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Moon Rock Film Studios in Fairfield
For the last 100 years, Hollywood has been the place where dreams come alive... or at least it was. In the last decade, companies like Netflix and Amazon Studios have been whittling away at dominance of the old movie makers of Southern California. The move away from cellulose film to computer based digital film making has made it possible for almost anyone, almost anywhere, to create moving pictures that equal or surpass the best efforts of big multi-million dollar companies. All that is really needed is... imagination. Chris Wells grew-up in Caldwell. After graduating from Valliview, he traveled to Europe where his multi-language skills landed him an acting job on a TV show. He was hooked on film making. Soon after he went to Australia to attend film school and... to meet his wife, Tariya (Ta-ree-a), who was also infected with the film bug. During film school, one of Chris’s short films won an Australian Film award, and the Wells family decided to use that accolade as a stepping stone in America. They moved back to the U.S. searching for a place where they might set up their own movie studio. Cities might be convenient for finding people and equipment, but they wanted something quieter. They wanted a place where they could make films and raise a family. They found the perfect place... Fairfield, Idaho. About a year and a half ago, they purchased a building in downtown Fairfield and began converting part of it into a living space for themselves and their two boys. The rest of the building - primarily the old Abstract Office - was turned into a small studio, complete with lights, green & blue screens, cameras, and computers. On July 6th, Moon Rock Film Studios will open its doors to the community from 4 to 8 p.m. for an Grand Opening celebration, both to say hello and to talk about their plans. The goal is to produce independent, family friendly science fiction movies. “Our focus is on storytelling,” said Chris. “Original content that pushes the boundaries of fantasy and science fiction.” In addition, they want to use the natural beauty of Idaho in those stories. “Idaho has so many gorgeous locations that haven’t been featured in movies before,” said Tariya. ”Many of these areas don’t require special permits, and if they do, the permits are inexpensive, making budget filmmaking more affordable.” As Moon Rock Film Studios moves forward, they plan to offer workshops for those wishing to learn film making skills (both acting and behind the scenes). Assisting with school projects and education will also be a big part of what they do. It’s a big adventure, but Chris and Tariya are excited to be making their dream come alive.
News from the Heart of Idaho Camas • Lincoln • Gooding
June 26, 2019
Vol 43 Num 26
Health Insurance Choice Waiver
The Idaho Department of Insurance is requesting public comment through public hearings, email or traditional mail regarding a draft Section 1332 State Relief and Empowerment Waiver application. The Department plans to submit the waiver application to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and to the United States Department of the Treasury on or about July 15, 2019. The purpose of the waiver, titled the Coverage Choice Waiver, is to allow Idahoans with incomes from 100% to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) the choice to continue receiving tax credits to reduce premiums for private health insurance, or alternatively to enroll in Medicaid. The proposed effective date for the waiver is January 1, 2020. In November 2018, voters passed a proposition to expand Medicaid eligibility to individuals with incomes up to 138% FPL. The Idaho legislature then passed SB1204aa, instructing the Department of Health and Welfare and the Department of Insurance to seek the Coverage Choice Waiver. Without the waiver, individuals who are eligible for Medicaid cannot qualify for the premium tax credit. The Department’s comprehensive public notice, tribal notice, and the waiver application are available at https://doi.idaho.gov/ publicinformation/publiccomments. Public comments will be accepted until June 30, 2019.
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Be On Guard Against Insurance Robocalls
The Idaho Department of Insurance warns Idahoans to be aware of the surge in robocalls and other scams relating to health insurance products. Most people have experienced unexpected robocalls offering a product or service. Idahoans should be wary of promises made from unsolicited callers selling health insurance. Often, these calls come from telemarketing centers and give incomplete information, trying to pass off very limited coverage as comprehensive health insurance. “The quantity of robocalls is alarming, and the Department is warning Idahoans to be wary of any promises of cheap and comprehensive health insurance sold over the phone,” said Dean L. Cameron, Director of the Idaho continued on page 7...