Encounters with Hollywood celebrities could be business as usual for New Mexicans if Gov. Bill Richardson has his way.
On May 26 and 27, the governor and officials from the New Mexico state film office went to Hollywood and met with major film executives from Universal, Dreamworks SKG, Warner Brothers, MGM and Paramount studios, in an attempt to bring filming here.
"It is safe to say that since Gov. Richardson came into office, our film efforts have been on top of his priority list," said Lisa Strout, director of the New Mexico Film Office.
Since Richardson has been in office, 14 films have been shot in New Mexico.
"The incentive package is what is initially drawing people here," Strout said. "Some producers consider it the strongest package in the country."
One incentive offered to film executives is a 5 percent tax credit on certain production expenses for feature films, television programs, national commercials and documentaries. Also, no state sales tax is levied for commercial filming and filming, at state-owned facilities is not charged.
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There are other reasons besides the incentive package that make New Mexico a good location for filming, Strout said.
"We have a huge creative community, and what we have more than anything is land," she said. "We support a clean industry that filters into our economy on all levels."
Strout said the incentives help both residents and film executives. For every New Mexican film companies hire, they get 50 percent of their investment in that employee back. This means more jobs and training for people in New Mexico.
"Training New Mexicans is our number one priority," Strout said.
Bringing the film industry here is also great for tourism.
"Historically when we have a boom in film, then we have a boom in tourism," Strout said.
The meeting in Hollywood was a success, Strout said.
"The governor was received with open arms and enthusiasm," she said. "To have the governor personally meet with executives from these studios was his way of showing his commitment to the industry."
Strout said there is a misconception the governor's office is only promoting major media companies. It is open to all forms of media, she said, including independent projects.
"We're also looking forward to supporting our own indigenous talent," she said.
Strout said the film office has rid New Mexico of the perception that it is only a good location for westerns. Executives come and then see this location is as good as East Los Angeles, she said.
"We're now a place that is known for all genres and mediums," she said. "People from the production companies see that we are not just adobe buildings."
The next film to be shot here is Paramount's remake of the classic "The Longest Yards," which begins production in July. It stars Adam Sandler and Chris Rock and will be shot at the closed state prison in Santa Fe.
"The governor has a very progressive outlook on the film and media industry," Strout said. "He wants New Mexico to be cutting edge in that world."
