News & Events

NMFI 2009 Open House 11/13/08

2008-11-04

The New Mexico Filmmakers Intensive invites you to an Open House Thursday, November 13th, 6PM at the Garson Communications Building at the College of Santa Fe.

Come learn more about our one-year, post-baccalaureate professional filmmaking program with tracks in four key creative areas of filmmaking: Screenwriting, Producing, Directing and Editing.

Program Highlights:

Produce, write or direct a Super 16 or HD short film
Every 'green-lit' production provided with a $10,000 budget Screenwriters write a short and a feature-length screenplay. Small classes taught by a faculty of industry professionals. Specialized workshops with visiting Hollywood filmmakers. Open to college grads and those with industry experience. Priority admission for NM residents.

Launched in 2007, short films produced in the NMFI have collectively been selected by over 30 regional, national and international festivals. In 2008, NMFI Shorts received awards including The Humanitarian Award at the Sedona
International Film Festival, Best Short Film at the Sonoma Valley Film Festival and Best Short Script at the Rhode Island International Film Festival.

Since completing the program, our graduates have written, produced, directed and/or edited 10 additional short films and worked in a variety of capacities on over 50 Independent and Hollywood productions filming in New Mexico and elsewhere.

RSVP to info@filmmakersintensive.com or by calling 505/473-6413

We are currently reviewing applications for the NMFI 2009. Starts January.

Enrollment is limited. Apply Now.

NMFI ALUMNI & FACULTY AWARDED "New Visions/New Mexico" Awards

2008-11-03

Governor Richardson announces New Visions/New Mexico Contract Awardees - NMFI Alumni and Faculty among recipients:

Craig Strong of Santa Fe (NMFI 2007 Directing Track), $10,000 toward LA BOLA BLANCA based on a true story by Cipriano Vigil, one of the country's leading ethnomusicologists specializing in the music of northern New Mexico. Mr. Strong is also the recipient of the Panavision Award ($10,000 of in-kind Panavision equipment). John Lucas (NMFI 2008 Producing Track) to produce.

Jocelyn Jansons (NMFI Producing Faculty/Supervising Producer) of Santa Fe, $10,000 toward THE BABY MONITOR, a story of a former rocker turned unexpected single mom, terrorized by phantom cries from her baby monitor.

Governor Bill Richardson today announced the recipients of the 2008 New Visions/New Mexico Contract Awards. Now in its third year, the program is providing fourteen contracts totaling $160,000 for New Mexico-based producers and directors to create narrative films, documentaries, animated and experimental works.

I'm pleased to continue supporting our home-based talent, said Governor Richardson. Promoting the work of New Mexico's own filmmakers is key to our continued success in the industry.

Awardees will provide a service to the state as part of their contract, such as training other New Mexicans who are new to the industry, providing free in-state screenings, workshops and seminars, and conducting outreach to students interested in pursuing film/media careers.

To read full press release go to:
Governor Richardson announces New Visions/New Mexico Contract Awardees

Please join us in congratulating Craig, John and Jocelyn!!!!!

NMFI Open House Oct. 25th 2008		2008-10-20
Join the New Mexico Filmmakers Intensive for an Open House Saturday, October 25th, 10AM. RSVP for details 505/473-6413 or info@filmmakersintensive.com. The NMFI is now reviewing applications for its 2009 immersions in Screenwriting, Directing, Producing and Editing. Apply Now. Enrollment is limited

NMFI 2008 Screenwriters Scene Reading & Open House		2008-10-06
Actors perform scene readings from scripts produced in the 2008 NMFI. Open House for prospective students for 2009 NMFI. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15 Stage B Facility Tour @ 6:30P Program Start @ 7P College of Santa Fe Q & A and Reception to Follow RSVP essential 505/473-6413 Info@filmmakersintensive.com

2008 NMFI Free Public Screening		2008-10-02
2008 NMFI Shorts Friday, October 3 7PM @ The Screen College of Santa Fe Please join us for a night of Short Films created by the 2008 New Mexico Filmmakers Intensive – Guadalupe’s Rose, Epi’s Dilemma, Fish Out of Water, Milagros, Beatrice, La Sevillana and Chimayo. Seating is limited. Admission is free and on a first-come, first-serve basis.

NMFI NOW ACCEPTING EDITING TRACK APPLICATIONS		2008-02-20
STARTS LATE MARCH/EARLY APRIL The NMFI editing track is designed for emerging picture editors with experience in Final Cut Pro looking for advanced training in the techniques and aesthetics of editing feature films. The art of editing challenges the practitioner to see the spectrum of creative possibilities within the narrative and to apply editorial choice to further advance and help shape the director’s intention. This five-month immersion into professional editing focuses on storytelling through structure, image, juxtaposition, rhythm, pacing, creating optimal performances and developing an editorial style. For more information, please call 505/473-6400 or email info@filmmakersintensive.com

NMFI SCREENWRITERS OPEN HOUSE 12/15 - MEET TOM MUSCA		2007-12-12
Meet Screenwriting Faculty Tom Musca A 20-year Hollywood Veteran, Tom's produced credits include Stand & Deliver, Tortilla Soup and Little Nikita Saturday, December 15th, 10A RSVP For more Info 473-6413

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2008 NMFI		2007-10-29
The application review process has begun. The NMFI 2008 is still accepting applications in all three tracks: Producing, Directing and Screenwriting. Program runs mid January through August.

NMFI 2008 OPEN HOUSE & SCREENWRITERS EVENT - 10/23		2007-10-17
Actors perform scene readings from scripts produced in the 2007 NMFI. Open House for prospective students for 2008 NMFI. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23 Tour of facilities at 6:30P Program begins at 7P Stage B Garson Communications Center College of Santa Fe Q & A and Reception to follow RSVP Essential info@filmmakersintensive.com 505/473-6400

2007 NMFI Filmmakers Premiere - Free Public Screening October 8th		2007-09-11
Join the NMFI for a screening of this year's Six Short Films Monday, October 8th at 5:30P The Screen College of Santa Fe Limited Seating, Free Admission

OPEN CREW CALL FOR NMFI SUMMER PRODUCTIONS		2007-04-01
7 FILMS. 7 WEEKS. 5 DAYS EACH. Work one. Or work them all Come meet the directors and producers. Open House: Tuesday. April 10. 5-9 p.m. Stage A. Garson Communications Bldg. College of Santa Fe. (follow signs to The Screen) First production begins June 4. Last production ends July 20. Looking for Keys: DPs, Editors, Production Designers, Hair and Make Up, Wardrobe, Sound, Key Grips, Gaffers, Key Production Assistants. Also looking for all other positions. *Key Positions send your resume ahead and we’ll set up appointment times to meet with you.** nmficrewcall@hotmail.com

AWARD-WINNING PRODUCER & ACTING TEACHER MILTON JUSTICE VISITS NMFI		2007-02-22
NMFI VISITING FILMMAKERS SERIES PRESENTS: MILTON JUSTICE, Friday, March 2nd After graduating from Yale, Milton began work as an assistant director at the New York Shakespeare Festival. He then continued his New York theatre work, producing the Broadway premiere of Tennessee Williams’ Vieux Carre, Jack Heifner’s Vanities (which became the longest running play in off-Bway history) and Das Luscitania Songspiel (written by and starring Sigourney Weaver and Christopher Durang - selected as one of the 10 best plays of 1981 by the New York Times). For his New York Theatre work he received two Drama Desk nominations. After studying for many years with Stella Adler, he was selected by Miss Adler to be Artistic Director of her theatre in Los Angeles. The Company received seventeen local critics’ awards and in 1995 Milton was invited by NYU to teach as part of their acting curriculum where he taught at the Stella Adler Conservatory. For his work as a film and television producer, Milton has received an Oscar (for documentary), an Emmy, a Cable Ace and five Golden Globe nominations. His most recent venture LOSING CHASE (directed by Kevin Bacon and starring Helen Mirren and Kyra Sedgwick) for Showtime, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and won a Golden Globe award for Miss Mirren.

PRODUCER BILL TEITLER (POLAR EXPRESS, HURRICANE, JUMANJI) VISITS NMFI		2007-02-16
NMFI's Visiting Filmmakers Series presents PRODUCER WILLIAM TEITLER, Wednesday, February 21st William Teitler's recent producing credits include: ZATHURA, starring Tim Robbins, directed by Jon Favreau, for Columbia Pictures, based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg; EMPIRE FALLS, starring Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, Ed Harris, Helen Hunt, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Robin Wright Penn, directed by Fred Schepisi, for HBO, which won the Golden Globe and was nominated for 10 Emmy’s, based on the Pulitzer Prize winning book by Richard Russo; and THE POLAR EXPRESS starring Tom Hanks, directed by Robert Zemeckis, for Warner Bros, based on the Caldecott Award book by Chris Van Allsburg. Other producing credits include THE HURRICANE, starring Denzel Washington, directed by Norman Jewison, based on the life of Rubin 'Hurricane' Carter, which garnered a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination for Mr. Washington; JUMANJI, starring Robin Williams and Bonnie Hunt, directed by Joe Johnston, based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg; MR. HOLLAND'S OPUS, starring Richard Dreyfuss, who was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance, directed by Stephen Herek; LOOKING FOR RICHARD, starring Al Pacino, Alec Baldwin, Winona Ryder and Kevin Spacey, directed by Al Pacino, which received the DGA Award for Best Documentary Feature; TUCK EVERLASTING, starring Ben Kingsley, Sissy Spacek, William Hurt, and Alexis Bledel, directed by Jay Russell, based on the award-winning book by Natalie Babbitt; HOW TO DEAL, starring Mandy Moore, Alison Janney, Peter Gallagher and Trent Ford, directed by Clare Kilner, based on the book by Sarah Dessen; PICTURE PERFECT, starring Jennifer Aniston, Jay Mohr, Kevin Bacon, and Olympia Dukakis, directed by Glenn Gordon Caron; and UNFORGETTABLE, starring Ray Liotta and Linda Fiorentino, directed by John Dahl.

MOV's HANK ROGERSON BRINGS AWARD-WINNING DOCUMENTARY HOMELAND TO NMFI		2007-02-06
NMFI is pleased to present filmmakers Hank Rogerson and Jilann Spitzmiller and their award-winning documentary HOMELAND, Wednesday, February 7th at 6pm as part of our ongoing Visiting Filmmakers series. Hank and Jilann will share the genesis of this extraordinary and compelling film from concept and fundraising through production, post, life on the festival circuit and distribution. HOMELAND Set against the stunning backdrop of the Northern Plains, this rich and engaging documentary weaves together the stories of four Lakota Indian families from the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Shot over the course of several years, the film provides an inspiring and intimate portrait of contemporary Native American life as well as a unique and compelling depiction of the strength and vitality of Native culture. Ultimately, the film balances the many troubles that beset the reservation system with the resilience and fortitude of Lakota culture and spirituality. In doing so, it invites the viewer to reconnect with the power of family, the spirit of the natural world, and the healing power of humor and faith. AUDIENCE AWARD – DOCUMENTARY American Film Institute AFI FEST BEST FEATURE DOCUMENTARY - Fargo Film Festival BEST SHORT DOCUMENTARY - Nashville Independent Film Festival BEST INSTRUMENTAL RECORDING Native American Music Awards ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS: Hank Rogerson is a director, writer and actor who works both in fiction and non-fiction film. His film Shakespeare Behind Bars had its world premiere in the Documentary Competition at the Sundance Film Festival, its international premiere at the Edinburgh Film Festival, and won 10 awards on the festival circuit. Hank also co-produced, directed and edited Homeland, an award winning documentary, as well as Circle of Stories, a multi-media project at pbs.org. He is a two-time Sundance Institute Fellow, and has taught film production at University of Southern California. As an actor, Hank has done film, television and theater in Los Angeles, and he performs improv. Twice a Sundance Institute Fellow, Hank currently teaches filmmaking in the Moving Image Arts department at the College of Santa Fe, and has taught film production at University of Southern California. Jilann Spitzmiller is a Producer, Director and Cinematographer who enjoys exploring the mysteries of life through documentary filmmaking. Producer of the award-winning Shakespeare Behind Bars which premiered at The Sundance Film Festival in 2005, Jilann has directed and produced several documentaries including the award-winning Homeland which aired on National PBS in 2000 and Circle of Stories, a multi-media documentary web site hosted by PBS. Jilann’s other directing credits include two seasons on the documentary series Medical Diary for The Discovery Health Channel and her work as a producer/director for the NBC series Life Moments. Jilann is an adjunct professor of Film at the University of Redlands in California, and at Studio Art Centers International in Florence, Italy. When she’s not making films or teaching, you can find her in painting in her studio.

Todd Darling brings his new film A SNOW MOBILE FOR GEORGE to NMFI		2007-01-29
On January 31st, NMFI's Visiting Filmmaker series continues with filmmaker, Todd Darling presenting his new feature documentary, A Snow Mobile for George. A SNOW MOBILE FOR GEORGE looks at the Bush Administration's environmental policies. The film explores four different stories in which Bush's policies have had a profound impact. Viewed from the perspective of a cross country trip, " A Snow Mobile for George" is the occasionally wry, frequently sobering tale of a petroleum Huck Finn blazing across America.

Congratulations to the NMFI's Class of 2007!		2007-01-05
We congratulate our twenty-six Producing, Directing and Screenwriting students and look forward to an exciting and successful inaugural year for the NMFI. We will begin accepting applications for the 2008 NMFI in mid-March.

The NMFI is still accepting applications....		2006-12-07
Thank you for an overwhelming response to our recruitment efforts. We are still accepting applications for the 2007 NMFI as follows: Directing Track: New applications will automatically be placed on a waiting list. Should a space open, all waitlisted applications will be considered. Producing & Screenwriting Tracks: The NMFI is currently accepting applications for two available spaces in each of these tracks.

PRODUCING TRACK > OPEN HOUSE Saturday, November 18th @ The Screen		2006-11-10
Join producing faculty, Forrest Murray (Bob Roberts, Spitfire Grill, Five Corners) and a panel of indie prods to explore NMFI's producing track. Saturday, November 18, 12 Noon @ The Screen College of Santa Fe 1600 St. Michael's Drive Santa Fe > Presentation/Q&A > Reception > Facilites Tour