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New Mexico Film Office and NBCUniversal Partner on Directing Initiative

By NM Film Office
SANTA FE, N.M. -The New Mexico Film Office and NBCUniversal have partnered to create the NBCUniversal New Mexico Directors’ Initiative, which provides shadowing opportunities for film and television directors on NBCUniversal productions in New Mexico and creates a pipeline of in-state talent for future productions. Applications opened today for the program’s inaugural class, who will start shadowing this spring in Albuquerque.
The NBCUniversal initiative is part of their commitment, as a New Mexico
Film Partner, to train in-state New Mexico residents who want to break into the film and television industry as a director. The program gives them an opportunity to shadow an experienced director at NBCUniversal, foster relationships, and better assist in transitioning to a professional career.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for a New Mexico filmmaker to learn by observing a seasoned veteran in an on-the-job setting, and it’s just a start. Our goal is not only to provide entry-level jobs in film and TV for New Mexicans but to create homegrown talent for the top jobs as well,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said.
The NBCUniversal New Mexico Directors’ Initiative Program will expose the chosen applicants to NBCUniversal’s first production at their repurposed sound stages in Albuquerque. The selected directors will shadow for two episodes, from prep to production, beginning on April 27. The initiative is part of the NBCUniversal’s talent pipeline programs and includes paid travel and accommodations to Albuquerque from rural areas around New Mexico.
As a result of Senate Bill 2, NBCUniversal signed a 10-year lease for a new production hub in Albuquerque with the aim of reaching $500 million in direct production spending over the decade. This partnership also provided funding for participation in training and workforce development efforts which includes this new initiative.
“For this type of internship program to be offered here, and to be paid, is a game changer
for New Mexicans wanting to break into the industry as a director,” New Mexico Economic Development Secretary Alicia J. Keyes said. “This is exactly why we created the Film Partners – we want to work together to build our workforce and create opportunities so our residents don’t have to leave the state to work year-round in the film and television industry.”
Applicants must be a resident of New Mexico, and have directing experience with no more than one scripted television directing credit. Applicants are also required to submit
recommendations and answer two short essay questions.
The deadline to apply is March 9, 2020. For more information and to apply to the 2020 NBCUniversal New Mexico Shadowing Program, visit nbcunitips.submittable.com/submit

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