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Albuquerque Again Ranked #1 Best Place to Live and Work as a MovieMaker in 2020

2019 a blockbuster year for the Albuquerque Film Office, more expected in 2020.

January 31, 2020

MovieMaker Magazine announced today that Albuquerque, for a second year in a row, is the #1 Best Place to Live and Work as a MovieMaker in 2020. In the Big Cities category, Albuquerque came in ranked ahead of competitors including Chicago, Vancouver, and Atlanta.

“Our efforts are paying off, Albuquerque is the place to be if you are in the film, TV and digital media industry,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “With good local jobs and business partnerships, the arrival of major production studios like Netflix and NBC Universal, and growing independent film production, Albuquerque is a national hub for film, and we’re going to keep building this momentum in the years to come.”

"We again chose Albuquerque as our best city for moviemakers because of the film explosion in the region, including Netflix and NBC Universal's commitment to spend hundreds of millions in productions in the next few years. Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul are incredible advertisements for Albuquerque's stunning vistas and diverse locations, and the region has built on them to lure other top-quality productions.” said Tim Molloy, Editor-in-Chief, MovieMager Magazine. He added, “The region is truly committed to film, while remaining comfortable and affordable. And it doesn't hurt that it has some of the best food, weather, and culture in the country."

Albuquerque had a blockbuster year in 2019. The Albuquerque Film Office recorded unprecedented growth, from 292 permits in 2018 to 448 permits last year, a 53 percent increase. The caliber of films and television shows being produced here are nothing short of red-carpet. In 2019 Albuquerque welcomedAngelina Jolie, filming Those Who Wish Me Dead; Tom Hanks for NBCUniversal’s Bios; Robert DeNiro, Morgan Freeman and Tommy Lee Jones for The Comeback Trail; Rosario Dawson for NBC Universal’s Briarpatch. And of course local favorite Bob Odenkirk reprised the role of Saul Goodman in Sony Pictures’Better Call Saul.

“Albuquerque offers filmmakers what other places just can’t buy—world-class crews, diverse locations, great weather, close proximity to Los Angeles, and of course, a fantastic production tax credit.” said Amber Dodson, Film Liaison, Albuquerque Film Office, City of Albuquerque.

In addition to Albuquerque’s ranking, Santa Fe, NM was ranked #3 Best Places to Live and Work as A MovieMaker in the Small Cities and Towns category, supporting a regional commitment to a booming industry.

Read MovieMaker Magazine’s full story at their website.