NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – If you can imagine it, chances are it can be found in the Land of Enchantment. From barren, cracked salt plains to snow-capped mountains, the landscape is diverse. The uniqueness of the terrain draws in filming from around the world, and those productions are always on the lookout for the perfect location.
Property owners in New Mexico are able to submit their properties to be considered for filming. If you want to list your property on the state’s locations database, here’s what to know about the process.
What to expect
The Locations Department on a production works closely with the owner of the property in use to come to an agreement on a contract. This can include possible alterations to the property (including rearranging, painting, or construction, which will be remediated by the production), time allotted for filming, and pay for use of the property.
A typical shoot day on set will be 12 to 14 hours, as a lot of equipment and crew are involved. Normal filming hours are between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., but productions wishing to film outside these hours must follow special notification guidelines within the area and attain a noise permit from the city.
Nearby businesses and residences will be notified about filming in advance by the production. Filming may sometimes disrupt traffic for up to 5 minutes at a time, and if road closures are necessary, law enforcement will remain present at all times to allow emergency vehicles and local residents access, with a detour in place for all other vehicles.
If you are contacted about using your property in a production and want to insure the company is legitimate, you can contact the New Mexico Film Office at (505) 476-5600 or info@nmfilm.com or the Albuquerque Film Office at (505) 768-3289.
How to submit a property
To list a property in the state’s location database or register to add either yourself or your business to the state’s production directory, visit the New Mexico Film Office Industry Directory & Location Database. You can also list your property with the Albuquerque Film Office. Properties can be utilized as filming locations, base camps, or a business’s services can be offered for crew use.
In order to list a property for filming, you must be the owner or have written permission from the owner of the property. Submission requirements include 10 to 15 high-quality photos offering a full view of the property as well as a property description.
Locations database
The New Mexico Film Office’s location database contains filming locations around the state that can be or have been used in productions. From airports to restaurants, cemeteries to ranches, and hospitals to villages, the directory offers a plethora of film location options for the Locations Department to use in the search for the perfect set. To browse through the state’s film locations database, visit Film New Mexico.
Tax credit areas
While many productions in the state land in Albuquerque or Santa Fe, an additional 10% tax credit is available at least 60 miles outside the county seats of Santa Fe and Bernalillo counties. A 5% tax credit is also available if certain qualified production facilities are used. Check out the Film Credit Uplift Map to see if your property qualifies for additional tax credits.
