New Media MEETS New Mexico Film
NEW MEXICO CAN BANK ON MANY MORE PRODUCTIONS TO BOOST OUR ECONOMY AND GIVE LOCALS CONTINUED OPPORTUNITIES TO SHINE. in Santa Fe and starring Nick Nolte and Sela Ward, employed hundreds of New Mexicans during its 10 episode shoot in Santa Fe, Albuquerque and surrounding areas. The show will be broadcast on Epix channel, available both as an online subscription service and on select cable networks. New Mexico can bank on these and many more productions like them to boost our economy and give locals continued opportunities to shine. For example, you can expect to see Santa Fe actress Melissa Chambers in current and upcoming film, television and new media productions. A graduate of The National Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, Chambers went on to study theater and acting at New Mexico State University and The College of Santa Fe. Now a student at Santa Fe College of Art & Design, Chambers says, “Living in New Mexico has brought me the unexpected joy of working on set with some really collaborative and creative people.” In addition to starring in many independent productions, Chambers can currently be seen in the NBC series “The Night Shift” (episode #311, “Trust Issues.”) She is currently working on a locally made Netflix project set for release next year.
By Christa Valdez
Anyone who has followed the New Mexico film industry closely over the past five years or so has probably seen the young Jack Justice in such films as “Beyond the Blackboard” for the Hallmark Channel, the independent feature film “Odd Thomas,” or local short films like “Under the Stairs” or “Intrepido.” Since graduating from middle school and embarking on his high school career in Albuquerque, Jack continues to thrive in show choir and in local theater, as well as land roles in both big network and online series. He says, “It’s great to have relationships with people like casting directors, local directors and crew whom I have known since I was eight or nine. I’m proud just to be a working actor on these different works of art.” Melissa Chambers is represented by Carissa Mitchell of Mitchell & Presley Talent Group. Jack Justice is represented by Lynette O’Connor of the O’ Agency. Both agencies are SAG-AFTRA franchised by the state of New Mexico.
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eyond broadcast or cable television, there’s a world of viewing options via new multi-media platforms—a term that can range from video games to online subscription streaming—and New Mexico productions are increasingly taking part. Streaming platforms offer seemingly unlimited access to continuously updated content. Since its first dalliance into original programming in 2006 with “House of Cards,” the wildly popular streaming service Netflix has invested billions of dollars in acquiring new and original content. The New Mexico series “Longmire” is now counted among the roster of highly successful Netflix originals since it was revived by the company when it was canceled by A&E after its fourth season. “House of Cards” itself has visited the state as part of its storyline, and there’s no doubt local film incentives lent to its fifth season success. The Netflix feature film “The Ridiculous Six,” a comedy starring Adam Sandler, broke records as its highest viewed movie release to date. “Graves,” a new presidential drama series set ABOVE: Jack Justice, photo by Lisa Sullivan, Sullivan Studios MAIN PICTURE: Filming on location, photo by Kiko Sanchez
lABOVE: Melissa Chambers, photo by Deirdhra Fahey LEFT: Santa Fe Studios, photo courtesy the Santa Fe Film Festiva