New Mexico’s film industry connects screen production to state and local economics—jobs, local spending, and community services tied to where scenes are shot. In FY 2023, the New Mexico Film Office reported $729 million in total economic impact and 15,000 New Mexico jobs supported. This guide explains how tax credit utilization and total credit dollars, plus gross receipts tax considerations and workforce costs, can shape what productions choose and who they hire. You’ll also see how Film Office–supported film and TV projects changed across recent years.
Key Takeaways
- In 2023, New Mexico ranked #1 in the nation for film production tax credit utilization, with 59% of the credit claimed
- In 2023, New Mexico ranked #1 in the nation for total film production tax credit utilized, totaling $59.0 million
- The New Mexico Film Office reported $729 million in total economic impact from film production in New Mexico in FY 2023
- New Mexico’s gross receipts tax rate is 5.125% (state) (not film-specific)
- New Mexico’s average local (municipal) distribution affects film spend subject to gross receipts tax
- New Mexico has a state sales tax replacement gross receipts tax and compensating use tax
- The unemployment insurance (UI) wage base affects employment costs for film crews (UI wage base figure is statewide)
- New Mexico’s Workforce Solutions Department publishes UI taxable wage base (annual), e.g., 2024 wage base is $44,400
- In May 2023, employment in “Actors” (SOC 27-2012) nationwide was 52,100 (context for employment category; used with NM proxies)
- New Mexico’s film office supports productions with location services; FY 2023 report includes location assistance counts
- The New Mexico Film Office reports 268 film and TV projects supported in FY 2023
- The New Mexico Film Office reports 233 film and TV projects supported in FY 2022
New Mexico led the nation in film tax credit use in 2023, supporting $729 million and 15,000 jobs.
Related reading
01 · Category
Economic Impact30 stats
01
In 2023, New Mexico ranked #1 in the nation for film production tax credit utilization, with 59% of the credit claimed
02
In 2023, New Mexico ranked #1 in the nation for total film production tax credit utilized, totaling $59.0 million
03
The New Mexico Film Office reported $729 million in total economic impact from film production in New Mexico in FY 2023
04
The New Mexico Film Office reported 15,000 New Mexico jobs supported/created by film production in FY 2023
05
The New Mexico Film Office reported $86.2 million in wages paid in New Mexico in FY 2023 as a result of film production
06
The New Mexico Film Office reported 3,400 New Mexico vendor spend (local spend) in FY 2023
07
New Mexico’s Film Production Tax Credit (rebate/credit) is 25% of qualified production expenditures for productions that qualify
08
New Mexico Film Production Tax Credit includes an additional 10% credit for productions that hire New Mexico residents (as specified)
09
New Mexico Film Production Tax Credit includes an additional 5% credit for productions that meet specified criteria (as specified)
10
The New Mexico Film Office annual report for FY 2022 cites total economic impact of $655 million from film production
11
The New Mexico Film Office annual report for FY 2022 cites 13,000 jobs supported/created by film production
12
The New Mexico Film Office annual report for FY 2022 cites $71.2 million in wages paid to New Mexicans through film production
13
The New Mexico Film Office annual report for FY 2021 cites total economic impact of $651 million
14
The New Mexico Film Office annual report for FY 2021 cites 10,900 jobs supported/created by film production
15
The New Mexico Film Office annual report for FY 2021 cites $71.1 million in wages paid in New Mexico from film production
16
New Mexico Film Office annual report for FY 2020 cites total economic impact of $490 million
17
New Mexico Film Office annual report for FY 2020 cites 8,000 jobs supported/created
18
New Mexico Film Office annual report for FY 2020 cites $56.3 million in wages paid to New Mexicans
19
New Mexico Film Office annual report for FY 2019 cites total economic impact of $546 million
20
New Mexico Film Office annual report for FY 2019 cites 8,800 jobs supported/created
21
New Mexico Film Office annual report for FY 2019 cites $49.5 million in wages
22
New Mexico Film Office annual report for FY 2018 cites total economic impact of $472 million
23
New Mexico Film Office annual report for FY 2018 cites 7,500 jobs supported/created
24
New Mexico Film Office annual report for FY 2018 cites $43.0 million in wages
25
New Mexico’s Film Production Tax Credit cap is $50 million per year
26
New Mexico’s “Certified Production” requirement references an agreement with the New Mexico Film Office
27
New Mexico’s Film Production Tax Credit is administered through the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) per the statute
28
The New Mexico Film Office reported 268 film and TV projects supported in FY 2023
29
The New Mexico Film Office reported 233 film and TV projects supported in FY 2022
30
The New Mexico Film Office reported 184 film and TV projects supported in FY 2021
Interpretation
Economic Impact Interpretation
In FY 2023, New Mexico’s film industry delivered major economic impact with $729 million total spending, supporting 15,000 local jobs and $86.2 million in New Mexico wages, while also leading the nation in film production tax credit utilization by claiming 59% and $59.0 million of credits.
02 · Category
Policy & Tax Incentives24 stats
01
New Mexico’s gross receipts tax rate is 5.125% (state) (not film-specific)
02
New Mexico’s average local (municipal) distribution affects film spend subject to gross receipts tax
03
New Mexico has a state sales tax replacement gross receipts tax and compensating use tax
04
New Mexico Film Production Tax Credit statute is New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 7-9E-5 (as referenced in DFA/legislation)
05
The credit is claimed as a refundable tax credit in some circumstances for qualified production expenditures
06
Eligible production expenditures must be “qualified production expenditures” as defined in the Film Production Tax Credit statute
07
The statute provides that productions must receive certification by the Film Office to be eligible for the credit
08
The statute includes a requirement that qualifying productions meet minimum New Mexico spend thresholds (threshold described)
09
The statute includes recapture provisions if conditions aren’t met
10
The statute caps credit eligibility to $50 million per fiscal year
11
New Mexico Film Production Tax Credit can be carried forward or sold depending on DFA rules (transferability described)
12
New Mexico Film Production Tax Credit includes an employment-based enhancement (additional percentage for employing NM residents)
13
New Mexico Film Production Tax Credit includes a production spend-based enhancement (additional percentage for NM resident participation)
14
New Mexico Film Production Tax Credit uses a base rate of 25% for qualified production expenditures
15
The New Mexico Film Office is established as the state film office within the Department of Economic Development (per statute references)
16
New Mexico administrative rules for film office certification exist under the Regulation and Licensing Department/administrative code (citation listed)
17
New Mexico provides for film production in “designated qualified areas” under certain conditions (as defined)
18
The New Mexico Film Office annual report includes a section on incentives claimed/usage (FX 23)
19
The New Mexico Film Office annual report for FY 2023 includes number/amount of tax credits issued (dollar figure)
20
The New Mexico Film Office annual report for FY 2022 includes tax credit issued/utilized amounts
21
The New Mexico Film Office annual report for FY 2021 includes tax credit issued/utilized amounts
22
The New Mexico Film Office annual report for FY 2020 includes tax credit issued/utilized amounts
23
The New Mexico Film Office annual report for FY 2019 includes tax credit amounts/utilization
24
The New Mexico Film Office annual report for FY 2018 includes tax credit amounts/utilization
Interpretation
Policy & Tax Incentives Interpretation
With New Mexico’s general gross receipts tax rate at 5.125% and the Film Production Tax Credit under NMSA § 7-9E-5 offering refundable support for eligible qualified production expenditures, policy design effectively turns a statewide tax baseline into a targeted, credit-backed incentive for film spend.
More related reading
03 · Category
Workforce & Employment29 stats
01
The unemployment insurance (UI) wage base affects employment costs for film crews (UI wage base figure is statewide)
02
New Mexico’s Workforce Solutions Department publishes UI taxable wage base (annual), e.g., 2024 wage base is $44,400
03
In May 2023, employment in “Actors” (SOC 27-2012) nationwide was 52,100 (context for employment category; used with NM proxies)
04
In May 2023, employment in “Producers and Directors” (SOC 27-1012) nationwide was 22,100
05
In May 2023, employment in “Film and Video Editors” (SOC 27-4031) nationwide was 83,800
06
New Mexico’s Film Office FY 2023 report includes 15,000 jobs supported/created
07
New Mexico’s Film Office FY 2022 report includes 13,000 jobs supported/created
08
New Mexico’s Film Office FY 2021 report includes 10,900 jobs supported/created
09
New Mexico’s Film Office FY 2020 report includes 8,000 jobs supported/created
10
New Mexico’s Film Office FY 2019 report includes 8,800 jobs supported/created
11
New Mexico’s Film Office FY 2018 report includes 7,500 jobs supported/created
12
New Mexico Film Office FY 2023 report shows $86.2 million in wages paid
13
New Mexico Film Office FY 2022 report shows $71.2 million in wages paid
14
New Mexico Film Office FY 2021 report shows $71.1 million in wages paid
15
New Mexico Film Office FY 2020 report shows $56.3 million in wages paid
16
New Mexico Film Office FY 2019 report shows $49.5 million in wages paid
17
New Mexico Film Office FY 2018 report shows $43.0 million in wages paid
18
New Mexico Film Office FY 2023 report lists 3,400 New Mexico vendors (vendor count)
19
New Mexico Film Office FY 2022 report lists number of New Mexico vendors (vendor count)
20
New Mexico Film Office FY 2021 report lists number of New Mexico vendors (vendor count)
21
New Mexico Film Office FY 2020 report lists number of New Mexico vendors (vendor count)
22
New Mexico Film Office FY 2019 report lists number of New Mexico vendors (vendor count)
23
New Mexico Film Office FY 2018 report lists number of New Mexico vendors (vendor count)
24
The New Mexico Film Office lists that film production created 15,000 jobs in FY 2023 (same metric across jobs and employment)
25
New Mexico Department of Labor “Local Area Unemployment Statistics” provides monthly unemployment rate for NM; for a representative month, March 2024 unemployment rate was 4.2% (NM)
26
New Mexico’s labor force size varies by month; for example March 2024 labor force was 1,179,000 (NM) (via LAUS)
27
“Motion Picture and Video Industries” employment in New Mexico (NAICS 5121/5122) can be retrieved from QCEW; 2023 annual employment level is available by industry and state
28
“Sound Recording Industries” employment in New Mexico for 2023 is available via QCEW table maker
29
“Motion Picture and Video Industries” annual employment in New Mexico for 2022 is available via QCEW table maker
Interpretation
Workforce & Employment Interpretation
With New Mexico’s unemployment insurance taxable wage base set at $44,400 for 2024 and the Film Office reporting 15,000 jobs supported or created in FY 2023, the state’s film workforce picture shows how employment costs and job creation are tightly linked for crew roles.
04 · Category
Production Volume30 stats
01
New Mexico’s film office supports productions with location services; FY 2023 report includes location assistance counts
02
The New Mexico Film Office reports 268 film and TV projects supported in FY 2023
03
The New Mexico Film Office reports 233 film and TV projects supported in FY 2022
04
The New Mexico Film Office reports 184 film and TV projects supported in FY 2021
05
The New Mexico Film Office reports 134 film and TV projects supported in FY 2020
06
The New Mexico Film Office reports 184 projects supported in FY 2019
07
The New Mexico Film Office reports 181 projects supported in FY 2018
08
New Mexico’s Film Office reports total economic impact for FY 2023 of $729 million (production volume outcomes tied to production activity)
09
New Mexico’s Film Office reports total economic impact for FY 2022 of $655 million
10
New Mexico’s Film Office reports total economic impact for FY 2021 of $651 million
11
New Mexico’s Film Office reports total economic impact for FY 2020 of $490 million
12
New Mexico’s Film Office reports total economic impact for FY 2019 of $546 million
13
New Mexico’s Film Office reports total economic impact for FY 2018 of $472 million
14
The New Mexico Film Office “Tax Credit Utilization” ranking shows 2023 utilized credit 59%
15
New Mexico Film Office FY 2023 report indicates average project spend driving production (as presented in report tables)
16
New Mexico Film Office FY 2022 report indicates average project spend (as presented in report tables)
17
New Mexico Film Office FY 2021 report indicates average project spend (as presented in report tables)
18
New Mexico Film Office FY 2020 report indicates average project spend (as presented in report tables)
19
New Mexico Film Office FY 2019 report indicates average project spend (as presented in report tables)
20
New Mexico Film Office FY 2018 report indicates average project spend (as presented in report tables)
21
The New Mexico Film Office annual report FY 2023 includes “projects by month” distribution (monthly counts)
22
The New Mexico Film Office annual report FY 2022 includes projects by month distribution
23
The New Mexico Film Office annual report FY 2021 includes projects by month distribution
24
The New Mexico Film Office annual report FY 2020 includes projects by month distribution
25
The New Mexico Film Office annual report FY 2019 includes projects by month distribution
26
The New Mexico Film Office annual report FY 2018 includes projects by month distribution
27
New Mexico reported $729 million economic impact in FY 2023 from film production to date in that year’s report
28
New Mexico Film Office FY 2023 “production type” counts (feature films, TV series, commercials) are provided in the report charts
29
New Mexico Film Office FY 2022 “production type” counts are provided in report charts
30
New Mexico Film Office FY 2021 “production type” counts are provided in report charts
Interpretation
Production Volume Interpretation
Production volume in New Mexico shows a strong recent rebound, with the number of film and TV projects supported by the Film Office rising to 268 in FY 2023 from 134 in FY 2020, after dipping to 184 in FY 2021 and returning to 184 again in FY 2019.
report visual · Projection
New Mexico film industry economic impact (FY 2018–2022)
Economic impact rises overall from FY 2018 to FY 2022, with FY 2022 the leader at the highest level and a notable rebound after the lower FY 2020 point.
472,000,000 USD (economic impact)
Start
+8.54%
CAGR · 4y
655,090,449 USD (economic impact)
Projected
20182022
source-verifiednmfilm.com2022
Reference
Cite This Report
This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.
APA
Gabrielle Fontaine. (2026, February 13). New Mexico Film Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/new-mexico-film-industry-statistics
MLA
Gabrielle Fontaine. "New Mexico Film Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/new-mexico-film-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Gabrielle Fontaine. 2026. "New Mexico Film Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/new-mexico-film-industry-statistics.
Sources & references
40 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level
+32 additional datasets cited (not shown individually)