FEBRUARY, 2008 NEWSLETTER

ALBUQUERQUE PRESS WOMEN E-GRAM

Film Incentives and Production:
Lester Berman discusses "Wildfire", and "Suspect Zero's" film production in NM

Lester Berman, producer of "Wildfire," an ABC Family TV series that was canceled this month, will discuss how NM film incentives played a role in that racehorse ranch series and may comment on legislative proposals to cap incentives to the film business and its potential to wound our budding film industry.

Berman is an active producer and production manager and has worn many hats in film, mostly behind the camera, but with brief acting credits also. He was a unit production manager of "Suspect Zero," the first film to use the state's film incentives including film investment loans and 25 percent tax rebates on all direct production expenditures, including New Mexico labor.

"Wildfire," 2005-2008, was the first series filmed in New Mexico since 1994's "Earth 2." "Wildfire" was canceled as it was about to begin work on its fifth season. The show was filmed in and around Albuquerque from 2004 to 2007.

The Albuquerque Press Women luncheon will be held Monday, Feb. 11 at 11:45 a.m. at the MCM Elegante, 2020 Menaul Blvd NE, just east of University Blvd. Lunch meetings are open to the public for the nonmember price of $21 or join APW at the door and pay the low member price of $15. For reservations, call Janet Ford at 720-7821 by Wednesday, Feb. 6.

** Members' Dues News--2008 Dues are due NOW. As of January's luncheon meeting, those not current with dues will pay nonmember prices. Dues are just $35 a year for ABQ-only membership, or $10 a year if you are also an NFPW and NMPW member. Join us for our luncheons to support the group and to network. Please feel free to invite friends and associates to attend! Prospective members that current members bring to the lunch may receive the $15 member price at the door.

** State Conference--Save the Date: April 11-12, 2008 in Albuquerque, for the NM Press Women annual conference. The statewide event will be held at the Courtyard by Marriott, Journal Center. Stay tuned for details about speakers and workshops. Please call or e-mail your willingness to serve on the conference committee: dmayfield@abqjournal.com, 823-3921.

** NEW meeting location!!! The luncheon meetings from now through June, 2008 will be held (same day & time but new location) at the MCM Elegante, the former Holiday Inn Midtown, 2020 Menaul Blvd NE, just east of University Blvd.

** March Luncheon--Save the Date: Mar. 10 for the next Press Women luncheon.

** Drawing for a Prize--This is it. February 11 is the drawing! The raffle will raise funds for the NMPW annual scholarship fund. This time it is a sturdy softcase tote stuffed with UNM Press books. Tickets will be sold for $1 each or 5 for $3. You need not be present to win. And please remember to talk-up this scholarship opportunity with college students who should be encouraged to apply for it, especially where winning a scholarship will help a great student to stay in college.

** Fashionable Pens--We have really professional pens as gifts for our speakers. They carry our message: www.apqpw.org in the new typeface and have a great balance and soft grip surface. They are available for sale at the sign-in table at meetings. For just $10, they are an appropriate gift for the writer in your life, and you help our chapter at the same time.

**Member perks--Check out our web site (abqpw.org) wherein members may promote their services. If you wish to be included, send your information by e-mail to Janet Ford. Members may also have a link to their own web sites, if they wish, at no charge.

You have news for this EGRAM, you know you do, so please send it to Susan Walton, E-Mail.

November, 2007 E-GRAM (close window)