City creates local Filmmaker Program; $30,000 to be granted to new, original projects
The El Paso City Council voted to create a local Filmmaker Program. The city will award $30,000 to new, original projects.
Rep. Peter Svarzbein has worked on creating the program for several years. He said the pilot program would require filmmakers to provide a 50 percent match.
The minimum award is $3,501. The maximum award is $10,000.
City staff had recommended a 1 to 1 match for filmmakers. However, Svarzbein and Rep. Alexsandra Annello argued that amount would be too high for filmmakers who are just beginning. Both recommended a 2 to 1 match.
Rep. Michiel Noe wanted to keep the staff’s recommendation and argued the filmmakers would not have to apply for the full $10,000 and could instead apply for an amount they could afford.
A vote to change the match to 50 percent ended in a tie. Mayor Dee Margo broke the tie, and the match was changed to 50 percent.
“It’s not just about supporting this community, but there’s a larger issue that we all are aware of, and that is: How do we control our narrative and get a positive perspective about El Paso in the region?” Svarzbein said.
The projects would be created by El Pasoans, and up to three projects could be funded.
Svarzbein said it is time to change the narrative of El Paso because there are too many films that have portrayed El Paso in a negative way.
“Local filmmakers with their authentic stories about our home, is a really great way that we can promote positive vision of El Paso,” Svarzbein said.
Another challenge is keeping local filmmakers and their movie projects in El Paso to help boost the economy and attract more projects to the Borderland.
Svarzbein said many times, El Paso loses out on film opportunities because of New Mexico’s competitive incentives.
“There are filmmakers involved with the industry of film here in El Paso that have to work in New Mexico, so we should be doing everything that we can to keep them here,” Svarzbein said.
The deadline to apply for the fiscal year 2018 cycle is May 18, 2018. Award notifications will be sent by June 25.
