Your Path to the Film Industry

By Matt Robinson, Manager of Tourism & Marketing & the MainStreet Arts & Cultural District at the City of Gallup

New Mexico has quickly become one of the most competitive film production hubs in the country, and Gallup is well-positioned to benefit from that momentum. With wide-open landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and proximity to major production centers like Albuquerque, Gallup has the foundation to grow into a competitive player to attract film and media projects. One important piece of this foundation is local businesses understanding how to plug into the system.

At the center of this opportunity is the New Mexico Film Office, which markets the state to producers, connects productions with local resources, and helps generate jobs for New Mexicans. The agency also promotes generous incentives, including refundable tax credits that can cover a significant portion of production costs; one of the main reasons film and television projects continue to choose New Mexico.

While large studios and production companies drive the industry, the real economic impact is felt at the local level. Film productions rely on hundreds of support services, like catering, lodging, construction, transportation, and retail. This is where Gallup businesses have a major opportunity.

One of the most important first steps for any business is registering in the Film Office’s online industry directory (often referred to as the vendor database). This directory serves as a primary resource for production companies looking for local vendors and crew. In fact, it is often called, “one of the first contact points,” for productions seeking services in the state. Sometimes a community’s presence in this directory — or lack thereof — will eliminate potential opportunities before a production company even visits or calls.

Registration is free and allows businesses to list themselves in multiple categories, making it easier for producers to find everything from equipment rentals to catering services. The Film Office explicitly encourages participation, noting that businesses can “list your business in our vendor directory” as a key way to get involved in the industry. For Gallup entrepreneurs, this is a simple but critical step — if your business isn’t listed, it effectively doesn’t exist to incoming productions.

Beyond vendor registration, businesses can also list properties as potential filming locations. Gallup’s unique architecture, Route 66 character, and proximity to tribal lands make it especially attractive for location scouting. By submitting properties to the Film Office’s location library, owners can generate revenue simply by allowing filming on-site. 

However, visibility alone is not enough. Businesses must also be “film-ready.” This means understanding the fast-paced, high-demand nature of production work. For example, restaurants may need to accommodate large, last-minute catering orders, while hotels should be prepared for extended crew stays. Flexibility, responsiveness, and reliability are often what determine whether a business becomes a repeat partner for productions.

Training and workforce development also play a role. The Gallup Film Office, which is housed under the City of Gallup, has collaborated with partners at Gallup-McKinley County Schools, Native Professional Advancement Center, and others, to build capacity in the community through hosting trainings and events. Examples of this work include free production assistant training programs and four years of hosting the Gallup Film & Media Expo, where hundreds of students have been able to learn about opportunities in the industries. The next Film & Media Expo is slated for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 7 and 8 at Red Rock Park. Admission is free and open to all.

For more information about events or guidance on getting involved, please contact film liaison Matt Robinson at 505-863-1227 or mrobinson@gallupnm.gov. For more information about state programs or to view the directories, visit www.NMFilm.com. The film industry in New Mexico is not just about Hollywood, it is about local opportunity. 

For Gallup, the path forward is clear: get listed, get prepared, and get connected. By taking these practical steps, local businesses can tap into a growing industry and turn film production into a lasting economic driver for the community.
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About the Author

Matt Robinson is the Manager of Tourism & Marketing and the MainStreet Arts & Cultural District for the City of Gallup and serves as Film Liaison for the community. No stranger to film, when he worked in Southern New Mexico, he was able to recruit several productions, including two feature films, TRANSPECOS (2016) and CREED II (2018). You can contact Robinson at (505) 863-1227 or mrobinson@gallupnm.gov.