News and Articles

Santa Fe Named #1 Best Place to Live and Work as a Filmmaker in North America, Small Cities Category, for Fourth Consecutive Year

SANTA FE, NM, Jan. 14, 2026 — Santa Fe has once again been recognized by MovieMaker Magazine as the #1 Best Places to Live and Work as a Filmmaker in North America (Canada, United States, and Mexico) in the Small Cities category, marking the fourth consecutive year the region has earned the top ranking.

“Being named the #1 city the fourth year in a row is a testament to Santa Fe’s vibrant creative culture and our deep commitment to the film and television industry. Film production creates quality jobs, supports local businesses, and strengthens Santa Fe’s role as a year-round destination for creative production,” said Mayor Michael J. Garcia. 

MovieMaker Magazine’s rankings evaluate factors largely driven by the depth and accessibility of resources available to filmmakers. The Santa Fe region offers professional sound stages, a wide range of experienced local vendors, and a robust workforce that includes both Above-the-Line and Below-the-Line talent. Combined with competitive state production incentives, diverse and cinematic locations, and comprehensive support services provided by the Santa Fe Film Office, the region delivers a full-service production environment that consistently attracts both returning and first-time productions.

Santa Fe Film Commissioner Jennifer LaBar-Tapia emphasized the region’s commitment to filmmakers at every scale. “Santa Fe has built a reputation as a place where filmmakers at every stage of their careers feel supported,” LaBar-Tapia said. “Independent films and productions working with modest budgets are just as vital to our success as larger projects. That balance is what makes our regional film community strong and resilient.”

Santa Fe’s film ecosystem is further strengthened by a comprehensive workforce development pipeline that supports filmmakers from education to employment. Training programs begin at the high school level and extend through Santa Fe Community College and the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA), with additional hands-on training and career pathways supported by organizations such as the Stagecoach Foundation. These programs help develop a skilled, locally based workforce and ensure long-term sustainability for the region’s film and television industry.

With 54 productions in 2025, Santa Fe continues to attract a diverse range of film, television, streaming, and independent productions while supporting local filmmakers and crew members throughout the year. The region remains committed to fostering a collaborative, competitive, and inclusive film industry that drives economic growth and cultural expression.

Santa Fe County Board of County Commissioners Chair Justin S. Greene reacted to the accolades in Moviemaker Magazine saying, “Santa Fe has consistently ranked as a top location to make movies. The City and County of Santa Fe have so much to offer, from our western sets to our natural beauty, our seasoned crews and workforce training programs, the first Indigenous owned film studio at Camel Rock Studios, and the new Aspect Media Village and Community College Backlot project. Additionally, we have state film rebates and ease of permitting. Santa Fe County is fully supportive of the film industry from Above- the-Line to below-the-Line. We are proud to see this #1 ranking again this year.” For more information about filming in Santa Fe, visit www.santafenm.film.

Jennifer LaBar-Tapia

Santa Fe Regional Film Commission

128 Grant Ave., Suite 114 Santa Fe, NM 87505

505.955-6216 (o) / 505.690.4595 (c) www.santafenm.film