WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Senator John Arthur Smith, the Chair of both the Finance & Revenue Stabilization and Tax Policy Committees, introduced SB 235 yesterday. The bill calls for a $2 million cap per project on the film incentive rebates. This would apply to all future TV/Theatrical productions shooting in the state. If passed, this would clearly injure the NM film industry.

Helping with Film & Media Day is now more important than ever. It looks like this bill will be heard on Friday, February 5 at 1:30 p.m. and we’ll be rallying the troops prior to the reading of the bill.

The Thursday night Legislators reception also has become that much more important, as we need friends in Senate and this event provides a good opportunity to reinforce the positive impact filmmaking has had on the state and their constituents.

We still need volunteers to help serve the VIPS on Thursday night and people to “Ride the Rails” on Friday. See below for more details.

We also need a strong crowd showing on Friday--We can’t stress this enough. Our legislators need to know we appreciate their support. Although Rep. Kintigh’s bill was soundly defeated in the House (and rightly so), we’re going to have a much harder time with SB 235.

We need not only labor and filmmakers, but vendors, students and teachers, those who already benefit from the film business as well as those who hope to in the future. So bring your friends, your family and the hair stylist who keeps you looking great in your headshots!

Film & Media Day is a chance for members of the New Mexico film industry to remind state legislators that “Movies Make Money for New Mexico” and that it’s crucial to keep our incentives going!

VIP Reception
When: 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010
What: Legislator and VIP reception. Invitation only.  

Film & Media Day
When: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Friday, Feb. 5, 2010
What: Organizers have rented the big lot opposite the Roundhouse and intend to recreate a real movie set for “The Trial of Billy the Kid” with a tented sound stage, trucks, trailers, equipment and much excitement. With the help a teleprompter, the idea is to invite the legislators, their families and the public to participate. Costumes, hair and makeup will be provided.
Where: Lot across the street from the NM State Capitol Building at the corner of Paseo de Peralta and Old Santa Fe Trail.

10 volunteers are needed to help with the VIP reception on Thursday, February 4
6 volunteers to help serve (in a costume of your choice) and break down after the event
3 volunteers to help set-up the event
Set-up: 1 p.m.
Service prep: 4:30 p.m.
Event: 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Breakdown: immediately following the event

6 volunteers needed to “Ride the Rails” on Friday, February 5
Costumed actors are needed to hand out flyers about the film industry to Railrunner passengers and invite them to visit the Film & Media Day location on the corner of Paseo de Peralta and Old Santa Fe Trail.
2-3 volunteers for early morning train
2-3 volunteers for mid-morning train

6 volunteers needed to take turns manning the SAG table during Film & Media Day on Friday, February 5
2 hour shifts from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
2 volunteers per shift

To volunteer and for additional information and details, please email Tamara Decker at tdecker@sag.org.