On January 29, 2025, MovieMaker magazine released its annual list of the “Best Places to Live and Work as a Moviemaker,” with three New Mexico cities earning spots once again. Las Cruces secured its place at #8 among Small Cities and Towns for the third consecutive year, joining Santa Fe, which retained its #1 ranking, and Albuquerque, which climbed to the top spot among Big Cities.
“With three cities on the MovieMaker rankings list of best places to live and work in film, there is no doubt that New Mexico is the place to be for film and TV,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “This shows unequivocally that the film and television industry is thriving in all corners of the state and that the families who depend on these jobs, from Santa Fe to Albuquerque, and now all the way to Las Cruces, are in demand and more economically secure than ever. This is how we diversify our economy and build a more resilient New Mexico.”
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10 BEST BIG CITIES TO LIVE AND WORK AS A MOVIEMAKER
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Chicago, Illinois
- Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Miami, Florida
- Austin, Texas
- Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Montreal, Quebec, Canada
10 BEST SMALL CITIES AND TOWNS TO LIVE AND WORK AS A MOVIEMAKER
- Santa Fe, New Mexico
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Wilmington, North Carolina
- Providence, Rhode Island
- Savannah, Georgia
- St. Petersburg, Florida
- Ashland, Oregon
- Las Cruces, New Mexico
- Knoxville, Tennessee
- Missoula, Montana (tie)
- Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada (tie)
Las Cruces’ Expanding Role in the Film Industry
Las Cruces continues to gain traction as a filmmaking destination, drawing productions with its competitive tax incentives, diverse landscapes, and growing infrastructure. The city’s film-friendly policies and proximity to White Sands National Park, historic adobe architecture, and rugged desert backdrops make it a unique choice for directors seeking authentic Southwestern visuals.
“Las Cruces is honored to be named among the most prestigious and well-known filming towns in America,” said State Senator Jeff Steinborn. “Our great locations and crew, top-notch film incentives, and full-service film office make Las Cruces and Doña Ana County an excellent filming destination.”
Competitive Incentives Attract Major Productions
New Mexico offers one of the nation’s most enticing film incentive programs, with productions outside the Albuquerque-Santa Fe corridor — like those in Las Cruces — eligible for a 40% refundable tax credit. This includes an additional 5% incentive for regional productions, making the area an increasingly attractive alternative to traditional filming hubs.
Recent projects filmed in Las Cruces include Tyler Perry’s Joe’s College Road Trip and Summer Machine, a production from Game of Thrones creator George R.R. Martin. The city’s ability to host a range of productions — from independent films to large-scale features — demonstrates its versatility and potential for continued growth in the industry.
Infrastructure and Workforce Development
Las Cruces is set to bolster its filmmaking capabilities with the planned $15 million studio and soundstage facility at NMSU’s Arrowhead Park. 
The New Mexico Media Arts Collective, a key part of this development, will serve as both a production and training center for emerging technologies.
This initiative, along with Doña Ana Community College’s new film training facility near Arrowhead Park — which includes a soundstage and hands-on crew training — reflects the city’s commitment to building a skilled workforce for the growing entertainment industry.
Film Las Cruces, led by filmmaker Andrew Jara, provides streamlined permitting and production support, ensuring a smooth process for visiting filmmakers. Additionally, Las Cruces’ proximity to El Paso offers expanded resources, from talent pools to post-production facilities, further strengthening its position as a film-friendly city.
A Bright Future for Film in Las Cruces
“New Mexico’s strategic investments in film and television are returning dollars, creating jobs, and helping small businesses in all corners of the state. The MovieMaker rankings prove our strategy is working,” said Economic Development Department Cabinet Secretary Alicia J. Keyes. “We now need to build on this momentum to create a sustainable, robust economic future for the families that depend on this jobs-rich industry.”
Furthering these efforts is the New Mexico Media Academy (NMMA), a collaboration between the Higher Education Department and 15 film and media programs statewide. Partnering with Netflix, NBCUniversal, 828 Productions, and IATSE Local 480, NMMA offers industry-standard workforce training with facilities in both Albuquerque and Las Cruces.
With strong incentives, a growing infrastructure, and a commitment to workforce development, Las Cruces is proving itself as a premier location for filmmakers. For the complete 2025 list of Best Places to Live and Work as a Moviemaker visit MovieMaker.com.
Lights, camera, Las Cruces! Become a part of this film powerhouse and contact the expert realtors at Enchanted Sun Realty to start your next act in Southern New Mexico.
Posted by LasCruces.com
