New Mexico. To learn more, visit www.arc-a.org
Pledge – Per pin pledges are based on the score the bowler achieves. The minimum suggested per pin pledge is $0.25. For example, if a sponsor pledges 25 cents per pin and the bowler gets a score of 140, the sponsor‘s donation will be $35 (.25 cents times 140).
Note: the minimum score will be 100. Sponsors may also choose to make a flat rate pledge. The advantage of a flat rate pledge is that the bowler does not need to collect money after they bowl. They can collect the donation while getting sponsors.
***Bowlers, make all checks payable to the ARCA Foundation***
Don’t miss the ARCA CELEBRITY AFTER PARTY!!! JUNE 9TH Copa Cabana Night Club
Get all the inside deets from the event Facebook page here.
Posted by Sindicator on April 26, 2012 | Comments Off
Photo by Mike Cee Carpenter
Fans know this pair as Gomez and Sual; the two Breaking bad stars, Steven Michael Quezada and Bob Odenkirk played to a packed house Tuesday night at a live taping of Quezada’s own TV talk-show, The After After Party.
Just what they played remains to be seen…But the Breaking Bad gang is locally known for really bringing it to their brother’s hometown stage. This is after all where Cranston transformed into White for season four and where he also let lose with his inner Panabaker…Click and scroll here for video.
Quezada released the stage pic saying, “If you don’t come to the AAP, you don’t know how rough some of these interviews can get.”
Get in on the next LIVE taping, Tuesday May 8. You never know who or what is going down at New Mexico’s number one spot for late, late night television.
The After After Party airs Saturday nights, right after Saturday Night Live on NBC here in New Mexico. Click here to find the show streaming online and for more broadcast times & channels.
Posted by Sindicator on April 24, 2012 | Comments Off
Steven Michael Quezada doesn’t waste any time – in the Breaking Bad off-season, or during! Between shooting a film in Roswell, writing and starring in his own television drama series and hosting duties on his long running late night tv talk show, The After After Party, he’s been busy filming the fifth and final season of Breaking Bad right here in the Q.
Now in its third season, The After After Party continues to showcase the finest LIVE entertainment in New Mexico! Tonight, host Steven Michael Quezada, and the whole After After Party crew, including the phenomenal house band, The James Douglas Show are proud to welcome some of SMQ’s Breaking Bad family to the stage!
From the show:
“BIG NEWS!!!! Bob Odenkirk will be our first guest on the AAP next Tuesday, he will be doing a one man sketch and interview! Also Stewart Lyons our favorite producer of Breaking Bad and many more….. Don’t miss out on all the fun people!”
…annnd now rumor has it that a certain “cook” will be making a special appearance in addition to all the amazing scheduled talent!
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Show starts promptly at 7. NO COVER, cash bar, FREE EPIC ENTERTAINMENT, what more could you ask for ‘Burque!
Johnny Depp is one of the world’s great movie stars. But he can play the role of rock star pretty convincingly, too.
The actor, 48, grabbed his guitar and joined Marilyn Manson on stage Wednesday night for a rollicking performance at Revolver magazine’s Golden Gods Awards concert at Club Nokia in Los Angeles.
But in true Depp style, he played it cool – keeping his head low, almost to the point of being incognito. And indeed, it took a while for the crowd to realize that a Hollywood superstar was in their midst.
With an ivory guitar slung low on his thigh, Depp wore a black button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up, black boots, black jeans and a black cowboy hat with a white feather pulled down, covering most of his face.
After running through the song “Sweet Dreams,” Manson, 43, shouted to the crowd, “If you don’t recognize my personal friend … my personal savior, my personal guitar hero … Johnny Depp!” The crowd roared its approval.
Next they moved on the Manson’s “The Beautiful People.” All the while Depp was straight faced, focusing on his playing, though he broke into an occasional smile – absolutely in control, bemused at times, but obviously enjoying himself.
The actor has made a point of hanging out with rock stars lately. Back in February he chilled out with Sir Paul McCartney and Bruce Springsteen at the Foo Fighters’ after-Grammys party.
Posted by Sindicator on December 7, 2011 | Comments Off
Yes, I sacrificed my very own copy of Albuquerque the Mag’s BoC issue in order to put forth this OPEN CALL:
Dear NPH, meet SMQ. New Mexico’s favorite son and everybody’s #1 Homie share their home state and the admiration of all those here who are passionate about Entertainment!
Of course the famous pair have already rubbed elbows, but as an avid fan of both and a remote associate to one, I have to state the obvious: It’s time that NPH guests on The AAP with SMQ!
Me thinks it is Comedy Magic time at The After After Party where these two stars can collide in front of a hometown crowd!
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!
Split or no split, change works for Demi and Demi WORKS for change. From her self-made superstardom, to her politics, to her word wide humanitarianism, New Mexico’s Own Demi Moore is the queen of re-invention and vitality.
THAT is why as a state focused entertainment and issues organization we tapped local film makers and NM’s Ultimate Party Rock Band to create a plea, nay the “Ultimate Rock Party Postcard” dedicated to New Mexico’s estranged daughter, inviting her to come home.
We set our sights on New Mexico’s most well known, global goodwill ambassador inviting her to COME BACK to her home state where the star could no doubt enact and inspire change that even the most down trodden New Mexican could get behind.
We say, think globally, act locally, and no starker contrast can be made between our struggling state and the star shine of our own NM native Demi Moore.
As we did on her birthday, at Christmastime and again on Valentine’s Day we continue to extend the invite to NM’s favorite star to COME BACK, where we’d all like to see her at work in NM Film, active in NM Politics and flexing her star power in initiating local humanitarianism.
After all, inspire a child, help a mother, feed a family here and enact the change we all would like to see in the whole of the world.
