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This is one we can really be proud of. Earlier this week, MovieMaker named Albuquerque the best place in the nation to live and work in the film business, and Los Angeles is happy about it.
The trade publication targeted at independent filmmakers printed its annual Top 10 list of the best places to live and work in the film business. Albuquerque was named No. 1., L.A. No. 2, and L.A. is proud of it.
The Los Angeles Times this week touted its No. 2 ranking as a big deal and proof that the industry in California is healthy. Really.
L.A., the film capital of the world, has taken some hits the past few years, as moviemakers have fled the City of Angels like rats from a sinking ship. States like New Mexico, Louisiana, Michigan and Texas have all made big strides in attracting films by offering huge tax breaks and incentives for filmmakers.
California, until last year, thought it was above offering tax breaks. L.A. never made MovieMaker’s annual list years ago, because it never offered any tax breaks or help for filmmakers.
California has set aside $100 million in tax credits for moviemakers, and the move has reignited the industry there, somewhat.
Regardless, when L.A. is happy being No. 2 to Albuquerque, that’s a feather in our cap.
‘True Grit’
Last week, Jo Edna Boldin held a casting call for a modern remake of the film “True Grit,” which she said will be filmed in New Mexico.
The new “True Grit” will be made by, of all people, the Coen Brothers, whose credits include “The Big Lebowski” and “No Country For Old Men,” which was also made in New Mexico.
“No Country for Old Men” won four Oscars in 2008 for Best Achievement in Directing, Motion Picture of the Year, Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role and Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published. That’s good business, Friend-o.
The new film is a remake of the 1969 John Wayne film, in which a U.S. marshal and a Texas Ranger help a woman find her father’s killer. Boldin was looking to cast the lead female role in the film with a local actress.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Coens have been in talks with both Josh Brolin and Matt Damon to star in the film.
No word yet on whether New Mexico resident Dennis Hopper will reprise his role of Moon from the original picture.
