After I got the number for the production trailer -I am sooo connected- on the set of 'Once Upon A Time In Mexico -Desparado II,' I called around for information on casting talent, like Marbel, the Vampire Sisters, precious Valeria, the usual crew, in Mexico. I discovered that there was once a movie studio, in a ranch-like setting, near Tecate. It was owned, at the time, by the Govenor of Baja Norte, and managed by some guy that was big on film in Mexico. This studio was working around the same time the studio in the central area of Tijuana was productive -all before my time. This was way, way before Baja Norte Studios and the stinking gringo picture pimps set up shop to shoot the aquatic and fun filled love story, Titanic. Way ...before.

I got this information from a latina that had cast a friend into a carrer that has lead to a very large house in Belair. So ... I guess she's got some kind of thing going on. Anyway, she went on to say that most of the casting for extras and minor roles in US productions shooting in Mexico is done by Mexican casting agents. There was mention of union considerations, to be taken into account. Teamsters, grips, electrician with baseball bats, you get the picture, just like it is up here in the land.

There is a large populations of latino actors and actresses in the US Film industry to fill the needs of US productions South of the border. And,though much of the principal talent is cast in Hollywood, there is strong negociation to use as many locals as possible. I like that. I like to recall a rich history of Mexican film production that has kicked ass and taken names for a solid fifty years. Solid. Rich. Kicked ass and taken names. Like, we don't need any stinking dilitante gringo fucks raping our women off to Sunset Blvd. No. Yes, our Mexican Brothers and sisters got game.

This fall there are three US films sheduled for production in Mexico. I believe one will be shot in Baja. I'm not sure how many Mexican films are being produced this season, but I'm sure there are many. I want to see someone from the Zone in one of these pictures. A novela, a Calimax spot, TeleNorte, PlayasCom, the fucking weather girl, anything.

I will now drop a name and not say why. I will say that more ...never mind. The name? Elpidia Carrillo. The first of the Michicans. Dios, she is soooo hot.

Crackula,

I have a fav that loves to watch old Pedro Infante movies. I have scoured the net finding a few, but with very limited success. If you have some ideas on where I might find these, e-mail me:

bushpilot98@hotmail.com

I would be especially interested in Tizoc (Amor indio) with María Félix.

TIA,

Gitano

Crackula.

How many charactors are you up to so far?
One day they'll make a movie about a guy with split personalities who used the Internet to keep them in check, and became a sucessful writer to boot!

Just one. But, I wish there were more. I'm interested in Tizoc (Amor indio) with Maria Felix.
That is so new to me. I've been looking at creation, rather than content -looking at the pictures and missing the words.

There is a good selection of books and video tapes at the CECUT bookstore. It is a great place to buy gifts. I saw a collection of books that cover the history of Mexican cinema. I am so impressed with the films being done in Mexico. I have been very fortunate to have been exposed to some brilliant artwork in Mexico. Much of this happened through my participation in cultural exchange programs -and from just hangin' out and being open. Remember, I'm a gringo 'Mexophile.' I'm sure there are locals with more information on this. I guess I do have some time to spend looking into the whole scene. I have managed to stumble onto the sets of a few movies in Tijuana. And, I would always get a phone number for, at least, one friend in the alley. Talking about this sends me over the edge. So, I'll just go now.

San Puto -That is a really good premise. But, it sounds like it has a happy ending. I'm affraid of happy endings. So, it's all yours, babe. It is 'babe,' isn't it?

Wow, Gitano. I'll look for that information. There are many 'daytime things' to do in Tijuana. And, with the appropriate disguise and a good sunblock, I can still do most of them.

Oye, Dipshit Loco (my suggestion for your next post-crack binge handle), as everyone knows there is no Mexican film industry in TJ. But if you wanna start one by casting hookers, you're sure to culve a cult following here...

Well, at least we get little direct tidbits, begging for tolerance I'm guessing. The one that stands out the most is above: "I've been looking at creation, rather than content".

Some of it is fine content anyways, I'm hesitant to say.

Porker - Hola, amigo, buscamos en el libro de telefon. Veo la producion de 'Menos Que Perros' en Tijuana. Si, Rosarito no esta Tijuana, pero lo no esta una vieja luego. Did I just say that I read somewhere there are less dogs in Rosarito than my old lady saw in the phone book? My Spanish is so bad.

There are a few companies that have sixteen millimeter film cameras and support equipment in Tijuana. I've seen 'em. I've touched 'em. It is all as real as the talented and wildly inventive motion picture technicians that socialize in the same bars we do. But, you are correct in that the big gig is not in Tijuana. It's in D.F. and, to some extent, Guadalajara ...and ...throw me a bone, here, people.

Dude, the guy that cuts my hair is from Baja Norte Studios. I got him 'on' up here. He did make-up on the Mexican location of 'The Game' and a few other productions in town. I used to send girls from the HK and the CC to see him for a little pep talk, una corte de pelo, or a facial. No, not that kind of facial -you goose.

Crackula,

Your information seems well substantiated. And I like the idea of casting TJ chicas in movies. After all, Rita Hayworth came out of TJ.....

Please email me.

Ron, it is all about the Baja Film Commission. They're in the book. That is where I've been sent by every ACS Casting Agent I've talked to. "Ask them, they have a list of agents in Mexico ... dumb ass ...who did you say you were?" Yes, good question. Who did I say I was? D'oh!

I thought there might have been a 'need' to be filled. But, I don't think so, now.

Yeah, I'm a "babe". But no happy ending here.

If I were to improvise, I'd tell you that a real babe would be a San Puta.
I coulden't stand up for it.

Elpedia Carrillo was in the movie San Salvador, directed by Oliver Stone. She was also in Bread and Roses. She did her research for those parts in the zona rojo clubs of Tijuana. I hear she is going to direct a couple of movies that involve women in situations similar to the women I read about here.

I forget who took her to La Zona. Crackula, why'd you leave us hanging for so long.