Nighttime scene at a crime or news scene involving police, camera crew, and reporters, with a barrier and multiple people, setting up for coverage or investigation.
A dirt trail next to a wooden fence with a yellow sign that reads "To Set" and has an arrow pointing left, located in a hilly, green landscape with trees, mountains, and a blue sky in the background.
People gathered inside a rustic wooden barn near the entrance, with sunlight shining in. The barn has hay-straw on the floor, wooden beams, and an open door leading outside.
A film crew filming outdoors in a park with trees, showing a woman standing on a vehicle with her arms outstretched, and crew members around with equipment.
Filmmakers or videographers working with cameras and monitors on a porch with a wooded exterior in the background.
A large, blue, Victorian-style house with a turret sits on a hilltop on a cloudy day, surrounded by trees and grassy fields, with a dirt path leading up to it.

Your Independent Production Partner in the Land of Enchantment

New Mexico is no longer just for major studio tentpoles. With a 25% to 40% refundable tax credit and a world-class infrastructure, NM is the premier destination for independent filmmakers.

At AFMI Productions, we specialize in bridging the gap between your creative vision and the logistical realities of filming in New Mexico. We don’t just provide services; we install a vetted, "on-the-ground" ecosystem tailored specifically for independent budgets.

Why New Mexico for Independent Film?

New Mexico offers one of the most competitive and reliable incentive programs in the world. For independent productions, this means your dollar goes further without sacrificing production value.

  • Up to 40% Refundable Tax Credit: Start with a 25% base and unlock "uplifts" for filming in rural zones (10% uplift) or using qualified production facilities (5% uplift).

  • Maximum Production Density in ABQ: We leverage Albuquerque’s status as the state’s filming epicenter to streamline your workflow. By basing your production in Albuquerque, you gain immediate proximity to the highest concentration of secure storage, state-of-the-art soundstages, and local vendors. This optimization minimizes "company moves" and travel costs, allowing your budget to go toward the screen rather than logistics. From robust production office clusters to the state's largest inventory of camera, grip, and electric, Albuquerque is the only NM city built to support simultaneous, multi-scale productions.

  • No Minimum Spend: Unlike other states, New Mexico has no minimum budget requirement to qualify for the tax credit—making it the ideal home for ULB and micro-budget projects.

  • Diverse Landscapes: From the high desert and Alpine forests to "Anywhere, USA" small towns and modern urban skylines, NM provides a vast array of looks within a short driving radius.

  • The "Enchanted" Light: Our 300+ days of sunshine and iconic golden hours are a cinematographer’s dream, often reducing the need for massive lighting packages.

Three people walking outdoors on a dirt path, with a wooden fence and green trees in the background. The sky is partly cloudy. One person is wearing a blue tank top and beige pants, another a black shirt with pink flamingos and ripped jeans, and the third a pink scarf and dark pants.
Group of people standing outside a restaurant at night, some near a filming or photography setup with lighting equipment, near a building with a wooden exterior.
People on set filming a scene inside a barn or zoo with a caged animal shown.
People gathered outdoors on a sunny day, standing under a shade cloth, surrounded by trees and rocks, near a wooden building, with folding chairs and a trash bin nearby.
A man with sunglasses and a cap stands in a work platform attached to a wheel loader, with a camouflage cloth hanging from the platform. The setting is outdoors with a dirt road, a white vehicle, a van, and a hillside with trees in the background.
Filming crew on a hill outside a large Victorian-style house with a blue sky and clouds overhead.

The AFMI Advantage: Your Local Production Supervisor

Navigating a new state can be daunting. We are proud to partner with Todd Spradlin, Unit Production Manager as your On-The-Ground Production Leads. We serve as your local architect—building the foundation of your shoot so you can focus on the frame.

What Our Team Brings to Your Production:

  • Vetted Local Network: We bring together our local partners to select a hand-picked team of local Department Heads and seasoned crew who understand the nuances of independent scales.

  • Cast & Crew Talent: Access to our deep roster of local NM SAG-AFTRA and non-union talent, including specialized background and genre-specific casting.

  • Vendor Relations: Benefit from our network’s long-standing relationships with local equipment houses, catering, and transport, ensuring you get "local" rates and top-tier service.

  • Incentive Management: We ensure your production is set up correctly from Day 1 to maximize your tax credit eligibility, working in lockstep with the NM Film Office requirements.

The Specialists - Scalable Solutions for Every Budget From Ultra Low Budget to Theatrical

  • We know how to make $200,000 look like $1 Million. We utilize lean, "Special Ops" style crews and strategic location scouting to keep you on schedule and under budget.

  • For larger indie projects, we scale up. We provide the structural support needed for multi-week shoots, including production office setup, permitting, and union/non-union labor management.

Let’s Get Your Project Greenlit

Don't just film in New Mexico—thrive here. Let's discuss your script, your budget, and how AFMI Productions can provide the local boots on the ground to make your project a reality.

Schedule Free Consultation