FILM
IndieWire names Albuquerque a top city for independent filmmakers
New Mexico鈥檚 film tax incentives were cited as a key draw for productions choosing the city
New Mexico is a place where someone can knock on your door to say they want to film a movie on your block, and no one bats an eye.
For Dennis Muscari 鈥� an Albuquerque native and independent filmmaker who has worked on 鈥淏reaking Bad,鈥� 鈥淥ppenheimer鈥� and 鈥淏etter Call Saul鈥� 鈥� the city鈥檚 support for indie productions is vital to the film industry.
鈥淚 love the fact that I have been able to work and live here my entire career and help contribute to building a film industry to sustain, and we鈥檙e hoping to continue that on,鈥� he said.
But Muscari is not the only one who recognizes Albuquerque鈥檚 backing of filmmakers.
IndieWire, a news and review publication that covers the entertainment industry, recently named Albuquerque to itsof best U.S. cities for independent filmmakers in 2026 鈥� right next to New York City, Los Angeles, Seattle and Chicago.
The publication also mentions New Mexico鈥檚 film tax incentives for independent 鈥� widely recognized as indie 鈥� films, with a refundable tax credit that starts at 25% and reaches 40%, which it says makes Albuquerque an attractive place for productions.
Housing is also fairly affordable for such filmmakers, who often rely on tight budgets. The cost of living is 10% below the national average, whereas housing costs are nearly 50% above the national average in cities like Chicago, according to Apartments.com鈥檚 cost of living .
Albuquerque also sets itself apart from other film hubs because of its unique culture that draws productions of all types, said Steve Graham, New Mexico Film Office director. The films people produce in the city sometimes draw on its history and community, he said.
Lawmakers also understand that movies are a driver of the state鈥檚 economy, said Cyndy McCrossen, film liaison for the Albuquerque Film Office.
鈥淲e have had a lot of recognition and been able to film a lot of amazing projects,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e hoping to continue that with the support of our legislature and lawmakers that have been amazing in embracing the industry.鈥�
Keelin Fisher is a business reporter for the Journal. You can reach her at kfisher@abqjournal.com.
