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Albuquerque Journal

By ANDREW WEBB Journal Staff Writer

An advisory committee to the State Investment Council has recommended lending another $15 million to the producers of the ABC Family television program "Wildfire."

The loan would help cover the estimated $21 million cost of producing a 13-episode second season of the show. "Wildfire" has been the cable channel's most popular program, said State Investment Council spokesman Charles Wollmann.

Last year, the state lent "Wildfire's" producers, Lions Gate Films, $4.1 million to shoot a pilot in and around Algodones and Rio Rancho. In the spring, it lent $15 million to produce an 11-episode first season.

The new loan, if approved by the State Investment Council at its monthly meeting Nov. 22, would carry no interest, but the state would get 11 percent of any profits earned. The council's Private Equity Advisory Committee recommended the loan during a meeting earlier this week.

"Wildfire" is about a troubled teenage girl who befriends a failed race horse while working at a financially strapped ranch. The first season aired beginning in June, and is expected to be released on DVD at about the time season two kicks off next year, Wollmann said.

Lion's Gate told the committee it also plans to repay the first $4.1 million loan now, which would be two years before its due date, Wollmann said.

"They're happy with their partnership with New Mexico," he said.