Question/Problem 1. Why aren't there more benefits to push local NM filmmakers to produce their own work?

A Possible Solution: give an additional percentage, over and above the regular rebate, to New Mexico production companies only. The company must be based in and registered in New Mexico.

Question/Problem 2. It would be great if actors/stunt people could bypass production companies when it comes to renting rooms at the production companies' rates.

A Possible Solution: make it mandatory by the state, as a safety issue, production shall provide lodging for stunt persons and/or actors who work a 12-hour day and live more than 50 miles from the shoot location.

Question/Problem 3. There are many issues with Casting. One is background casting saying they are doing speaking parts but it boils down to they aren’t. Also they quote a pay rate but when you go to work it's been changed.

Question/Problem 4. How can we stop pay-to-play casting classes for actors?

Question/Problem 5. It appears the casting couch has sprung its ugly head in NM.

Possible Solution One approach to address some of the Casting issues are: a. License all casting Directors with mandated rules. b. If there is a valid complaint and the party is found in violation, they are either fined, suspended or both. c. As to pay-to-play classes, why not mandate that if a casting director holds a pay-to-participate class, they guarantee a legitimate audition on their next casting to all who participate. They are teaching how to audition so this shouldn’t be a problem if the actor was taught properly.

Question/Problem 6. We also have to have guidelines for all who are “teaching” classes, acting or crew, to protect the consumer.

Possible Solution Still working on solutions.

Question/Problem 7. There are a lot of issues with background players.

Possible Solution Our suggestions that will address the main issues on background players are: a. The state creates a minimum wage of $10.00 per hour for a guaranteed 10-hr day, time and a half to 12 hours, 12 hours and over double time, excluding lunch break. b. A verbal quote of a rate is the accepted communication on rate as it is with SAG hires and shall be honored by production. c. A wardrobe payment for background players, for using a player's own wardrobe, using the SAG wardrobe guidelines. The exception would be authentic Native garments and costuming shall be quadruple the normal rate of SAG's casual clothing rate.

These are just some of the questions asked with possible solutions given. If you have a question or have a solution EMAIL FEA-NM