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Archive for category Film
Look forward to festivals, shoots, tours and laughter
Posted by Bill Nevins in Film on September 1st, 2010
By Bill Nevins
Fall in New Mexico brings cooler breezes, changing skies and continued movie-making and world-class film events.
Here are a few highlights, by month.
Emelie O’Hara in Baby Monitor, ABQ Film Festival
September
A great way to get into the autumn film spirit is to take the Trolleywood Film Sites Tour of Albuquerque, started by tour guides Jesse Heron and Mike Silva in late August. Riders on this custom-built, gas-powered trolley can check out where “Breaking Bad,” “In Plain Sight,” “Sunshine Cleaning,” “Wild Hogs,” “The Book of Eli” and so many more feature films and TV shows have been shot. For schedules and rates, visit Trolleywood Film Sites Tour.
Another ongoing film tour this fall is the statewide free-admission New Mexico Filmmakers Winning Showcase Tour on the following September dates: Sept. 18, 1:30–4:30 p.m. at the Fountain Theatre, 2469 Calle de Guadalupe, Mesilla. For information, contact Jeff Berg, 575.524.8287; Sept. 22, 5–9 p.m. at Warehouse 21, 1614 Paseo de Peralta, Santa Fe. For more information contact Ana Maria Gallegos y Reinhardt, 505.989.4423.
Laurel and Hardy, Abbot and Costello, The Marx Brothers, and Mae West will bring out the big laughs at The Guild Cinema, Sept. 17–22, when the American Vaudeville Museum presents “Vaudeville Kings and Queens of Hollywood Comedy.”
You can watch for those now-familiar movie crew signs around town this fall. There are plenty of films in production this month and on into the fall, according to the Albuquerque Film Office, including Disney’s “Lemonade Mouth,” Dreamworks’ “3D Fright Night” and there will be new TV seasons being shot in Albuquerque of both “In Plain Sight” and “Breaking Bad” (which recently won the Best Drama Award of the Television Critics Association).
Another sign of our film-conscious times is the regular broadcast on Encantada TV Channel 26 every Saturday at 11 a.m. of “Site & Scene,” a program of films produced by students at Albuquerque’s Public Academy for Performing Arts.
October
October looks to be a very big month for New Mexico film fests. Albuquerque’s annual Southwest Gay and Lesbian Film Festival happens October 8–14. Schedule and details at Southwest Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, 505.243.1870.
The first ever Duke City Doc Fest, organized by filmmaker/attorney Jesse Quakenbusch, will take place October 10–15 at Albuquerque’s historic El Rey and KiMo Theaters.
The nationally famed Santa Fe Film Festival takes place October 20-24, moved forward from its December schedule of previous years. The schedule is still to be announced and will be posted at Santa Fe Film Festival.
November and December
See the continuation of the ongoing statewide New Mexico Filmmakers Winning Showcase Tour and, of course, many new independent and studio productions.
—Bill Nevins is a contributing editor to albuquerqueARTS.
Event and film celebrate long-forgotten Irish-Mexican heroes
Posted by Bill Nevins in Film on September 1st, 2010
Dia de los San Patricios at the NHCC promises a true multicultural experience
By Bill Nevins
Mark Day
Mark R. Day recalls his motivation for making “The San Patricios: The Tragic Story of the St. Patrick’s Battalion,” which he will screen and discuss at National Hispanic Cultural Center (NHCC) during the Dia de los San Patricios Celebration on Sept. 12.
Day’s Vista, California, studio produces documentary and historical films, including two Emmy Award winners about U.S.–Mexico border issues. Current projects include film studies of legendary California rebel-hero Joaquin Murrieta and the rescue of Irish political prisoners by the American ship Catalpa.
Little-known tale
“The story of the San Patricios always intrigued me,” Day says. “I first learned about this motley band of 1840s renegades from César Chávez when I worked as an organizer with the United Farm Workers union in the late 1960s. But it was through Robert R. Miller’s 1989 book ‘Shamrock and Sword’ and the work of Mexican and American scholars that I discovered the full story behind the battalion.”
That tale focuses on Captain John Riley, an Irish-born soldier in the U.S. Army at the time of the Mexican–American War, who led disgruntled immigrant troops—Irish, Germans and others, joined by some escaped Black slaves—out of the invading American force and into the Mexican Army, where they fought bravely in defense of Mexico but ultimately suffered defeat that resulted in execution or harsh punishment.
Long forgotten in most American historical accounts, these “San Patricios”—named for the fanciful shamrock-emblazoned St. Patrick’s flag they carried—were rediscovered by historians. Now both Mexico and Ireland celebrate them as heroes annually, and they’ve been romanticized by novelists, filmmakers (including Santa Fe Studios producer Lance Hool, whose feature “One Man’s Hero” starred Tom Berenger as Riley) and musicians. This year, guitarist Ry Cooder, actor Liam Neeson and the venerable Irish folk ensemble The Chieftains joined creative forces to release their album “San Patricios,” which memorializes Riley’s soldiers in song. Hear some of the music here San Patricios.
Irish-Mexican collaboration
Ray Collins
According to Dr. Carlos Vásquez, director of Historical and Literary Programs at NHCC, it was the Cooder-Chieftains’ album and its artful blend of Mexican and Irish musical styles that inspired him to join with the Albuquerque Irish American Society, the Irish Freedom Committee and other community groups to organize the celebration.
Vásquez said that representatives of both Mexican and Irish consuls will attend the event at NHCC, which also will feature musical performances by Los Jaraneros Del Valle, Irish-born songwriter Ray Collins—who worked with director Jim Sheridan on “The Boxer”—bagpipers, and Mexican- and Irish-style musicians and dancers based in Albuquerque.
Shared experience
Day, a public activist for immigrant rights, feels there are parallels in the historical attacks against Irish immigrants, which fed the San Patricios’ discontent, and a resurgence of bigotry against Mexican and Latin American immigrants today. Day feels his film, and such public events as NHCC’s Dia de los San Patricios, may contribute to changing such hostile attitudes. He says, “Most Mexican-Americans and Mexican immigrants, like their 19th century Irish counterparts, simply want what most U.S. Americans seek—to live in peace, to work hard and to be accepted, like everyone else. In short, they are seeking the U.S. American dream.
“It has been gratifying to witness the lively discussions at screenings of ‘The San Patricios,’ to watch the interchanges between disparate groups of people, and to get feedback from students and professors who have benefited from the film. If it advances understanding about Irish immigrants in the 19th century and about the situation in Mexico, then and today, I am more than satisfied.”
Admission: $12 adults, $5 students and seniors, free admission to those under 12.
Dia de los San Patricios celebration featuring filmmaker Mark Day, Sept. 12 at 3 pm
Journal Theater
National Hispanic Cultural Center
4th and Avenida César Chávez
505.246.2261
—Bill Nevins is a contributing editor to albuquerqueARTS.
Online Post Requirements
Posted by abq arts in ArtSPREE, Dance, Film, Food & Wine, General, Literature, Music on August 27th, 2010
Greetings!
At albuqueraueARTS we love to post your events!
Requirements:
Please send your event information in a word document or the body of an email.
All the fancy pdfs we receive are pretty to look at, however we can’t create an actual post with them.
Listed below in order of importance are the details that will help us get the word out in a fast and efficient manner:
Event title
Date / time
Location
Website / Contact information/phone/email
A brief description of the event
Images! A picture tells a story!
72 dpi
at least 410 pixels
Click here to send your events via email to albuquerqueARTS Calendar
thank you!
Take two: Albuquerque Film Festival – August 25 – 29
Posted by Bill Nevins in Film on August 1st, 2010
Socially conscious films and top entertainment headline this year’s event
By Bill Nevins
Monte Hellman
“Theaters and cinemas are among the last places where we shut up and truly listen to the highest human art—our stories,” declares Rich Henrich. Henrich, an Albuquerque-based screenwriter and a professor at the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in Santa Fe, is one busy man. The founder and executive director of the nonprofit Film 4 Change and the Albuquerque Film Festival, which happens August 25 through 29, has had to put his own screenwriting projects on temporary hold while he prepares the 2010 follow up to 2009′s very successful premier festival.
This year, in keeping with Film 4 Change’s declared mission of “transforming through stories and presenting a grand social mirror through film,” Henrich says the film festival will feature “conscious films, enlightening discussions and good top line entertainment, including more music. It will be socially conscious, but still fun.”
Henrich adds that “mixers” after film festival screenings are “also an important part of the democratic process of cross-pollination and dialogue—they’re not just parties for their own sake.”
Festival highlights
America Ferrera
The headliner film at this year’s festival is “The Dry Land,” a timely dramatic feature starring America Ferrera (of TV’s “Ugly Betty”) that portrays the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder among American combat vets.
The film premiered at this year’s Sundance Festival and was produced by Heather Rae filmmaker whose credits include “Frozen River,” “Trudell,” and “Disappearances”.
Both Ferrera and Rae will appear in person at the festival.
“The Attention Span Film Fest” is a section of the Albuquerque Film Festival produced by IAIA film students that focuses on “very short films.”
Another section will examine Native American telecommunication, Henrich adds.
Author and filmmaker Michael Wiese (“Your Script Sucks” and “The Shaman and Ayahuasca”) will also present at the festival. Henrich says that Weise is a leader in “using the media for social transformation.”
The lighter side of film will be addressed by Graham Elwood, director of “Laffghanistan” and “Comedy Film Nerds.” “These are heavy times,” Hernrich says, “but if we laugh we can get through them.”
Award-winning New Mexico filmmaker Justin Hunt (“American Meth”) will premier his film “Absent.” Henrich explains that this is “a documentary about the social impact of absent fathers, which includes extraordinary interviews with Albuquerque boxer Johnny Tapia and Metallica lead singer James Headford.”
The festival is held at various venues and will have a distinct musical component, including live concert-dances and films starring Albuquerque’s James Mercer of rock band The Shins, blind harmonica master Elliott Small and “Rolling Thunder,” about an innovative Houston, Tex., high school music program.
Dennis Hopper
Festival features are:
A tribute to the late director/star Dennis Hopper, who was an advisory board member and a screening of six of his films: Easy Rider, Rebel Without a Cause, Giant, Speed, Water World, Paris Trout.
An appearance by Bryan Cranston of “Breaking Bad.
Tool frontman, Maynard James Keene’s organic-winery film “Blood into Wine”.
A directing workshop led by Monte Helm.
Acting workshops with Giancarlo Esposito and Basil Hoffman.
A selection of short movies from Ireland curated by Dominica Cameron-Scorsese.
And, according to Henrich, “a film about ‘The Raw Food Movement’ for which Henrich and many of his volunteer staffers will prepare by eating only raw foods…
And much more.
Giancarlo Esposito
For updated details on film screenings and events, visit Albuquerque Film Festival.
—Bill Nevins is a contributing editor to albuquerqueARTS.
A union perspective
Posted by Bill Nevins in Film on June 30th, 2010
A sunny future in store for New Mexico’s film industry and its skilled workers
By Bill Nevins
Jon Hendry
Like Sally Field’s heroic organizer in “Norma Rae,” Jon Hendry talks and walks union every working day.
Hendry’s slight burr and conversational knowledge of rock music evidence his origins. Scottish-born, he came to the USA decades ago while working in the music biz. For the past 12 years, he’s been business agent for the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 480 —the New Mexico union of film technicians—and is responsible for strategic planning, legislative lobbying and day-to-day crisis management.
“IATSE represents experienced, below-the-line film technicians in everything but camera,” Hendry explains, including both large-scale studio movies and independent films. “The studio films and TV shows employ more people, of course, but our members work in significant numbers of independent films. We’re a definite resource.”
Effective fundraising, community orientation
Hendry and IATSE also engage in charitable projects via their nonprofit Film Makers Give Back.
“It’s most appropriate for us to help people raise money by putting together events such as conventions, concerts, receptions,” he explains. “For example, we helped put together the recent Jeff Bridges ‘Crazy Heart’ benefit concert at The Lensic, which raised $30,000. Last year, we did 15 different events, including the premiere of the Georgia O’Keefe film and raised about $150,000 for charity, including much work with the New Mexico Community Foundation.”
Hendry helped KUNM radio host David Lescht found the successful ongoing “Music in Santa Fe Plaza” free concert series.
Hendry is wistful when he says he’d like “eventually to get back to doing what I like to do, which is make movies,” but for the immediate future he plans to stay in his current job with IATSE, where he faces election every three years, “to see things through the transition” posed by the forthcoming election of a new governor of New Mexico.
Albuquerque as Mecca
On the future of the New Mexico film industry in view of the current economic woes, Hendry states, “Well, working people did not cause this recession. But New Mexico has a number of great things going for it.”
He cites state incentives and the pool of skilled talent here, as well as the state’s environmental riches. “I think we’ll reach the mature point, but I think we will maintain our status and see some reasonable continuing growth.”
Characterizing New Mexico as “a strong union state,” with the majority of union members employed in the public sector, Hendry believes that “artists, who are really small business contractors” should have good healthcare. He hopes that “the new health care reforms will benefit all artists, both in and out of the film industry.” He suggests that a cultural revival is at hand, and that Albuquerque “may one day rival Austin as a mecca for both film and music creative workers.”
—Bill Nevins is a contributing editor to albuquerqueARTS.
An Albuquerque transplant goes his indie way ~ Justin Evans is all about the work
Posted by Bill Nevins in Film on June 1st, 2010
By Bill Nevins
Justin Evans
Not since digital-movie pioneer Christopher Coppola’s barnstorming but temporary residency in New Mexico has the Land of Enchantment been visited by a filmmaking force-to-be-reckoned-with like Justin Eugene Evans. If our New Mexico independent film community could be said to be said to harbor a rising “indie mogul” (an oxymoron to be sure), Evans fits the job description.
Like the larger-than-life Coppola, Evans is an enterprising world citizen, but one whose personality is clearly rooted in home, family and now our community. Beijing and Albuquerque are both professional ports of call for Evans in his multifaceted career as filmmaker, video-game art director, professor, graphic designer, writer, cinematographer and business leader.
The 37-year-old Portland, Oregon native—who began making movies at age 15 and completed a feature film while still an undergrad student at New York University—is the founder, former CEO and creative director of Mystic Arts in Beijing, as well as the owner and producer of Humble Magi, LLC, with offices in New Mexico and Michigan. He has also worked on big-budget films.
Since moving to New Mexico, he’s completed and screened his indie action-thriller feature film, “A Lonely Place for Dying,” which won the Heineken Red Star Award at the 2008 Santa Fe Film Festival and garnered rave reviews at its KiMo Theatre premiere screening in late 2009. Significantly, “A Lonely Place for Dying” features a performance by James Cromwell, a veteran big-time movie star. Few indie filmmakers get to cast actors of such caliber and fame.
A rogue in Tamalewood
Since moving to Albuquerque several years ago, Evans has become a leader of our independent film community. Nationally, he’s a sought-after, attention-riveting lecturer, whose accomplishments give him serious cred. He has been featured in Variety and MovieMaker Magazine, and a mini-documentary about his filmmaking process aired last year on the Independent Film Channel.
Evans’s in-person, applause-generating assertions at the April IndieQ forum hosted by The Cell Theatre were provocative and thoughtful at the same time, a rebel businessman’s manifesto of style. Clearly, he is not reluctant to call the shots as he sees them. He described the big studios as no longer being real moviemaking operations and not even responsibly managed businesses. He called them “irresponsible banks.”
“I love business models, business plans and business books,” Evans explained in a follow-up phone interview with albuquerqueARTS. “I value ethical business practices, transparent accounting procedures, fiscal discipline and responsible capitalism. I am the antithesis of everything corporate Hollywood stands for.”
He offers a colorful but concise self-description on his own blog.
“Filmmaking is not a profession for me. It is who I am. And, my life, my education and my views will forever shape me as an outsider to the current system…,” he writes. “My beliefs are extremely consistent and form a cohesive approach to storytelling. However, they are out of step with this time. Therefore, I’m not paradoxical…I’m anachronistic.”
Never at a loss for words, Evans further explains the “rogue” status—in relation to Hollywood and even among indy filmmakers—in which he clearly revels.
“It is downright weird for an independent filmmaker to be a mainstream storyteller,” he says. “I love marketable, mainstream movies. I like action films. I like superhero films. I like thrillers. I like movies that have a hook, are high concept, have video-game and action-figure potential.”
Seeking stories, not parties
Elaborating on how his consciously ethical, creative business philosophy shapes even his social life, Evans talks about his distaste for celebrity-style time wasting.
“I don’t want the Los Angeles lifestyle. Storytellers exist to tell stories. They don’t live to walk on red carpets and attend parties,” he says. “My goal is to master the craft of telling stories and leave behind as many great stories as I can before I’m worm food. If a party helps with my mission, great, I’m there…but that means the party is work, not a celebration. I’m not there to drink. I’m there to promote my latest story and build relationships to help me make my next story. And, that isn’t ‘The Industry Way.’ Anyone who seeks out the red carpet lifestyle isn’t going to be a fan of mine.”
Evans exudes an infectious, charismatic, old-fashioned enthusiasm for story-driven filmmaking.
Multitasking is routine and a source of pride to Evans, who also holds down the roles of husband to Jeanne Evans and parent to son David. Possessed of seemingly limitless energy,
Visit A Lonely Place for Dying
Evans’s Facebook page for Justin Evans’s blog entries and updates on his moviemaking projects and screenings.
—Bill Nevins is a contributing editor to albuquerqueARTS.
Pick out local character actors in movies filmed here
Posted by Kelly Koepke in Film on June 1st, 2010
Recognize anyone?
by Kelly Koepke
Turn on the television, sit in a movie theater or pop in a DVD these days and odds are good that you’ll say, “Hey, I know that actor!” The faces of our friends and neighbors are familiar to wider audiences now because of the burgeoning film scene in New Mexico. Here are a few of the people behind those faces.
Todd Thatcher Cash acts with the stars
Todd Thatcher Cash
Todd Thatcher Cash may have had his first big break as a guest on the Phil Donahue Show in 1989, but it’s his upcoming supporting role in the spy drama “Knockout” by director Steven Soderberg that’ll make you look twice. Not only did he share scenes with lead kickboxing actress Gina Carano, he got to teach her a bit of acting craft, too.
Cash’s other roles have included episodes of “Wildfire” on ABC Family, and “The Lost Room” (he played Julianna Margulies’ brother). “Julianna’s a funny lady, always in character, even when not in front of the camera,” Cash says. “When she was asked questions, she’d answer in character.”
Though he didn’t share scenes with her, Cash says he appreciated being on set with Cloris Leachman in “Beerfest.” And it’s a part that got left on the cutting room floor that he says was his best experience—scenes with Sam Shepherd in a movie called “Inhale.”
“As far as I know, the whole scene got cut. Sam has much of the same genesis as I do. We both started at La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club in New York. Working with a living legend was amazing. I learned how we’re all just human.”
To while away the time on set—there’s lots of hurry-up-and-wait for actors, whether their roles are large or small—Cash folds origami cranes. “I set them loose to see them fly. If they flap their wings, it’s good luck.”
Ann Beyke gets lots of work
Ann Beyke
Ann Beyke started acting in film in the mid-1990s after taking an acting class.
“I was definitely bitten,” she says. “At that time things were pretty lean and there were some rough years for everyone, but I got work in commercials and industrial films.”
Her extra work has included “The Astronaut Farmer” with Billy Bob Thornton, where she says it was fun to see him go through the lunch line like everyone else. A scene with one of her favorite actors, Michael Caine, didn’t make it into “Around the Bend.” For “Nothing but Life,” a Bollywood production filmed here, she researched the lead actors and discovered that many had been in numerous films in their native India.
“I also discovered that yummy food on the set included—surprise—East Indian food!” Beyke, a vegetarian, says.
She is intrigued by the technical aspects of film, which is one reason Beyke likes being on sets.
“It’s also great to get a chance to know some of the other actors. Sometimes, I’m surprised to see others who I’ve met in the theater in Albuquerque, but oftentimes the actors may be working strictly in film.”
Vic Browder mixes it up
Vic Browder
Vic Browder is often behind the scenes as a theater director, but his first love is being on stage and on camera. Though he says he did a few things before he got to New Mexico 10 years ago, he has been building an impressive resume since. From 2004’s “Elvis Has Left the Building” to working with actors like Dame Helen Mirren, Christopher Walken and Cuba Gooding, Jr., Browder’s been one of the more visible local actors in film and on television.
“I have a scene in ‘Love Ranch’ with Helen Mirren, one with Christopher Walken in ‘$5 a Day,’ and I had speaking roles in ‘Sunshine Cleaning,’ ‘Breaking Bad’ and ‘In Plain Sight,’” he says. “The most fun I’ve had on set has been on the independent stuff like Duke City Shootout. When you get a crew together having fun, it’s the best—when you’re working for love of the game.”
Craft services, the catering that’s obligatory on any television or movie set, is a big draw for all actors, including Browder.
“I try to stay away from it, though. I like to read or study on set—I have so many projects going on—acting, directing, writing. And I’m getting looked at for bigger roles now, not just for day-player stuff. That’s really cool.”
Most of the time, Browder says, working with big name stars is also cool. “Certainly, you want people around you of the same thought process and passion. I would love to work with Robert Redford, and other greats like that. And Gary Sinese, I admire him.”
Jean Effron fills the bill
Jean Effron
“That was a wonderful experience, my scenes with Josh and Christopher, who I was awestruck by,” she recalls. “Jordan Roberts, the writer/director, mentions my name as a local actor who did a superb job in the DVD commentary. That’s quite an honor.”
Effron’s other credits include many of the locally filmed movies and television shows—“Employee of the Month” with Jessica Simpson, the short-lived CW TV series “Easy Money,” and “Love Ranch.” For her, though, it’s the process and collaboration that fuels her passion for acting.
“I just wrapped a student film for CNM—‘Wild Justice.’ The best experience for me is to be involved and participate in the process and collaborative effort. To be in front of camera involves a lot of others behind the scene.”
When on set and not in front of camera, Effron stays focused on her character, so when she gets the call she’s there and ready. “At my age, the good thing is that there is a very small pool of female actors here in town. I appreciate material that comes into town with roles for actors my age.”
Cliff Gravel is a real character
Cliff Gravel
Cliff Gravel arrived in Albuquerque in the early 1970s from New Jersey.
“I was a rent-a-chemist and got a list of cities with openings. I visited here because it started with an ‘A,’ and I never left,” he says.
Now 71, Gravel has spent 55 years in the business, starting in roles for “psychodramas,” a form of therapy for psychiatric patients. His first paying role in New Mexico was as a priest in “Revenge on the Highway.”
“I’d never done screen acting before. I got the part because I fit the priest costume.”
Gravel plays a hospital patient in “Thor,” his latest role. He’s also had scenes with Hilary Swank in “The Resident,” and Bryan Cranston in “Breaking Bad.” With over 300 stage and screen credits, some of his favorite actors to have worked with include James Arness, James Brolin, Val Kilmer, and Kevin Costner.
“Mickey Rooney was my idol. Some 47 years later, I got to act with him,” Gravel says of “Outlaws: The Legend of O.B. Taggart.” “In ‘Appaloosa,’ I was a barber with Ed Harris and Viggo Mortensen. That was probably the greatest production in terms of organization. Everything went smooth as silk, everyone was enthusiastic about their jobs, and there wasn’t a lot of the usual stress and conflict.”
Gravel’s on the NM Screen Actors Guild local council, so he works closely with the extras on movie and TV sets, too. “My favorite pastime is eating snacks. In a recent panel of producers and directors, when they were asked what’s key to successful production, they all answered craft service.”
—Kelly Koepke is a contributing editor to albuquerqueARTS.
So you want to be in movies?
Posted by Jim Belshaw in Film on May 31st, 2010
Local casting director shares a word or two of advice
Elizabeth Gabel
By Jim Belshaw
When Elizabeth Gabel answered the phone, I thought it best to get the important question out of the way quickly.
“Are you the person I talk to if I want to be a movie star?” I asked.
She laughed. “No,” she said. “Sorry. You’ll need an agent and acting coach for that.”
With that fantasy deferred, we proceeded to the matter at hand: movie casting.
She has been in the business for 10 years and has worked on films that the most casual moviegoer will recognize: “No Country for Old Men,” “3:10 to Yuma,” “North Country,” “Terminator Salvation,” “The Men Who Stare at Goats,” “Bordertown,” “Swing Vote,” and many others.
The road to casting agent
While the speaking roles and big stars are taken care of elsewhere, she works with upwards of 9,000 people in her extras database. Her first foray into the movie business was as a writer of eight screenplays, none of which became movies.
“I was told they were too expensive to produce,” she said.
She and her partner started producing their own science videos for the home school market in 2000. Around 2002, she became involved in a local film festival and began working as an assistant director.
“I lucked out basically,” she said. “People started hiring me to be a production assistant on video productions and smaller film productions. I found out I wasn’t very good at it, but I also found myself attracted to casting.”
She worked with another casting director who became her mentor and not long thereafter, with the encouragement of that mentor, she took the plunge into casting.
“I’m a very people-oriented kind of person,” she said. “I see their talents and unique abilities, and I could see where they belong. At one time, I was a professional photographer, so I had an eye for faces. It turned out I was good at putting the right face in the right place. I worked on `Bordertown’ with Jennifer Lopez and Antonio Banderas, and I’ve been casting ever since.”
Dream big
She does local background casting, non-speaking roles or perhaps a one-liner role, actors who work one or two days.
“It’s harder than you think getting into a movie,” she said. “All of the casting directors in New Mexico really strive to get our best actors on screen, and there are some very good and professional actors in New Mexico. But so many people want to be actors, and there are so few speaking roles. It’s true in L.A., too. It’s incredibly competitive, and people have dedicated their lives to it. It’s their passion and craft.”
Despite the formidable obstacles, she encourages people to pursue the goal.
“Believe in your dreams,” she said. “You can do it. It’s hard work. You sacrifice, but it’s absolutely obtainable. Believe in your dreams. That’s what happened to me. If you had told me 10 years ago that I’d be working on a Harrison Ford movie, I would have laughed in your face. But it can happen.”
More information can be found here Elizabeth Gabel Productions.
—Jim Belshaw is a contributing editor at large for albuquerqueARTS.
Dance doc, the classics, cowboys, aliens, a spoof, a fest and son of Bobby Zimmerman
Posted by Bill Nevins in Film on May 31st, 2010
kick off summer season in film
By Bill Nevins
Plenty of movie-related news this month—though it seems like that’s true most months in New Mexico now, doesn’t it? Here are some highlights.
Albuquerque’s own international treasure
“Flamenco School,” the new documentary film by Albuquerque filmmakers Brent Morris and Reinhard Lorenz, celebrates the National Institute of Flamenco, an Albuquerque-based international cultural treasure founded and directed by UNM professor Eva Encinias Sandoval.
The film will premiere June 8, 10 and 12 at UNM’s Keller Hall.
According to Morris, a seasoned film professional who is also working on a documentary about the New Mexico film industry, “‘Flamenco School’ is a heart-warming behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to become a true ‘flamenco’—discipline, constant rehearsal and understanding of cante y baile (song and dance).” The film combines artistic concentration and the smiling faces of young dancers—truly an irresistible, potent and joy-filled brew, and a good time at the movies. For details, visit or call 505.903.9802.
Brits and Buddha
No, it’s not the reincarnation of Paul Revere’s horse, as Bob Dylan might say. Instead, it’s the first installment of a new film/discussion series at the Guild Cinema called The Golden Age of Film Comedy, which will “present comic masterpieces of the 20th century”—many not available on DVD and rarely screened—in themed groupings over June, September, December and on into 2011. Author Frank Cullen, of the American Vaudeville Museum Cinema Project, will host each grouping and provide witty commentary and field audience questions about these rare comedic gems. The first series, June 25-28, will include “The Man in the White Suit,” starring Alec Guinness, “I’m All Right, Jack” with Peter Sellers and Margaret Rutherford and two other very funny post-World War II Brit-flicks. The Guild also hosts the monthly Buddhist Film Series, which will include this summer “Journey into Tibet” with Robert Thurman, “Buddha’s Lost Children” and “Sunrise/Sunset: Dalai Lama XIV.” Proceeds go to RigDzin Dharma Foundation building fund.
For times and prices call 505.255.1848 or visit Guild Cinema or RigDzin Dharma Foundation .
They’re heee-eeere
Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford will star in “Cowboys & Aliens”—a classic Wild West hero movie grafted onto an alien invasion plot—which shoots from mid-June through August in New Mexico. Dust off your space helmet or your Stetson and sign up as an extra on this one. What a great way to spend summer vacation! Visit New Mexico Film for details.
Strange brew
A marvel happened at Marble Brewery recently, when the pub offered free beer to cast and crew shooting “Breakin’ Blue Burque Brew.” According to local co-director Cynthia Jeannette Gómez, the short film is set in a mythical yet oddly familiar “bar where nobody wants to know your real name” and pokes gentle fun at Albuquerque’s two hit TV series, “Breaking Bad” and “In Plain Sight.”
A premiere screening at Marble will be scheduled this summer. Visit Marble Brewery for details.
Taos festivals
The third annual Taos Verse Converse Festival
June 3–6
Featuring the New Mexican film “Spoken Word,” starring Ruben Blades and Kuno Becker and “Humberville Poetry Slam,” a sly spoof of the slam—that word-drenched competitive literary art that has infused NM culture.
Taos Solar Music Festival 2010, June 26–27 in Kit Carson Park
Featuring several headlining musicians who have film accomplishments.
Michael Franti made a stunning documentary film, “I Know I’m Not Alone ”, about his musical odyssey through the troubled Middle East, which expands on the hopeful themes contained in his music with Spearhead. Los Lonely Boys, besides being the hottest Texican rockers alive, are also featured in the fine bio-documentary film “Cottonfields and Crossroads.” And Jakob Dylan—well, he’s got movie star looks, a fine way with lyrics, and he’s on the soundtracks of “The Rug Rats Movie” and episodes of “True Blood”—and they say his old man has been in a few movies, too.
Visit Taos Solar Music Festival for details.
—Bill Nevins is a contributing editor to albuquerqueARTS.
NM Film Office Announces Winners of 2010 New Mexico Filmmakers Showcase and Free Screening Opportunities
Lisa Strout, Director of the New Mexico Film Office and Trish Lopez, New Mexico Filmmakers Program Director, today announced the winners of this year’s 2010 New Mexico Filmmakers Showcase.
Over 60 local filmmakers from around the state submitted their work to this annual four-day event, which took place May 13-16 at the Guild Cinema in Albuquerque. The event was initiated by Governor Bill Richardson as a way to give local writers and directors the opportunity to submit any original film and have it screened for the public at no cost.
“I am consistently impressed by the way our home-grown filmmakers continue to raise the bar on their productions,” said Governor Richardson. “The showcase is a unique way for New Mexicans to have their work viewed by the public on the big screen, and to be recognized for their accomplishments.”
Winners were announced in the following six (6) categories:
Best Comedy:
Delivery Date by Matt Page (Santa Fe)
Best Documentary:
Genetic Chile by Chris Dudley (Albuquerque)
Best Drama Feature:
Freeing Joshua by Freedom A. Hopkins (Albuquerque)
Best Drama Short:
Red Mesa by Ilana Lapid (Las Cruces)
Best Horror/Sci-Fi:
Dissident by Jeremy Orr (Farmington)
Best Wildcard:
The Crane by Guy Butrum (Tijeras)
NM Filmmakers Showcase – Honorable Mentions:
Comedy: Voice Over by Anthony Cangialosi
Drama: The Profile by Ray Arthur Wang
Documentary: Albuquerque: The Unknown by Josh Riley and Philippe Zerovnian
Lost Voices by Jimmy Santiago Baca
Surviving Cupid’s Arrows by Michael A. Zeilik
Oh, Watson! by Christopher Wright
“The Showcase is a fantastic opportunity for New Mexicans to see each other’s work on the big screen and 2010 was a record year for attendance. We applaud the local talent who entered their films, the Guild Cinema for hosting us again, and we look forward to traveling the winning films around the state again this summer,” said Trish Lopez.
This year, the NM Filmmakers Showcase screened entries from filmmakers in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Espanola, Tijeras, Placitas, Las Cruces, Farmington, Bosque Farms, T or C, Estancia and Navajo Nation. For the fourth year, the NM Film Office will be traveling the winning films around the different areas of the state as part of a showcase tour in June. Details about those screenings will be announced soon.
In addition the NM Film Office is collaborating with Quote Unquote, Inc. and Las Cruces Public Access Channel in presenting the winning films as part of a “NM Filmmakers Summer Showcase” during the months of June, July and August, 2010.
The NM Filmmakers Showcase takes place in May of each year and is announced through the New Mexico Film Office website.
For more information on the Showcase and all other NM Filmmakers Program events, please contact Trish Lopez at trish@nmfilm.com.
Below are names and bios of the five judges who participated in this year’s Showcase.
Monica Braine is currently in graduate school at the University of New Mexico for Language, Literacy and Sociocultural studies with a focus on Indian Education. Her previous endeavors have included serving as Program Manager of National Geographic’s All Roads Film Project and a Cultural Interpreter at the National Museum of the American Indian. She is the director of the documentary, If The Name Has To Go… which examined the use of Native American images in sports. Monica attended Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio.
Ramona Emerson is a filmmaker and member of the Navajo Nation. She received her BA in Media Arts from the University of New Mexico in 1997, one of the first two graduates of the program. She has worked as professional videographer and editor for over eight years. As a Certified Legal Video Specialist and forensic videographer, she has worked closely with state and federal agencies as well as private law firms and corporations. In 2000, her screenplay The Backroad was selected as one of ten finalists at the Flicks on 66 Digital Shootout. The film won the Student Spirit Award at the Indian Film Festival in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It was also featured at the American Indian Film Festival in San Francisco and the Native American Film and Video Festival in New York City. She continues to work for tribal agencies: the King Island Dance and Song Preservation Project and the Celebrate Festival PSA and Video Conference for the United Native Indian Tribal Youth Council. Emerson also edited the recently produced documentary Gary and the Angels and shot and edited two PSAs involving Fetal Alcohol Syndrome currently in circulation on local and cable stations. She was a repeat finalist in the NM Filmmakers Program Governors Cup Screenplay competition. Her latest film, The Last Trek premiered in December 2006 at the Native American Film and Video Festival at the National Museum of the American Indian in New York City. It was also screened at the Museum as part of the series From the Heart: Stores about Elders from Native Women Directors, and as part of a celebration of women at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. from March 26th thru April 1st. The film has been included in Navajo Paradiso, a celebration of Navajo documentaries scheduled for Labor Day weekend at NMA in Washington, D.C. In May of 2007, Ramona was awarded the 2007 Governors Cup Short Documentary Competition Seed Grant. Her documentary, A Return Home, was funded by the New Mexico Film Office and the National Geographic All Roads Film Project. She is now working on her newest film, Gambling With Our Future, a documentary about the introduction of the casino culture on the Navajo reservation. It is being funded by a New Visions/New Mexico Contract Award through the NM Filmmakers Program at the NM Film Office.
Dr. Sina-Aurelia Soul-Bowe is a Socio-Ethnomusicologist, Filmmaker, Writer, Vocalist, Educator and Recording/Performing Artist specializing in the diasporic indigenous roots of Hip Hop culture as chronicled through African rhythm, Latino-Brazilian movement, Gospel, Blues and American Jazz. Soul is an Afro-Latina Native Pacific-Islander. She conducts international workshops and lectures in conjunction with her musical tour, FROM AFRICAN CROP TO BEBOP TO HIP HOP ©®™2010; which depicts the cross-cultural hybridization of rhythm and sound. Soul has conducted Hip Hop culture workshops for youth at all 19 Native American Pueblos and the 3 Reservations in New Mexico. While at Brown University, under the tutelage of Michael Eric Dyson, Elmo Terry-Morgan, Aisha Rahman, Rhode Island Poet Laureate Michael Harper and A.E.Hotchner, she crafted her creative writing, poetry and screenwriting skills and authored the creative works: Black & Blue at Brown,Soliloquy XX and Orisha. Her full-length feature screenplays include Freedom in Exile: Assata Shakur, La Reina Canta: The Life of Celia Cruz, La Envidia and L’Noir. Her short films include: Sudar, The Keys, Madd As Saddam, Modern Day Slave Trade, B-Grrlz and My Father Was a 33rd degree Mason. Soul works in the actor, script supervisor, composer and director capacities in the film industry. She tours international in the Jazz, NeoSoul, HipHop, Reggae and World Music circuits. Soul continues to live, teach, perform and write in New Mexico; she is the Mother of two boys, Solomon & Justus, and the wife of Jazzmaster/Producer Rodney Bowe.
Caroline Invicta Stevenson is a member of the Screen Actors Guild, a Teamster, and has worked in the film industry for most of her life as an Actress in film and commercials; a Production Assistant, Technical Coordinator, Livestock Coordinator, Animal Trainer, Wrangler and Assistant Set Dresser. She has organized and held open casting calls for film, video and commercials, as well as coached children for auditions and on set. Her father is Robert Stevenson, Academy Award winning Director of Mary Poppins. Her Mother is Anna Lee, a John Ford player in the Academy Award winning film, How Green Was My Valley. Anna is best known more recently as “Lila Quartermaine” in the daytime drama series General Hospital which she acted in for 26 years. Caroline has served as a member on the Governor’s Council on Film and Media Industries as well as the Governor’s Rodeo Council for the past four years. She is a Charter Board Member of The Horse Shelter and Silver Bullet Productions.
Raquel Troyce was born in Guadalajara, México. She studied Law at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México in Mexico City and also Sexology and Sexual Education at the Mexican Institute of Sexology. As an on-line advisor on relationships, she created the first virtual adult forum (in Spanish) for a major internet company. She also studied Hebrew and Jewish Traditions for two years in Israel. Now an American citizen living in New Mexico, Raquel is a regular contributor of articles, both in Spanish and English, to on-line and conventional print publications, and often speaks at writer’s conferences. Raquel studied screenwriting at the New Mexico Filmmaking Intensive Program (NMFI), College of Santa Fe in Santa Fe, New Mexico and is the writer for the produced short film “American Dream.” She has previously served as a translator for New Mexico Women in Film but also two other NM short films, and as a judge in the 2009 NM Filmmakers Showcase.
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