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    “Better Call Saul” sparks excitement in Albuquerque

    By SHOOTUpdated:No Comments1133 Views
    In this image released by AMC, Bob Odenkirk portrays Saul Goodman in a scene from "Better Call Saul." (AP Photo/AMC, Ursula Coyote)

    By Russell Contreras

    ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) --

    New Mexico's largest city is back to being featured in another television show more than a year after the end of AMC-TV series "Breaking Bad."

    "Better Call Saul" premiered Sunday, and city officials hope the prequel to the hit series sparks more interest in Albuquerque after "Breaking Bad" spawned tours, sales of novelty items and even a political ad during the last election.

    More than 100 fans showed up for a premiere "Better Call Saul" viewing party at an Albuquerque brewery, and more such gatherings are scheduled for the remainder of the season. One lawyer, Ron Bell, who some speculate the show's main character is loosely based on, has a billboard advertising "Better Call Bell."

    Already the city's visitors' bureau has created a website to help tourists find Albuquerque sites from the show.

    New Mexico's new Attorney General Hector Balderas even thumbed out a tweet during the show to let its main star, Bob Odenkirk, know that the state's top cop was watching him. "Hey @BetterCallSaul @mrbobodenkirk, know that the Attorney General of New Mexico will be keeping an eye on you this evening," Balderas wrote.

    "Better Call Saul" follows a struggling criminal lawyer born Jimmy McGill, who later changes his name to Saul Goodman, as he defends drug lords, petty criminals and those allegedly injured in traffic accidents.

    In "Breaking Bad," Odenkirk played the lawyer of methamphetamine lord Walter White, played by Bryan Cranston.

    Tania Armenta, a vice president for the Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau, said interest in "Breaking Bad" Albuquerque sites has not slowed, and they remain particularly popular with European tourists. City officials expect even more interest with "Better Call Saul."

    "Definitely loving the buzz," Armenta said. "Most of the buzz we are seeing is positive."

    Armenta said the show's creators haven't revealed much, so when Albuquerque sites are shown city officials update the website, visitalbuquerque.org/bettercallsaul.

    "We need it really bad," said Debbie Ball, owner of The Candy Lady store, who sells blue "Breaking Bad" fake meth treats and offers limousine tours of scenes from the first series. "I think it's going to help the city."

    And will she try to benefit from the new show's popularity? "If I can figure out how I can do it tactfully," Ball said, "I will do it."

    Tags:AMCBetter Call Saul



    Kevin Costner to receive MPSE Filmmaker Award; Greg Hedgepath named recipient of MPSE Career Achievement honor

    Thursday, November 21, 2024
    Kevin Costner (photo courtesy of Kevin Costner)

    Motion Picture Sound Editors (MPSE) will present Oscar®-winning filmmaker and actor Kevin Costner with the 2025 MPSE Filmmaker Award, bestowed annually to a filmmaker of distinction. And supervising sound editor Greg Hedgepath will receive the Career Achievement Award for his prolific career in sound editing. Both awards will be presented during MPSE’s 72nd Annual Golden Reel Awards Gala on February 23, 2025 at the Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles.

    The MPSE Filmmaker Award is bestowed upon an individual outside the sound community whose career has demonstrated a great appreciation and understanding of the impact of sound editing. The MPSE Career Achievement Award is presented to a person whose career has made a significant impact on the sound community through exemplary work, service or leadership.

    “Kevin Costner has captivated audiences with his powerful storytelling throughout his illustrious career,” said MPSE president David Barber. “From epic Westerns to poignant dramas, his use of sound as an integral component of his cinematic storytelling has stirred our emotions and immersed viewers in the worlds he’s created for decades. This passion for sound is abundantly clear in his latest ambitious project, the Horizon saga. We are thrilled to honor him with the Filmmaker Award, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the art of storytelling through sound in film and television.”

    Barber added, “Greg Hedgepath is a true titan in the world of sound. His contributions to cinema are immense, spanning decades and encompassing a remarkable range of genres. From the heart-pounding intensity of ‘Speed’ and ‘Twister’ to the nuanced drama of ‘Selma’ and ‘Straight Outta Compton’, Greg’s work has consistently elevated... Read More

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