New Mexico has been working under the radar for years to lure film projects away from California. California just noticed. The prestigious Milken Institute reported that California lost more than 36,000 jobs and more than $4 billion in hard cash in the last dozen years. The money went to states with aggressive incentives and film-related job training. The report actually recommends that California should try to learn from New Mexico’s success.

Governor Richardson hopes his successor won’t give the advantage back to Hollywood. His silver screen legacy includes more than 141 productions, 10,000 jobs, 250 film-servicing businesses, and an estimated economic impact of more than $3-billion.

Speaking of film jobs, right now there are casting calls out for four New Mexico productions and crew calls out for two productions. To find out more about film opportunities and available film industry training, check with the New Mexico Film Office online at www.nmfilm.com