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From New Mexico Film Office Director Appointed Amid Spending Uptick

How could Steve Graham's leadership of the film office affect Santa Fe's economy?

Possible What happens if… A possibility worth considering, not a forecast.

Santa Fe may see increased economic activity as film industry recovers under new leadership The appointment of Steve Graham to direct the New Mexico Film Office is expected to help guide the state's film industry through a period of transition and recovery. The reports indicate that while the industry saw record spending in 2022 and 2023, it has since moderated, though it is showing signs of an upturn. Santa Fe is already a significant filming location, having hosted 63 productions in the most recent fiscal year, and the film office's strategic direction could help attract more projects to the capital city, thereby boosting local economic activity and revenue.

Reported by 1 independent outlet Written Sunday
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How it reaches Santa Fe

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The facts so far

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  • Fiscal year 2026 saw $327 million in film production spending, an increase of $4 million from fiscal year 2025.santafenewmexican.com
  • Santa Fe County saw 63 productions in the most recent fiscal year, compared to close to 70-plus when the industry was stronger.santafenewmexican.com
  • The New Mexico Film Office tracks production spending, while Santa Fe's figures include every production, whereas the state reports only those that apply for tax incentives.santafenewmexican.com
  • The Indigenous Film Academy in Santa Fe offered an intensive program from July 7 through Aug. 7, working with industry professionals.santafenewmexican.com

Why it matters

The film industry is a critical component of New Mexico's economic diversification strategy. While the industry experienced a prolonged worldwide slump, the reports show that the state is beginning to reawaken, with production spending showing a slight year-over-year increase. This recovery is vital for the state's economy, which has seen a loss of 300 veteran film industry workforce members due to the downturn.

Santa Fe, as a major cultural and geographical hub, is positioned to benefit significantly from this trend. The city has already established itself as a key filming location, and the film office's leadership is crucial in determining if the current upturn can become a sustained, long-term growth trend, potentially attracting more high-profile projects.

What we don't know yet

  • Will the new leadership successfully attract large-scale, big-ticket feature films back to the state?
  • How will the state address the loss of veteran film industry workforce members?

What would change this answer

The New Mexico Film Office secures a national U.S. incentive package for film productionThis would make the state more competitive internationally, potentially leading to a stronger and faster influx of productions into Santa Fe.
Global inflation and tariffs continue to drive up production costs overseasThis could accelerate the migration of projects to overseas locations, limiting the potential for growth in Santa Fe.

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Brind's analysis is written by AI from the reporting linked above and can be wrong. This explainer is a possibility worth considering, not a forecast: steps marked as Brind's reasoning are not stated in the reporting. It is not investment advice; do your own research.