New Mexico film spending down sharply, projects rebound

By: David Sterling Date: September 18, 2026

Film spending in New Mexico has fallen sharply in recent years, though the number of projects is climbing back, the state’s Film Office said. Spending remains well below the peak of more than $800 million reported a few years ago, according to Steve Graham, director of the New Mexico Film Office.

The latest fiscal impact report, released last month, shows spending by film companies in New Mexico dropped over the past year.

“Overall, the film industry had a reduction of anywhere from 40 to 50% two to three years ago, and our crews and our cast and our infrastructure here is still feeling that,” Graham said. “So even if production is up a little bit over last year, there are people who haven’t worked in two years.”

Graham described a broader industry contraction. “We overall, and not just in New Mexico, but in our industry worldwide, has experienced a contraction over the last few years,” he said. “So we’re down significantly over our peak of over 800 million a few years ago.”

The amount of money spent per project rose modestly, up by just $3 million from the prior year, according to Graham.

The report also shows a 10% increase in film productions outside of Albuquerque and Santa Fe. “So we did more than $58 million worth of spend in those areas, primarily in like Las Cruces and Ruidoso and Truth or Consequences, but even in Lovington and Gallup and sort of across the state,” Graham said.

Fiscal year 2024 saw 62 film projects, rising to 81 projects in fiscal year 2025. The number of film projects for fiscal year 2026 is still being calculated, which Graham called a positive trend.

Graham said the state is seeing fewer big-budget productions, but independent films are up. “We actively court independent producers, and we’ve seen quite a few of them commit to shooting here, and some are shooting right now,” he said.

Lawmakers are drafting bills for the next legislative session, Graham said, including one to enhance film incentives. Another would create a fund to help productions get loans.