Ken Burns has got another one of his old-timey documentary series in the pipeline, and our local PBS station is giving us a sneak preview. “The Dust Bowl” will premiere Sunday, Nov. 18, on PBS stations around the nation, but here in Albuquerque, we’ll be getting an early look. On Friday, Nov. 2., swing by the African American Performing Arts Center (310 San Pedro NE) at 7 p.m. There, KNME-5 will be hosting a screening of the show’s first episode, which was partially shot in New Mexico. There will be a panel discussion featuring the show’s producer, Julie Dunfey, and some actual Dust Bowl survivors. Admission is free, but seating is limited, so get there early.
Reel World: Green Screen Green Screen
Though Hollywood production in New Mexico has cooled somewhat in the last couple of years, there’s still a lot of enthusiasm for local film. Santa Fe-based GreenWomb Productions, for example, just announced plans to begin principal photography on a $25 million international thriller called Terra Infirma. The film will be shot primarily in New Mexico, with supplemental locations in China and Hawaii. The independent feature is expected to begin production this winter, and casting in underway. Santa Fe resident and longtime actor Wes Studi is signed to play the film’s main nemesis. The plot is described as an “eco-suspense-thriller” about a “billionaire recluse and his covert team of elite environmental scientists who find themselves at the center of a collision between nature, government and industry as the planet struggles to survive.” It’s co-written by GreenWomb founder RG Green, who works as a real-life forensic environmental scientist. Terra Infirma will be directed by yet another Santa Fe resident, Christopher Cain, whose long career has spanned films like Young Guns, The Next Karate Kid and Pure Country.
Reel World: Food = Face Time Food = Face Time
If you’re a local actor who wants to get his or her face in front of a casting agent in hopes of getting your big break, Monday, Nov. 5, is your prime opportunity. 505 Studioworks and Jo Edna Boldin Casting will be participating in a nationwide Casting Society of America event known as “Meals 4 Monologues.” From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. anyone can show up at 505 Studioworks (3901 Georgia NE, Suite E-3) with a two-minute-monologue and at least two nonperishable items (canned food, pasta, toiletries, etc.). Donate the food and give that monologue your best shot. If you’re lucky, casting agents will fall in love with you and set you up with a role in the next Johnny Depp film to roll though the state. At worst, you’ll help feed hungry New Mexico families during the holiday season. All goods collected will be donated to the Roadrunner Food Bank. No phone calls, please. Just stop by and sign up for a slot.
