Understanding how and why films choose to shoot in New Mexico is not a simple process. Firstly, New Mexico doesn't exist in a vacuum, and one must consider the market forces and competition. There's nearly 40 states and dozens of countries with film incentive programs, including some of our neighboring states! We've been peeking over the fence to see what our neighbors are up to. Here's what we've found.   

Utah: With a long history in the film biz, Utah takes a low-drama approach to their film incentive program, offering great clarity and visibility for productions. Their program, and funding, now have no "sunset," meaning you can count on their film program and incentive funding to be in place for the forseeable future (and that's one of the most important things you can offer productions). That means you can count on up to a 25% Tax Credit Rebate or Cash Rebate that now includes digital media as a qualified production. Plus, with amazing locations and proximity to LA, Utah will remain a reliable place to shoot. 

Arizona: Dead. Done. Gone. With a nearly schitzophrenic approach to whether or not they are going to have incentives, Arizona has spooked productions for years (New Mexico take note). And now they're going to keep them away for good. Effective July 1, the Arizona Film Office was closed, the phones disconnected, and website taken down. They also don't have any production incentives. So, while local film offices will still work to draw productions, the odds are stacked against filming in Arizona. 

Colorado: Still sore from losing the remake of "True Grit" to NM - due to their lack of film incentives and the original was shot in CO - Colorado is gearing up for their biggest film incentive push in ages. With a Hollywood producer now at the helm of their film commission, unparalleled locations, major digital media infrastructure, a film-friendly Governor, and a young and dynamic workforce, keep an eye on Colorful Colorado.  

Oklahoma: They have an amazing 37% production inventive! But only $5M available to fund it. If you do the math, a few big months of a sizeable production could gobble up the entire fund. With a leaner %, they could perhaps attract a few small indy productions each year, but no tent-pole films.     

Texas: Recent budget cuts have halved the available funding for film incentives from $60M to $30M, and, with their proximity to Louisiana, many Texas filmmakers are spending their days working in the Bayou State.  Cuts may keep a few dollars in the coffers, but they eliminate the possibility for income and tax receipts, too, by many multiples. Apparently the New Mexico Tax and Rev Department can attest to that. . .