CREW FAQs

WORKING ON FILM PRODUCTIONS IN NM

Frequently Asked Questions for Below-the-Line work in the NM Film Industry

  • What does "Below-the-Line" mean?
    This term evolved in reference to the budget line of a production. "Below-the-Line" costs include the salaries of technical crew as well as use of the film studio and its technical equipment, travel, location, and catering costs, etc. "Above-the-Line" is a film and TV industry term referring to money budgeted for creative talent, writers, directors, and producers. Hence, Above-the-Line and Below-the-Line crew relate to where these positions are budgeted. Post-production crew is a separate budget and includes different crew positions.

  • Can the New Mexico Film Office (NMFO) help me get a job on a film production?
    The New Mexico Film Office (a division of the NM Economic Development Dept.) is a state agency developed to be of service to the New Mexico film industry both locally and internationally. The NMFO does not hire crew for productions. However, we do have many resources for your use and do our best to send you in the right direction.

  • Where do I get information on films shooting in New Mexico?
    Productions (that have been officially announced by the Governor's office) give us information to be listed on the home page of our website at www.nmfilm.com. Press releases, most often released prior to production offices opening, are also listed on our website.

  • What if a film does not have any information listed on the NMFO website?
    The productions may ask us not to list their contact information; therefore, we cannot give it out to the public. Most often, they will allow us to post their production office's fax number. Although they are not always accurate, industry publications will sometimes list upcoming productions across the States. See "Publications: Print and Online" under Local Resources. (Also see FAQ "Where do I submit my resume to get entry level work?") If you are a union member, your union may have this information before it is published on our website.

  • How do I become an Extra?
    You can contact Extras Casting Directors or Talent Agencies such as those listed on our website's online directory. Productions often list cast and crew calls under our online bulletin board, and/or in the local papers.

  • Is acting Below-the-Line?
    Casting can be considered Below-the-Line; however, principal talent is considered Above-the-Line.

  • What if I am a musician and I am cast in a movie?
    If a casting director has asked if you are union, they are referring to the Screen Actors Guild (www.sag.org). If a person is on camera and several words are coming out of their mouth, singing or talking, it is an acting position. The music that is played is a different issue and has to be legally addressed by the production company. Please visit www.nmmusic.org for more information and resources for musicians. (We will have more information about music and film later in the summer at the NMFO as we develop a new resource center.)

  • Is New Mexico a “right-to-work” state and how does that relate to film unions?
    No, New Mexico is not a "right-to-work" state. There is not a “right-to-work” law in NM. NM allows the “right-to-collectively bargain.” Film productions often sign collective bargaining contracts with film unions and are then obligated to meet contractual requirements such as minimum wages and benefits.

  • What unions should I be aware of in the NM film industry?
    There are several unions/guilds that may play a role in a film production. Some are based out of Los Angeles. Here are ones that may apply to local Below-the-Line film positions:

    Majority of NM film technician crafts: IATSE Local 480 - www.iatselocal480.com
    NM Teamsters (Transpo.)/Wranglers: Teamsters Local 492 - Phone: 505.344.1925
    Camera: IATSE Local 600 - www.cameraguild.com

    There are additional unions/guilds such as Directors Guild of America www.dga.org, Screen Actors Guild www.sag.org, and the IBT Local 399 www.hollywoodteamsters.org, along with other craft specific guilds primarily based out of LA. Google-away!

  • How do I become a union member?
    Each union/guild has different requirements. Please contact the union/guild that covers the film job or department of most interest to you and/or in which you have the most experience.

  • What positions are covered by the IATSE Local 480?
    Please visit this link for a list of job positions under the jurisdiction of Local 480:
    For example, set decorating, construction, grip/light/sound, hair, make-up and costume are just a few departments in the jurisdiction of this union. Again, please visit the above link for a full list.

  • What if I do not have enough experience to join a union?
    There are a few options if you do not have enough experience to join a union. It may depend upon what department you are pursuing. For instance, Local 480 has a "non-member" or "overflow" file of resumes primarily of those with transferable skills or minimal experience. This file is reviewed when either members are not available or all members are working. Please contact the applicable union for details. There is also the Film Technicians' Training Program in five New Mexico cities (more...). This program has been developed for working individuals who want to learn more about the industry and get some initial hands-on experience.

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  • What crew positions are not union?
    Many entry level positions are not union, such as Production Assistants, Accounting Clerks, Travel Coordinators, Production Secretaries, and Caterers. Animal wranglers and Casting Directors are often not union though these positions require more experience.

  • What is a Production Assistant (P.A.)?
    Some will say that a P.A. does what nobody else wants to do! It's an entry level job yet extremely important. It may include a wide range of tasks from clerical work, getting coffee, driving producers, wrangling extras to tracking talent. It is a stepping stone; however, you must do this job well in order to move on. The keys to being a good P.A. are listening and taking direction. Be reliable, aware, efficient and resourceful. Becoming a production assistant may expose you to the various career paths available in film. You will start gaining experience and meeting people, including union members, in higher positions within the departments that interest you.

  • Is it easy to get a job as a Production Assistant (P.A.)?
    Your first job is the hardest job to get. Like many jobs in the film industry it starts with a catch 22; you can't t get a job without experience, and you can't get experience without a job. So when you get a chance, make sure you take it seriously if you want to continue in the film industry. Be persistent but not annoying. Many employers do not expect those applying for this position to have film experience. With all the interest in the film industry right now, it's not only about getting your name out there, but it's sometimes about giving a person a good reason to give you a chance which may include attitude and transferable skills.

  • Where do I submit my resume to get work in an entry level position?
    Often a Line Producer or the Unit Production Manager (UPM) is the first to hire Below-the-Line crew. Consider submitting your resume first to these people. Many of these professionals are listed on the NMFO website. In addition, consider faxing your one-page resume to other crew members who could potentially hire you. As an example, often the Production Office Coordinator will hire Office Production Assistants. Second Assistant Directors may hire Set Production Assistants. It is recommended NOT to phone these members directly or email too often. Minimal contact to the appropriate person and/or union (when applicable) is a better approach.

  • What should my film resume say?
    A film resume should always be one-page no matter how long you have been in the business. A second page is rarely even noticed and more often lost. Your name and contact info should be clearly stated. The position you are applying for should be listed (skip "objective.") Next list applicable film credits to the position you are applying for (most recent year/title of production/your position, etc.) If you do not have any film credits, you can list transferable experiences or skills. It's not a bad idea to state the obvious like having reliable transportation and/or tools, kits, laptop. It is not recommended to list every title of every student film you have been involved in. Consider adding "worked on 10 student films in various positions from 2004 to 2006." Co-relating seminars and certifications should be listed. At least one reference with contact information is recommended. List education last if it fits. Consider submitting a resume for every position you are applying for even if each resume is very similar. (Productions most often file resumes by position.)

  • What is the NMFO Production Assistant List?
    This is a recently devised list of New Mexico residents given to production companies upon request. It is a list of names and contact information of those who have P.A. experience and/or have attended a PA Workshop and have requested to be on this list. These classes are not scheduled on a regular basis and are only available to NM residents. Please visit the bulletin board on our website for class announcements. Students who have completed the first semester of the Film Technicians Training Program may also request to be on this list. Please email info@nmfilm.com for the PA List form. A film production will be given this list only upon request. No resumes will be given out with this list. The production will contact individuals to request their resume. Please note we are in the midst of revising this resource.

  • Can I be an intern/volunteer on a production?
    Often contracted productions, such as feature films, are not allowed to use unpaid labor. For insurance purposes, most productions will not have any "free help" on set. Also, due to the time constraints and complexity in scheduling, every person has specified responsibilities. It is recommended that you apply for an entry level position such as a Production Assistant if you are looking to gain set experience on a film production. Another option would be to contact your local universities and colleges to inquire about crew calls for student productions and student film festivals. Please visit the bulletin board on our website for posted crew/casting calls.

  • Can I work part-time on a film?
    Although there are "day-players" that are called in periodically during times when there is a more elaborate shooting schedule, it is difficult to be employed by a production when you have time constraints or other obligations. If you hear that someone works part-time in the film industry, it usually refers to the time off between film projects.

  • What do I do if I am in school and want to work on a film set during the summer?
    It is best to apply to a production in a position that will begin and finish within your available time to work. Limiting your availability will limit your hirablity.

  • Can I work if I am a minor?
    Contact the Nm Department of Labor for the complete New Mexico Child Labor Guidelines 505-827-7472. If you are under 18 and there is hazardous equipment on a job site, you can not legally work per the Federal Child Labor Laws. Child actors have a different set of guidelines and may require a Studio Teacher on set; contact the NM Department of Labor, 505-827-7472 and SAG for more information, www.sag.org. If a production employs minors for other work such as a Production Assistant in a non-hazardous working environment (i.e. no heavy equipment in the vicinity or other hazardous conditions) and presuming the production's insurance covers minors, school-age children in New Mexico may be employed. However, employment of a child under the age of 16 requires the child to obtain a student work permit from either their superintendents office or the Department of Labor. It is the responsibility of the production company to keep the work permit certificates on file and to keep a list posted of all children working there. Again, employers must also comply with Federal Child Labor Laws. Please also visit: http://nmfilm.com/filming/permits/labor-laws.php.

  • Can I get work on a film in New Mexico if I do not live there?
    The New Mexico film incentives encourage productions to hire New Mexico residents. However, it is up to the production as to whom they employ. In union positions, a production company hires crew per the contractual agreements between the unions and the production company. Often production companies' hires are considered "local," "near-by," or "distant" and have correlating pay requirements per these contracts.

  • How do I become a New Mexico resident?
    New Mexico must be your primary residence to be considered a resident. In other words, you can have one domicile in which you return after a temporary absence. Of course, we hope this isn't an issue because you want to live here and settle in New Mexico! Many crew members are returning home to New Mexico given that their industry offers more opportunities here than previously. New Mexico residency must be proven by either your voter's registration, valid driver's license, and/or a copy of your last year's NM personal income tax return. You will be given a "Declaration of Residency Form" which must be filled out with your start paperwork if you are hired on a production. This is a signed declaration under the penalty of perjury. The New Mexico film incentives encourage productions to hire New Mexico residents.

  • Is there a lot of work coming to New Mexico? Will I be able to continually work in this industry?
    We hope to continue to grow the film industry. However, no matter where you live, there is never a guarantee of (continual) employment in this industry. It is an unpredictable business and as a crew member working from project to project, you may be employed by several companies in a course of a year. Sometimes there is a lag between projects for over three months. With the enduring interest and support of NM, as well as New Mexico's versatile locations, the NMFO is working hard to maintain the momentum of film productions shooting in here.

  • How do I connect with NM film community and established crew members?
    The NMFO online directory of film crew & production resources. This directory also comes in a hard back version once a year. Please call 505-827-9810 or email info@nmfilm.com to request this directory.

  • How is the online directory of film crew & resources helpful?
    Although not all local film professionals, organizations and companies list here, a majority do! It is the primary starting point for not only out-of-state production companies that are looking for crew and vendors, it is an important resource for the film community to connect with each other. Students see the various possibilities in the industry, entrepreneurs see opportunities, businesses locate their competition, and local filmmakers find valuable resources.

  • How do I list my name in the online directory?
    You can list in this directory if you are a New Mexico resident and for a nominal fee. On our website, under "For Locals" is an application. Visit the directory online to peruse the categories.

  • What classes are available to help me get a production job in the film industry?
    Check with your local universities and colleges to find programs that best suit your interest. Many NM schools have programs in many areas of film production. For Below-the-Line, there is the Film Technicians' Training Program in five New Mexico cities (click here). This program is developed for working individuals who want to learn more about the industry and get some initial hands-on experience. In addition, the NMFO hopes to sponsor more classes such as the Production Assistant Workshop. Please check the announcements on the NMFO's online bulletin board for postings.

  • Is there a trainee-mentorship program sponsored by the state?
    There is a program called the Film Crew Advancement Program (FCAP), also known as the Job Training Incentive Program for Film & Multimedia, for which production companies sign up to participate. New Mexico offers a 50% reimbursement of wages for on-the-job training of qualifying New Mexico residents in advanced below-the-line crew positions. New Mexico Supervisors and Keys have the opportunity to hire and mentor qualifying New Mexico crew in advanced positions in this program.

  • What other resources are available through the NMFO?
    Please note on our website you will also find:
    Searchable Locations Database:
    New Mexico Filmographies:
    Links to other websites/resources:
    Seminars, Competitions, Classes, Crew Calls and more:
    Press releases and Competition updates:
    NM Filmmakers Program:
    Through the NM Filmmakers' Program, a Resource Center is available at the NMFO for self-training on Final Draft screenwriting software, EP Budgeting and Scheduling and other film related software. Please contact nm.filmmakers@nmfilm.com with questions or to inquire about an appointment.

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FAQs regarding Below-the-Line work compiled by NMFO staff member Tobi E. Ives Are you sure you didn't find your FAQ here? If not, please email info@nmfilm.com.