Las Cruces All Weather Outdoor Film Set

 

Las Cruces All Weather Outdoor Film Set represents a significant advance in the development of film industry related jobs for Dona Ana County. Currently, a need has been identified for a Southern New Mexico Western Set to attract studio and independent film and television productions to the area.

 

Open Range Pictures, working in conjunction with The Las Cruces Film Office and with support from The Arrowhead Center, proposes to construct and operate this facility in order to jump start job creation as well as attract a larger number of projects to the area.

 

Partnering with Corralitos Ranch, Open Range Pictures is now in the design and planning stage currently awaiting completion of a feasibility study commssioned by The Las Cruces Film Office, we propose making capital improvements to the property (water, septic, electric and fencing) as well as site positioning and installation of shipping containers to serve as the primary structures for the construction of facades, commencing with a period western set.

 

The positioning of the structures and site of the property will permit year round filming without snow in the background, something unavailable in Northern New Mexico, as well as take advantage of our desert vistas.

 

Additionally, interiors of the containers can be used for storage of flats, and also offer opportunities for local businesses to create concessions for wardrobe, hair and makeup as well as green room for talent. Working in concert with vendors, the all weather set will stimulate the local economy through revenues from production, in addition to ancillary income for housing, food and post services.

 

 Once feasibility and design have been completed, we will execute with clients for the construction currently slated for mid summer 2013.  Through a strategic marketing alliances with local and major studios, Open Range intends to create immediate bookings. Benefits include:

 

• ·         Increased student internship opportunities and exposure to professional film and television productions for local students.
• ·         Increased participation and develop practical work experience in various trades (grip, set construction, transportation, hair/make up and other related disciplines).
• ·         Support Las Cruces Film Office in attracting productions to the area.
• ·         Provide additional opportunities to attract film and television productions to the State of New Mexico.

PROGRAM IMPACT TO THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

• ·         Creation of jobs introduced to the County and State by outside entities.
• ·         Opportunities to retrain currently unemployed workforce with new skills.
• ·         Revenue brought into the County and State from outside entities.
• ·         Economic boon to hotels, restaurants, car dealerships, lumber yards, animal support (feed stores & veterinarians).
• ·         Sets constructed for subsequent productions as well as materials will be retained on site in inventory for future utilization.

CONSEQUENCES OF NOT CONSTRUCTING THIS FACILITY INCLUDE:

• ·         Dona Ana County and State of New Mexico continue to lose productions to other states/countries who offer western backdrops and towns, including California, Utah and Canada.
• ·         Economic development in Southern New Mexico suffers.
• ·         Graduates of CMT and other local institutions continue to find it necessary to leave home for work, or are not considered for positions on productions currently being filmed in Northern New Mexico.