The New Mexico film industry has progressed following years of decline due to challenges within the industry including streaming service losses and the historic labor strikes in 2023. MORE: New Mexico film industry sees growth with tax incentivesAccording to the New Mexico Film office, productions have spent more than $327 million for the 2026 fiscal year with 80 projects filmed in the state of New Mexico. In 2022, film productions spent $874 million with 112 projects filmed in the Land of Enchantment. On Monday, July 13, 2026, KOAT spoke with New Mexico Film office Director Steve Graham on the progress of the 2026 fiscal year as well as the growing need for jobs within the industry. Related: SAG-AFTRA actors turn to theater amid strike”We’re very happy that the numbers are trending upward. Our numbers for this most recent fiscal year show that we’re up over $4 million over the previous year. We’re at $327 million for this past fiscal year and we look to continue moving in that direction in the new year,” Graham said.”Part of the challenge the last few years has been competition from overseas, with increased incentives, as well as a contraction in the industry. Overall, there were fewer productions being made. It feels like we’re on the other side of that. There are more projects getting greenlit and more projects coming back to the US,” Graham said.Related: SAG-AFTRA members approve 2026 2026 TV/Theatrical contracts tentative agreement “We know these numbers don’t tell the whole story. We’re encouraged at the uptick. We know there’s still a lot of New Mexicans out of work, and the New Mexico Film Office is working every day to bring more productions in, to encourage productions in New Mexico, to shoot here and to provide more jobs for our crew and cast,” Graham said.Stay updated from the latest on the KOAT app. Download here
The New Mexico film industry has progressed following years of decline due to challenges within the industry including streaming service losses and the historic labor strikes in 2023.
MORE: New Mexico film industry sees growth with tax incentives
According to the New Mexico Film office, productions have spent more than $327 million for the 2026 fiscal year with 80 projects filmed in the state of New Mexico. In 2022, film productions spent $874 million with 112 projects filmed in the Land of Enchantment.
On Monday, July 13, 2026, KOAT spoke with New Mexico Film office Director Steve Graham on the progress of the 2026 fiscal year as well as the growing need for jobs within the industry.
Related: SAG-AFTRA actors turn to theater amid strike
“We’re very happy that the numbers are trending upward. Our numbers for this most recent fiscal year show that we’re up over $4 million over the previous year. We’re at $327 million for this past fiscal year and we look to continue moving in that direction in the new year,” Graham said.
“Part of the challenge the last few years has been competition from overseas, with increased incentives, as well as a contraction in the industry. Overall, there were fewer productions being made. It feels like we’re on the other side of that. There are more projects getting greenlit and more projects coming back to the US,” Graham said.
Related: SAG-AFTRA members approve 2026 2026 TV/Theatrical contracts tentative agreement
“We know these numbers don’t tell the whole story. We’re encouraged at the uptick. We know there’s still a lot of New Mexicans out of work, and the New Mexico Film Office is working every day to bring more productions in, to encourage productions in New Mexico, to shoot here and to provide more jobs for our crew and cast,” Graham said.
Stay updated from the latest on the KOAT app. Download
