On January 29, 2025, MovieMaker magazine announced its annual list of the “Best Places to Live and Work as a Moviemaker,” with three New Mexico cities making the cut. Santa Fe held onto its title as the top Small City for the third year running, while Albuquerque climbed to #1 among Big Cities after placing second last year. Las Cruces also secured its spot at #8, maintaining its position from 2024.
“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.”
Best Big Cities to Live and Work as a Moviemaker 2025:
- 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
Best Small Cities and Towns to Live and Work as a Moviemaker 2025:
- 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)
Santa Fe’s Film Scene Continues to Thrive
Santa Fe remains a top choice for filmmakers, with a unique mix of history, culture, and a thriving production scene despite its modest population of 90,000. The city continues to attract major productions, having gained further recognition as a filming location for Oppenheimer. Recent projects shot in the area include The Lost Bus, Opus, Ransom Canyon, Eddington, Trap House, and Killing Faith. The AMC series Dark Winds is still in production at Tesuque Pueblo’s Camel Rock Studios, a former casino that has been transformed into an Indigenous-owned film powerhouse.
Santa Fe’s infrastructure also supports its growing film industry. Santa Fe Studios features two 20,000-square-foot soundstages, while Bonanza Creek Ranch offers both indoor facilities and expansive outdoor settings. These resources, combined with New Mexico’s highly competitive film incentives — offering tax credits of up to 35% — make the city an attractive location for studios and independent filmmakers alike.
Beyond its production capabilities, Santa Fe has a thriving film culture. The Santa Fe International Film Festival continues to gain recognition for showcasing both local and international talent. The city is also home to influential creatives, including Game of Thrones creator George R.R. Martin, who co-owns Sky Railway — a vintage train featured in Oppenheimer — alongside Magnolia Pictures founder Bill Banowsky. Martin also owns the repertory-focused Jean Cocteau Cinema.
A Leading Film Destination, Year After Year
With its scenic landscapes, artistic legacy, and easy access to Los Angeles via direct flights, Santa Fe remains an increasingly attractive option for moviemakers looking for a dynamic and inspiring filming environment.
MovieMaker magazine compiles its annual rankings based on industry surveys, production spending, tax incentives, independent research, and personal location visits whenever possible. The full 2025 list can be found at MovieMaker.com.
This article was posted by Jesse Williams
