Magical experience: Jodi Lynn Thomas enjoys screen time with Jon Hamm, Tina Fey on 'Maggie Moore(s)'

Jodi Lynn Thomas is no stranger to filming in New Mexico.

Despite being raised in Nevada, Thomas has found a second home within the New Mexico film community and the dark comedy “Maggie Moore(s).”

“Maggie Moore(s)” was filmed in 2021 and will be streaming on Hulu on Friday, Dec. 22.

“It was a really good spot to be filming,” Thomas says. “It was long enough after the pandemic and the production had the protocols set up. Everything was streamlined by that point and made for a great time on set.”

“Maggie Moore(s)” follows the story of when things spiral out of control when the police unravel the truth behind the bizarre murders of two women with the same name in the black comedy.

John Sanders, played by Jon Hamm, is the police chief of Buckland, New Mexico. He is tasked with solving the case of Maggie Moore, two women recently killed in a strange fashion.

While investigating the case, John falls for Rita Grace, played by Tina Fey, the nosy neighbor of one of the Maggie Moores.

John Slattery directed and co-produced alongside Santosh Govindaraju, Dan Reardon, Vincent Newman and Cary Woods.

The project is executive produced by Nancy Leopardi and Ross Kohn.

“Gorgeous desert landscapes in close proximity to big city production resources and experienced crews made New Mexico the perfect choice of location for this film,” Leopoardi says.

According to the NM Film Office, the production employed approximately 60 New Mexico crew members and 150 New Mexico background talent.

Magical experience: Jodi Lynn Thomas enjoys screen time with Jon Hamm, Tina Fey on 'Maggie Moore(s)'

Thomas auditioned for multiple roles before landing the role of a cocktail waitress.

She says there’s a funny story behind the role.

“I auditioned for a different role and I got a note from the casting director who wanted to see me again for the role I got,” she says. “On set, Tina Fey asked if I had a name for the character. We didn’t have a name and she wanted to give me a name. She then said, ‘Let’s just use your name, Jodi.’ Tina Fey named my role. That meant so much to me.”

Being on set with Hamm and Fey was an experience for Thomas.

“I was in the green room for about six hours with the both of them,” she says. “To listen to them telling jokes and just having fun was magical for me. I’ve looked up to both of them for so long.”

Thomas splits her time between New Mexico and Los Angeles.

She enjoys the juxtaposition of both of the local film scenes.

“Hopefully one day I’ll be able to be working from New Mexico 100% of the time,” she says. “I’m enjoying seeing how both of the industries work. I love New Mexico so much and being in both places has really helped me as an actor.”

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.