Filming incentive drives TV boom in New Mexico
New Mexico’s TV incentive programme is helping drive a small-screen production boom in the south-western US state.
By Nick Goundry 19 Apr 2016
New Mexico’s TV incentive programme is helping drive a small-screen production boom in the south-western US state.
At one point in recent weeks, eight different television projects were filming in New Mexico simultaneously, marking a regional record, according to a report in the Albuquerque Journal.
Most projects doubled the state for other parts of the US, particularly Texas which has a conspicuous lack of financial support for film and TV production.
The highest-profile shows have been the comic book adaptation Preacher, co-developed by actor Seth Rogen, and Robert Rodriguez’s From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series.
Based on Rodriguez’s own 1996 horror road movie of the same name, the drama relocated from Texas and considered two other US production hubs before choosing New Mexico.
“We looked for different alternatives,” Rodriguez told the Albuquerque Journal. “It was Louisiana, Atlanta and New Mexico. It costs money to move a show and we needed to save money.
From Dusk Till Dawn is set in Texas and being in New Mexico would keep the Western feel to it. We heard great things from other people who have filmed here. We only brought a few of our keys for continuity. The rest of the crew is all local. It’s been pretty great so far.”
Crime drama Breaking Bad helped raise New Mexico’s profile as a filming location. The international success of the series played a key role in getting authorities to raise the state’s TV incentive to 30%, in contrast to the 25% on offer for features. Spinoff series Better Call Saul has since filmed two series in Albuquerque.
Recent feature films in New Mexico have included a remake of The Magnificent Seven and the alien invasion sequel Independence Day: Resurgence.
For more on filming in New Mexico see our production guide.
Image: Sony Pictures Television Inc/AMC Film Holdings
Most projects doubled the state for other parts of the US, particularly Texas which has a conspicuous lack of financial support for film and TV production.
The highest-profile shows have been the comic book adaptation Preacher, co-developed by actor Seth Rogen, and Robert Rodriguez’s From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series.
Based on Rodriguez’s own 1996 horror road movie of the same name, the drama relocated from Texas and considered two other US production hubs before choosing New Mexico.
“We looked for different alternatives,” Rodriguez told the Albuquerque Journal. “It was Louisiana, Atlanta and New Mexico. It costs money to move a show and we needed to save money.
From Dusk Till Dawn is set in Texas and being in New Mexico would keep the Western feel to it. We heard great things from other people who have filmed here. We only brought a few of our keys for continuity. The rest of the crew is all local. It’s been pretty great so far.”
Crime drama Breaking Bad helped raise New Mexico’s profile as a filming location. The international success of the series played a key role in getting authorities to raise the state’s TV incentive to 30%, in contrast to the 25% on offer for features. Spinoff series Better Call Saul has since filmed two series in Albuquerque.
Recent feature films in New Mexico have included a remake of The Magnificent Seven and the alien invasion sequel Independence Day: Resurgence.
For more on filming in New Mexico see our production guide.
Image: Sony Pictures Television Inc/AMC Film Holdings
Latest news & features
Featured profiles
Promote your services with KFTV
Choose from three profile types - Basic, Silver and Gold
Create ProfileWe offer a range of display advertising opportunities.
Learn More