Last Year’s Record of $288 Million Shattered by almost $100 Million
Santa Fe, NM — Today, Governor Susana Martinez announced that New Mexico’s film
industry injected nearly $390 million into the economy last fiscal year. This is the second straight
record-breaking year for the film industry in New Mexico, shattering last year’s record by almost
$100 million.
“We take great pride in all we have to offer film and television production here in New Mexico –
from our talented and diverse workforce and our breathtaking scenery, to our robust film
incentive program,” Governor Martinez said. “This is encouraging news, and underscores what a
valuable partner this industry is in growing and diversifying our economy.”
Film and television production put $387 million into New Mexico’s economy last year,
according to data from the New Mexico Film Office. 63 major productions were in principal
photography in New Mexico during FY16. The data shows that the industry continues to support
more jobs, with nearly 260,000 worker days in FY16.
The state also had 30 productions budgeted over $1 million each last fiscal year, and several of
these included local New Mexico filmmakers. Studio features also continue to choose New
Mexico to make their big budget and mid-range films. In FY16 alone, TV series and pilots
produced in New Mexico included: Better Call Saul and Preacher (AMC), From Dusk Til Dawn
(El Rey/Netflix), The Night Shift and Midnight, Texas (NBC), Longmire (Netflix), Manhattan
(WGN), Untitled Mars Project (CW), Graves (EPIX), and others.In 2013, Governor Martinez strengthened New Mexico’s film incentive program through signing
a bipartisan job creation and tax reform package designed to diversify the economy and make the
state more competitive. Among other things, this legislation increased the incentive rate for
qualifying productions.
“This is a tremendous achievement that all New Mexicans can be very proud of,” said New
Mexico State Film Office Director Nick Maniatis. “While we’re continuing to grow New Mexico
as a leader in the television and film industry, we won’t rest on our laurels. We’ll continue to
build on this success and find innovative ways to put more New Mexicans to work.”
The New Mexico State Film Office, a division of the Economic Development Department,
serves the film industry locally, nationally, and internationally and assists productions through
the state’s robust incentive program to help create more jobs for New Mexicans. For more
information, visit www.nmfilm.com.
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