Top Productions Happening in New Mexico in 2025
By ERMW Team
Thursday, August 28, 2025
New Mexico's vibrant film and television industry shows no signs of slowing down in 2025. The "Land of Enchantment" continues to attract a diverse array of productions, from high-profile studio blockbusters to a flourishing independent scene. With its stunning and varied landscapes, a deep pool of skilled local talent, and some of the most competitive film incentives in the nation, New Mexico remains a premier destination for filmmakers worldwide.
A Booming Industry Rooted in Incentives and Talent
The state's success as a production hub is largely attributed to its robust film incentive program, offering a refundable tax credit of up to 40% for qualifying in-state expenditures. This financial advantage, coupled with an increasingly experienced local crew base, makes New Mexico an irresistible choice. Albuquerque, in particular, has been recognized by MovieMaker Magazine as a top city for filmmakers, citing its thriving production scene, top-tier crews, and supportive infrastructure.
Major players like Netflix and NBCUniversal have solidified their long-term commitment to the state. Netflix's significant expansion of its Albuquerque Studios, which now includes additional soundstages, backlots, and sustainable features, is a testament to the state's appeal. Similarly, NBCUniversal has transformed a warehouse into a state-of-the-art facility, with a commitment to generate billions in production spending over the next decade.
Spotlight on 2025 Productions
While the film landscape is dynamic and new projects are constantly announced, here's a look at some of the notable films and series that have been or are expected to be in production in New Mexico during 2025:
High-Profile Productions:
"Young Guns 3: Dead or Alive": Fans of the iconic Western franchise are eagerly awaiting this next chapter, which has chosen New Mexico as its backdrop once again. Emilio Estevez is set to direct and reprise his role as Billy the Kid, joined by original cast members Lou Diamond Phillips and Christian Slater. The production is expected to employ hundreds of local crew members and generate significant economic activity.
"Protector": This action-packed thriller, starring Milla Jovovich and Matthew Modine, filmed in Las Cruces through February 2025. Directed by Adrian Grunberg, the project showcased southern New Mexico's stunning landscapes and highlighted the state's ability to attract major studio projects, with a reported 295 New Mexicans employed.
"Dead Letters": This feature film, led by Margo Martindale, wrapped production in New Mexico, further demonstrating the state's appeal for projects featuring acclaimed actors.
"Fight or Flight": Starring Dolph Lundgren and Michael Jai White, this action film wrapped filming in and around Ruidoso in June 2025. The production employed over 100 New Mexicans, including crew and background talent, underscoring the local economic impact.
"The Cleaning Lady" Season 4: The popular television series continues to utilize New Mexico's versatile locations and skilled crews for its ongoing production.
Untitled Vince Gilligan Series: The creator of "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul" is reportedly filming a new series in the state, signaling a continued partnership between one of Hollywood's most acclaimed storytellers and New Mexico.
"Eddington": This Ari Aster film, featuring a star-studded cast including Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, and Emma Stone, is in post-production after filming in the state, bringing another high-profile project to New Mexico.
Independent and Local Features:
Beyond the major studio projects, New Mexico continues to foster a thriving independent film scene. The New Mexico Film Office's bulletin board and local film organizations frequently list a variety of projects, from short films to independent features. Some examples of productions slated for 2025 include:
"Interrogation Room": A production by CNM, with principal photography in early August.
"Anything but yours": An RCB Studios production slated for June to August filming in Albuquerque.
"Priority Mail" and "Spaghettification": Both listed as TBD for Fall 2025 and hailing from Hairball Studios and Blackbox Digital Films respectively, with planned shooting in Albuquerque.
"Joseph of Egypt": A Pit to Palace Productions, LLC project with an anticipated start in August 2025.
"BLEED": A short film shot in Albuquerque in March 2025 by an independent production.
These projects, while perhaps smaller in scale, are crucial to the ecosystem of the New Mexico film industry, providing opportunities for emerging talent and contributing to a diverse cinematic landscape.
The Enduring Appeal of New Mexico
New Mexico's continued prominence in the film industry can be attributed to several key factors:
Diverse Landscapes: From the dramatic red rock formations and arid deserts to the lush forests, snow-capped mountains, and historic adobe towns, New Mexico offers an incredible variety of natural and urban backdrops that can convincingly stand in for a multitude of global settings.
Competitive Incentives: The state's attractive tax credit program remains a powerful draw. With a fiscal year 2025 cap of $130 million, the program continues to provide a significant financial advantage, making it viable for productions of all sizes to choose New Mexico.
Skilled Workforce: A growing and increasingly experienced local crew base, from cinematographers and gaffers to makeup artists and set designers, is a major asset. The state actively supports workforce development through programs like the Film Crew Advancement Program (FCAP), ensuring a continuous supply of highly skilled professionals.
Supportive Film Offices: The New Mexico Film Office, along with local film offices in cities like Albuquerque and Las Cruces, actively works to facilitate productions, offering guidance and resources to ensure a smooth filming process.
Established Infrastructure: With dedicated studio facilities, including the expanded Netflix Studios Albuquerque and NBCUniversal's state-of-the-art facility, New Mexico provides the necessary infrastructure for large-scale productions.
As 2025 progresses, New Mexico is poised to further solidify its reputation as a leading destination for film and television production, demonstrating its continued commitment to fostering a thriving and sustainable creative economy. The "Land of Enchantment" is truly enchanting filmmakers, ensuring a steady stream of cinematic magic for years to come.
