ABOVE: Photo courtesy Santa Fe Film Festival LEFT: Chad Burris RIGHT: Photo by Kiko Sanchez
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n its efforts to draw high-level, multi-million-dollar film productions, New Mexico attracts filmmakers from all over the world. Many such filmmakers not only find their creative muse here in the Land of Enchantment, but their spiritual home as well. One such filmmaker is producer Chad Burris, who has been producing films since the early 2000s. Originally from Oklahoma, Burris landed in Santa Fe in 2013 when he began working with the now acclaimed New Mexico filmmaker Sydney Freeland. Their work on 2014’s “Drunktown’s Finest” yielded widespread accolades, critical praise and a premiere at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival in 2015. Burris touts the relative ease of setting up production in New Mexico, thanks to the state’s accessibility to world-class facilities, high-end equipment and topnotch crew. “It really is a filmmaking mecca of sorts, because it’s so small and yet has such tremendous talent and resources.” With several films under his belt, he has enjoyed seeing his productions meet critical success. While Burris’ films “Bare,” “The Killer Inside Me,” and “Bringing Up Bobby” are available on various streaming networks, Santa Fe can look forward to playing host to his next feature film, “Santa Fake.” The whimsical comedy incorporates classic holiday themes alongside bright, beautiful scenery. This particular filmmaking process aims to establish revenue for its crew and vendors beyond the production schedule by building an ongoing residual stream through subsequent film distribution. “This concept of filmmaking is one I’ve considered for some time,” Burris says. “It’s as true to the concept of community filmmaking as possible. Santa Fake is one I’m really looking forward to.” Jon
Hendry, business agent for the International Business Alliance of Theater and Stage Employees in New Mexico, adds: “‘Santa Fake’ is the first truly community movie I know of – it includes everything from a Santa Fean director and writer, to the background and all of the filming locations.” The community-based film will strive to afford local cast and crew the opportunities to network, train and achieve a notable resume-building film credit. Burris’ personal ethic goes well beyond his newest attempt at community-integrated filmmaking: “Be honest and fair to everyone you work with on projects, and that includes investors. The industry is full of people trying to one-up and get away with something. It’s the allure of entertainment I guess, but it’s not worth your integrity to get a film made. It’s a relationship business, and you’ll be far better to be forthright and honest.” While the industry brings recognition and prosperity to communities across the state in the form of jobs and small business boosts, Burris is the first to remind anyone of New Mexico’s unique aura. “Notwithstanding the ease of making films here, it’s just a beautiful place,” he waxes. “You have to experience it to understand; there’s something special about the feel of it. How you harness that feeling will have a positive impact on whatever you do, film or otherwise.” Production announcements for “Santa Fake” will be updated via Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SantaFakeMovie.
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