N.M. Producer Wants to Keep His Efforts Homegrown

But instead of going it alone like many local filmmakers and trying to be all things at once, he’s formed the company HDNM to make his films.

 “I’m all about trying to keep it homegrown,” he said. “Not only to service those out-ofstate films, but to service our own.”

 The first completely-inhouse film that Ceccarelli produced premiered last week in Santa Fe. “Naked Fear” stars some big names, including Joe Mantegna, who has played Fat Tony on “The Simpsons” and Joey Zasa in “The Godfather: Part III.” It also features Danielle De Luca, who’s been in several horror films.

 “It’s a zesty little R-rated thriller,” he said. “It’s about a psychotic hunter who’s fed up with animals, so he kidnaps strippers and hunts them down. One is down on her circumstances and turns the tables.”

 Ceccarelli is planning nationwide distribution soon and more dates for the film in local theaters. So far, the next screenings haven’t been scheduled.

 But he’s already set his sights on his next production, a Western in the style of the 1960s spaghetti Westerns like “The Appaloosa” and “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.”

 Called “Shoot First and Pray You Live,” the film will use a 1970s-style, twosprocket 35mm film camera. The style of sprockets on the film give it a different, jerky feel that modern film or highdefinition video cameras try to avoid.

 “It was hip in the 1970s, then it disappeared,” Ceccarelli said. “It has a very gritty, down-and-dirty look to it.”

 “I have a good feeling about this one,” he said.

 The film is also a mixedmedia affair and will use cartoon animation sequences by Bill Plimpton.

 “Shoot First and Pray You Live” is expected to be finished in the summer of 2008.

 The film is holding a casting call for background extras Sunday from 2-6 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, 4048 Cerrillos Road in Santa Fe. Bring an 8-by-10 photo and a résumé. E-mail amcypress@msn.com for more.

 SHOOTING: “The Burrowers,” which received a $7 million loan from the state, will be shooting in Santa Fe through Aug. 7. The film stars TV actor and voiceover talent Clancy Brown (Mr. Krabs, from “SpongeBob SquarePants”). The film is about underground creatures that ravage an Old West town.

 “Linewatch,” starring Cuba Gooding Jr., is shooting in and around Albuquerque through July 31.

 “Swing Vote,” starring Kevin Costner, will begin shooting in Albuquerque and Belen, and maybe elsewhere, starting Monday.

 SEND YOUR TIPS: If you know of a film shooting in the state, or are curious about one, e-mail film@abqjournal.com.