SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A government agency says New Mexico has received $394,000 for its share of earnings on a film that got an interest-free loan from the state.
The payment came from the film, “The Book of Eli,” which starred Denzel Washington.
State Investment Council spokesman Charles Wollmann said Tuesday the payment was received last week and the state expects to get more money as the film earns revenue from cable television showings and other sales.
The film received a $15 million loan in 2008 and must repay it next year. The loan was the last made by the state for a film shot in New Mexico.
It’s the second time the state has shared in profits for films with no-interest loans. The state got $500,000 from the comedy, “Employee of the Month.”
Directors of the New Mexico production The Book of Eli, brothers Allen and Albert Hughes, have announced they will undertake the live action adaptation of the graphic novel “Akira”.
Scripted by Mark Fergus and Hawk Otsby (Iron Man) the post-apocalyptic saga centers around Kaneda, the leader of a biker gang who must stop his friend, the deadly Tetsuo from his own insanity to save the lives of all around them.
The ’82 novel has already been a cult success as a feature length anime film directed by author Katsuhiro Otomo in ’88. The new film is already set to be one of two installments.
Now who does post-apocolyptic better than NM? Here’s hype-perbole, hoping the bros will be back with their Akira.
Sure he’s got the Golden Globe…but will Jeff Bridges take the Weed?
Whether you fancy a dashing Denzel from The Book of Eli, Avatar gravatar Sam Worthington, Irish stud Colin Farrell, Transformers hero LeBeouf, Goat Staring Clooney, defunct Spiderman Tobey, Donnie the Dark Jake, high kicking Jackie, or 300′s Gerry Butler…
Each of them have been here and filmed or released a New Hollywood New Mexico production in 2009. Now it’s time for you to take your pick of ‘em.
Vote for the Big Screen ladies of New Mexico here.
On one of the only night-time talk spots where FUBAR isn’t in or on the schedule, Jackie Chan recounts his on set trails with novice action co-star and Lopez Tonight host George Lopez.
Also last night over on NotBankingonConan, Gary Oldman appeared on The Tonight Show promoting NM’s Book of Eli.
And later that night…Maggie Gyllenhaal waxes romantic about her New Mexico role in the Golden Globe nominated Crazy Heart with Jeff Bridges on the Jimmy Fallon show.
Can’t swing a remote or pitch a click without catching some buzz about NM’s film/entertainment industry.
Local actress Lora Cunningham, currently at work on Passion Play will attend the L.A. premiere of New Mexico film, The Book of Eli at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on Monday.
As featured on KOAT, Lora will be draped in New Mexico’s own fashion and jewelry.
The Book of Eli opens wide on Friday January 15.
Film synopsis:
“In the not-too-distant future, some 30 years after the final war, a solitary man walks across the wasteland that was once America. Empty cities, broken highways, seared earth—all around him, the marks of catastrophic destruction. There is no civilization here, no law. The roads belong to gangs that would murder a man for his shoes, an ounce of water…or for nothing at all.
But they’re no match for this traveler.
A warrior not by choice but necessity, Eli (Denzel Washington) seeks only peace but, if challenged, will cut his attackers down before they realize their fatal mistake. It’s not his life he guards so fiercely but his hope for the future; a hope he has carried and protected for 30 years and is determined to realize. Driven by this commitment and guided by his belief in something greater than himself, Eli does what he must to survive—and continue.” -Hip Hop Press
Hmm, hemm, we want premieres, we want premieres… (Sing it NM, to the tune of Gold Digger)
Yesterday – Post apocalyptic, action, drama The Book of Eli starring Denzel Washington has wrapped primary filming in New Mexico, opening on January 15, 2010.
Today – The Resident starring Hillary Swank and Jeffery Dean Morgan filming in Santa Fe and other New Mexico locations through August is set to open in 2010.
Mañana – The Unbound Captives will bring Hugh Jackman and Madeline Stowe to New Mexico by the end of the year.
In Europe they’re buzzing or huffing or whatever French and Italian people do with their gossip over Denzel Washington’s generosity in rescuing the financially broke New Mexico Boys & Girls Club of Roswell, New Mexico.
Months ago I saw some gentlemen dining in the cantina of Los Cuates on Lomas with killer dreads. I REALLY wanted to jet over and tell them to get their butts into the casting offices for The Book Eli.
I didn’t – and now every day I wonder about those foxy dreads that may never get their big break and it’s all on me for not spreading the love.
Well, here’s another chance for them and YOU! The book of Eli is once again casting all kinds, esp. those with the long webs of locks.
Mail a photo with name, phone number, e-mail, address, height and weight by April 3rd, 2009 to:
Elizabeth Gabel
Book of Eli Extras
304 Washington SE
Albuquerque N.M. 87108
Filming locations:
Albuquerque Studios
5650 University Boulevard SE
Albuquerque, New Mexico
and
Albuquerque, Alamogordo, Carrizozo and Santa Fe.
Production Company:
Alcon Entertainment
10390 Santa Monica Blvd.
Ste. 250
Los Angeles, CA 90025
The Sci-Fi, Western, Action film The Book of Eli continues shooting in New Mexico. Above, Entertainment Tonight visits the set and stars Denzle Washington, Mila Kunis and Gary Oldman.
The film, as followed here will be released early 2010.
Emmy Award Winning Actress America Ferrer is to star in 2010′s “American Tragic“. 21 Grams’ Melissa Leo is also expected to star in the film to be shot in New Mexico.
As reported here, here, here, here, here, here and here, this is at least the seventh major motion picture on NM’s radar within the next calendar year.
Keeping on par to be the next movie capital of the United States, Green Jobs and a crack down on driving while cracked out and maybe the rest of the country will realize NM is part of the continental United States and the soon to be defunct USA Today will learn the difference between NM & AZ like the NY Times hopefully has.
Hollywood Reporter details Jennifer Beals will begin filming The Book of Eli this February in New Mexico, reuniting with Denzel Washington – the pair starred in 1995′s Devil in a Blue Dress.
