Santa Fe Tops Smaller Cities for Moviemakers for 4th Year

New Mexico city's mix of tax credits, crew, and cultural appeal make it a premier filming destination

Jan. 31, 2026 at 5:47am

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Santa Fe, New Mexico has cemented its position as a top destination for filmmakers, marking its fourth consecutive year as the top smaller city and town for movie production, according to Moviemaker magazine. This trend is driven by rising costs and logistical challenges in traditional production hubs like Los Angeles and New York, as well as New Mexico's generous tax credits, skilled crew, and vibrant cultural scene.

Why it matters

Santa Fe's success is a sign of a broader shift in the film industry, as production is decentralizing from major coastal cities to regional hubs that offer compelling incentives and infrastructure. This restructuring is being fueled by factors like rising costs, the rise of streaming, and filmmakers' desire for diverse locations and creative communities.

The details

New Mexico offers up to 30% cash rebates on qualified production expenditures, a major draw for filmmakers. But Santa Fe also offers skilled crew, sound stages, and a supportive film commission, creating a holistic ecosystem. The city's Santa Fe International Film Festival also plays a vital role, attracting talent and fostering a collaborative creative community. An increasing number of filmmakers are even purchasing homes in Santa Fe, further solidifying the city's position as a film hub.

  • Santa Fe has been the top smaller city for movie production for 4 consecutive years.
  • The Santa Fe International Film Festival is an annual event.

The players

New Mexico

The state offers generous tax credits of up to 30% cash rebates on qualified production expenditures, making it a major draw for filmmakers.

Jennifer LaBar-Tapia

The leader of the Santa Fe Film Commission, who has helped create a supportive ecosystem for filmmakers.

Liesette Bailey and Jacques Paisner

The organizers of the Santa Fe International Film Festival, who emphasize a relaxed, collaborative environment to attract filmmakers and industry professionals.

George R.R. Martin

The acclaimed author who has invested heavily in Santa Fe's cultural landscape, including buying the Jean Cocteau Cinema, Beastly Books, and the Sky Railway, demonstrating a commitment to the city's creative vitality.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Santa Fe International Film Festival will continue to be an important event for attracting filmmakers and industry professionals to the city.

The takeaway

Santa Fe's success as a premier filming destination highlights the broader shift in the film industry towards regional production hubs that offer a compelling mix of financial incentives, skilled crew, and a vibrant creative community. This model could be replicated in other cities looking to attract more film and TV production.