Jane Seymour to film ‘American Girl’ in N.M.

Jane Seymour will begin filming her latest movie in Santa Fe and Albuquerque.

The “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman” star will film “American Girl: 2013 Girl of the Year” in and around Santa Fe and Albuquerque beginning this month.

The film is produced by Debra Martin Chase and directed by Vince Marcello.

The film is about a nine-year old creative, sensitive, and apprehensive girl who is devastated when her best friend comes back from summer camp with another best friend. She learns that the school has suspended all extracurricular activities. A big fundraiser is organized to bring back the activities to the school. Her misunderstandings with her peers, plus an accident that sidelines her beloved grandmother, stand in the way of her goals. Fortunately, over the course of the story, she gains confidence in herself, embraces change, and learns how to express her true feelings – all attributes that lead her to resounding success and renewed friendships.

Chase produced “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” and “The Princess Diaries,” while Marcello directed “McKenna Shoots for the Stars.”

Alton Walpole of Mountainair Films — who has worked with “Longmire,” “Crazy Heart,” and “The Book of Eli” — states, “The story is based on specific New Mexico locations and events and ninety percent of the crew are New Mexico residents.”

The production will employ at least 100 New Mexico crew members and at least 300 principal and background talent.

Santa Fe Mayor David Coss said the city has worked hard to support the film industry so that New Mexicans can have good paying jobs.

Production will also take place in Albuquerque and Mayor Richard J. Berry said that people recognize that Albuquerque is a great place to make films.

“And the fact that the film’s story line takes place in Albuquerque, and showcases our town, is an added bonus,” he said. “We welcome them.”