Discover Albuquerque’s Marvelous and Historic Film Legacy

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This article is about Albuquerque's Historical Film Industry History and was inspired by the great achievement of Albuquerque, New Mexico placing 2nd for the “Best Places to Live and Work as a MovieMaker” by MovieMaker Magazine, for 2024. Albuquerque has dominated the prestigious rankings for six years straight – four of those years consecutively at No. 1 (2019-2022).

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Albuquerque, New Mexico has a rich and diverse history when it comes to film. The city has been a popular location for film productions since the early 20th century, with its unique landscape and stunning natural beauty attracting filmmakers from around the world. This desert city, situated along the iconic Route 66, has a rich history in film production that has contributed greatly to the city's economy and cultural landscape. The city has a diverse population with a strong Native American and Hispanic culture, providing a unique and authentic setting for films. Albuquerque's landscapes, including the Sandia Mountains, Rio Grande Valley, and desert scenery, have also been featured in numerous films, highlighting the state's natural beauty.

The early years of Albuquerque's film history can be traced back to the early 1900s, when the city was primarily used as a backdrop for silent films. This was mainly due to Albuquerque’s vast, diverse landscapes. With the advent of sound in movies, Albuquerque became a popular choice for filmmakers due to its ideal weather conditions and diverse scenery, which allowed for the creation of various on-screen settings.

1930 Films

The 1930s saw a significant increase in film productions in Albuquerque, with the rise in popularity of Western films and tv shows, Albuquerque's desert landscapes and rugged terrain were the perfect backdrop for these films.

1940 Films

In the 1940s, with the rise of Hollywood studios, Albuquerque began to attract big-name filmmakers. Director John Ford shot  his epic Western film, The Grapes of Wrath in Albuquerque. Other popular movies at the time included El Paso, Without Reservations, and Flying Tigers all shot in Albuquerque. These films not only brought international recognition to the city, but they also set a precedent for future productions, highlighting Albuquerque's potential as a filming location.

1950 Films

During the 1950s, Albuquerque's film industry experienced a boom with the rise of television. The city's landscape and the wide variety of locations within close proximity provided ideal settings for popular Western shows such as "The Lone Ranger". The popularity of westerns in film and television during this time cemented Albuquerque's image as a frontier town, attracting more filmmakers and productions to the city.

1970 Films

 In the 1970s, Albuquerque's film industry underwent significant growth, largely due to the establishment of the New Mexico Film Commission in 1968. This commission aimed to promote the state's landscape and resources to filmmakers as a viable alternative to the high production costs in Hollywood. The efforts of the commission led to an increase in film production in Albuquerque and a significant boost to the local economy.

 

1980 Films

The 1980s saw Albuquerque's film industry reach new heights with the production of major Hollywood films such as "The Milagro Beanfield War" and "Young Guns" both released in 1988. These productions brought in A-list celebrities, including actor and filmmaker Robert Redford and Emilio Estevez, to Albuquerque, boosting the city's reputation as a prime filming location. The local economy was further stimulated by the increase in film-related jobs and revenue generated from the influx of filmmakers and their crews.

The 1990s and early 2000s saw a significant shift in Albuquerque's film industry, with an increase in independent and low-budget films being produced in the city. The establishment of the Albuquerque Film Office in 2002 further solidified the city's position as a top choice for filmmakers. The film office works to attract production companies by offering various resources and incentives, including tax credits, to make filming in Albuquerque more cost-effective and attractive.

In recent years, Albuquerque's film industry has continued to thrive, with notable productions such as "Breaking Bad", "Better Call Saul", and "The Avengers" franchise being filmed in the city. The success of these productions has not only brought in revenue and jobs but has also put Albuquerque on the map as a major player in the film industry.
 
One of the major factors that have contributed to the growth of the film industry in Albuquerque is the state's generous tax incentives. Starting in 2003, New Mexico implemented a film tax credit program, offering a 25%- 40% tax rebate on all qualified production expenditures in the state. This incentive has attracted big-budget productions to Albuquerque, bringing a considerable boost to the local economy.

Today, the city also hosts several film festivals, including the Albuquerque International Film Festival and the New Mexico Filmmakers Showcase, which showcase the work of local and international filmmakers. These events have become a platform for emerging and established filmmakers to showcase their work and have helped to promote the city as a film-friendly destination.

Netflix acquired Albuquerque Studios in October 2018 and made it its primary North American production facility for Netflix Originals, investing $30 million to purchase the studio and make it the headquarters for film production.

Albuquerque's film history is one of growth, transformation, and contribution to the film industry in New Mexico. From the early days of silent films to present-day Hollywood productions, the city has been a popular filming location due to its unique landscapes, diverse cultures, and generous tax incentives. With the continued growth of the film industry and the local film community, Albuquerque is set to remain a significant player in the film scene for years to come.