ALBUQUERQUE'S FILM HISTORY

Albuquerque, New Mexico, is no stranger to the movie industry. In fact, films have been produced in Albuquerque since the late 19th century. In addition to our perfect weather (310 days of sunshine!), talented production community and ability to double as nearly any U.S. location, the state of New Mexico offers some of the nation’s most aggressive financial incentives in the industry. As such, the state has become a popular place to produce movies and television shows.

Snapshot of the History of Film in Albuquerque

In 1898, James H. White directed “Indian Day School” at the Isleta Pueblo, which is the first known film created in New Mexico.

More filmmakers came to New Mexico in the early 20th century. D.W. Griffith produced the state’s first two-reel motion picture in 1912 called “A Pueblo Legend” starring Mary Pickford. The same year, Mack Sennett made “The Tourists” in Albuquerque.

From the 1940s to the 1960s, Westerns were popular, which brought many filmmakers to New Mexico to take advantage of the desert landscape.

In 2003, the Film Production Tax Credit went into effect, incentivizing more productions to come to the state. In 2008, one of the most famous series to be filmed in Albuquerque, “Breaking Bad,” began airing.

Bryan Cranston being filmed for breaking bad

Netflix Studios announced plans to expand its hub in Albuquerque in 2020, and in 2024, Netflix Albuquerque Studios opened with four new soundstages, three mills, a production office and more. NBCUniversal also has a TV and film studio Downtown.

ALBUQUERQUE'S FILM HISTORY

Snapshot of the History of Film in Albuquerque

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