From New Mexico’s International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees:
(IATSE 480)
Film & Media Day will be on Friday, Feb. 22nd this year. We start with a Women In Film presentation on the evening before. A full schedule can be found below.
The Halls of History at the State Capitol will be full of exhibitors from communities, colleges, and film vendors from around the state. “Breaking Bad” star Steven Michael Quezada will introduce Friends of Film, Warriors for Film workers at noon in the Rotunda to be followed by a showing of “Carmen & Ben: A Love Story,” our documentary tribute to Speaker Lujan.
Background casting call will take place from 11am-4pm in the auditorium at the State Land Office, 310 Old Santa Fe Trail. The public is encouraged to attend. For casting session questions please call Hillary Baca at 974-8058.
The industry reception for legislators will follow at The Dragon Room in the Pink Adobe from 5-8 pm.
Jon Hendry said, “After ten years, Film & Media Day has become one of the biggest and most well-attended lobbying days during the session. Schools and communities from all over the state send students and businesses to meet their representatives and thank them for their continued support of this exciting industry. It’s a great day to come to the Capitol, and this year you could even become an extra!”
Noon –1pm – Press conference in the Rotunda with Steven Michael Quezada. We will also be screening IATSE 480 Business Agent, Jon Hendry’s tribute to Speaker Ben Lujan.
1pm – Sky video systems demo of their camera drone outside on the Old SF Trail side
2-5pm – Lobbying
4:30pm – Vendors break down their displays and tables and chairs are loaded out
5pm – 8pm VIP Legislative reception at the Dragon Room, Pink Adobe, Old SF Trail
7pm – Sundance Film and CCA present, “Upstream Color” at the Lensic.
IATSE Local 480 is participating by offering discounted tickets to NM film makers, available at the Roundhouse on the day for $5, first come first served.
Contact: Linda McDill, NMWIF President
505.424.3757 LMcDill100@aol.com
“The biggest casting session the state has ever seen is going down TOMORROW, February 22, 2013 in Santa Fe (11am-4pm)!
What started out as an open call for six current and future film and television productions has grown to NINE upcoming projects!
Including FOUR Westerns in Santa Fe, an untitled sci-fi, fantasy in Albuquerque, TWO road movies in Rio Rancho and Las Cruces, a gritty thriller set for Deming and Albuquerque AND two TV shows!!!”
Rumor has it that at least 4 and up to 7 movies and TV productions will be casting at this one-stop-shop style call at New Mexico Film & Media Day 2013. Mark your calendars and keep watch right here…
What we know so far:
Casting directors, film personnel and industry workers and students will be on hand for the all day multi-media event at the state capitol building in Santa Fe, New Mexico on February 22, 2013.
Two more productions that this film fan hadn’t even heard of yet called The Signal and Runaway are also anticipated to be represented.
No specifics are available at this time (believe me, I’ve been hunting for them), but standard audition and casting call protocol should be followed.
STAY TUNED RIGHT HERE FOR MORE – UP TO THE MINUTE INFORMATION!!!
While you wait, get on the horn, fire-up your keypad, and/or make the trek up to the roundhouse to respectfully speak to YOUR state representatives. The time is NOW to engage in meaningful dialogue in support of the New Mexico Film Industry – learn more here.
IATSE Local 480 and Reel Working America are hosting a Legislative strategy meeting on Jan. 12th to prepare for the upcoming session.
It is important that all parties with an interest in film have a chance to voice their concerns and opinions as we formulate a plan to move ahead.
Please plan to join us and share this notice with your friends, family and neighbors who have an interest in the film business in NM.
WHAT: 2013 Legislative Strategy Session
DATE: Saturday, January 12, 2013
TIME: 1pm
PLACE: Center for Progress & Justice, 1420 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe (next door to the union). Parking is on Taos street behind the building.
New Mexico Film & Media Day is Friday, February 22nd, 2013.
But first, in preparation for this year’s state legislative session, IATSE Local 480 will be hosting a town hall meeting.
This “2013 Legislative Strategy Session” will be held on January 12th, where the objective will be to discuss the upcoming legislative session stance and handling of the New Mexico Film Industry going into the new year and beyond!
Industry enthusiasts are asked to contribute their creative ideas for activities and exhibitions to engage both attendees and elected officials at this year’s Film & Media Day; Suggestions and submissions that would involve the general public, legislators and their staffs, highlighting film trades, education, hardware/software, gizmos and events are encouraged and appreciated.
Join the conversation regarding the future of your Film Industry in New Mexico!
OPEN TO ALL! Great company, complimentary food, and brainstorming – GET INTO IT!
January 12th at 1 p.m.
Center for Progress and Justice 1420 Cerrillos Rd.
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87121
There seemed to be some promising developments between one big government office and our own International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees after the dust-up in March, wherein the NM Dept. of Tourism and New Mexico dollars went virtually ALL OUT OF STATE (save for approx. 6 actors and 2 crew members, and a 4 day local shoot).
Then IATSE 480 business agent Jon Hendry released this statement regarding the possible mends in going forward with the current administration giving NMFilm a fair shake, however…
A new row is brewing as another branch of our government too appears set to utilize out of state film resources and is requesting non-union talent to shoot state PSAs.
The latest word from Jon Hendry on the matter:
So the DOT are shooting a spot as they do regularly ( or it could be the MVD but whomever it’s your tax dollars) and from what I’m being told they’re bringing in an out-of-state Director and possibly a DP. They’re also casting only non-union actors. Now I’m finding this all a little hard to believe, as I sat in the Govenor’s office and i was personally assured, by the Deputy Chief of Staff, that every effort would be made to ensure this didn’t happen again, so for now I’m assuming it’s all a rumor.
There are some fine commercial directors here, as good as anyone that could be brought in. Even if there wasn’t, how would our people ever get better without the opportunities that in-State Government commercials allow ? I actually know of what I speak. In a previous life, when I was the Director of Marketing for then Gov. Richardson, we shot dozens of spots without ever bringing in anyone from out of State including the Directors and we somehow made the spots on budget and Union. Including the iconic ” You drink,you drive, you lose ” and the national award-winning ” You’re in the right state of mind, just the wrong State “
We viewed commercials as training grounds and showcase opportunities for New Mexico talent both in front and behind the camera. After all, if the State won’t help who will ?
Rather than just complain here’s a couple of concrete suggestions ; first here’s what I will be told ” Why do you care.? They are using your guys ? ” I care because I’m a New Mexican. Bringing in ATL is just wrong. Putting BTL locals on doesn’t make this right. As I’ve said, I will be an advocate, but the real key here is the film office. If they ask through the Governor that all departments send there RFP’s over so they can be emailed to interested New Mexicans who register with them, then at least the production community will have an opportunity to bid. They could also put on a job fair for State agencies which brings together possible clients and vendors. I used to bring in all the PIO’s from the State for a monthly meet and show them examples of New Mexican work, took them to sets, introduced them to our peeps. It worked.
Regardless if New Mexicans are not getting hired, we-the production community- need to fix this. I need to fix this. Because frankly I’m a big fan. I have had the privilege of working with many of you and with many outsiders. We take a back seat to no one.
Jon Hendry
In the meanwhile, today the Albuquerque Journal reports, “Gov. Susana Martinez’s administration is laying the groundwork for a wide-ranging study of New Mexico’s film rebates that it hopes will put to rest the debate over the program’s effectiveness.”
We have to wonder if the study will aim for a balanced look or simply take further aim at dismantling the industry which this administration has been so notorious for. Albuquerque has fallen from NUMBER ONE in the nation for film production to third and the state as a whole has fallen from third to NINTH under Martinez’s relatively short rule.
Study or target no study the numbers of productions which are fleeting and fleeing continue to mount, from Django Unchained in Louisiana, to Iron Man and Hunger Games in North Carolina, where Government offices actively work for film jobs and notoriety for their state residents.
New Mexico presently sits on the bench with infighting while neighboring states, previously daunted by the New Mexico’s top ranking in film were falling away, others are ramping-up as our reign is loosening and slipping away.
UPDATE 3/2/12: OHI has just obtained the following document, as sent out last month, requesting that state leaders consider utilizing local resources to produce the upcoming NM State Tourism multi-media campaign.
GUILTY – We’re all guilty of corporate chain store shopping and franchise restaurant dinning over the local mom & pop businesses who are struggling to survive in our community.
Does this mean we shall all remain passive in allowing our state funds, though humble by national standards, to follow the same path on a still multimillion dollar scale, by way of whatever cryptic and elusive measures may or may not be ordained?
In what looks a lot like an ever increasing tally of slights to the local film & media industry by the Roundhouse, this particular money train (aka NM State Tourism contract) starts in New Mexico, runs through Texas (to drop off the cash) and only creates local work or pays back to New Mexico what is allocated by the out of state firm.
You don’t get to be the 498,660 ranked website in America (1,411,247 worldwide, insert “lol” here) without recognizing that there IS as much passion and interest as there is talent in this great state and its epic film industry that thousands have worked and lived to embolden over lo these many years.
From those of us who watch and report, to those in the trenches who literally implore the powers that be to lend their support to growing the industry, we all want to know – If we’re truly working to bring productions home, why wouldn’t we produce a production set to represent and draw the world’s attention to us with ample local talent?
IATSE Local 480 Business Agent, Jon Hendry proactively set out to offer his industry know-how and resources to the state’s Governor, Susana Martinez and her applicable cabinet members in the above letter dated Feb. 14, 2012 – which all but begs the root question here: If the industry has the support of the current administration why isn’t it being utilized by it?
YOUR “meager” 2M State Tourism dollars are at work on Job Creation, for out of state companies.
The decision to go with the small and relatively new Texas firm, Vendor Inc., may already be generating some tourism revenue, by way of maybe filling some hotel rooms and buying local meals for the out of state advertising firm and their crew*, when they visit NM to execute our new multimillion dollar marketing campaign.
Too bad factoring small business and peripheral spending locally is not taken into any meaningful account by the current administration (oh wait, that’s only when asserted by the evil film industry – Tourism gets carte blanche on claims of grandeur and bloated assertions of ROI – seeCatch the Kid). And ~again, in this case, any dollars the Texas firm spends were already New Mexico dollars to begin with.
Though beloved by many (including yours truly), even the casting co. hired by the firm to fill roles for the multi-media ad campaign being shot locally, is not New Mexico based.
At least the gig pays ~well, and so long as they pass the “bag test”, it seems a few New Mexicans will be getting paid as a part of this whole shebang right out of the shoot.
*Unconfirmed – duh, this is a blog not the NY Times
Posted by Sindicator on February 14, 2012 | Comments Off
For the most part we don’t observe Valentine’s Day around here, though we are big proponents of celebrating love (in all its forms) year ’round!
As you all know, one of my great loves is the fine state of New Mexico, but as in most relationships we don’t always see eye to eye…whether downtrodden by local “professionals” throwing shade my way or the front office imposing fundamentally disparate legislation on the priorities and values many of us hold so dear, New Mexico and I don’t always get along.
This (below) is not part of the best Texas based ad campaign that 2M New Mexico dollars can buy (or is it). It is however how many of us may feel when certain individuals and worse, governing bodies seem to let us all down.
Old v. New Mexico
In 2010 one of our state’s most perpetually mishandled problems was again brought to our collective consciousness (in a somewhat more connective way than the all-too-regular reports of locals perpetrating their 4th, 5th, 12th or even 20th recorded drunk driving infraction – yielding little to no consequence to them), when NM’s Own, Jackie James who is beloved by her friends, family & (as it so happens) her “6″ fans, became another victim of the plague that is drunk driving in New Mexico.
Thankfully Jackie of 100.3 The Peak, survived to tell her story – though just last week, due to yet another lapse in “the system”, was at first denied the opportunity to address the courts and her offender in this case.
This week at a so called, “re-sentencing” hearing Jackie and her husband/co-host, Tony Manero were permitted to present statements to the court. It is unclear if the the conditional discharge granted to the drunk driver in the original hearing will have to be upheld (more from KOB-TV here).
In the meantime whether from your neighbor, mother, daughter, brother, or friend with an inappropriate crush on you, I wish you all the kind of heartening love, support & appreciation that this husband/co-host and best friend conveyed to the sometimes very unjust system regarding his very just feelings about the near fatal tragedy that rocked this public NM couple.
Here is Tony’s statement to the court of the Honorable Denise Barela Shepherd, Second Disctrict Court, State of New Mexico:
“Thank you your honor-
My name is Anthony. I am the husband of the victim. Her car was hit directly by a drunk driver on the morning of…
We do a morning radio show together, and I can’t tell you the stories we’ve discussed regarding drunk drivers in our state. We’ve all heard them…Gordon House…Dana Pabst…Entire families wiped out because of some careless drunk that decided to take someone else’s life. Before [that day], I can’t tell you how many times I hoped that would never happen to us. We don’t go out at night very often. We hardly ever drink alcohol. Yet, on that morning, it did happen. In an instant, our lives changed. All because of the actions of someone [who] decided he could do it. He could get from point A to point B and not get caught. Someone [who] decided that even though he was too drunk to drive…he would risk it, because he had to get somewhere. Someone [who] decided to break the law and show absolutely no regard for human life…by getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle drunk out of his mind.
As she was driving to work, my wife’s car was hit on the passenger side by someone running a red light at Paseo [Del Norte] and San Pedro. Someone traveling at such a high rate of speed that he himself was ejected thru the windshield. Someone [who] was so intoxicated that he had no idea how he ended up on the pavement. Someone that would change our lives in an instant.
My wife has never hurt a soul. She is not only the most caring wife, but also the best mother to our three children. She has helped raise over 2 million dollars for UNM Children’s Hospital, and entertains thousands every weekday on our show. If not for the side impact airbags in her vehicle, she could have been killed. Her head could have been dragged along the pavement until her car came to a stop. Not only would my families’ lives had been changed, but the community would have been affected as well. Instead she had to suffer through the pain of broken ribs, a broken nose, bruised sternum, a concussion, and a massive gash across her nose and eyelid. Not to mention the psychological damage from all of this. 18 months later, and she still flinches when we drive together. Occasionally she’ll tell me small things that she remembers from that day. Yet she still has very little recollection of the actual impact.
I on the other hand, have a very clear memory of that day. From my drive from work to UNMH…not knowing how bad it might be. To walking into the triage to see my wife, with a gaping head wound lying on a bloody gurney, and telling her everything would be okay. The feeling of complete and utter helplessness as my wife squeezed my hand as hard as she could while they stitched her wound shut. The tears she shed in the hospital, as I called her mom and dad to let them know what happened. Picking up my children from school…and having to explain to each one of them that some horrible person had hit her car while he was driving drunk. Seeing the story on the news that night that an Albuquerque DJ had been hit by a drunk driver…That day is crystal clear. The anger that I had when I finally had a chance to spend some time alone with my thoughts is still very…crystal…clear.
I have never been so shocked as when it came time to get my wife’s belongings from her car. Sitting in a junkyard, it was unrecognizable.The passenger’s side was hit so hard that it caved in both of the wheel wells. Airbags on both windows had deployed, along with the steering wheel. One of the big mysteries when talking with my wife, was how she had gotten out of the vehicle. She has absolutely no recollection of how she got out. When she was hit, her car rolled over on its side. Her side. She couldn’t exit the passengers door, because it was caved in, and the glass had shattered out. It wasn’t until I saw the blood. All of the blood. From the steering wheel airbag, to the ceiling above where she sat. I followed the path…from between the front seats, over the middle row of seats…blood. Enough to form a solid trail. Then over the third seat, and out the rear window…which had also been shattered. With a gaping wound over her eye, a broken nose, broken ribs and other injuries, she had to crawl out over three rows of seats.
Her recovery from this accident continues to this day. But I am fortunate. I still have my wife and best friend. I still get to laugh at her jokes, and enjoy my time with her. If there is one thing that has come out of this, it is how precious life is. How delicate it can be…and how it can change, thru the careless actions of others, in an instant.
Mr. ______a few words for you…I hope from the bottom of my heart that you don’t take our state’s lax drunk driving laws lightly. On that morning, you could have killed someone. And not just anyone, but my wife, a loving mother and daughter. Someone completely innocent of your ignorant actions that morning. Someone who never deserved to be on the end of your speeding weapon. Some people call this a mistake, or an accident. I call it a choice. You choose to drink…and get behind the wheel of a vehicle. I find people that commit this crime to be a disgrace. How someone can feel they can do this to others is beyond me. Did you think you’d get to where you were going without hurting anyone? Did you feel that you were able to do this before…so why would this time be any different? Every action has a reaction. Your actions that morning nearly killed my wife…and this is my reaction. You’ve been handed a second chance by the state of new mexico. I can only hope that your future choices aren’t as deplorable as the one you made that morning.”
Posted by Sindicator on February 1, 2012 | Comments Off
LIVE from NM Film & Media Day 2012 here at the Roundhouse where SB0168 goes to the floor today at 2 p.m.
If you feel passionately about what New Mexico Film lends to our great state, please visit YOUR Senate Corporations and Transportation Committee here, and contact your committee members to ask them to support SB0168, to REPEAL FILM PRODUCTION TAX CREDIT CAP.
Posted by Sindicator on January 27, 2012 | Comments Off
UPDATE 1/30/12: CONGRATULATIONS to ardent NM Film supporters Linda & Stu – the winners of our passes to this week’s Legislative Reception! See you Wednesday!
The evening following this year’s New Mexico Film & Media Day at the State Capitol, IATSE Local 480 and Santa Fe Studios will be hosting a special LEGISLATIVE RECEPTION.
Legislators and industry insiders will be on hand for this exclusive meet, mix and mingle event (21+).
Wednesday, February 1
5:30pm – 8:30pm The Pink Adobe
406 Old Santa Fe Trail
Santa Fe, NM 87501
Tickets will be $50 at the door. Free to legislators.
OneHeadlightInk.com will have two passes to the event on hand, day of, to give to one of our readers.
If you are a New Mexico Film advocate planning to attend this year’s Film & Media Day in Santa Fe, drop us a note at sindication@oneheadlightink.com telling us why you are passionate about New Mexico Film.
(Must be 21+ to enter/attend, name and ID required to redeem)
One entry will be chosen and notified after 5 p.m. on Monday January 30 to pick-up their passes from us at our table in the Roundhouse at the conclusion of the day’s event (4 p.m.) February 1, 2012.
ALSO: Get your gear AND support the cause here now!
Predictably sour on film, Governor Susana Martinez tells lawmakers at this year’s legislative session that it would be “a waste of time,” to pass a bill along to her proposing lifting the $50M cap on New Mexico Film Incentives, which she worked to impose during the last session.
Martinez says, “I want predictability for the film industry and they have received predictability and I think they really appreciate the fact that there is predictability. It allows us to formulate a budget and balance the budget.”
In the last year alone this now “predictable” stance has led untold numbers of productions, including the likes of Iron Man III – starring Robert Downey Jr., Oblivion – starring Tom Cruise, Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained and television series The Lying Game to quit New Mexico for more “receptive” states.
While Alasaka and Colorado shoot to redouble their efforts in bolstering their existing incentive programs, states like North Carolina, New Orleans and Texas nab big budget films, local jobs and the media attention that follows them away from New Mexico.
Perhaps bringing to fruition what was forewarned back in November 2011, when representatives of the Governor’s cabinet appeared at an industry event, tasked with proclaiming the Governor’s support for New Mexico Film. At the NMedia State of Film event the Governor’s Cheif of Staff Keith Garnder stated in his address to the crowed that the Governor, “vows to wield a veto pen” on any proposed changes to the current Film Program.
Representative Al Park (D) of Albuquerque disagrees with Martinez’ decision.
“We don’t have a cap on a single incentive in any other industry. We plant incentives all across the board for things all across New Mexico…this is an industry that we know right now is generating a billion dollars in economic activity,”
- Rep. Al Park to KOB-TV
While New Mexico sends millions of dollars out of state to improve create our image around the world, and this ongoing targeting of the Film Industry is racking up losses in jobs and notoriety for the state, neighboring states stand at the ready to take over.
Right next door Texas is wrangling for the top spot in video game production by extending credits akin to their film tax incentives. After handily procuring the production away from New Mexico, North Carolina rides away with thousands of paid extras casting, crew jobs and the influx of income that the blockbuster Iron Man III will bring to their state.
Given the current administration’s stance on film, and the losses that follow, being the resonating image New Mexico puts forth as a still high profile option for production, industry activists and advocates are set to convene at the Roundhouse to lobby state legislators on February 1st for New Mexico Film & Media Day 2012.
Posted by Sindicator on January 6, 2012 | Comments Off
It’s that time of year again…
A word from IATSE 480 Business Agent Jon Hendry:
“Yes, Film & Media Day will be Wednesday Feb. 1st.
This is not going to be the big extravaganza [surrounding the Roundhouse] that it was last year with a cast of thousands. In fact, given the Governor’s recent strong indication of support this will be more like a traditional lobby day. That does not mean that you all shouldn’t come – we don’t want to give the impression that we have lost interest as that may cause several initiatives important to us to die along with a presumed lack of interest. We need a big presence informing our legislators and asking for their support and encouraging ways to continue to expand our business and job prospects.
Here is the plan, On Jan. 31st New Mexico Women In Film (WIF) will host a panel and open forum discussing our legislative initiatives
especially around financing for NM independent film makers. More details from WIF to follow.
IATSE Local 480 has booked 20 tables spaces (currently available) in the Roundhouse for the day as well as the Rotunda at noon for speeches. Preference will be given for tables to educational institutions, non profits, industry associations, and trade groups but since we’ve all learned to share we should be able to get everyone a spot including your business if you want to be there.
We will honor a “mover and shaker” from the business for the speech time as that will normally attracted media attention so if you are one or know one please contact us directly.
The evening of the 1st there will be a reception at the Pink Adobe hosted by IATSE Local 480 and Santa Fe Studios where legislators and the industry can get together, meet, and mingle.
Table spaces cost $50 which includes the actual table set up and tear down, and 2 tickets to the reception. Reception tickets alone are $40 each so this is an excellent deal. IATSE is willing to pick up the cost for any educational program associated with us who cannot afford a table. We also understand that times are tight especially for secondary schools and we are willing to reimburse train fare or diesel for buses within reason for schools as we feel it is important that the future of the industry are front and center on that day. If you’re traveling a distance (and please, please, please do so as we need statewide participation) we can help arrange for low cost hotel rooms and buy breakfast (burritos) for those who show up to set up early.
As usual this is being put on by IATSE Local 480 because we have the resources to do so but this is not a Union or governmental deal it is the industry’s lobby day and we welcome full participation. It’s important that we’re all there. Let’s make it a respectful celebration.” – Jon
Those interested in a table space please send an email directly to: ba480@hotmail.com
(no phone calls please)
IATSE is also seeking creative ideas for activities and exhibitions to engage both attendees and elected officials. Suggestions and submissions that would involve the general public, legislators and their staffs, highlighting film trades, education, hardware/software, gizmos and events are encouraged and appreciated. Again, submit to ba480@hotmail.com, title your message “Film & Media Day Ideas”.
ALSO: Get your gear AND support the cause here now!
Iron Man 3 will use about 1,000 extras during the film and there will be over 550 crew jobs and will be shooting from May 2012 until January 2013 with a Memorial Day weekend release in 2013.
- Premiere Casting, on the Cast & Crew Call for the NORTH CAROLINA production
Despite “The Letter” circulating among film and television execs as drafted from the office of your Governor, New Mexico is watching a short list of productions dwindle as industry insiders name names in this losing game.
Within the last few days everywhere from mainstream media to a palpable buzz on the social net is touting the big win over New Mexico North Carolina scored in landing the third installment of the Iron Man franchise.
“My top priority is creating jobs, and this film production will mean high-quality, well-paying jobs for North Carolinians…I pushed hard to get the revamped film incentive passed, with the help of a number of lawmakers, and now we see that initiative doing exactly what it was designed to do. 2011 has been North Carolina’s busiest year in the film industry with productions having a direct spend of over $200 million. Iron Man 3 will add to this record breaking year and carry over into 2012.” – NC Governor, Beverly Perdue
Tough to win it when you’re not in it. While our vibrant local film community claws and scratches to stay alive and active with a few independent films coming down the pike, original homegrown productions, work on and in government and non-prof. projects, big names name New Mexico as the filming location they will or are looking to pass over (Quentin Tarantino, Jerry Bruckheimer) for more hospitable pastures.
Just as recently as the broadcast of the Iron Man loss, industry bible Variety lists New Mexico as one of the states suffering production losses at the hands of Government unrest.
ABC Family ramps up production on The Lying Game this week after shooting its pilot right here in New Mexico back in 2010. The show was picked-up just as our legislature, under new leadership was batting down about our film incentive program. The show’s regular series production has since moved to Austin, TX.
We were also home to the Longmire television pilot shoot this Spring. Production on that series is eminent, where is the question. OHI’s late August inquiry into that yielded a lengthy “no comment” regarding the filming location for the 10 episode pick-up from an A&E rep.
While we still have Arnie, yet another pilot and the fifth & final seasons of Breaking Bad and In Plain Sight respectively on the horizon, there needs to be more fuel under this fire. ¿Qué no?
You should be able to catch him now in NMDOT PSAs buckling-up like a champ in heavy rotation, in Disney’s Lemonade Mouth and in the upcoming movie A Bird of the Air.
B is for the baad things that have happened to NM Film since the new administration at the roundhouse has taken aim at the industry opening the door to losing productions during these times of flux and pointing to the exit for talent that comes or strives from within to be a part of a sustainable workforce in local arts & entertainment.
C is for…uh, I digress.
Haus is one of the many who have gone and are planning to go where the very mobile film industry finds a supportive home – but he says he’ll always be one of NM’s Own – agreed.
Look for him in future projects out of CA and beyond (break a leg jetting to Chi-Town) we (I’m looking at y’all) will be holding-down the homefront by looking out for New Mexico Film so as to retain talent, maintain & sustain business for all!
UPDATE 5/2/11 Though the statement released by Marvel Studios today (below), is being batted about all over the web as possibly being a ploy, a conspiracy or a cover-up, OneHeadlightInk.com can confirm:
The Avengers production moved ahead in Albuquerque today, business as usual. Samuel Jackson is here, film actually rolled – CONFIRMED
Reports were flying this morn’ that a New Mexican or at least someone in Samuel L. Jackson’s beloved Nuevo Mexico had perpetrated a crime against all that is holy in the superhero world by HIGHjacking from Sam one of the most coveted scripts in comic movie history…
Like the much lored tale of the then latest version of the iPhone being planted stoopidly left behind in a coffee shop or brew haus…this here story is sure to be chalk full of twists and turns.
News ~broke last week that media outlets were being offered the buy. This weekend it has been confirmed that production of the blockbuster in the making is halted until further notice and sources tell Film Fan Review that the script indeed remains on the loose BUT WAS NOT STOLEN from New Mexico USA but rather lifted in either Burbank or Los Angeles California, UFO.
Mama smells stunt and/or rewrites from the production that is sure to yield many of both…in any case this should not go down in the annals of New Mexico Film history as a black eye on our great state…
Unless fiscal opportunist “Harry” Winston Brooks or NM Film seductress Saboteur Susana don’t each have a solid alibi….
UPDATE 5PM (MST): Several NM Set Insiders are stating to us that they have received no notification of a production breach or break and will be reporting to their jobs at next call.
UPDATE 5/2/11 Marvel Studios has released this statement:
“Filming for ‘The Avengers’ is active, on schedule and going well,”
Posted by Sindicator on April 10, 2011 | Comments Off
No, this isn’t another rundown of the plight of New Mexico film in this year’s legislature…this is a heads-up I’ve just learned about regarding one WHOLLY New Mexico film that came out the year before this here blog started following and documenting as many NM film highlights and goings-on as time and beloved *sources* will allow.
Per one of this movie’s stars, NM’s Own Mr. Eric Martinez:
NOW SHOWING ALL MONTH! ON ENCORE!! LOVE LIES BLEEDING WITH CHRISTIAN SLATER, ERIC MARTINEZ, JENNA DEWAN (Mrs. Channing Tatum), BRIAN GERATHY, AND LUCE RAINS
Love is also available on DVD and streaming on Netflix!
Listening to Susana Martinez on 94 Rock yesterday was like getting back together with an ex. You open your mind, decide that what’s done is done and just try to move forward on as positive a note as possible…but then you remember that she’s a lying, controlling maniacal b*tch bully!
My stomach literally turns at the thought of trying to re-listen to her propaganda in order to properly relay the precise points of scathing hot mis-truths and rhetoric surrounding the most vitriol laden, vengefully targeted topic of the recently wrapped 2011 Legislative Session – that is of course that business we call “Show”, or as Susana loathfully dubs it “Hollywood”.
So please take a listen for yourself here and definitely do pick-up (as you always do right) this week’s copy of YOUR weekly Alibi – on stands NOW! Inside the pages of this ever so artfully covered issue is a great synopsis of several of the most impassioned issues of the session. I thought it ever so poetic that our particular issue had some pink ink print leaks that look not unlike blood spatter on the “Making Sausage” news page – reminiscent of the blood letting that took place of our particular industry in the long hard fought battle for New Mexico Film.
Here’s where the New Mexico Film Tax Incentives stand (on the bias):
The Bill that caps Incentives at $50M passed the Senate and only has be signed-off by the Governess’s spiteful pen – this means that if and when films are due more than that in tax credits in a single year, the filmmakers could stand to collect the balance over subsequent years, which could create a bubble of overdue credits in years to come that could eventually leave a zero budget for Film Incentives.
New Mexico retains the original 25% Incentive rate – equal to or lesser than approx. 20 other states in the country. Alaska, Michigan, Texas, Louisiana, Utah and Californ-i-a itself among other states are still vying hard to take over where New Mexico has come to reign.
Senate Bill 44 – Film Production Tax Credit Tracking and Review which would stand to make good on the begrudgingly made campaign ~promise by Martinez to prompt a comprehensive study and reporting of the NM Film Program BEFORE making any changes also passed the Senate…but oops changes are already being made…
“Her attack on the film industry has already caused some companies to reconsider their investment decisions here,” – Senator Eric Griego
And the propaganda of pinning shortfalls in healthcare, education and the very safety of our public is being broadcast as the sole result of the evils of “Hollywood” on New Mexico by the Governess and her spin doctors while pet industries get away with raping our economy and lining the pockets of nationally politically ambitious officials.
Click here for our openly bias coverage of this unwarranted attack on the industry…
Posted by Sindicator on March 15, 2011 | Comments Off
Remember when you held the reins of your life firmly in your hands and you cast them down into the mess that would plague you for decades to come.
I do, and those poor choices of my early 20′s left only myself and a select other few to recover from the wake of those youthful indiscretions – none the less, recovery is a long, hard road. And the clarity of hindsight is of little use or potency once bridges are burned and lines are crossed.
So why not tread carefully and make cautious moves rather than maliciously casting off promising endeavors as they’re just beginning to bloom (as promised), especially when it’s thousands that will be immediately affected and thousands more for generations to come.
Right now Governor Susana Martinez and YOUR elected legislators hold the reigns reins of our still youthful yet top ranked film industry in their decisive hands.
As we reported yesterday straight from the mouth of a Roundhouse insider the slow wheels of our Government are turning and in what direction those wheels will turn the tide remains unknown – you have time to act (pun intended).
Despite proverbial nails in the hypothetical coffin of NM Film that mainstream media may be quick to tweet, broadcast and post, small businesses, trades, cast & crew and our state’s up and coming workforce in training are still in it to LIVE IT.
Please make your presence known and your voice heard in these days and minutes left to exercise your democratic rights to ask for a fair shake not a shake-down of New Mexico Film.
Ironically many New Mexicans in Film, Entertainment, Trades and Local Business are working and can’t up the head-count to take a stand FOR NM FILM over at the Roundhouse.
But, we know plenty of y’all could & would haul your bodies up there and put your best act on if it were for a part in The Avengers or the like. Well this call to action may be one of the most important try-outs of your professional life.
Without a show of force NM Film remains in peril and efforts to keep cast, crews, support services and our kids in training for all of the above gainfully employed are shaky – we need a full cast & crew present to keep our top spot in global film production. If you would make the trek to audition or tryout for a role to further your career make this trip to capital city within the next few days.
Today we were able to chat briefly with IATSE Local 480 Business Manager and Film lobbyist, Jon Hendry. He’s quite literally been making the rounds, up at the Big House in Santa Fe and tells us we can take head that there is time left and negotiations open that we can still impact – the calls and emails are going through but NM Film needs your body.
Click here to listen to Hendry give us a little what’s-up with that industry we hold so dear…including who’s still trying to pull what and what our best bets are moving forward.
UPDATE 3/14/11: While “$1.5 billion in credits” goes out to big oil and other industries, today your NM Senate Finance Committee passed a measure limiting New Mexico Film Incentives to $50M. Source
Our “Quote of the other day” belongs to State Representative Brian Egolf -
We have less than a week to go in the session. The Governor is still ignoring jobs & the economy and focusing exclusively on political wedge issues. I am working hard to protect the film incentive program to keep good jobs here in NM and to hold the line on important conservation issues. I expect that the final days will be very eventful! 3/12/11
Tonight, after a long day in the Senate, amendments being batted about and readied to be heard by the Senate Finance Committee that stand to (carry out the Governor’s vendetta against film) limit New Mexico’s film futures have been held-off until Monday morning.
IATSE 480, the NM chapter of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, is rallying small business owners, trades and other film supporters in the lofty efforts to maintain globally recognized position New Mexico has carved out for itself as a leader in Film.
Thousands upon thousands of New Mexico jobs and the very existence of hundreds of local small businesses hang in the balance. And as Statewide educational programs and institutions ramp-up training and build-up futures for creating and maintaining a sustainable workforce for generations of New Mexicans to come, our Governor vows to veto a state budget that includes Film Incentives with any cap over $45M.
It’s been said time and time again – though perhaps gone unheard, that that cap is “a job killer”. Supporters of the industry have been promised that the current incentive rate will stand at 25% (only 3rd highest in the nation), but it was also a begrudgingly PROMISED during her campaign that no change would be made without a full and transparent study of incentive benefits.
SB 44 passed the House this session allowing for such data to come to fruition but that forthcoming research and report will be rather mute with a production limiting cap. At $45M films the magnitude of last year’s Cowboys & Aliens and Thor would eat-up most if not wipe-out the entire allotment of incentives thereby taking away the chance for more productions within the year and all the jobs film and support service related.
As film, small business, education and training supporters we have through Monday morning to reach out to the Senate Finance Committee here and to the Governess herself here (505-476-2200) to voice our plea to KEEP NM FILM.
IATSE Local is raising money throughout the night to help get the message out and Film Works New Mexico is organizing business owners and other film supporters to lobby Senate Finance members live and in person at the Roundhouse, tick-tock.
UPDATE 3/8/11:
“We are hurting the one growth industry in New Mexico by imposing such a cap without adequate information, so I am working to take it off during our Senate work on the budget. The Governor needs to hear from you about this to avoid a veto if we are successful in changing this in the budget.” – Jerry Ortiz y Pino, State Senate Dist. 12 on 3/5/11
UPDATE 3/3/11: via Nicholas D. Ward – “I am finding that DIRECTLY stating the fact that were the $45M cap to be currently in place, Avengers alone would eat $37.5M, or 83.333% of the $45M cap is actually making people in the legislative offices take a pause. PLEASE CALL AND DISCUSS THIS DIRECTLY WITH YOUR REPRESENTATIVES! GIVE THEM THIS TALKING POINT!”
“We need to stay competitive and $45 million is $15 million below what we spend, so we’re sending a huge message saying get out of New Mexico,” said Keller. “Make no mistake, the film credit is about jobs, and its being towed into politics because there are $1.5 billion in credits we are giving to other industries and no one is talking about those.” Senator Tim Keller
3/3/11
“Tough day. The House voted to cap the film program in New Mexico, despite warnings that it would kill film in New Mexico. My amendment to raise the cap from $45m to $60m barely failed, with two Dems voting with the Rs. Then, the House failed to pass my amendment to apply the same $45 million cap to oil and gas industry subsidies and tax breaks. The Governor has won a battle in her war to kill film in New Mexico.”
- Rep. Brian Egolf 3/2/11
It’s not too late. Everyone in that roundhouse works for YOU New Mexico. Join The Motion Picture Association and countless other groups and organizations in fighting for fairness and the future of Local Jobs, Arts Education & Vocational Training that NM Film has built.
Contact YOUR members of the Senate Finance committee and ask for their reasonable and responsible support. Ask them to aid our Gorverness in keeping her word to allow for a full and complete review of NM Film BEFORE making any changes – as promised.
John Arthur Smith
505) 986-4365
john.smith@nmlegis.gov
Carlos Ciscneros
505) 986-4362
carlos.cisneros@nmlegis.gov
Rod Adair
(505) 986-4385
radair@dfn.com
Pete Campos
(505) 986-4311
petecampos@newmexico.com
Sue Wilson Beffort
(505) 986-4395
sue.beffort@nmlegis.gov
Ask why the pocket lining special interest groups & predatory lenders aren’t being held to the same ATTACK accountability – oh wait, I suppose the answer is in the question. And it just isn’t right. Do your part to make it right – may the voices of many reason with the few elite who hold the fate of thousands of existing NM jobs and the future of building a sustainable work force for generations to come in their hands.
