Clint Eastwood's 'The Mule' to film in Las Cruces

Sun-News reports | Las Cruces Sun-News

LAS CRUCES - Clint Eastwood's "The Mule" will film later in July in Las Cruces, the New Mexico Film Office and Film Las Cruces announced on Monday.

The Warner Bros. production will employ approximately 85 New Mexico crew members and approximately 200 New Mexico background talent.

"The Mule" is the story of Earl Stone, a man in his 80's who is broke, alone and facing foreclosure of his business. He is offered a job that requires him to drive however, unbeknownst to Earl, he's just signed on as a drug courier for a Mexican cartel.

Clint Eastwood will star in, direct and produce the film. His daughter, Alison Eastwood, also has a role in the film. Other stars include Bradley Cooper, Laurence Fishburne, Michael Peña, Dianne Weist, Taissa Farmiga and Igancio Serricchio,

This is Clint Eastwood's first onscreen appearance since 2012's "Trouble With the Curve," according to Hollywood Reporter.

"The Mule" is also being shot in Georgia.

How Las Cruces landed the movie

Film Las Cruces has been supporting the film's production for months, a news release stated, including location scouting and assistance with production logistics.

Film Las Cruces Film Liaison Jon Foley helped find "exactly what producers were look for," the release stated.

“Securing a high profile film from one of America’s legendary actors and film makers is extremely rewarding," Foley said. "Our goal is to continue to attract great film projects to our region.”

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Jeff Steinborn, president of Film Las Cruces, in the news release touted the impact the film will have on local businesses and people wanting to work in the film business.

"This film production will likely fill over 1,000 hotel room nights, and spend thousands of dollars at local restaurants and other vendors," he said. "Additionally local people will get hired to work on the crew and become background actors. It’s a great example of the economic impact we can have if we work hard to recruit more film production to our region.”

Steinborn outlined three ways Las Crucens can participate in the film.

A casting call for background actors was held Saturday at the Film Las Cruces studios. The production is looking for men, women and children, especially identical female twins, about 18 to 35 years old; women, about 18 to 35 years old, who are comfortable wearing a bikini in a pool party scene; and tough-looking thug types. Head shots for the roles can still be sent to work@lathamcasting.com. Producers are also looking for qualified production assistants to work on the film. Résumés should be emailed to kikitreenm@gmail.com. Title the email "Las Cruces Production Assistant." This is entry-level work. "We're looking for anyone with film experience who has been on a crew," Steinborn said. "If you've held a boom mic, apply." The production is looking for Las Cruces-area businesses who would like to be vendors. It could be a restaurant serving food, a construction company building sets or a greenhouse offering background plants. "The film industry is always looking for a deal to help them stretch their dollar," Steinborn said. To inquire, email jon@filmlascruces.com or call 575-805-3456.

This is the second major studio production to film in southern New Mexico. "Creed II" filmed scenes in Deming last month.

"We're proud to see the film industry continuing to grow in and around Las Cruces — and throughout southern New Mexico," Film Office Director Nick Maniatis said in the news release.

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Film Las Cruces is in its third year of a three-year agreement with the city of Las Cruces, and noted it recently secured additional funding from Doña Ana County. For film news, including information on casting calls, follow Film Las Cruces on Facebook.