Aspiring actors in Albuquerque could have a shot at stardom.
"Class Action," a Warner Bros. Picture, will be filmed in New Mexico. It is seeking talent for a judge, a young male doctor, an exam receptionist, miners and a band with a female lead singer. The film will begin production sometime next year.
Freshman Crysten Gass said she would try out for the part of exam receptionist, because it sounded like the best role.
"I also think the movie would be a good idea, because it would raise awareness about sexual-harassment struggles," she said.
There are no plans for an open audition yet, said Anne Lerner, film liaison to the City of Albuquerque.
The movie is the true story of how a Minnesota woman won the first sexual harassment class- action suit in the United States, according to a news release.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
The film, directed by Niki Caro, will star Charlize Theron, Francis McDormand and Sissy Spacek.
The film will be shot in many locations around New Mexico, Lerner said.
"They're still scouting around," she said. "I hope they film parts in Albuquerque."
Even though the film is about a woman in Minnesota, Lerner said New Mexico is perfect for any setting.
"We don't just have the Southwestern look," she said. "We have old Victorians, downtown city streets and residential sections that resemble Indianapolis."
Mayor Martin Chavez created Lerner's position as film liaison in January 2003.
"The mayor recognized what an incredible boom film would be to our economy," Lerner said. "It's a clean, exciting industry that allows people to make a good living."
Rain Abeyta, a spokesperson for the New Mexico Film Office, said movie companies contact the office for opportunities in the state.
The New Mexico Film Office offers production companies tax incentives to film in the state through the Film Investment Program.
"We offer up to $7.5 million and 0 percent loans for films," she said.
But she said the company must do certain things to be eligible for the loan, she said.
"Sixty percent of below-the-line payroll has to be allocated to New Mexico residents," she said. "The bulk of the crew will be New Mexicans."
Lerner said production companies also receive a 15 percent tax rebate on New Mexico goods and services.
"The state of New Mexico offers the best film incentives in the country," Lerner said, adding New Mexico has an aggressive training program, which provides companies with a ready-made crew.
"It's kind of a win-win situation," she said.
In 1968, New Mexico became the first state to establish a film office to promote economic development, Abeyta said.
There has been more interest by production companies wanting to film in New Mexico, Abeyta said, but there is not an estimate of how many are lined up to be filmed in the next year.
Mali Finn Casting is accepting headshots and rÇsumÇs from local actors.
