New Mexico has had its share of TV productions over the years.
Seeing these types of productions brings a smile to Jennifer LaBar-Tapia’s face.
LaBar-Tapia, of the Santa Fe Film Office, says TV productions can be in the state anywhere from six months to a year.
“With any series that’s in town, it’s nice they are in Santa Fe for a long time because it means there are more long-term jobs,” she says. “It’s a longer duration than a feature film. It’s good for local crew and it’s good for our local vendors.”
The New Mexico Film Office recently announced that the Showtime series, “The Curse” wrapped in October. Filming took place from July through October in Santa Fe and Española.
“The Curse” is co-created by Benny Safdie and Nathan Fielder, who also serves as director.
The series stars Fielder, Safdie, and Emma Stone, who executive produces alongside Dave McCary and Ali Herting through their Fruit Tree banner.
Josh Safdie also serves as executive producer.
“The Curse” is a genre-bending scripted comedy that explores how an alleged curse disturbs the relationship of a newly married couple as they try to conceive a child while co-starring on their problematic new HGTV show.
Guest stars include Barkhad Abdi, Corbin Bernsen and Constance Shulman.
Showtime has yet to released a date for the premiere of the series. The production got greenlit during the pandemic.
LaBar-Tapia says plenty of shows often use Santa Fe to double for another place, such as “Longmire” and “Big Sky” doubling for Montana, or “Walker Independence” doubling for Texas in the 1800s.
“This series is actually set in Santa Fe and Española,” she says. “These locations will be a character in the series. The writer came out and went up to Española and lived there for awhile. He fell in love with the area and it worked for the script. It’s really nice to see that these two locations will be showcased in such a high-profile production.”
According to the New Mexico Film Office, the production employed approximately 150 New Mexico crew members, 30 New Mexico principal actors and 500 New Mexico background talent.
“Having a series in Santa Fe, it’s keeping our local crew employed,” she says. “I’ve had a few independent films and a commercial coming through soon. We’re busy as ever.”
SEND ME YOUR TIPS: If you know of a movie filming in the state, or are curious about one, email film@ABQjournal.com. Follow me on Twitter @agomezART.
