Independent feature filming in New Mexico

• Producer said New Mexico exceeded expectations

Independent feature "Willenberger," produced by Willenberger Productions, LLC will began principal photography this month in New Mexico and will continue through the end of December.

Production will take place in Roy, Las Vegas, Santa Fe and Albuquerque, state Film Office Director Nick Maniatis said.

"New Mexico's powerful incentives, strong workforce, robust film infrastructure and incredible scenery make us an excellent location for independent productions," he said. "We're proud to welcome 'Willenberger' to New Mexico."

The production will employ 55 New Mexico crew members, 10 New Mexico principal actors and about 60 New Mexico background talent. 

The independent feature is directed and produced by Ulrich Thomsen ("In Embryo") and co-produced by Steve Bakken ("In Embryo," "Hex," "Fixed"). 

"We were unsure what to expect coming to shoot our little indie film here in New Mexico, but all of our expectations have been exceeded, producer Steve Bakken said.”. We arrived with a small budget and big dreams, and the local film community has come to our aid to help bring our story to life."

Starring Ewen Bremner ("Trainspotting"); Antony Starr ("Banshee"); W. Earl Brown ("Deadwood"), "Willenberger" is a character-driven comedy about sausages and friendship. The German sausage, that is. Set in small-town America, it's a story about two men, hopeless dreamers, who join forces in a quest to erect the ultimate German sausage restaurant.

"Willenberger" also is a social satire about the nexus of fear, where religion becomes an intellectual cul-de-sac, and racism, homophobia and intolerance reign supreme.