Rumors are swirling about who will step in to replace Jude Law in the upcoming Natalie Portman western “Jane Got a Gun”…but has anyone thought that it may be TWO of the a fore mentioned studs instead of just one????
L’est we forget that there’s more than just one vacancy left after the upheaval resulting from a certain director’s direct exit from the film…as we alluded to here, prior to that directorial mess, a genuine scheduling conflict caused a leading man void in the Portman produced pelicula.
IF anyone has ever taken a word of my advice on what a riveting film NM’s Own 2009 “Brothers” was, they’ll know that both Tobey Maguire and Jake Gyllenhaal are a natural fit to work with Portman, and as for Jeff Bridges…well, CRAZY HEART!!!! Need I say more? If so, how ’bout a little film called “True Grit”, starring the naturally dreamy and perfectly aged Jeff Bridges!
Finally I’d be remiss if I didn’t disclose that Bridges’ co-star in Grit, none other than THE Matt Damon of the long ago NM Film, “All the Pretty Horses” is, as of this writing, a scheduling clear contender…
Of course it will be no surprise if none of the above make it to set, as is the world of movie making…maybe one of the locals can take a stab at one or two of the vacant roles on this pic.
Meanwhile, word on the wire is that another long lived leading man is recently signed on for a yet to be announced NM western, namely one Kurt Russell who is said to be on board with “Bone Tomahawk”, led by Timothy Olyphant (Justified) and Jennifer Carpenter (Dexter).
Keep your ears to the grindstone my friends, New Mexico’s Summer shoot schedule is set to be a bumpy ride!
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 January 22, 2013 | Comments Off
More deets from the set of Force of Execution, now filming in the Q…
Tomorrow NM’s Own Jesus Jr. (Breaking Bad, In Plain Sight, 2 Guns, MacGruber) will face off, in the third epic battle of his career with the one and only Steven Seagal!
The actor said today, “Itz going down tomorrow…..our 3rd battle so far. 1st there was “URBAN JUSTICE” where it all started…..then there was “THE KEEPER”…and now…..”FORCE OF EXECUTION”……WORD…”
Yesterday – These pics of the now wrapped NMFilm “Lone Survivor” have bucked Johnny Depp and “The Lone Ranger” from the single most viewed post in this site’s history. The film’s star Mark Wahlberg is all aces with us for back-to-back NMFilm duty with only kind word and deed to all locals he encountered, including AZUMA sushi owners who say Wahlberg told them his favorite Sunday activities in NM are church and Azuma dining!
Check out all our “Lone Survivor” coverage here. Stars Emile Hirsch, Eric Bana, Hunger Games guy Taylor Kitsch and NM’s Own Jerry Angelo are super HOT on the web right now!
Today – Cameras are rolling in the Q on a high stakes NBC television script. The dramatic series pilot, “After Hours” is currently filming and employing even more of New Mexico’s finest! We need this series pick-up as our beloved “Breaking Bad” preps to wrap the final eight episodes of the epic Albuquerque based AMC series.
Mañana’ish – The indie film “Frontera”, is getting set to wrap. The film, starring the lovely Eva Longoria and NMFilm vet Ed Harris has generated a nice bit of buzz with the locals who have caught a glimpse of cast and crew in some rural New Mexico locations.
Along with the aforementioned series finale of “Breaking Bad”, the sure to be glorious season two of the A&E hit series, “Longmire” is getting set to roll this spring…
Presenting this year’s “Best Narrative” in the Albuquerque, NM 48 Hour Music Video Project, in which director and producer receive the name of a musical artist/band then have 48 hours to make a short Music Video based on the music.
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 September 23, 2012 | Comments Off
The words, “fifth and final” have been tough ones to swallow ’round here in the world of New Mexico Film, as two of the most long lasting and acclaimed productions in NM history have reached their end.
USA Network’s “In Plain Sight” has already drawn to a close and the end draws near for “Breaking Bad“. Yes, I’m crying! Whatever!
Anyhow, the New Mexico son who has worked, and worked in the entertainment industry to make a name for himself, and Nuevo México for more than 20 years, has achieved some of the recognition he deserves as one of the few, the proud, and the still living on “the best show on television”!
Tonight NM’s Own, Steven Michael Quezada continues to enjoy Emmy weekend with his Breaking Bad TV family and his beautiful bride, Cherise. Here, courtesy of Rio Grande Media Group, is YOUR NIGHT at the 2012 Emmy’s with Steven Michael Quezada!
Posted by Sindicator on September 4, 2012 | Comments Off
BONUS 09/06/12: Scroll way, way down for video of THE LONE RANGER AKA ARMIE HAMMER LIVE on the NM Set of TLR with James Blackburn!!!
EVEN FURTHER DOWN THE SCROLL: Raw Footage of The Lone Ranger filming near Eagles Nest, NM from August 26, 2012. Depp and Hammer in full dress as Tonto and the Lone Ranger in Train scene.
From set to stage (and everywhere in-between) Johnny Depp certainly has left his impression on NM.
Since the beginning of 2012 the inbox@oneheadlightink.com has received everything from the interesting to the outlandish by of way info. and photos swirling around the then secretive “Silver Bullet” project.
From the very first studio lot prop pics we chose to release, which made waves with some local industry insiders, to the sweet pics true fans, friends and admirers of the star shared in confidence we’ve enjoyed being taken along for the ride.
Now that Disney’s The Lone Ranger has wrapped, here are a select few, previously unreleased pics:
Depp with local actor Jackamoe Buzzell at NM’s secluded cove and celeb hot spot, Vernon’s Steakhouse
Stills from Depp’s live stage performance with Gore Verbinski at the TLR wrap party in Angel Fire, NM (video and photos by Nevada Sands, reprinted by depp.ru)
Depp on the Albuquerque Studio lot arriving for filming
The Lone Ranger himself, Armie Hammer with his beautiful wife, Elizabeth Chambers at the TLR wrap party
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.
UPDATE AUGUST 1, 2012: OLC Casting has just announced prep for casting 2 Guns!!!! Filming will begin in both the Albuquerque and Santa Fe area on 8/20/12. Get to OnLocationCasting.us to register or update your profile to be considered.
Feeling a rise in the fahrenheit here in NM my brothers and sisters?
Well, everything from temperatures to hemlines and everything in-between may be compelled to head upwards, esp. right here in the Q as two of the sexiest men in North America now tread where Tonto and the Lone Ranger (not to mention the molten lava hotness of one Walter White) have already set-up shop.
As we told you hereFIRST, the demi-god of NM’s The Book of Eli and the original god of underwear ad dreams are set to team in the graphic novel turned upcoming mega movie, 2 Guns.
The reports are in that the pair are IN TOWN now, in preparation for the film that will shoot here and in Louisiana later this year.
Hottie-tottie, sexy lady, Paula Patton is also set to star.
Drop us a line here if you’re impressed by the duo out & about in the Q.
Gracias Chimi
p.s. we had some kick a** (not really) new pics of The Lone Ranger set for you today, but somebody pitched a fit…so, no cigarro on that, but they are floating around out there…probably sure to surface on KOAT in a few weeks.
The BFE camp is thrilled to have announced that their labor of love will soon get its due and wide-spread play on iTunes, Netflix, Video on Demand, and pending cable networks!
Since its 2011 premiere, the film which took home the Best NM Feature award at the Albuquerque Film Festival, has also shown at White Sands International Film Festival, Hollywood Film Festival, placed at the Las Vegas Comedy Film Festival, and was an Official Semi finalist in the Chicago Comedy Film Festival.
Look forward to the announcement of future showings and DVD availability.
Congratulations to this ALL NEW MEXICO cast and crew!
In this con-gone-wrong comedy, a boozy, disenchanted small-town deputy devises a Bigfoot hoax with his dimwitted sidekick to capture the attention – and the votes – of the townsfolk in a backwater sheriff’s election. Complications abound when the mayor enlists an alluring cryptozoologist to investigate, and hires the hoaxers to guide her.
“Johnny Tapia was a person who owned up to everything in his life, the good and the bad and never [put blame] on anybody else. He was a champion to the world and to me…R.I.P. my brother.” -Steven Michael Quezada
Posted by Sindicator on May 26, 2012 | Comments Off
Throngs of drooling Jenny McCarthy fans all around the world are sure to join many New Mexikids in their admiration for NM’s Own Brian Urlacher, as the confirmation is in that the pair are indeed a “couple”.
NBC Chicago reports, “Jenny McCarthy on Urlacher”, and here’s the whole scoop from Celebuzz:
The 39-year-old Love in the Wild host confirmed rumors dating rumors on Thursday when she stepped out with Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher at the Generation Rescue autism charity. With her footballer beau around her arm, McCarthy told reporters that the two are indeed an item.
“I can confirm that yes it’s true, we are dating,” McCarthy said to NBC Chicago. “Go Bears, that’s all I can say.”
But that’s not all!
On the same night, McCarthy and Urlacher, 34, were also spotted getting cozy during a dinner date at Bill and Giuliana Rancic‘s RPM Italian restaurant in Chicago.
It looks like McCarthy’s taking her own advice that she recently spilled to Celebuzz, who told us that it takes at least a weekend in order to find out if you’re seeing the right guy.
“If you spend a few days with somebody, you really get to see that fake self drop away a little bit,” she said. “That helps me know whether I want to move on or keep going.”
Doting mom McCarthy may have found herself a winner in Urlacher, who already has two daughters and a son from previous relationships. McCarthy is the proud mother of her 10-year-old son, Evan.
So while the rest of us you wait to see the 39 year old former playmate hit the pages of Playboy once again, one of our hometown heroes has scored a hook-up with the real thing!
Posted by Sindicator on May 16, 2012 | Comments Off
Today: On the Roswell, NM set of The Rambler, Dermot Mulroney getting into the swing of things, bloodied at the hands of NM’s Own Vince McDaniel.
Now in post-production this full length feature has a ready and waiting audience, built-in from the avid fans/followers of the original short by Calvin Lee Reeder.
Mañana: The fabled creature that is the impossibly perfect looking January Jones is just weeks away from co-starring with John McCain AKA the incomparable Ed Harris in this summer’s NM shoot of Sweetwater.
Yesterday: Indie dramedy, As Cool As I Am has been in the can for sometime now. The film starring Claire Danes, James Marsden, Sarah Bolger, Thomas Mann and PETER FONDA, shot in NM last summer. Here are a some stills from the Identity Films production awaiting distribution…
Posted by Sindicator on May 7, 2012 | Comments Off
Pobre Meow. Last month El Gato Gordito made his way onto the world’s stage (well national television), and even on to the lap of America’s greatest talk show host, Anderson Cooper.
Now the famous tabby from Santa Fe, New Mexico is no more. After the whirl-wind press tour in which Meow’s plight to beat the bulge was made public, Meow was back home in NM, where he had been turned in to the Santa Fe Humane Society by his elderly owner whom could no longer care for him.
The Humane Society immediately set about with a regimen designed to save Meow’s life by aiming to cut down his morbidly obese weight, of 39 lbs. by at least 10.
Unfortunately, Meow lost his fight against the weight over the weekend. Santa Fe Animal Shelter executive director Mary Martin released the following announcement via facebook this morning:
Dear Friends,
I am devastated to share with you that the respiratory distress that Meow was experiencing last week (the reason we did not do his weigh-in) took his life at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 5. The Shelter staff – along with all those who met Meow during his short time with us – mourn his passing. As many of you are aware, Meow began wheezing last Thursday in his foster home, Dr. Jen began trying to sort out the problem, at first considering the possibility of asthma associated with his weight. She started treatment immediately to ease his breathing and, when Meow didn’t improve, she sought additional help for him from our emergency specialty hospital and an additional private veterinary hospital. Although four different veterinarians worked with Meow, we were unable to stop the progression of what turned out to be pulmonary failure. Meow had been doing so well in his foster home; walking up stairs and seeking affection – that it is so very hard to believe he is gone. We will forever be grateful for the attention Meow’s size brought to pet obesity and to animal shelters across the country. We are especially grateful to all of you who fell in love with this charming cat – as we did – and were so very interested in his progress and success.
With gratitude,
Mary Martin
Sweet, furry reminder of the toll weight takes on the body. And with all due respect proof that even the healing hands of Anderson Cooper cannot save a losing battle.
Adios Meow. Rest in peace and may your story save many lives, feline and otherwise.
