Amid strikes New Mexico film industry currently has 12 projects

The New Mexico film industry, like others, is in a holding pattern. And yet 12 projects are currently in production — including digital media, video games and commercials — in the state.

Currently, the film and TV industry is being impacted globally by the ongoing Writers Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) strike.

The writers strike has been ongoing for more than 100 days. Meanwhile, it’s been less than a month since SAG-AFTRA joined in, making it the first dual-union strike in 60 years.

On July 26, members of the New Mexico film industry took a public stand as more than 300 lined up to picket in front of Netflix Studios.

“The industry strikes are impacting new production starts in New Mexico and, with that, direct spending into the state economy for payroll and support services from small businesses,” said Dolores Martinez of the New Mexico Film Office. “The extent of this slowdown won’t be known for several months.”

Though much of Hollywood has come to a standstill amid the strikes, more than 40 film productions have been granted waivers to continue shooting during the stoppage.

Under the terms of the waiver, the granted projects are required to abide by the guidelines SAG-AFTRA has presented to the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) in bargaining.

The guild is fighting for higher wages, greater shares of revenue generated by streaming hits, and limitations on the use of artificial intelligence, among other benefits and protections.

According to the New Mexico Film Office, the state hosted 85 productions in fiscal year 2023, down from 109 total productions in fiscal year 2022.

Martinez said the New Mexico Film Office is working to roll out additional training opportunities for New Mexicans during this work stoppage, so those who depend on the industry can continue their training or learn new skills.

“Maintaining New Mexico as a premier hub for film and television content creation is a priority for the New Mexico Film Office,” Martinez said. “With our robust infrastructure, skilled workforce and competitive incentives, we are confident that the film industry will rebound in New Mexico, and continue to grow, once the pending work issues are resolved.”

On Tuesday, the Writers Guild of America sent an email to members saying that the head of AMPTP, which represents major studios, streaming services and production companies in negotiations, requested a meeting to discuss the resumption of contract talks.

The AMPTP has not yet made a similar overture to union leaders for SAG-AFTRA.