Baldwin Case Dismissed
After just three days of court, the involuntary manslaughter case against Rust actor Alec Baldwin stemming from the 2021 on-set shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was dismissed last week. First Judicial District Court Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer dismissed the case with prejudice following the testimony of Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office crime scene tech Marissa Poppell, who revealed that a retired police officer had dropped off live rounds to investigators the same day in March that Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed had been convicted of similar charges—of which Baldwin’s lawyers were not made aware. Sommer cited case law regarding so-called Brady violations in which a prosecutor fails to disclose information that could help the defendant, whether by bad faith or not.
So Long, Amber
New Mexico Film Office Director Amber Dodson is calling it quits after four years and change in the position. Under Dodson, the state saw record-breaking spending in the movie sphere, plus big-time productions such as Oppenheimer shooting here. “Serving as director over the past four years has been an honor,” Dodson said in a statement on Tuesday. “I reflect with pride on the collaborative efforts and shared dedication in advancing the film industry in New Mexico to a globally acclaimed production hub. While I embark on a new chapter in my professional journey, my fervent hope, as many of yours, is that the film industry in New Mexico will continue to flourish, bringing forth prosperity and opportunity for our residents, communities, and future generations.”
Deep Impact
Also from the New Mexico Film Office this week, a 2024 Fiscal Year economic impact statement reports positive results for New Mexico, despite industry strikes that impacted nearly 150 projects. Nonetheless, film and TV generated more than $750 million in direct production spending. The Film Office also highlights the impact of doubling the film tax credit uplift from 5% to 10% for productions “outside of the Albuquerque–Santa Fe corridor,” by noting that “rural production spends” reached nearly $40 million in FY24, an increase of nearly 89% from FY23.
Reach the Summit
As long as we’re still talking about the New Mexico Film Office, Albuquerque’s Clyde Hotel is now the official venue for its Sept. 7 New Mexico Film & Television Summit, which will include networking opportunities, along with panels and talks on topics such as: breaking into film; fostering a film career; and the state’s various incentives. You’ll find a link to more info and to register on the nmfilm.com home page, and tickets run from a $200 option for students and a $274 price for early birds to a whopping $7,500 sponsorship tier that includes access to the summit, a table in a prime location, placement in the summit swag bags and an interview on the Spotlight on New Mexico Film podcast.
Jazz-a-ma-tazz
Santa Fe is a jazz-lovin’ town populated by jazz-lovin’ fools who might like to know that the Center for Contemporary Arts has scheduled a one-off screening of the new 4K restoration of the 1959 concert film Jazz on a Summer’s Day. Filmed at the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival, the film features performances by Dinah Washington, Thelonius Monk, Louis Armstrong, Chuck Berry, Anita O’Day and many more. Jazz screens as part of CCA’s ongoing Amplified series, which is focused on the intersection of film and music. Find more info at ccasantafe.org.