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Governor Richardson Announces $1 Million State Investment in Film Industry Training
For Immediate Release: May 13, 2005
Contact: Pahl Shipley 505.476.2299 (Gov)
Marcia Sullivan 505.473.6503 (CSF)
SANTA FE- Governor Bill Richardson today announced that through the film industry training initiative, the state will allocate one-million-dollars to the College of Santa Fe's (CSF) Moving Images Arts Program to create a specialized degree program. This critical investment will expand the state's capabilities to train filmmakers in every aspect of production.
"Since the campaign I have made it clear that efforts to grow our film industry must first and foremost benefit New Mexicans- in terms of jobs and in terms of economic impact in our communities," said Governor Richardson. "The ultimate goal is to produce films written by New Mexicans, directed by New Mexicans, and made by New Mexicans. Including the College as an active participant in our efforts, particularly in conjunction with the crew training program, brings us a huge step closer to reaching that goal."
Last year Governor Richardson funded an initiative to bring film crew training programs to communities around the state through the community college system. The response has been overwhelming for training grips, gaffers, electricians and set construction crews. As part of Governor Richardson's vision for filmmaking in New Mexico, a goal of this new degree program is to educate the next generation of filmmakers who will be pivotal in developing a
sustainable film and digital media industry in the state. In addition, the Moving Image Arts Department will offer summer workshops specifically targeted at high level training for "above the line" film professionals.
"We commend Governor Richardson and the New Mexico Film Office for expanding training and educational opportunities for filmmakers in New Mexico," says Dr. Linda N. Hanson, President of CSF. "College of Santa Fe, with its 17-year history of educating film and video artists, is uniquely positioned to train the next generation of filmmakers. We are honored to receive this funding and have the chance to contribute to the economic development of New Mexico."
Since Governor Richardson took office, the administration has focused on expanding the film and television production industry in New Mexico. Over twenty five film and television projects during the past two and a half years- an average of about one per month. Big films like "The Longest Yard" and "The Missing," smaller films like the acclaimed "Around the Bend," films for television like the Hillerman projects on PBS, even the first prime time network television series "Wildfire" currently shooting outside of Albuquerque.
In two years, production has grown from 8-million-dollars in economic impact, to over 200-million, and continues to grow. New Mexico is now recognized throughout the nation and the world as the leader in innovative, aggressive approaches to growing film and television production.
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