Working on Film & Video Projects in New Mexico

F.A.Q.s

 
Frequently Asked Questions
Working as Crew in the NM Film Industry

    General Terminology

  • What does “Above-the-Line” and “Below-the-Line” mean?
    These terms evolved in reference to the budget line of a production. “Above-the-line” is a film and television industry term derived from where the money is budgeted for creative talent, writers, directors and producers. This term means job positions that are associated with the creative or financial control of a film or multimedia project, not the technical aspects. “Below-the-line” is a film and television industry term derived from where the money is budgeted for technical crew working on a film or multimedia project as well as for costs related to the studio, equipment, travel, and location. In regards to job positions, this term means technical crew working in temporary positions and these individuals do not have creative or financial control of the project nor receive residuals. (Post-production crew is typically a separate budget and includes different crew positions.)

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

  • 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.

    • Employment

  • Can the New Mexico Film Office (NMFO) help me get a job on a film/video projects?
    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 productions 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 home page.

  • How do I find out about films and television productions that are considering shooting in NM?
    Even when a production announces their intention to shoot in New Mexico through a press release, 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 once they are “green-lit” and have been announced in a press release. Although they are not always accurate, industry publications will sometimes list upcoming productions across the States. See “Publications: Print and Online” under www.nmfilm.com/locals/local-resources/. If you are a union member, your union may have additional information before it is published on our website.

  • How do I become an extra? Where do I find out about casting calls?
    You can contact Extras Casting Directors or Talent Agencies such as those listed on our website’s online directory: www.nmfilm.com/filming/crew-resources/. Productions often list cast and crew calls under our online bulletin board, www.nmfilm.com/locals/, and/or in the local papers and radio/television announcements.

  • 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. 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, reliability and transferable skills.

  • Where do I submit my resume to get work in an entry level position?
    The New Mexico Film Office (NMFO) does not accept resumes; however, consider submitting your resume to a Line Producer or Unit Production Manager (UPM), as they are often the first to hire local crew. Many of these professionals are listed on the NMFO website: www.nmfilm.com/filming/crew-resources/. 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 NOT recommended to phone these members directly or email too often. Also consider looking online under “Crew Calls” in our online bulletin, www.nmfilm.com/locals/, for additional productions.

  • 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 2005 to 2008.” 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.)

  • Will I be able to continually work in this industry?
    We hope to continue to grow the NM 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 the course of a year. Sometimes there is a lag between projects; therefore some crew members may supplement their income through a business or an additional job, particularly when transitioning into this industry. With the interest and support of NM film, as well as New Mexico’s versatile locations, the NMFO is working hard to maintain the momentum of film productions shooting in our state.

  • Can I volunteer to work 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 (P.A.) 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: www.nmfilm.com/locals/.

  • 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 or working from project to project.

  • Can I work if I am a minor?
    Contact the New Mexico Department of Labor, (505) 827-7472 for state laws regarding minors working on film/video projects. This includes NM child actors who have additional guidelines and may require a Studio Teacher on set. (Again, please contact the NM Department of Labor, (505) 827-7472 and SAG for more information, www.sag.org.) Per the Federal Child Labor Laws, if you are under 18 and there is hazardous equipment on a job site, you can not legally work. 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. Employers must also comply with Federal Child Labor Laws. Please visit: www.nmfilm.com/filming/permits/labor-laws.php.

  • 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 hirability.

    • Film Unions and Guilds

  • 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/guilds and are then obligated to meet contractual requirements for job positions in that union/guild’s jurisdiction 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 examples of those that apply to NM Below-the-Line film positions:
    Majority of BTL NM film technician crafts: – IATSE Local 480 – Phone: 505.986.9512
    NM Teamsters (Transpo.)/Wranglers: Teamsters Local 492 – Phone: 505.344.1925
    Camera: IATSE Local 600 – www.cameraguild.com – Phone: 323-876-0160
    There are additional unions/guilds, such as Directors Guild of America: www.dga.org, Screen Actors Guild: www.sag.org, the IBT Local 399: www.hollywoodteamsters.org, and the Writers Guild of America: www.wga.org, along with other craft-specific guilds primarily based out of LA.

  • 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: www.iatselocal480.com/members/crafts.php. For example, set decorating, construction, grip/light/sound, hair, make-up and costume are just a few departments in the jurisdiction of this union for NM. 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. 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 film experience. This file is reviewed when either members are not available or all members are working. Please contact the applicable union for details or visit www.iatselocal480.com/members/overflow.php. There is also the Film Technicians’ Training Program administered by five New Mexico colleges (see www.nmfilm.com/locals/local-resources/fttp.php.) This program has been developed for working individuals who want to learn more about the industry and get some initial hands-on experience to transition into entry level crew positions. (Also see FAQs section “Educational Resources” on the back of this pamphlet.)

  • 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 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 they have a speaking role, 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.

    • NMFO Online Crew & Vendor Resource Directory

  • How do I connect with the NM film community and crew members?
    The NMFO online directory of film crew & production resources: www.nmfilm.com/filming/crew-resources/, is a continually updated resource for the NM Film Industry with over 1400 listings of crew and vendors.

  • How is the online directory of film crew & resources helpful?
    It is the one of the first contact points for in-state and out-of-state production companies that are looking for crew and vendors. It is also 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.

  • Is there a printed version of the online directory?
    There is no longer an annual printed version of this directory. However, you will be able to download the list into an Excel format.

  • Do I need to be a New Mexico resident to list in the NMFO online directory?
    Yes. The listings are divided into individual crew listings and vendor listings. You can list in a crew category if your primary residence is in New Mexico and you may list in a service category if your company is based in New Mexico and pays in-state taxes. Your application must include a NM address for our files and display a NM contact number. Please review the policy in the application.

  • Are there other online directories of NM Film Crew and Vendors affiliated with the NMFO?
    This website it the only online resource created, endorsed and maintained by the State of New Mexico and the NMFO.

    • New Mexico Residency

  • 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. For 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 is residency defined by the State of New Mexico? Am I “rebateable”?
    The legal definition of residency in New Mexico, per Section 7-2-2(S) NMSA 1978, Income Tax Act is as follows: "Resident" means an individual who is domiciled in this state during any part of the taxable year; but any individual, who on or before the last day of the taxable year changed his place of abode to a place without this state with the bona fide intention of continuing actually to abide permanently without this state is not a resident for the purposes of the Income Tax Act. Additionally, you must file New Mexico Resident or First-Year Resident tax returns. Anyone filing Part-Year Resident or Non-Resident tax returns will not be rebateable.

    In other words, you are a New Mexico resident and thus “rebateable” if you meet the following three (3) criteria:
    • You consider New Mexico your primary residence
    • You are domiciled or will be domiciled in New Mexico on December 31
    • You have filed or will file a RESIDENT or FIRST-YEAR RESIDENT tax return

    If you are employed on a production that will request a tax rebate from the state, you will be required to 1) fill out the New Mexico Declaration of Residency form, a legal binding form which you sign under penalty of perjury; and 2) provide proof of residency. Acceptable forms of proof are:
    • A valid New Mexico Driver’s License; or
    • A current New Mexico Voter Registration Card; or
    • Any other clear and convincing evidence showing intent to maintain a permanent residence in New Mexico

    The New Mexico film incentives encourage productions to hire New Mexico residents.

    Educational Resources

  • 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 administered by five New Mexico colleges (see www.nmfilm.com/locals/local-resources/fttp.php.) This program is developed for working individuals who want to learn more about the industry and get some initial hands-on experience to transition into entry level positions on a film or television project. Please check the announcements on the NMFO’s online bulletin board for postings: www.nmfilm.com/locals/.

  • What if I am already working in the film industry?
    Through the Pre-employment Training Program, specialized intensives, workshops and lectures in primarily below-the-line crafts are periodically available to assist in increasing NM crew hirability. Classes offered depend upon industry needs and instructor proposals. This is a reimbursement program for training. Please visit the “Workforce Advancement” tab online for more information. Also visit our online bulletin board for additional class announcements.

  • Is there a trainee-mentorship program sponsored by the state?
    There is a program called the Film Crew Advancement Program (FCAP) also known as Job Training Incentive Program for Film & Multimedia. New Mexico offers production companies a 50% reimbursement of wages for on-the-job training of qualifying NM crew in primarily advanced below-the-line positions. Both participants and mentors must be New Mexico residents. Please visit the “Workforce Advancement” tab online, for more information.

FAQs 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. photo credits site map