  urlLink Coming Soon to a Screen Near You: New Mexico : "The force behind New Mexico's film boom was the creation of an $85 million fund that invests directly in film projects through no-interest loans. The money comes from New Mexico's $3.5 billion Severance Tax Permanent Fund, financed by royalties from natural gas, oil, coal and timber extraction. The program, drafted by Peter J. Dekom, a prominent entertainment industry lawyer in Los Angeles, allows the state to lend as much as $7.5 million to help produce films. It also grants a 15 percent tax rebate on all local production costs, provided the film is made largely in New Mexico. 'Our main objective is to become a supportive satellite of Hollywood,' Gov. Bill Richardson said in an interview.
'We don't want to be greedy with this, but for a state with low per capita income, it's a way for us to attract a clean, environmentally friendly industry that leaves a positive impact. '" My [bio] dad actually did the survey for Val Kilmer's land not long ago. He himself actually lives nearby, as well. He didn't meet Val or anything, but I do know that it's in an absolutely--prestinely--safe area. I'd say Mr. Kilmer's ranch is the only place in NM likely to become the homicide capitol, if he doesn't put a lid on it! 
