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LISTEN: Close-Up On New Mexico's Film Industry

Michele K. Short/AMC/Sony Pictures Television
Bob Odenkirk as Jimmy McGill in "Better Call Saul" at Twisters in Albuquerque's South Valley

KUNM Call In Show  07/20 8a: At a time when New Mexico's economy is struggling, at least one sector is booming: The film and television industry. The state has become a center of production thanks to generous tax incentives, a big crew base, and large studios and sound stages. 

Ongoing television series like "Breaking Bad," "Better Call Saul," and "Longmire" have shot in New Mexico, in addition to a slew of films, including "The Avengers," "Logan" and "Independence Day Resurgence." In fiscal year 2016, more than 30 large projects filmed here, spent $387 million dollar and employed hundreds of New Mexicans. That’s according to the state film office. This year Moviemaker Magazine named Santa Fe and Albuquerque among the top 10 cities to live and make films. The Hollywood Reporter recently dubbed the state one of the 8 shooting hotspots in the U.S. and Canada because of our tax incentives.

 

How did we become such a player in the film and TV industry? How do schools help build our labor force for film and television production? How can you get involved in the industry and what are the challenges to working in film and TV?  Do you think we should be supporting this industry with tax incentives?

 

We want to hear from you. Email callinshow@kunm.org or call in live during the show.

 

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Megan has been a journalist for 25 years and worked at business weeklies in San Antonio, New Orleans and Albuquerque. She first came to KUNM as a phone volunteer on the pledge drive in 2005. That led to volunteering on Women’s Focus, Weekend Edition and the Global Music Show. She was then hired as Morning Edition host in 2015, then the All Things Considered host in 2018. Megan was hired as News Director in 2021.
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