Colorado Film & Media Industry Town Hall - PUEBLO - Nov 16, 204

Pueblo is one of four statewide sites hosting the inaugural CO Film & Media Industry Town Hall Saturday 11/16/24 in the Buell Communications Center on the Colorado State University Pueblo campus!

RSVP TO YOUR NEAREST CITY

Denver • Fort Collins • Grand Junction • Pueblo

SATURDAY, NOV 16, 2024

2:30pm Doors Open

3:00pm Event Starts

As a supporting organization, we are excited to officially invite you to attend

the inaugural Colorado Film & Media Industry Town Hall, the first of a series of community-led events aimed to foster statewide collaboration among creatives and media professionals.

This free event will be a facilitated working session taking place simultaneously across multiple city locations, with in-person conversation and networking.

Click the button below for city locations and additional details.

Slimfest 2024 Arrives on July 21 at the Nerd Emporium in Pueblo, Colorado

“A CELBRATION OF INDEPENDENT FILMMAKING IN ALL ITS ABSURD, AWESOME GLORY”

— Thomas Eliot - Festival Director

SlimeFest is a summer movie festival focusing on slime-filled horror movies. Blood, guts, and gore, alien ooze, radioactive waste, and anything else slimy - show us what you got! Get ready to create and submit your film.. SlimeFest 2024 will feature the second annual Slimy Awards and will be held at The Nerd Emporium in Pueblo, Colorado.

Awards & Prizes

SlimeFest will be the new venue for the Slimy Awards. Awards include:

• Grossest Movie

• Most Horrifying

• Audience Choice

• And of course, Best Use of Slime

There will be additional prizes created inspired by the individual merits of the entries. Prior awards include Best Kaiju Battle, Best Thriller Set in a Single Room, and Best Scene of Someone Being Killed by Something You Really Wouldn't Expect Them to Be Killed By.

Rules & Terms

You assert that you have all the rights to music, et cetera in your films, and that we can display them. There are no screening fees.

Dates & Deadlines

• September 1, 2023

  Opening Date

• January 1, 2024

  Earlybird Deadline

• March 1, 2024

  Regular Deadline

• June 30, 2024

  Late Deadline

• July 5, 2024

  Notification Date

• July 21, 2024

  Event Date

SlimeFest is sponsored by the Kickass Film Festival, Under Rated Pex Pepper Hot Sauces and Invasion of the Pod People.

CONTACT

FESTIVAL DIRECTOR

Thomas Eliot | thomas@thomaseliot.com | 510.415.8330

Water on the Mesa: Filmmaker, Palmer Land Conservancy set to premiere documentary on agricultural crisis

By Rory Harbert | Managing Editor | Pueblo Star Journal | April 9, 2024

About 75% of the planet is covered in water, coming in the form of liquid or ice. The Earth cycles this water endlessly, a process that has churned for 3.8 billion years. The ocean, though, holds 97% of this water. The land that people rely on to inhabit, to propagate food and to look for to hold fresh water, makes up only 29% of the planet’s surface. With a faucet running water with ease, while looking out of kitchen windows, seeing large swaths of land that we stomp on, build on and claim easily, these numbers are hard to weave into reality.

The film “MIRASOL,” sponsored by the  Palmer Land Conservancy, aims to bridge this connection between a wider picture and individual perspective. The film revolves around The Mesa, Pueblo’s agricultural mainstay, where the experts and farmers of the area—neighbors—have a much different perspective as they look at an agricultural crisis face on.

According to a press release, the U.S. loses 2,000 acres of land every day to development, which prompted the creation of this film.

Familiar names in the community, Williams Farm & Seed Store, Musso Farms, Professor Mike Bartolo and Martellaro Family Farms, appear in the film to speak on how this rapid land development is contributing to water scarcity.

“This land should be like our only child,” Bartolo stated in the film. “ We should be protecting it with everything we have.”

The 36-minute documentary received a nomination for the 2024 Big Sky Mountain Film Festival. It was also selected for the 5Point Film Festival of the same year.

Award-winning director Ben Knight is impassioned by adventure and environmental filmmaking. His films include “DamNation,” which premiered at 2014’s South by Southwest conference and festival, produced with Patagonia; “The Last Honey Hunter,” in 2018’s Telluride Mountainfilm with National Geographic; and “Learning to Drown,” in 2021’s Tribeca with The North Face.

“‘MIRASOL’ has been a dream project for me,” he stated.

The producing organization behind MIRASOL is the  Palmer Land Conservancy, which manages over 138,000 acres of land in Colorado since 1977. According to the statement, Palmer has been working for the past eight years “alongside the local  Pueblo farmers” and other entities “to protect the Mesa in the face of an impending dry up.” Pueblo’s premier of "MIRASOL” starts at 5:30 p.m. April 25 at the Sangre De Cristo Arts & Conference Center, 210 N. Santa Fe. Ave. See more details on the film’s website: mirasolfilm.com.

Showings of 'Mirasol':

April 25 - Thursday
Pueblo Premiere
5:30 p.m., Sangre De Cristo Arts & Conference Center, 210 N. Santa Fe Ave.
Light refreshments, Cash bar, followed by after party.
More info at: palmerland.org/Mirasol-Pueblo.

April 28 - Sunday
Pueblo Film Fest - Festival Winner Screening & “MIRASOL”
10 a.m. - all day, Sangre De Cristo Arts & Conference Center, 210 N. Santa Fe Ave. tickets at: filmfreeway.com/pueblofilmfest/tickets.

May 9 - Thursday
Free Community Screening of MIRASOL
5:30 p.m. Rawlings library branch, 100 E. Abriendo Ave

Viewing with county commissioner Daneya Esgar.Registration requested, walk-ins welcome. More info at:palmerland.org/event/mirasol-free-pueblo-library-screening.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

https://pueblostarjournal.org/culture/2024/04/09/mirasol-looking-at-the-sun-documentary-agricultural-crisis/

Lights, Camera, Pueblo: The Importance of Film Festivals

Lights, Camera, Pueblo: A Celebration of Film Festivals in our Vibrant Community

Pueblo has a story to tell, and it's being showcased brighter than ever before! Our city is experiencing a surge in film production, and a big part of that excitement comes from the incredible lineup of film festivals we're lucky to call our own.

From the fast-paced frenzy of the 48 Hour Film Festival to the prestigious StoryMode Independent Short Film Awards (SISFA), Pueblo offers a platform for filmmakers of all experience levels to share their voices.

Why Film Festivals Matter

Film festivals are more than just red carpets and award ceremonies. They're vibrant cultural hubs that:

• Showcase Diverse Stories: Film festivals bring a kaleidoscope of perspectives to our community. From local narratives to international features, these events allow us to experience the world through different lenses.

• Nurture Local Talent: Pueblo is teeming with creative storytellers. Film festivals provide a platform for them to showcase their work, gain recognition, and connect with other filmmakers.

• Boost the Local Economy: Film festivals attract visitors, filmmakers, and industry professionals. This influx of people injects energy and revenue into restaurants, hotels, and local businesses.

• Celebrate the Power of Film: Film has the unique ability to entertain, educate, and inspire. Film festivals reignite our passion for storytelling and remind us of the magic of cinema.

Pueblo's Festival Spotlight

Pueblo boasts a diverse festival scene catering to a variety of tastes:

• 48 Hour Film Festival: Buckle up for a whirlwind weekend of creativity! Teams have 48 hours to write, shoot, and edit a short film. This high-octane event is a testament to the power of collaboration and quick thinking.

• 72 Hour Kickass Film Festival: This festival pushes the boundaries with its "anything goes" approach. Prepare for a wild ride filled with innovative storytelling and offbeat humor.

• StoryMode Independent Short Film Awards (SISFA): This prestigious event recognizes excellence in independent filmmaking across various genres. SISFA is a star-studded celebration of artistic achievement.

• MountainFilm Festival: This festival, held in nearby Telluride, extends its reach to Pueblo with screenings and events. MountainFilm showcases stories that explore the intersection of nature, culture, and adventure.

• Pueblo Film Fest (New): Stay tuned for the inaugural Pueblo Film Fest, a brand new event promising exciting opportunities for local and regional filmmakers.

Be Part of the Pueblo Film Story

Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, a film buff, or simply someone who appreciates the power of storytelling, Pueblo's film festivals have something for you. Attend a screening, participate in a workshop, or volunteer your time. Let's celebrate the art of film and continue to make Pueblo a vibrant hub for cinematic voices!

We encourage you to visit the websites of each festival for more information and upcoming events. Let's turn Pueblo into a center stage for storytelling!

2024 Brings New Opportunities to Pueblo

Pueblo Regional Film Commission: Committed to Supporting Pueblo's Thriving Film Industry

Pueblo, CO – January 15, 2024 – The Pueblo Regional Film Commission (PRFC) reaffirms its unwavering commitment to fostering the growth and sustainability of Pueblo's film, television, and digital media industry.

The PRFC recognizes the significant impact this industry has on Pueblo's economy. Film productions directly employ skilled local workers, while also generating substantial spending that benefits a wide range of businesses, from hotels and caterers to lumber companies.

Experienced Commission Backed by Strong Support

The PRFC is a powerhouse team comprised of industry professionals with extensive experience across the nation. The Commission enjoys the unwavering support of the Mayor's Office, State government, and County government, all working collaboratively to make Pueblo the premier filming destination in Southern Colorado.

Pueblo: A Prime Location for Film Production

Pueblo's diverse locations, coupled with its cost-effectiveness and proximity to New Mexico, make it a highly attractive filming location. The PRFC is here to ensure a smooth and successful filming experience for all productions.

A Helping Hand Throughout the Process

Whether you're considering Pueblo for your next project or have already chosen our beautiful city, the PRFC is here to provide you with red-carpet treatment. Our knowledgeable staff is here to guide you through every step of the process, from initial inquiries to filming completion.

Let's Make Your Pueblo Production a Success

Valuable information about filming in Pueblo, including permits, locations, and crew resources, is available on our user-friendly website. We encourage you to visit our website OR complete our Contact Form to provide details about your project.

The Pueblo Regional Film Commission is here to help you turn your Pueblo production dream into a reality. Contact us today and let's get started!

Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media Showcases New Developments in the Film Industry

Kennedy Pugh opens the Mindful Awareness Festival Awards Ceremony at Watertower Place on Saturday, June 11, 2022.

On Saturday, June 11, 2002 Kennedy Pugh and the Rocky Mountain Creative Experience celebrated the conclusion of the Mindful Awareness Festival 2022 with a special presentation by the Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media (COFTM) and the Pueblo Regional Film Commission.

Acting Pueblo Regional Film Commissioner Gregory Howell welcomed the attendees with an introduction to Hasti Soltani who is the Program Manager of the Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media (COFTM). Soltani’s complete slide presentation is included below along with a list of resources that were shared during the Q & A portion of the presentation.

Presentation by Hasti Soltani, Program Manager of the Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media (COFTM) Hasti Soltani - OEDIT <hasti.soltani@state.co.us>

COFTM Program Manager Soltani also provided the attendees with a list of networking opportunities and resources to help navigate the current landscape of the film industry in Colorado.

Professional groups and networking opportunities:

Colorado Film and Video Association (CFVA)

Women in Film and Media Colorado (WIFMCO)

Industry Facebook groups:

F.I.N.D Film Industry Networking Denver

C.R.E.W. Colorado Resources for Entertainment Workers.

Resources on the COFTM website:

How to Find a Film Job in Colorado

Colorado Film Partners

eSports:

Game On! eSports Colorado documentary

Panel discussion

Other OEDIT resources:

Colorado Creative Industries and all of their programs and funding opportunities

All of OEDIT's programs and funding opportunities- for folks with small businesses, there may be something applicable here

Leeds Business School Economic Outlook

Colorado Economic Business Outlook 2022- our section starts on page 60

If attendees have any additional questions or are looking for other resources, feel free to reach out to Hasti Soltani directly at hasti.soltani@state.colorado.us or the general film office email at film@state.co.us.

introduction to creative incubator cine fe

On behalf of Executive Director John Van Wyck, Commissioner Howell introduced Cine Fe which is the powerful creative incubator for Colorado filmmakers, committed to identifying and supporting underrepresented voices. Here is what they do:

John Van Wyck

Co-Founder and Executive Director

• Cine Fe is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Colorado filmmakers, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.

• They work one-on-one with filmmakers from across the state, providing mentorship and consultation to help filmmakers make their best work and build their careers.

• Cine Fe also conducts research and advocacy for Colorado filmmaking, and this year will be releasing the findings of a three-year study that was commissioned by Colorado Creative Industries and Denver Arts & Venues, with assistance from the Colorado Office of Film, Television, and Media and Colorado State University.

• Cine Fe is run by John Van Wyck (pron: WIKE) who has over a decade of experience in the film industry as a Creative Executive, and who was involved in such films such as Beasts of the Southern Wild, Sorry to Bother You, and The Florida Project, prior to founding Cine Fe.

PUEBLO FILM CREW AND SUPPORT SERVICES

Commissioner Howell also announced the creation of the new Pueblo Film Crew and Support Services Directory which aims to help Pueblo County’s regional film industry workforce showcase their skills and services to producers who are considering filming here. There is no cost for cast, crew, and support services to register in the directory. We encourage all industry professionals including pre-production resources, production staff and technical crew, producers and production companies, equipment and stages, post production facilities, and support services to register.

The listing will take about 10 minutes to complete. You will not need to register to browse the directory. We plan to publish the online directory in August 2022. Below is a sampling of the crew and support services job titles that will be in the database.

CREW

You are likely crew if you are on the production’s payroll. Crew includes:

• art department

• camera

• casting

• construction

• costume

• directors

• editors

• make-up

• location managers

• sound

• special effects

SUPPORT SERVICES

Support services are mainly vendors including:

• accommodations

• catering services

• equipment

• rentals

• legal

• production companies

• prop rentals

• security

• talent management

• transportation

48 Hour Film Festival Themes to be Announced on October 23, 2020

48 HOUR FILM FESTIVAL IS RESCHEDULED AND THE THEMES WILL BE ANNOUNCED TO THE PUBLIC ON OCTOBER 23, 2020

The Pueblo 48 Hour Film Festival invites filmmakers and creative teams to shoot, edit and submit a film within 48 hours. Our judging panel, consisting of industry professionals, will evaluate the submitted films the week before the festival. The short films that receive the highest scores will be screened during the LIVE stream Awards Ceremony. Audience members will also vote on their favorite film during the main event and the People's Choice winner will be announced with all other category winners at the end of the evening.

You may register HERE.

RULES

1. Thematic elements such as a genre, character, prop and line of dialogue will be announced on Oct. 23.  All elements must be incorporated for the film to be judged.

2. All submissions must be an original film created in the allotted 48-hour time frame between Oct 23-25.  Any creative work in advance of the competition is prohibited.  No films or film segments created for other projects may be submitted.  Animation and special effects are allowed, but must be created during the official 48-hour time frame.

3. The only work to begin prior to the Official Time Period is: organizing crew, organizing cast, securing equipment and scouting/securing locations.

4. All films must be uploaded to YouTube or Vimeo and submitted by sending the link to filmfestival@pueblolibrary.org.  No hard copies, jump drives or discs will be accepted.

5. Any type of filming equipment and/or cameras may be used.  Multiple cameras are permitted.

6. Any stock photos or music used in the film must be original or the team must acquire rights for use.

7. Films must be no longer than 6 minutes and 30 seconds (including credits).

EVENTS

Thematic Elements Reveal Party: October 23. LIVEstream from PCCLD's YouTube or Facebook pages.

Come find out what the required thematic elements will be for the 2020 Pueblo 48-Hour Film Festival! 

Film Submission Deadline: October 25

All films must be submitted by October 25. Please upload your film to YouTube or Vimeo and share the link to filmfestival@pueblolibrary.org

Red Carpet Screening and Awards: October 30, LIVE stream.

Join us for the screening of this year’s 48-Hour Film Festival submissions and submit your vote for the 2020 People’s Choice Award!  The film screening will be followed by an awards ceremony to recognize the work of filmmakers of all ages and skill levels.  Co-sponsored by the Pueblo Regional Film Commission.

WORKSHOPS

October 21, 2020 LIVE 6:00 pm

Editing 101: Setting yourself up for success 

A seasoned editor explains how to set up your file system and editing software in advance, and coordinate with your cinematographer and composer. When footage and sound arrive, you won’t have to waste time, and you’ll be ready to dig in and start editing!

Led by cinematographer and editor Adrian Montgomery, who just finished editing a feature-length documentary that he recorded all the video and sound for, in 9 interviews around the country. Adrian participated in a 48HFP in Denver a couple of years ago, so will offer his top tips on what to make sure to do, as well as what to watch out for.  

Community Leaders and Investors in the Arts Tour Historic Colorado Theater in Downtown Pueblo

At the corner of 4th & Main in Downtown Pueblo and adjacent to the Historic Federal Building is the Colorado Theater. The theater sits atop the footprint of the former Pueblo Opera House which was designed by Adler & Sullivan and opened in 1890. It was their first project out of their home city of Chicago. Frank Lloyd Wright was also a junior draftsman for Louis Sullivan and is credited with the engineering and design of the single span mezzanines of the famed Opera House. Unfortunately after the Annual Grocers' Ball in March 1922 which had taken place in the upper event spaces, a fire started and destroyed the landmark building on a frigid winter day.

Pop Kite, who was the beloved barber in the basement in the Opera House, pledged that the building would be rebuilt and he would return with his business as a symbol of resilience and solidarity. The city was devastated the year prior in June 1921 by the Great Flood, so Pop became the cheerleader for the rebuilding effort which was completed in 1926. Pueblo has an extraordinary legacy of theater and entertainment establishments and in the early 1900s had over 80 theaters dotting the city and its neighborhoods which presented everything from vaudeville to "talkies". As the second largest city in Colorado, Denver and Pueblo were the stops for Hollywood actors as they did their rounds to promote their films (most stayed in the Vail Hotel in Pueblo).

The Colorado Building & Theater have been closed for over 15 years, but there is renewed interest in restoring the historic theater for film and visual & performing arts. There is also an opportunity to convert the upper floors (2, 3 and 4) of the commercial building into housing and mix use. The recently established Pueblo Regional Film Commission has made the restoration and renovation of one of Pueblo's historic movie houses part of its mission. Pueblo is also fortunate to have Eric Gubelman as the new director of Southern Colorado Economic Development District (SCEDD) and he brings some of the best experience in the the operations and management of historic movie houses. His background includes owning and operating small market first run movie theaters, and stacking capital to get difficult deals done. For much of the last decade, he lived in Knoxville, a city slightly larger than Pueblo. Their downtown includes a vibrant entertainment district that has a historic theater that does a mix of live performance and film, a repurposed movie theater catering to music acts, an eight-screen first run theater, and a single screen retro movie house that creatively programs film series and avant garde fare. He has an interest in helping the film commission and promoting downtown development. We had a wonderful group of citizens yesterday who are interested in helping Pueblo bring back one of its historic gems. I have also included images of the Opera House including some of the original drawings that Puebloan Margi Grund discovered while she was in Minnesota conducting research on the Nuckolls Packing Company and the architect Hans Peter Henschien. #thefutureofthepast

Pueblo Regional Film Commission Takes Over Instagram Account of Office of Film, TV & Media

Follow us from May 4 to 8, 2020 as we take over the Instagram account of the Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media (COFTM). Look for @filmincolorado and you will find images and stories of the best kept secret in the film industry - PUEBLO • COLORADO • USA.

The 48 Hour Film Festival Launches a Month of Film in Pueblo

The 48 Hour Film Festival Launches a Month of Film in Pueblo

The Pueblo 48 Hour Film Festival invites filmmakers to shoot, edit and submit a film within 48 hours. The judging panel, consisting of industry professionals, will evaluate the submitted films the week before the festival. The short films that receive the highest scores will be screened during the Red Carpet Screening in the InfoZone Theater (4th FL). Audience members will also vote on their favorite film during the main event and the People's Choice winner will be announced with all other category winners at the end of the evening.  

Films are judged and viewed at a public screening. Winners will be awarded with free admission to the 2020 StoryMode Independent Short Film Awards (SISFA) and winning films will be screened during the SISFA Festival in Pueblo, Colorado on April 17-18.

AWARDS

• Judge’s Choice

• Best Cinematography

• Best Script

• Best Performance

• Best Musical Score

• Best Youth Production (16 yrs and under)

• Best Film Shot With Smart Phone

• People’s Choice

RULES

1. Films must not exceed 6 minutes and 30 seconds (including credits).

2. Thematic elements such as a genre, character, prop and line of dialogue will be announced on Friday, Mar. 27th at 5 p.m.  All elements must be incorporated for the film to be judged.

3. All submissions must be an original film created in the allotted 48-hour timeframe between March 27 at 5 p.m. and March 29th at 5 p.m.  Any creative work in advance of the competition is prohibited.  No films or film segments created for other projects may be submitted.  Animation and special effects are allowed, but must be created during the official 48-hour timeframe. 

4. The only work to begin prior to the Official Time Period is: organizing crew, organizing cast, securing equipment and scouting/securing locations.

5. All films must be uploaded to YouTube or Vimeo and submitted by sending the link to filmfestival@pueblolibrary.org.  No hard copies, jump drives or discs will be accepted.

6. Any type of filming equipment and/or cameras may be used.  Multiple cameras are permitted.

7. Any stock photos or music used in the film must be original or the team must acquire rights for use.

EVENTS

Producing 101: How to make the most of every hour by planning ahead  

Saturday, Mar. 21, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m., RA, Ryals Room (4th FL)

Film production has three phases: pre-production, production, and post-production. A 48 hour filmmaking competition gives you a chance to experience all three in record time! This workshop will take you on a brief tour of what to focus on in each of the three phases, so you can maximize the quality of your film. Topics will include: what makes a good script; how to plan your shoot with a shot list and storyboards; crew roles (who’s who on set); and best ways to organize your footage for editing. Led by Polly Washburn, an award-winning film producer and director who organized the first Toronto 48 Hour Film Project.

Lights, Camera, Action: An introduction to film equipment  

Saturday, Mar. 21, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., RA, Ryals Room (4th FL)

A look at different types of cameras, lights and sound gear that you can use to make a film, from using your cell phone and available light, to using a DSLR to renting higher-end equipment.

Led by cinematographer and editor Adrian Montgomery of Distant Peak Productions, who is currently editing a feature-length documentary that he recorded all the video and sound for, in 9 interviews around the country. Adrian participated in a 48HFP in Denver a couple of years ago, so will also offer his top tips on what to make sure to do, as well as what to watch out for.

Thematic Elements Reveal Party

Friday, Mar. 27, 5 p.m., Solar Roast Coffee (3206 W. Northern Ave.) 

Come find out what the required thematic elements will be for the 2020 Pueblo 48-Hour Film Festival!  The announcement will also be shared via Facebook Live.  Tune in to PCCLD’s Facebook page for the livecast. Co-sponsored by Solar Roast and the Pueblo Regional Film Commission.

Film Submission Deadline

Sunday, Mar. 29, 5 p.m.

All films must be submitted by 5pm on Sunday, March 29th. Please upload your film to YouTube or Vimeo and share the link to filmfestival@pueblolibrary.org

Screening of Previous Winning Films

Friday, Apr. 3, 6:30 p.m., RA, InfoZone Theater (4th FL)

Join us for a celebration of short film on the big screen as we honor past winners of the 48-Hour Film Festival! The screening in the InfoZone Theater (4th FL) will feature some of our favorites from the archives!

Red Carpet Screening and Awards

Saturday, Apr. 4, 6:30 p.m., RA InfoZone Theater (4th FL)

Join us for the screening of this year’s 48-Hour Film Festival submissions and submit your vote for the 2020 People’s Choice Award!  The film screening will be followed by an awards ceremony to recognize the work of filmmakers of all ages and skill levels.  Popcorn provided. Co-sponsored by the Pueblo Regional Film Commission. 

New Legislation to Create Transferable Tax Credits for the Film Industry in Colorado

Representative Bri Buentello, 47th District

Dustin Hodge, Bri Buentello, Donald Zuckerman, Gregory Howell

Daneya Esgar, District 46

Dustin Hodge, Daneya Esgar and Gregory Howell visit Representative Esgar at her office at the Capitol.

NEW LEGISLATION TO CREATE TRANSFERABLE TAX CREDITS FOR THE FILM INDUSTRY IN COLORADO

On February 12, 2020,. Dustin Hodge and Gregory Howell represented the new Pueblo Regional Film Commission during a visit to the Colorado State Capitol in Denver to meet with our legislators to discuss a new bill coming to the floor of the legislature. Donald Zuckerman, Film Commissioner, and Mariel Rodriguez-McGill, Deputy Film Commissioner of the Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media (COFTM), joined the Pueblo delegation as we met with Senate President Leroy M. Garcia, Representative Daneya Esgar, HD 46 and Representative Bri Buentello HD 47. We discussed the existing film tax incentives, workforce and economic development, and ways to recruit and keep creative industries in Colorado through a transferable tax credit for film which would be a tremendous boost for our industry.

Just hours before the first meeting, the Denver Business Journal published a lengthy story aptly titled The End? which discusses the near collapse of our film industry in Colorado which is on the brink of extinction. The current state of the film industry requires bold and thoughtful measures to ensure a strong and sustainable future for creatives and the industry.

The new bill would pass into law a $5 million/year transferable tax credit (TTC) for film, television, and media, helping our state's film industry get back to opening new businesses, building infrastructure, and providing career opportunities for Coloradans. '“TTCs, which are used in other states, are credits based on a percentage of a qualified spend that a producer can use to offset tax liability or can take to a bank or private-equity firm to sell on the open market to a company with significant tax liability. In states like Georgia and California, such credits can fetch about 90 cents on the dollar and are attractive because of their portability and flexibility” according to the Denver Business Journal article. This tax credit program would work alongside the current cash rebate program, which, although much smaller, continues to be helpful to smaller local productions. Last year, 100% of the $750,000 in the rebate program was spent on productions by Colorado-based production companies.

Legislators indicated they're open to a new tax credit program, but they need to hear from constituents to understand its importance to the state. The Pueblo Regional Film Commission felt the urgency to personally meet with local legislators in an effort to get the bill passed. We as a community need to tell our state legislators why this new tax credit is so important. We encourage all interested parties to sign up here and when it's time to act, we'll email everyone a prepared letter for them to send to their legislators (along with the names and emails of each person's legislators). Once you have signed, please share the link with friends and colleagues within the industry – and with anyone outside the industry whose business or career has been helped as a result of film production.


We welcome the help of any organizations whose members stand to benefit from the increased economic opportunity that would come from this bill. Please encourage all to share the link with their members and partners, it will greatly help our chances of getting this bill passed.

Anyone interested in other ways of helping this cause should email John VanWyck at jvanwyck@gmail.com or his colleague Samantha Sigler at ssigler3@gmail.com.

Thank you.

New Pueblo Regional Film Commission Meets with Mayor of Pueblo

The Pueblo Regional Film Commission Development Team met with the Mayor at City Hall on January 22, 2020 to discuss the launch of this new commission and to secure support from the City of Pueblo. From left: Dustin Hodge, Cathy Valenzuela, Gregory Howell, Mara Alexandru, Mayor Nicholas Gradisar, Alan Lamberg, Tyler Shown, Sam Ebersole, Perry Perkins. Not shown is Laura Solano and Jeff Madeen.

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The Pueblo Regional Film Commission aims to help foster the growth, sustainability, competitiveness and business attraction of Pueblo’s film, television and digital media industry. This in turn supports rural economic development, promotes tourism, employs Puebloans and brings diversity to our regional economy. The film industry directly employs skilled local workers, with many other businesses being impacted by production-induced spending, such as hotels, caterers and lumber companies.

The Pueblo Regional Film Commission is comprised of industry professionals with experience from Los Angeles to New York City and just about everywhere in between. The Commission enjoys the support of the Mayor’s Office and the Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media (COFTM).

The interest in filming here is at a pitch fever for many reasons, including the state's location diversity, its overall cost productions savings, its proximity to New Mexico and the professional support you'll receive from the Pueblo Regional Film Commission. We are here to help. Our team is well versed in these matters, and we’re happy to guide you through this process. Whether you are still considering Pueblo or have already decided to shoot here in Southern Colorado, you'll get red carpet treatment.

Valuable information about filming in Pueblo is available on our website. If you have further questions, just e-mail us or give us a call at 719.299.1492. To send us more detailed information about your project, please complete the Contact Form so we can better serve your needs.

Take One,

Pueblo Regional Film Commission