New Mexico film incentive pioneer Eric Witt dies

Eric Witt, a driving force in developing the state’s film incentive program, has died.

Santa Fe police said Witt was found dead in his garage Monday morning after his wife, who was out of town and had last spoken to him on Friday, requested a welfare check. Police said there were no apparent signs of trauma.

Witt began working with Gov. Bill Richardson to develop the state film incentive package during its early stages in 2003.

“I am shocked and saddened beyond belief at the passing of Eric Witt, a dear friend and former staffer. He came from a wonderful family, especially his mother, Lee Witt, who worked for many governors, including myself,” Richardson said in a statement. “If there was one person responsible for bringing the movie industry to New Mexico, it was Eric. My wife Barbara and myself express our deepest condolences to the Witt family.”

Witt was working as a senior adviser to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham up until his death.

Not a stranger to the film and TV industry, Witt began working in Los Angeles as a film and TV executive in production and corporate finance for a number of entities.

Witt served in Richardson’s administration as deputy chief of staff, director of legislative/political affairs and director of media industries development from 2003-2010.

He helped guide the growth of the film and TV industry during that same time period.

In addition to expanding production, he also oversaw the establishment of statewide crew training programs, educational and business development, and community outreach efforts — programs which subsequently have become global standard practices.

“I think New Mexico is back again as a place to film,” Witt told the Journal in January 2017. “I would say the top four considerations are New York, Los Angeles, Georgia and New Mexico. The picture is very strong.”

Witt also served as the director of the Santa Fe Film Office from June 2016 until July 2019, where he was instrumental in building the film industry in the state capital.